Kohler Co. has partnered with several collegiate teams competing in the fifth Solar Decathlon, September 23 – October 2 at the National Mall’s West Potomac Park in Washington, D.C., by providing these teams with water-efficient Kohler and Sterling plumbing products.
College students from across the globe representing 20 universities have gathered to develop the most solar energy-efficient house in the competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.
The Solar Decathlon shows consumers how to save money and energy with affordable clean energy products that are available today. The Solar Decathlon also provides participating students with hands-on experience and unique training that prepares them to enter our nation's clean energy workforce.
“I am impressed with the students’ expertise on all aspects of green building – water efficiency, indoor air quality, materials, local sourcing and waste minimization – in addition to the energy efficiency focus of the contest,” said Rob Zimmerman, manager-engineering, sustainability and water conservation for Kohler.
Among the collegiate teams competing for the Solar Decathlon, which specified water-efficient plumbing products from Kohler is Purdue University, Zimmerman’s alma mater. “It’s encouraging that our young engineers, architects, and skilled trades are being educated this way, as they will be designing and constructing the homes, offices, and other buildings we’ll need in the coming years.”
The competing teams selected products designed to be water efficient and perform to expectations, including EPA WaterSense-listed toilets (Dual Flush and 1.28-gallon), showerheads and bathroom faucets, as well as commercial plumbing products including touchless faucets with the company’s award-winning Hybrid Energy System.
Kohler provided fixtures and faucets to Purdue and a handful of other teams such as Team Florida (University of Florida, South Florida, Central Florida and Florida State); Team Massachusetts (Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and the University of Massachusetts at Lowell); The Ohio State University; University of Illinois; Middlebury College; and Parsons The New School for Design and Stevens Institute of Technology. Kohler has been involved in the biennial Solar Decathlon since its inception in 2002.
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.
The 2011 Solar Decathlon is open free to the public September 23 through October 2, (10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on weekdays, 10 am-5:30 pm on weekends). BD+C
Related Stories
| Feb 27, 2013
Bronx residents get LEED Platinum public housing complex, rooftop farm
The New York City Housing Authority has opened Arbor House, a 124-unit LEED Platinum complex in the Morrisania neighborhood of the Bronx.
| Feb 25, 2013
HOK sustainability expert Mary Ann Lazarus tapped by AIA for strategy consulting position
Mary Ann Lazarus, FAIA, LEED® AP BD+C, has accepted a two-year consulting position with the American Institute of Architects in Washington, DC. Her new position, which begins March 1, will focus on increasing the AIA's impact on sustainability across the profession. The St. Louis-based architect will continue consulting at HOK.
| Feb 25, 2013
First look: Google's new HQ is engineered for creative collisions
The new California "Googleplex" will be engineered to make sure no Google employee will be more than a 2.5 minute walk away from any other.
| Feb 25, 2013
AISC seeks proposals for development of BIM best practices guide
The American Institute of Steel Construction seeks assistance from BIM users in identifying and documenting best practices to facilitate the long-term standardization of BIM in structural steel construction.
| Feb 22, 2013
Westlake Reed Leskosky will renovate training center for Cleveland Browns
Local firm Westlake Reed Leskosky has been chosen to design renovations to the Cleveland Browns' Training and Administrative Complex in Berea, Ohio.
| Feb 22, 2013
Starbucks pilot program rolls out small, modular stores
Coffee giant Starbucks is rolling out mini-stores with maximum local flavor, as part of an international pilot program.
| Feb 22, 2013
Defense department report: Green design saves taxpayers money
An independent report on energy efficiency and sustainability standards used by the Pentagon for military construction affirms the value of LEED-certified high performing buildings to America’s military and U.S. taxpayers.
| Feb 22, 2013
Detroit project would bring 'fairytale forest' to riverfront
A proposal by atelierWHY to create a heavily wooded park on the downtown riverfront has taken first place in the juried Detroit By Design competition.
| Feb 22, 2013
Zaha Hadid to help plan new London-area airport hub
The Mayor of London has appointed Zaha Hadid Architects to help create a major new airport in southeastern England.
| Feb 21, 2013
AIA College of Fellows awards 2013 Latrobe Prize for 'The City of 7 Billion'
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows has awarded the 2013 Latrobe Prize of $100,000 for the proposal, “The City of 7 Billion.”