US Solar Decathlon Build and Design Competition
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Decathlon Challenges brings dozens of student teams from universities around the world to compete in a industry-sponsored design and build based competitions. The aim of the competition is to design innovative and high-quality net-zero energy buildings which utilise sustainable construction materials and renewable energy sources to minimise their environmental footprint, all while remaining competitive in current markets.
MSB currently has one team entered in the Solar Decathlon Design Challenge.
We address 10 different criteria of the design
Architecture
Practical and aesthetic qualities of the design rewarding creative and innovative solutions
Embodied Environmental Impact
The design’s material selection and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)
Engineering
How well the design integrates mechanical and electrical systems into the building
Integrated Performance
How the building harnesses active and passive strategies to save energy
Energy Performance
How efficient the building using energy consumption values and HERS/EUI ratings
Market Analysis
The design’s financial feasibility and depth of research into target market
Occupant Performance
The ability for the design to improve quality of life minimise occupant maintenance
Presentation
How well the final report and presentation communicates the final design
Durability and Resilience
The building’s ability to withstand deterioration and location specific extreme weather events
Comfort and Environmental Quality
The building’s ability to provide a comfortable living environment
Timeline
SOLAR DECATHLON CHALLENGE WEEKEND
The Design Challenge Weekend is hosted at NREL laboratory in Golden, Colorado in mid- April each year. Over the weekend, Design Challenge teams will present their final projects to be judged and Build Challenge teams will showcase the projects’ progress.