Two years ago, a multidisciplinary team of University of Calgary students interested in sustainable energy technologies submitted a proposal for the 2011 Solar Decathlon with a vision of creating a culturally relevant, net-zero home that addressed housing needs in First Nations communities. When the team finally relaxed in the Cenovus TRTL home Saturday night on the National Mall, their dream had become reality.
The team placed tenth overall in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon, which challenges student teams to design, build, and operate an energy-efficient, livable, and affordable home.
With six of the nine days of the competition rainy and overcast, the home’s energy-production systems were put to the test. The home’s internal temperature was closely monitored over the entire competition and each day, the team was required to operate their appliances and pull hot water. They were also assessed in juried contests such as engineering, architecture, and market appeal.
“This is a highly demanding competition,” noted Loraine Fowlow, the team’s faculty advisor. “It takes determination and guts to do this; these students are unbelievable.” In addition to completing competition requirements, the students had to balance their academics, often completing coursework, studying, even attending class via Skype during their time off.
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