Martin O’Malley praises decathlon win and team’s “imaginative talent” at MCEC Summit

WaterShed team members attending last Friday’s Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) Summit were surprised with a proclamation from Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley’s office, commending their first place victory at this year’s Department of Energy Solar Decathlon. A contingent of student and faculty leaders from WaterShed were being recognized at the luncheon by the Maryland Clean Energy Center for their victory and sustainable design excellence, when they were presented with the special honor.

“It was humbling to be recognized by the MCEC, who do such important work for the Chesapeake Bay,” said Brian Grieb, Faculty Advisor and Project Manager for WaterShed. “The proclamation from the Governor’s office was an unexpected and wonderful surprise.”

Attending the event with Grieb were student leaders Scott Tjaden (who interned at the MCEC), Allison Wilson, Nick Weadock and Lynn Khuu.

The Proclamation not only celebrated the team’s victory and innovative design, but their success at spreading the message of water conservation and sustainable living to a global audience. In the proclamation, O’Malley also stated the importance of learning opportunities like the Solar Decathlon, noting that WaterShed “provided a tremendous hands-on learning experience for young aspiring professionals that will apply their experience for a better future for the global community.”

The University of Maryland won the Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 on October 1st. Their entry, WaterShed, is a unique blend of solar energy efficiency and water conservation wrapped in a beautiful, affordable design. The team placed in the top four for all juried contests and earned first place in architecture, energy balance and hot water. They finished out the competition with a 951 point score out of a possible 1000, the highest percentage ever awarded at the Solar Decathlon.

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The School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation at the University of Maryland is home to four academic disciplines: architecture, urban planning, historic preservation and real estate development. Committed to educating its students and community about the importance of sustainability and smart growth, the School practices an interdisciplinary approach to education, research, creative work, and community and professional service. For more information, please e-mail us or call 301.405.8000.

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