Team Ontario / BC spent a full day demonstrating the North House to both the media and VIPs today, after the Solar Decathlon officially opened in a ceremony with Energy Secretary Steven Chu.

We had the opportunity to tour Guy St. Jacques, Deputy Head of Mission in Washington, Marc Lepage, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Gary Mar, Head of the Alberta Government Office through the home. Team members also gave interviews with several Canadian and American news outlets. We were featured this evening on CBC News: The National, just after Rex Murphy. Also, check out this panorama from the Washington Post website highlighting Team Ontario / BC and our neighbours, Team Spain, Iowa State, and Penn State.

The objective contest portion of the Decathlon began today. These contests, which involve tasks like running the washer and dryer and monitoring the temperature and humidity of the house, are put in 5 categories, Comfort Zone, Hot Water, Appliances, Home Entertainment, and Net Metering. The Solar Decathlon has also just launched a scoreboard, updated every 15 minutes on their website. Follow this link to see how Team Ontario / BC is doing.

The Department of Energy’s 2009 Solar Decathlon Opening Ceremonies. Members of the press, located behind the VIP’s at the opening ceremonies (left). Energy Secretary Steven Chu announces the opening of the Solar Decathlon (right).

Lauren proudly displays the solar decathlete’s secret weapon, cough drops (left). Fabio, Humphrey, and Brad at the opening ceremonies (right).

Guy St. Jacques, Deputy Head of Mission in Washington, Marc Lepage, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, and Gary Mar, Head of the Alberta Government Office with Team Ontario / BC.

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