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Two jurors holding notebooks listen intently as a young member of the Lawrence Technological Team explains the home's environmental features and sustainable materials during the 2007 Solar Decathlon. Between them is a desk and chair made from sustainable wood.

A Lawrence Technological University student explains to architectural jurors that the team's environmental ethic is reflected in the choice of materials used in their home during the 2007 Solar Decathlon.

Solar Decathlon 2007

Juries

The following panel of jurors assembled to judge the 2007 Solar Decathlon. The panels are composed of individuals at the top of their respective professions, who bring academic excellence and practical, in-the-field experience to the 10 contests.

Using objective and subjective measures to evaluate the teams' solar houses, the jurors assign points for every contest that determine each team's overall score and standing.

Architecture Jury

Architecture Design and Implementation (150 points) and Drawing and Specifications (50 points)

Photo of Gregory Kiss.

Gregory Kiss

Gregory Kiss has been working to advance the art and technology of environmentally responsible architecture for over 20 years. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University and a Master of Architecture from Columbia University, he founded Kiss + Cathcart Architects in 1983. His research into the functional and aesthetic improvement of photovoltaics for buildings has led to several new products and systems. He has authored a number of technical manuals for the Department of Energy and lectures frequently on recent advances in solar technologies and their potential for integration into architectural design. Mr. Kiss's projects include solar and sustainable housing in the Netherlands, the PV system at 4 Times Square, the Bocas del Toro Station for the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, the photovoltaic glass train shed for New York City Transit's Stillwell Avenue Terminal in Coney Island, and a photovoltaic manufacturing facility for Heliodomi in Greece.

Photo of Susan Maxman.

Susan Maxman

Susan Maxman, FAIA, is founder and design principal of SMP Architects, a pioneer firm in green design. Her firm's dedication to providing its clients with environmentally responsible design solutions has resulted in almost 60 major design awards, with 13 environmental/ sustainable design citations, including two AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Buildings. As the first female president of the American Institute of Architects, Ms. Maxman made environmentally sensitive design a priority for her administration. For her advocacy of sustainable design, Ms. Maxman has received Honorary Doctorates from Ball State University and the University of Detroit Mercy, as well as several other commendations, including the Pennsylvania Honor Roll of Women and a listing in Who's Who in America.

Photo of Grant Armann Simpson.

Grant Armann Simpson

Grant Armann Simpson, FAIA, has been engaged in the business of architecture for over 35 years. He is a member of the prestigious American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows. Mr. Simpson serves several architectural firms as a practice and project management consultant, including HKS and RTKL. Mr. Simpson also serves as a standard of care consultant in architecture and construction litigation. Mr. Simpson's research and innovations in project delivery and his project management creativity are valued nationally; he was 2006 Chair of the AIA Practice Management Advisory Group. He speaks regularly at AIA National and State Conventions and has co-authored several articles for Texas Architect as well as a monthly series in AIArchitect. He has also written "Emerging Professional's Companion; Chapter 10—Document Checking and Coordination" and contributed "Managing Risks in Fast Track Projects" to the Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice (AHPP), 2006, and is writing several pieces for the upcoming 14th edition of the AHPP.

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Code and Regulation Compliance

(25 points)

Photo of Jim Conway.

Jim Conway

Jim Conway launched his nearly 40-year (so far!) career as an electrician with over 8000 hours as an apprentice. He continued through journeyman to master electrician in Denver. Through the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI), Jim earned his Master Electrical Inspector certificate in 2002. Since his 2000 retirement from the City of Denver, Jim has consulted with several Denver-area municipalities conducting full-scope electrical inspections. Jim continues to be an active member of organizations including IAEI—he currently serves on the board of IAEI's Western Section. Jim and Shirley, his wife of 35 years (who's also serving as a volunteer at the 2007 Solar Decathlon), own a successful cruise planning business and cruise the waters of the world whenever their busy schedules allow.

Photo of Sally Higgins.

