The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“2011 SOLAR DECATHLON” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the Senate section on pages S6181-S6183 on Oct. 5, 2011.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
2011 SOLAR DECATHLON
Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate the University of Maryland, UMD, for winning the U.S. Department of Energy's 2011 Solar Decathlon competition. The competition is organized by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, America's premier laboratory for research and development regarding renewable energy and energy efficiency. This biennial event challenges collegiate teams from around the world to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are affordable to build and operate, energy-efficient, and aesthetically attractive. Nineteen teams representing the United States, China, New Zealand, Belgium, and Canada competed in this year's event, which was held at the National Mall's West Potomac Park.
I am so proud of the collaborative efforts of more than 200 UMD students, faculty, and mentors from diverse disciplines across the campus who participated in making their entry, WaterShed, such a resounding success. Students, faculty, and mentors came from the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources; the School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation; the College of Computer, Mathematical & Natural Sciences; the A. James Clark School of Engineering; the University of Maryland Libraries; the National Center for Smart Growth Research & Education; and the Center for the Use of Sustainable Practices. Over ten academic courses were offered as part of WaterShed's development since the spring 2010 academic semester.
WaterShed was inspired by concern for the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, so the project wasn't just a successful model for energy efficiency; it also implemented practical solutions to preserve our precious water resources and manage stormwater runoff, a particularly damaging form of pollution to the bay.
The Chesapeake Bay is Maryland's greatest natural resource. For Marylanders, this national treasure is the cornerstone of our economy and part of the fabric of our communities. Its restoration and protection have been the focal point of my work on environmental issues in the Senate. The University of Maryland's work in publicizing and promoting sustainable housing options like WaterShed for the residents of the Chesapeake Bay region will go a long way toward preserving this treasured resource. I cannot think of a more appropriate effort for the University of Maryland to be engaged in, and I applaud everyone's hard work during the past two years towards this common cause and successful outcome.
The success of WaterShed is the pinnacle of a long history of achievement for the University of Maryland in the Solar Decathlon competition. The University of Maryland's initial design for the inaugural Solar Decathlon competition in 2002 became the foundation for subsequent entries. In 2002, Maryland's entry placed fourth. In 2005, Maryland's solar house won the People's Choice and Solar Innovation Awards while placing eighth overall. In 2007, Maryland's LEAFHouse won the People's Choice Award and received a host of other awards from industry and professional associations. The acronym LEAF stands for
``Leading Everyone towards an Abundant Future.'' LEAFHouse placed second in the overall scoring.
The UMD team gained valuable knowledge from the 2005 design and LEAFHouse, both of which are still in use for educational purposes. This year, the team took its vision to an even higher level with WaterShed. The forms of the house highlight the path of a water drop. The split butterfly roofline collects storm water into the core of the house for use. WaterShed also features a holistic approach to water conservation, recycling, and storm water management. These features include a modular constructed wetland that helps filter and recycle greywater from the shower, washing machine, and dishwasher; a green roof that slows rainwater runoff to the landscape while improving the house's energy efficiency; and a garden, composting system, and edible wall system to illustrate a complete carbon cycle program.
So many people are involved in the Solar Decathlon. I would like to acknowledge several of them, including Richard J. King, Solar Decathlon director, and Betsy Black, sponsorship manager, at the U.S. Department of Energy, DOE. Other DOE personnel involved include Marilyn Burgess, John Chu, Sheila Dillard, Kerry Duggan, Nicole Epps, Peter Gage, Cassie Goldstein, David Lee, Howard Marks, Martha Oliver, Erin Pierce, Roland Risser, Phil West, and Janie Wise. At the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Carol Anna, Susan Bond, Bob Butt, Mike Coddington, Rebecca Dohrn, John Enoch, Sara Farrar-Nagy, Michael Gestwick, Amy Glickson, Pamela Gray-Hann, Sheila Hayter, Mary Ann Heaney, Henri Hubenka, Terri Jones, Ron Judkoff, Alicen Kandt, Stephen Lappi, Kamie Minor, Susan Moon, Ruby Nahan, Michael Oakley, Sean Ong, Alexis Powers, Joe Simon, Jeff Soltesz, Blaise Stoltenberg, Byron Stafford, Lee Ann Underwood, Amy Vaughn, Mike Wassmer, and Andrea Watson all lent their support to the Decathlon. Contractors and other contributors include Aquilent, Cecile Warner, Colorado Code Consulting, D&R International, Eberle Construction, Hargrove, Carolynne Harris, Linder
& Associates, Navigant, Norton Energy R&D, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Showcall, Stratacomm, and Studio Ammons.
