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Photo of the Zero Energy House with a sign that reads "Clean Energy Technology Center." Enlarge image

Washington State University's Solar Decathlon 2005 house now serves as the office for Shoreline Community College's Clean Energy Technology Center.
(Courtesy of Jim Hills, Shoreline Community College)

Who: Washington State University
What: Zero Energy House
Where:
Shoreline Community College
16101 Greenwood Ave. N
Shoreline, WA 98133
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Public tours: For tour information, contact Shoreline Community College at 206-546-4101.

Solar Decathlon 2005

Washington State University: Training Tomorrow's Clean-Energy Workforce

Washington State University's U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2005 house is now located on the campus of Shoreline Community College. Called the Zero Energy House, it is currently used as offices for the school's Clean Energy Technology Center.

The house spent almost one year in storage at Seattle's Magnuson Park before several key individuals helped put it back to work. Mike Nelson, a Washington State University professor with connections to the Solar Decathlon team and the university's energy extension service, established a relationship with Shoreline. In addition, Rep. Maralyn Chase, Shoreline, helped get funding for the project from the Washington State Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development.

Washington State University and Shoreline spent eight months working together to obtain permits and reconstruct Zero Energy House on campus. A dedication ceremony took place on May 17, 2007, to officially mark the house's new home. Rep. Chase spoke about sustainable initiatives at the state level. Nelson, who has lived off the grid since the 1970s, gave a history of the team's project.

The Zero Energy House has been grid-tied so it can sell excess energy to the local utility company. Otherwise, the house has remained true to its original design. It even continues to host visitors and tour groups, including prospective students and those enrolled in Shoreline's sustainability curriculum.