Sally Higgins

Sally M. Higgins is a Senior Safety Specialist at the National Renewable Fuels Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. Her 18 years as a safety practitioner spanned development and implementation to analysis of programs and operations. She has worked financial operations, health care, public service, paper mills, cold metal forming, semiconductor research and manufacturing, plastics, environmental restoration, telecommunications, and military operations. She presented at the 2006 American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Professional Development Conference, National Safety Congress; instructed for the Colorado Safety Association; is membership chair for ASSE's Fire Protection Branch; received the 2005 ASSE Manufacturing Branch Safety Professional of the Year award; and volunteers with the American Red Cross (disaster response, public liaison, shelter operations). Ms. Higgins holds a master's degree in Environmental Policy and Management and bachelor's degree in Safety Sciences. She is a Certified Safety Professional and Certified Fire Protection Specialist. She recently returned from 2.5 years deployment and retired with 24 years active/reserve duty.

Photo of Thomas Meyers.

Thomas Meyers

Mr. Meyers is a Certified Building Code Official with 12 years of experience as a building regulator. He is a graduate in Architecture from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He is a past President of the Colorado Chapter of the International Code Council (CCICC) and current Co-Chairman of the CCICC Code Change and Code Development Committee. He is the Vice Chairman of the International Code Council (ICC) International Residential Building Code Development Committee. He served five years on the International Conference of Building Officials Evaluation Services Committee as a member and Chairman and one year on the ICC Evaluation Services Committee. Mr. Meyers is currently the Vice President of Colorado Code Consulting, LLC. He serves as the Building Official for the City of Central, Colorado, and for the Solar Decathlon. Mr. Meyers is an outspoken advocate of affordable and innovative housing. He and his wife Michelle just had their third anniversary. They were married in Florence, Italy, just as he started to work on the 2005 Solar Decathlon, where he served as the Fire Marshal. No kids, but two Siberian cats allow the Meyers to share the house with them.

Photo of John Wiles.

John Wiles

John Wiles is a Program Manager at the Southwest Technology Development Institute at New Mexico State University. He assists the PV industry, electrical contractors, and electrical inspectors in understanding the PV requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC). John serves as Secretary of the PV Industry Forum involved with Article 690 of the NEC. Over 30 proposals were accepted for the 2008 NEC. He drafts the text for Article 690 in NEC Handbook. He is a member of the Underwriters Laboratories Standards Technical Panels for UL 1703 (PV modules) and UL 1741 (inverters). Fieldwork involves balance of systems design for PV systems, acceptance testing of PV systems, and the test and evaluation of PV components. He installed his first PV system in 1984 and lived in an off-grid, PV/wind-powered home (permitted and inspected, of course) with his wife Patti, two dogs, and a cat for 16 years. His current 5 kW PV system has full-house battery back up.

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Communications

Web Site (50 points) and House Tours (50 points)

Photo of Scott Shepherd.

Scott Shepherd

Mr. Shepherd is a senior communications specialist at D&R International, Ltd., an energy and environmental consulting firm. In this role, he disseminates information on behalf of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH). He contributes to the development and implementation of PATH's strategic outreach. He has produced more than 30 articles and columns on behalf of PATH in national trade publications. Mr. Shepherd managed all on-site PATH activities at NextGen "First to the Future" Demonstration Home at 2007 International Builders' Show in Orlando, Florida. He managed outreach for the June 2006 dedication ceremony of Liberty Village Demonstration Project in Lincoln, Nebraska. In consideration of more than 120,000 visitors per month, Mr. Shepherd manages content for the PATH Web site. Prior to joining D&R International, Mr. Shepherd worked for a variety of publications, including newspapers, magazines, and trade newsletters. He has a B.A. in Journalism from Buffalo State College and is completing a M.S. in Marketing from the University of Maryland University College.

Photo of Jaime Van Mourik.

Jaime Van Mourik

Jaime Van Mourik is a project coordinator at the sustainable design consulting firm GreenShape LLC in Washington, D.C. Prior to this position, she worked at the National Building Museum researching, creating, and implementing adult educational programs about the built environment. During her tenure, she worked closely with the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency on two annual lecture series. This past summer, Ms. Van Mourik spent six weeks teaching as part of The Catholic University of America School of Architecture and Planning summer program Experiences in Architecture. She is also an adjunct assistant professor at Northern Virginia Community College. Ms. Van Mourik received her Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech and her Masters of Architectural History from the University of Virginia. She is an associate member of the American Institute of Architects and an active member of the DC chapter of the Committee on the Environment. This is her second time participating as a judge for the Solar Decathlon.

Photo of Alan Wickstrom.

