A student team from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Tiruchirappalli, emerged victorious at the recently concluded Solar Decathlon India (SDI) 2024 finals. Team EcoORB, led by Dr. K. Thirumaran and advised by Dr. A. Meenatchi Sundaram, secured the prestigious "Best Movie Award" for their captivating film presentation.
The SDI is a renowned net-zero building challenge for student teams across India. This year's edition witnessed an impressive participation of 175 teams competing across five building divisions and a product design division. The grand finale, held at the Infosys Mysuru campus from May 16th to 19th, saw six finalists from each division showcase their innovative designs for sustainable buildings.
Team EcoORB's winning entry impressed the jury with its profound human connection. Their film, lauded for its imagination, clarity, and inspiring story, focused on their design for construction workers' housing at NIT Puducherry. The team comprised a diverse group of students from Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Energy and Environment backgrounds, demonstrating a collaborative approach to sustainable building solutions.
The team is tweaking the prototype and collaborating with industry partners based on the NIT Tiruchirappalli Director Dr. G Aghila's guidance for use by construction workers/guardrooms on campus.
Director Madam congratulated the winners. Deans, HoD and the faculties also appreciated the Team's achievement.
About Solar Decathlon India (SDI):
The Solar Decathlon India (SDI) is an annual competition organized to empower future generations to address climate change through sustainable building practices. Inspired by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon®, SDI focuses on performance-based design and equips students with cutting-edge building simulation software. By partnering with real estate developers and industry leaders, SDI fosters the development of market-ready net-zero-energy and water buildings for a sustainable future.