MIDLAND, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As a leading global chemical company focused on bringing innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE:DOW) launched today the Dow Solar Design to Zero Competition, an international challenge open to architecture, design and engineering students and professionals. The competition challenges students to develop innovative projects incorporating active and passive solar technologies, among other sustainable construction-related solutions, to design near-zero energy multi-family dwellings.
“Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Dow, so this competition is a great way to learn from today’s students about the type of sustainable design solutions we need to foster for the future,” explained Pat Nugent, director of new business development, Dow Solar. “Having this type of global collaboration and input is also a wonderful way to find creative approaches to incorporating energy efficiency and solar capabilities into a home. The aesthetics are becoming more important for consumers who want to live more sustainably, but don’t want their lifestyle or home to be compromised, so it will be especially exciting to see the blend of art and science in these near zero designs.”
Given the collaborative nature of the competition and the increasingly interconnectedness of the Information Age, the competition will live exclusively online at www.designtozero.com. Registration for the competition is open through September 25 (final date for registration payment). All proceeds from registration will go toward an NGO to be announced by Dow Solar. All final housing designs must be submitted by October 31. The prizes, including first, second and third prize winners of $20,000, $10,000, and $5,000 will be announced at an event in the Spring of 2012.
The Dow Solar Design to Zero competition aligns with Dow’s commitment and vision articulated in its ambitious 2015 sustainability goals, which include developing and applying innovative technologies and collaborations that further sustainability. The Dow Solar Design to Zero Competition also supports Dow’s role as global partner in the U.N.-designated 2011 International Year of Chemistry. The initiative celebrates achievements in science and the potential of chemistry to address world challenges, encourage interest in chemistry among young people and generate enthusiasm for the creative future of this science.
For more information on the Dow Design to Zero Competition, or to register, please visit www.designtozero.com, and follow competition conversations on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/designtozero) and Twitter using the hashtag #DesignToZero.
About Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow's diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2010, Dow had annual sales of $53.7 billion and employed approximately 50,000 people worldwide. The Company's more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 188 sites in 35 countries across the globe. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.
About Dow™ POWERHOUSE™
In 2007, Dow received a $20 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy as part of its Solar America Initiative to develop "building integrated" solar arrays for the residential and commercial markets. In October 2009, Dow Solar unveiled the DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle as the first in a portfolio of building related solar energy generating products. Since its introduction, the Solar Shingle has been hailed as revolutionary, including being named one of the "50 Best Inventions of 2009" by TIME magazine.
The innovative product design provides an unprecedented integrated roof appearance and simplified installation. It combines a roofing shingle with a solar cell, enabling the DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle to be installed by a roofer along with standard asphalt roofing materials. This makes the DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle an easy choice for homeowners looking for a residential solar solution that is easy to install and aesthetically pleasing. Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) products from Dow Solar are evidence that Dow is focused on developing energy alternatives and expanding Dow's commitment to use chemistry to solve the world's energy challenges. More information about Dow Solar can be found at www.dowsolar.com.
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