Alan Wickstrom

Alan Wickstrom is the President and CEO of BuildingOnline Inc, a Web site design and internet marketing agency devoted to the residential home building, building products, and home improvement industries. BuildingOnline hosts over 120 of the industry's leading Web sites; offers a building industry search engine and Web site directory; and manages BuildingOnline's eUpdate, a building industry news service. He has 18 years of business marketing experience in these industries, as well as 12 years of internet design and marketing experience. Mr. Wickstrom has a bachelor's degree in marketing from National University — San Diego. Mr. Wickstrom also serves as the president of the South Orange County School of the Arts Foundation Board. He is an accomplished speaker on the internet and the building industry.

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Economic Analysis

As-Built Drawings and Submittals (50 points)

Photo of Stuart Bernstein.

Stuart Bernstein

Stuart Bernstein is currently an Assistant Professor in the Construction Engineering and Management Program at the University of Nebraska, where he teaches courses in Estimating, Scheduling, and Personnel Management. Stuart has been involved in construction since 1970 working in the trades, with his tools, as a foreman, project manager, and estimator. After receiving his MS in Architecture from Virginia Tech, he joined Pulte Homes as an Area Construction Manager, where he oversaw the land development, sales, and construction of residential communities in the Philadelphia area. Stuart is currently involved in an annual service learning project with his students renovating homes in the Omaha inner city area. He is working on turning this into a national program. Stuart is also working on a HUD sponsored grant to design hurricane resistant homes for New Orleans and is working towards his PhD in Urban Planning.

Photo of David Kline.

David Kline

David Kline is a project leader on the International and Environmental team at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Since joining the Laboratory in 1991, he has conducted analysis of public policy toward renewable energy research development, demonstration, and deployment. He has also provided analysis on the development of policies to support technology innovation and diffusion. Since 1999, his work has focused on market-oriented strategies for the transfer of clean energy technologies from developed to developing countries. He has worked with partners in China, Ghana, Egypt, Mexico, Morocco, and South Africa, and participated in a number of international forums on related issues.

Photo of Miles Russell.

Miles C. Russell

Miles C. Russell has 30 years of experience in the photovoltaic research and development, beginning with his work at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory in 1977. Mr. Russell is currently President of GreenRay, Inc. He specializes in product development and is experienced in system design, analysis, codes and standards. He has been an active participant in National Electrical Code evolution, beginning in 1984 and continuing. Most recently Mr. Russell held the position of Director of Systems Development for Schott Solar, before forming GreenRay, Inc. During this period Mr. Russell developed the innovative free-standing, or FS, mounting system for installing PV modules on flat roof buildings. This system uses a dynamic actuation feature to counter wind forces and is patented. His present work is on the development of a revolutionary solar photovoltaic system. He holds a Masters Degree from Stanford University in Mechanical Engineering. He is also a juror in the Economic Analysis contest.

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Engineering

Engineering Design and Implementation

(100 points)

Photo of Kent Peterson.

Kent Peterson

Kent Peterson, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, is the 2007-08 president of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). He is vice president and chief engineer of P2S Engineering Inc., Long Beach, California. As ASHRAE's president, Mr. Peterson directs the Society's Board of Directors and oversees the Executive Committee. Through his theme, Greater Efficiency Today, Blue Skies Tomorrow, Mr. Peterson emphasizes innovation in the quest for sustainability in the built environment. He notes that "energy efficiency should always be the elegant alternative to fuel consumption." Mr. Peterson has served on the Board as president-elect, treasurer, vice president, and Region X director and regional chair. Past service includes chair of Technology Council, Members Council, the Advocacy Committee, the President-Elect Advisory Committee the ASHRAE Learning Institute Board of Trustees, the Finance Committee, the Planning Committee, the Region-at-Large Transition Committee and the Student Activities Committee. Mr. Peterson was president of the Orange Empire Chapter. He is a recipient of ASHRAE's Exceptional Service Award and the Distinguished Service Award.

Photo of Bill Rittelmann.