Yesterday, a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives said that the United States ``can't compete with China to make solar panels and wind turbines,'' and suggested that the Federal Government shouldn't subsidize green-energy programs. I guess he didn't visit West Potomac Park to see what is going on. The many creative entries in the 2011 Solar Decathlon demonstrate to the wider public the cost effectiveness of houses that combine energy efficient construction and appliances with renewable energy systems that are available today. And even better homes and appliances and systems are just around the corner. Investing in green technologies creates jobs. Diversifying our energy sources creates competition, which will help to stabilize and lower energy prices. Thinking beyond fossil fuels buried in unstable or unreliable countries strengthens our national security.
I think the Solar Decathlon represents all that, and much more. At this critical juncture in our nation's history, we face significant economic, energy, and environmental challenges. It is easy to be discouraged or cynical. But for each person who says, ``it can't be done,'' there are scores of people--especially young people--out in our universities and communities, in workplaces and laboratories across America, who reject defeatism and cynicism, who demonstrate the ``can-
do'' spirit that made America great and will restore our fortunes. Competitions such as the Solar Decathlon and entries such as the University of Maryland's Watershed provide sparkling evidence of the innovative and practical solutions to the intertwined problems we face. More importantly, they provide hope and inspiration.
If we are going to solve our problems, we need to roll up our sleeves and collaborate with each other--just like the UMD team did. Scores of students worked on WaterShed. I am so pleased their hard work paid off and so proud of them. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and salute them on this watershed accomplishment. UMD student team leaders included Jay Chmilewski, Major: Civil Engineering, Spring 2012; WaterShed Disciplines: Engineering, Construction; David Daily (Majors: Electrical Engineering & Nanotechnology, Spring 2012), WaterShed Disciplines: Engineering, Construction; Leah Davies (Major: Graduate Architecture Student, Fall 2011), WaterShed Disciplines: Architecture, Living Systems/Landscape, Construction, Communications; Steve Emling (Major: Mechanical Engineering, Spring 2013), WaterShed Disciplines: Engineering, Construction; Isabel Enerson (Major: Environmental Science & Technology, Spring 2013), WaterShed Disciplines: Living Systems/Landscape, Communications; Tamir Ezzat
(Major: Graduate Architecture Student, Spring 2013), WaterShed Discipline: Architecture; Michael Feldman (Major: Civil Engineering, Spring 2011), WaterShed Disciplines: Engineering, Construction; David Gavin (Major: Graduate Architecture Student, Spring 2012), WaterShed Disciplines: Architecture, Construction; Jeff Gipson (Major: Graduate Architecture & Real Estate Development Student, Spring 2012), WaterShed Disciplines: Architecture, Communications; Newton Gorrell (Major: Graduate Architecture Student, Spring 2012); WaterShed Disciplines: Architecture, Construction, Communications; Joseph Ijjas (Major: Master of Architecture, Spring 2011), WaterShed Disciplines: Architecture, Construction, Communications; Moshe Katz (Major: Computer Science, Spring 2012), WaterShed Disciplines: Communications, Computer Science; Yehuda Katz (Major: Computer Science, Spring 2012), WaterShed Disciplines: Communications, Engineering, Computer Science; Lynn Khuu
(Major: Master of Architecture, Spring 2011), WaterShed Disciplines: Architecture, Communications; Zachary Klipstein (Major: Master of Architecture, Spring 2011), WaterShed Disciplines: Architecture, Construction; Parlin Meyer (Major: Graduate Architecture Student, Spring 2012), WaterShed Disciplines: Architecture, Construction; Jeff Rappaport (Major: Bioengineering, Spring 2013), WaterShed Disciplines: Engineering, Construction; Matt Sickle (Major: Graduate Landscape Architecture Student, Spring 2012), WaterShed Disciplines: Living Systems/Landscape; Evan Smith (Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering, Spring 2012), WaterShed Disciplines: Engineering, Construction; Scott Tjaden (Major: Environmental Science& Technology, Spring 2012), WaterShed Disciplines: Living Systems/Landscape, Construction; Kevin Vandeman (Major: Graduate Architecture & Real Estate Development Student, Spring 2012), WaterShed Disciplines: Architecture, Construction; Nick Weadock (Major: Materials Science & Engineering, Spring 2013), WaterShed Disciplines: Engineering, Construction; Allison Wilson (Major: Master of Architecture, Spring 2011), WaterShed Disciplines: Project Management, Architecture, Communications, Construction; and Veronika Zhiteneva (Major: Environmental Science & Technology, Spring 2013), WaterShed Disciplines: Living Systems/Landscape, Construction, Communications.
