Archive for May, 2024

2024 Design Challenge

ICYMI: 2024 Design Challenge Winners Partner with Hopi Tribe, Look to Construct

In case you missed the announcement, The University of Arizona is the Grand Winner of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon® 2024 Design Challenge!

The team earned top honors—out of 40 finalist teams from around the world—taking home the Grand Winner trophy for their partnership with the Hopi Tribe on 24 rowhouses that integrate passive design techniques and a microgrid to promote energy sovereignty. They are currently talking with the Hopi community to try to make their design a reality.

Georgia Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, and Southeast University/Tibet University also took first in their respective divisions.

Learn more in the official DOE release. Congratulations to all the teams!

SD PRO

Take an SD Pro Class This Summer with Built Environment Plus

Know a practicing design professional who wishes they had competed in the Solar Decathlon when they were in school?

The Solar Decathlon Professionals (SD Pro) program might be a great fit

• SD Pro is designed to provide industry professionals with an opportunity to develop building science expertise, gain practical experience designing zero energy projects, and earn (a lot of) Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• A new cohort of the SD Pro class is being offered by Built Environment Plus virtually from June 18 to August 27.
• Sign up for SD Pro by May 10 for the early bird discount!
• Can’t make this session? Sign up for the interest list.

Zero Energy Design Designation

Faculty — Applications are Now Open for the Zero Energy Design Designation

Does your collegiate institution have educational programs that teach zero-energy design best practices?

If so, don’t miss out on the chance to differentiate your program by earning a DOE 2024 Zero Energy Design Designation (ZEDD) from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Apply by June 28!

DOE recognizes programs that are best preparing the next generation’s workforce by teaching a building-science educational curriculum that showcases best practices in zero-energy design and requires a zero-energy design practicum.

Since 2022, 39 programs of study from 26 institutions have received the three-year designation.

Learn more about the designation:

• Watch the 30-minute Informational Webinar recording. Hear information on incorporating ZEDD requirements into curriculum, benefits of the designation, application requirements, and timelines.
• Check out the one-page fact sheet.
• Use the application checklist.
• Apply by June 28 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Questions? Email ZEDD@NREL.gov.