Bill Rittelmann

Bill Rittelmann is a licensed engineer and a Senior Research Associate with Integrate Building and Construction Solutions (IBACOS) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His experience includes 12 years of commercial HVAC and plumbing design with Burt Hill, a leading international A&E design firm, and nine years of residential energy efficiency research with IBACOS under the U.S. Department of Energy Building America program. He has simulated, designed, and monitored the performance of many energy-efficient homes including a multi-year monitoring project of 20 solar homes in the community of Civano in Tucson, Arizona. He is the author of several ACEEE and ASHRAE papers on the topics of energy efficiency and thermal comfort performance of homes. He is currently the Vice Chairman of the ASHRAE technical committee for Central Forced-Air Heating and Cooling Systems — TC 6.3. He received his bachelor's degree in Architectural Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University.

Miles C. Russell

See bio listing under Economic Analysis jury

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Energy Analysis

Schematic Energy Analysis Report, Final Energy Analysis Report, and Simulation Input Form (50 points)

Photo of Brent Griffith.

Brent Griffith

Brent is a Senior Engineer at the National Renewable Energy Lab' (NREL) Center for Buildings and Thermal Systems, where he researches energy-efficient buildings within the Center's High Performance Buildings group. This group focuses on designing and analyzing low- and zero- energy commercial buildings. Brent is heavily involved with a building energy simulation program called EnergyPlus. He is a member of the team that is developing EnergyPlus and focuses on capabilities needed for zero-energy buildings such as photovoltaic and other solar systems, combined heat and power, and control schemes. He is also a heavy user of EnergyPlus and conducts large scale simulation-based studies of the national opportunities in the commercial sector. Prior to joining NREL, Brent did his graduate study at MIT in the Building Technology Program, with thesis work in the area of coupling room airflow modeling to building energy calculations. Before returning to graduate school, Brent spent ten years as a research associate at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the Building Technologies Program.

Photo of Susan Reilly.

Susan Reilly

Susan Reilly, P.E. is president of Enermodal Engineering, Inc. located in Denver, Colorado. Enermodal Engineering, Inc. consults on energy and resource efficiency in the built environment. Susan has worked with design teams throughout North America to incorporate greater energy efficiency and sustainable design practices into their projects over the past 15 years. She is an expert with the DOE-2 building simulation software and provides technical support to the developer of DOE-2.2. She is a LEED Accredited Professional and a reviewer of LEED Energy and Atmosphere credits for USGBC. She is registered professional engineer in Colorado and California, has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley.

Photo of Norm Weaver.

Norm Weaver

Norm Weaver is a professional engineer, currently on-staff with the Energy Services Team with Fort Collins Utilities and president of InterWeaver Consulting. Mr. Weaver has nearly 30 years involvement in the building science and renewable energy field and has served as an energy analysis juror in the previous two Solar Decathlons. He has participated in the development of a wide variety of software tools for the building energy analysis field including Energy-10, EnerSim, the U.S. DOE Mobile Home Energy Audit, and the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council Builder Guide package. At Fort Collins Utilities, he is part of team implementing residential and commercial energy efficiency programs and he is in charge of monitoring the city's photovoltaics net-metering program.

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Lighting

Electric Lighting Quality (50 points) and Daylighting Quality (25 points)

Photo of Nancy Clanton.

Nancy Clanton

Nancy E. Clanton is founder and President of Clanton & Associates, a lighting design firm specializing in sustainable design. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree (Architectural Engineering, Illumination Emphasis) from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Colorado. She is a Fellow of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) and a LEED Accredited Professional. Nancy speaks throughout the nation on topics relating to sustainable and energy efficient design and light pollution. Nancy is chairperson of the IESNA Outdoor Environmental Lighting Committee, a member of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Lighting Designers and the International Dark Sky Association. She serves on the Advisory Committee of Environmental Building News and is a topic editor for the IESNA Lighting Handbook. Ten of her firm's projects have been named to the AIA Committee on the Environment Earth Day Top Ten List. Eight projects for which Clanton & Associates designed the lighting are LEED certified.

Photo of Naomi Miller.

Naomi Miller

Naomi has been the principal of Naomi Miller Lighting Design in Troy, New York since 1999. Lighting quality, the aging eye, health effects of light, dark skies, and energy efficiency are her special interests. She is a frequent speaker and writer on lighting issues, and calls upon almost 30 years of experience in the lighting industry, working for an architecture firm, an electrical engineer, a lighting manufacturer, a research institution, and partner in two design firms in San Francisco. For six years she directed a lighting case study program called "DELTA" at the Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer in Troy, NY. She earned an undergraduate degree in architecture from MIT, and an MS in Lighting Degree from RPI. She chaired the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America's (IESNA) Quality of the Visual Environment committee for 8 years. She is a Fellow of the IESNA and Fellow of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD).