Student team members include Ali Alaswadi, Benjamin Bates, Amy Chen, Brennan Clark, Linda Clark, Michael Craton, Natalya Dikhanov, Eric Gellman, James Han, Justin Heil, Justin Huang, Erik Kornfeld, John Kucia, Allen Meizlish, Jeffrey Sze, and Andrew Taverner.
Extended team members included Ali Alaswadi, Sahin Arikoglu, Alex Atahua, Rishi Banerjee, Justin Bare, Katherine Beisler, Jacob Bialek, Paul Bilger, Christoper Binkley, Ian Black, Andrew Bruno, Victoria Chang, Wen-Hui Chen, Ethan Cowan, Justin Cullen, Diana Daisey, Adam Davies, Aleron Dsilva, Mariam Eshete, Eric Faughnan, Ryan Fitch, Meredith Friedman, Holman Gao, Louis Gbone, Philip Geilman, Phil Geiman, Marisa Gomez, Karen Hillis, Ananya Hiremath, Vanessa Hoffman, Amy Hudson, Phil Jacks, Peter James, Eric Joerdens, Christine Kandigian, Jacob Kunken, Christopher Leung, Arik Lubkin, Christopher Luther, Ryan Maisel, Bracha Mandel, Maria Martello, Zachary Martinez, Abe Massad, Mark Matovich, Shakira Mccall, Kenneth Morgan, Christopher Myers, Zachary Nerenberg, Matthew Newman, Yuchen Nie, Albert Palmer, Daniel Perdomo, Robert Pettit, Chau Pham, Georgina Pinnock, Kaitlin Pless, Olga Pushkareva, James Ramil, Mark Reese, Raheena Rehman, Nicolas Roldos, Boateng Rosemond, Michele Rubenstein, Michael Satoh, Charles Schupler, Juliet Serem, Valerie Smith, Jacob Steinberg, Michael Taylor, Alexander Tonetti, Marcela Trice, Katherine Vocke, Nader Wallerich, Luxi Wang, Amy Weber, Sofia Weller, Christine Wertz, Kiley Wilfong, Christine Wirth, Fawna Xiao, Diane Ye, and Jesse Yurow.
The UMD team benefited from a lengthy list of mentors, including Deborah Bauer, a freelance architectural consultant who collaborated with communications team members for various endeavors including tour guide training, residents interviews, and general strategy development; Grant Baxter, Baxter Floors, who worked with the team to craft and install the bathroom woodwork and grate; Charlie Berliner, Berliner Construction, a ``cornerstone'' of the architecture and construction team; Dan Blankfeld, John J. Kirlin, LLC, who provided 30 hours' worth of Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) training for the core construction team; Joe Bolewski, Whiting Turner, who provided construction and carpentry mentorship to the team; Brian Borak, Booz Allen Hamilton, who provided expertise and assistance to the DC electric team; Erin Carlisle, EYP Architecture & Engineering, who provided Revit training and technical assistance to the drawing and documentation team; John Cartagirone, American Power and Light, a three-time UMD solar decathlon mentor and friend who worked side-by-
side with the electrical team to wire the house and install light fixtures; Chris Cobb, Robert Silman and Associates, who worked in partnership with UMD's 2007 Solar Decathlon's LEAFHouse team and returned this year to provide his expertise in the integration of architecture and structural systems; John Coventry, Coventry Lighting, who provided mentorship as the architecture team developed the lighting design; Adam Eurich, Robert Silman and Associates, who worked with the team to develop structural design, analysis, details, and drawings; Taz Ezzat, Maryland Custom Builders, Inc., who collaborated with the team on the construction, transport, assembly, and pick/set strategies; George Fritz, Horizon Builders, who hosted visits from the construction team to his demonstration and mock-up facility where he shared best practices for building craft, construction, and vapor management; Julie Gabrielli, Gabrielli Design Studio, who provided input to the communications team on the development of its strategy and concept; Aditya Gaddam; Jennifer Gilmer, Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen and Bath, who worked with the architecture team to design WaterShed's kitchen; Anne Hicks Harney, Ayes Saint Gross, who worked with the drawing and documentation team to finalize the project manual; Maggie Haslam; Ray Hayleck, PMSI Consulting, who provided cost estimating mentorship to the affordability team during the initial phases of estimating; Joan Honeyman, Jordan Honeyman Landscape Architecture, who collaborated with the landscape team on the landscape and plant selection; Ming Hu, HOK, who provided energy modeling assistance to the engineering team; Adam Keith, Whiting Turner, who provided construction