Team Germany of Darmstadt Technical University, sponsored by HOCHTIEF, has won the Solar Decathlon a second time. At this international college and university competition organized by the U.S. Department of Energy, participants design houses according to the most recent energy efficiency criteria and then compete against one another. 20 teams from universities around the world took part this year. Construction services provider HOCHTIEF supported the architecture and electrical engineering students from Darmstadt Technical University with technical expertise and financing. HOCHTIEF has a global commitment for sustainable buildings and is the U.S. market leader in the area of "green buildings". Team Germany could also rely on our US-subsidiary Turner: They provided additional materials and equipment required to re-build the house and assisted with the re-packing and securing of the house for its return back to Darmstadt, Germany.

This competition, which was held for the fourth time, aims to present the potential of solar construction to the general public in the context of a construction exhibition. It is also serves as an international exchange in the area of solar, energy-efficient and sustainable construction and living. Participating teams constructed their approximately 80-square meter buildings on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., which were judged according to ten criteria: Architecture, quality of living conditions, documentation, communications, comfort, appliances, hot water, lighting design, energy capabilities and operating electric cars with energy the house produced. In the process, the building had to demonstrate its sustainability in terms of architectural design and technological efficiency. Last but not least, presentation also counted.