Photo of Sandra Stashik.

Sandra Stashik

Sandra Stashik has been a member of Grenald Waldron Associates design team for 20 years. As Principal, Sandra's responsibilities include marketing, staff development and hiring, as well as project design and management. Sandra's projects reflect the design philosophy that all lighting has an effect on the quality of people's lives. Whether designing a corporate office, or a downtown or campus master plan, improving the lives of the occupants or users is a prime concern. This philosophy is coupled with the selection of lighting equipment that will provide effective energy utilization and sustainability. Sandra is a Fellow of the Illuminating Engineering Society, past member of the Board of Directors, and past Chairperson of the National Energy Management Committee. She is a professional member of the International Association of Lighting Designers, Leed Accredited, certified Lighting Consultant, and a registered Professional Engineer.

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Market Appeal

Livability, Buildability, and Flexibility (50 points)

Photo of Robert Burt.

Robert M. Burt

Bob Burt has worked in the building construction industry for the last 35 years in both hands-on and management positions. Following 20 years in senior management with industry leaders in the Washington/Baltimore metropolitan area, in 2006 Bob founded a consulting firm specializing in multi-family housing construction. Bob returns to the Solar Decathlon after serving in 2005 as a judge for the "Dwelling" contest ("Dwelling" has evolved into "Market Viability" for the 2007 competition). Bob brings to the "Market Viability" panel his extensive experience in the building industry, his interest in the future of the residential construction, a personal passion for energy efficiency, and his belief that residential housing must change to meet today's energy and environmental challenges.

Photo of Jim Ketter.

Jim Ketter

Jim Ketter is a Senior Construction Project Manager with the Tierra Group, an arm of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, in Durango, Colorado. He has extensive management experience in commercial and residential planning, design, construction, and operations and is a staunch advocate for sustainable communities. His current work includes the Three Springs project in Durango, a 2000 unit, mixed-use, sustainably constructed traditional neighborhood development (TND) project. Jim earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from Ohio State University, is a registered Professional Engineer, LEED Accredited Professional with the US Green Building Council, and member of the American Solar Energy Society. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Durango Discovery Museum, a planned science and energy museum showcasing energy past, present, and future to be housed in the world's oldest known surviving AC steam power plant.

Photo of Doug Lowe.

Doug Lowe

Doug Lowe is founder and president of a residential and commercial construction firm, Artisan Construction, Inc., located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Doug is passionate about making buildings more energy efficient and environmentally responsible. Doug is a LEED Accredited Professional and has constructed several award-winning projects in the Charlottesville area. He is a pioneer in advocating green building programs and has been a pilot participant in the Earthcraft program in Virginia and the LEED-for-Homes national program. His family's private residence is the first LEED-certified home in the Mid-Atlantic region and one of the first in the nation. Doug is constantly studying ways to introduce new technology to the construction process to enhance energy independence and sustainability within a realistic pricing structure. Current projects include a private school classroom building, a dormitory for a social service agency, and several custom homes—one of which will have the goal of net-zero electrical usage utilizing photovoltaic technology. All of these projects will be seeking LEED certification.

Photo of Joyce Mason.

Joyce Mason

Joyce Mason markets new home communities for Pardee Homes, a builder active in six markets of California and Nevada. Joyce has played an instrumental role in Pardee Homes' environmental focus, including its LivingSmart® standards and options, which are geared to energy and water savings, healthier indoor air quality, and the use of earth-friendly building and finish materials. In 2003, Joyce Mason earned The State of California Earth Award in recognition of the LivingSmart neighborhoods and habitat preservation and restoration at Pacific Highlands Ranch, a master-planned community in San Diego. Joyce also devotes time and expertise to Project Playhouse®, the principal fund-raiser of HomeAid, a non-profit organization dedicated to quality housing for the transitionally homeless. Joyce addresses professional symposia that include the Green Builder Conference, PCBC®—The Premier Building Show, and NAHB. She is a member of NAHB through its BIA/Southern California chapter, and of the Los Angeles/Ventura Sales and Marketing Council.

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