The University of Maryland’s Solar Decathlon WaterShed team has been awarded a $50,000 grant from Constellation Energy, a Baltimore-based company specializing in energy products and services. Constellation’s “E2: Energy to Educate” grants recognize environmental projects that inspire students to use science and technology to address growing energy challenges. The WaterShed team was one of 10 national grant recipients. WaterShed is the university’s submission to the US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011, and the creative inter-disciplinary collaboration of over 100 Maryland students from various departments and schools, including the School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, the A. James Clark School of Engineering, the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, and the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Maryland’s Solar Decathlon team can dedicate the grant to any part of the development process, including building materials, construction, planning or furnishings. WaterShed will go head-to-head with 19 other project houses from collegiate teams all over the world this September.

"The E2: Energy to Educate grant will provide the WaterShed team with the resources it needs to research, design and build a solar-powered house inspired by the rich, complex ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay watershed," said Amy Gardner, associate professor of architecture and principal investigator for the project. For more information on the University of Maryland’s WaterShed, visit http://2011.solarteam.org.

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.

School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation  |  Collaborative Education for a Sustainable Future