Press Release

Which Major Corporation to Buy UMD’s Solar Decathlon-Winning Home?

MEDIA ADVISORY  January 30, 2012

CONTACT:
Neil Tickner
301-405-4622
ntickner@umd.edu

WHAT: The identity of a major corporation (operating in the National Capital Region) will be revealed today as the new owner of WaterShed, the international-prize-winning solar house built by University of Maryland students, faculty and professional partners. The buyer will be announced at a UMD victory celebration for the WaterShed team.

The purchase secures WaterShed’s future, provides a permanent home and will make its innovative technology and design available to the public for educational purposes and research.

WaterShed will become “living classroom” for teaching the public about sustainable energy and building practices, as well “living laboratory” where UMD researchers will continue to monitor the long-term performance of its innovative systems and design.

After its win at the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon last October, Watershed was disassembled and moved from the National Mall to College Park awaiting a final home and buyer. WaterShed overcame fierce competition against 19 other collegiate teams from around the world, each challenged to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. Like all of the Decathlon entries, WaterShed runs solely on solar power, but is also constructed to harvest, recycle and reuse water. Unique design elements, such as “manufactured wetlands” that both protect and produce resources, set WaterShed apart in the competition.

WHO: The WaterShed team, mentors and supporters will hold a victory celebration – the first campus-wide – since the first place finish in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon last October.  Representatives from the corporation purchasing WaterShed will participate, along with University officials.

WHEN: Monday, January 30, 2012; program will take place from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

WHERE: Orem Alumni Hall, Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center
University of Maryland
Directions: http://www.riggs.umd.edu/map.html