Team Canada shines at Solar Decathlon
Team Canada celebrates the end of the competition and their top 10 finish.
Two years of hard work paid off for Team Canada, a group of University of Calgary students sponsored by Cenovus, who finished tenth overall in the 2011 Solar Decathlon, held in Washington, D.C. Organized by the U.S. Department of Energy, this international bi-annual competition challenged 20 teams of post-secondary students to design, build and operate solar-powered modular homes that are cost-effective, energy-efficient and attractive. Team Canada’s house, which is known as TRTL (a Technological Residence that respects Traditional Living), was designed to potentially address housing needs in Aboriginal communities across Alberta.
The house was constructed at the University of Calgary campus and transported to Washington. With six of the nine days of the competition rainy and overcast, the home’s energy-production systems were put to the test. Each day, the home’s internal temperature was closely monitored and the team was required to operate their appliances and produce hot water.
Throughout the event, the TRTL home drew significant media interest and public support due to its thoughtful design. The event judges were particularly impressed by the team’s extensive research and collaboration with Aboriginal representatives to address specific energy challenges while also respecting cultural and spiritual sensitivities.
"We’re proud of Team Canada's efforts to address real world energy and housing needs for Aboriginal communities through technology," says Vicki Reid, Manager, Community Affairs. "These young innovators embody our spirit of new ideas and new approaches."
