Feb 8 2013
Ingersoll Rand, a world leader in creating and sustaining safe, comfortable and efficient environments, demonstrates its continued leadership in developing innovative, energy-efficient products and services through a sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Decathlon 2013. Ingersoll Rand’s involvement helps shine a spotlight on the benefits of real-world design, innovation and technology in energy-efficient homes.
UNC Charlotte's Urban Eden house incorporates truly revolutionary approaches to sustainable design and construction, including the choice of building material, an innovative passive cooling and heating system, and responsive technology. (Photo: Business Wire)
The Solar Decathlon is an award-winning program that challenges 20 global 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 competition will take place at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, Calif., from October 3-13.
This year, Ingersoll Rand will partner with the DOE at a Supporting Sponsor level for the overall event with support provided by the Ingersoll Rand Foundation and support from its Club Car business. Ingersoll Rand will also provide solutions from its Nexia, Schlage, Trane, and Ingersoll Rand branded products to support the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) for its “Urban Eden” entry.
“Our communities face increasing pressure to address energy usage. We know it’s possible for today’s homes to achieve net zero energy through smart design, efficient equipment and technology,” said Paul Camuti, senior vice president of innovation and chief technology officer at Ingersoll Rand. “The Solar Decathlon is an opportunity to showcase the talents of leading universities, while helping companies like Ingersoll Rand share knowledge and learn from the best and the brightest through friendly competition.”
About Urban Eden
The UNC Charlotte team is comprised of faculty and students from three areas: the School of Architecture, the William States Lee College of Engineering, and the Belk College of Business. The team’s house, “Urban Eden”, incorporates truly revolutionary approaches to sustainable design and construction, including the choice of building materials, an innovative passive cooling and heating system, and responsive technology that allows the house and its inhabitants to adapt to changing environmental conditions. The indoor/outdoor design of “Urban Eden” results in a home that is truly urban, with sophisticated technology and a style and structure appropriate to city living, yet peaceful, incorporating a secluded garden space that is at one with the living environment.
The UNC Charlotte team will break ground on its solar house on February 8, and will complete construction over the summer before transporting the house to California in October.