and carpentry mentorship to the team; Peter Kelley, American Wind Energy Association, who provided media training to the team and worked with the communications team to develop the target market; Benson Kwong, enVErgie Consulting, who provided mentorship to the engineering cost estimating team during the design development phase; Mike Lawrence, National Museum of Natural History, who worked with the communications team to develop the house tour strategy; Dale Leidich, MTFA Architecture, who provided project management guidance, insight, and advice to the team; John Love, Love's Heating and Air, who consulted with the team on the heating, ventilation, and air-condition, HVAC, design and implementation; Kristen Markham, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, who consulted with the team on building envelope construction means and methods; Evan Merkel, Greenspring Energy, who worked with the electrical team to design and integrate the photovoltaic (PV) and micro inverter system; John Morris, Perkins Eastman, a veteran of UMD's 2007 LEAFHouse entry and a practicing architect with a background in construction who provided mentorship and assistance to the construction team; Frank Plummer, Tremco, who served as a trusted mentor for the construction team and provided expertise related to construction means and methods for liquid applied membranes for the building envelope and the constructed wetlands; Don Posson, Vanderweil, a long-time teaching partner at UMD who reviewed the engineering and living systems design; Kristin Potterton, Robert Silman and Associates, who worked with the team to develop structural details and drawings; Tyler Sines, who provided mentorship to the engineering team developing the liquid desiccant wall; Niklas Vigener, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, who consulted with the team on building envelope construction means and methods; Dan Vlacich, Accenture, who provided expertise, assistance, and power tools to the DC electric team; Fred Werth, Kensington Plumbing and Heating, Inc., who provided master plumbing expertise and assisted the team in the design and installation of the solar thermal and HXEST systems and domestic plumbing system; Bill Wiley, the Potomac School, who collaborated with the engineering team to design and build WaterShed's smart house controls system; Jay Williams, marketing and design specialist for the solar home industry, who provided marketing assistance to the communications and marketing teams; Dan Zimmerman, Shapiro & Duncan, a veteran of two previous decathlons who provided experience and advice to the HVAC and solar thermal teams, facilitated donations, and provided the engineering team with his can-do perspective on the value of figuring things out through hands-on experience.
Last but not least, I would like to congratulate the UMD faculty and staff, starting with the University's President and Chancellor, Dr. Wallace D. Loh and Dr. William E. Kirwan, respectively. Faculty team members included: Mike Binder, AIA LEED-AP, Lecturer in the School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation; Patricia Kosco Cossard, M.A., M.L.S., Librarian and Lecturer in the School of Architecture, Planning
& Preservation; Amy Gardner, AIA LEED-AP, Associate Professor in the School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation and Director of UMD's Center for the Use of Sustainable Practices, Brian Grieb, AIA LEED-AP, Lecturer in the School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation and a Partner with GriD Architects in Annapolis; Dr. Keith Herold, Associate Professor of Bioengineering in the A. James Clark School of Engineering; Madlen Simon, AIA, Associate Professor and Architecture Program Director in the School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation, and a Principal at Simon Design; Dr. David Tilley, Associate Professor of Ecological Engineering in the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, and President of the International Society for the Advancement of Energy Research; and Brittany Williams, Associate AIA LEED-AP Lecturer in the School of Architecture, Planning
& Preservation, Project Designer for MTFA Architecture in Arlington, Virginia, and a 2007 Solar Decathlon team leader.
What an outstanding accomplishment! Go Terps!
____________________
