An overall sustainable approach to shape the citizenship of tomorrow: the Solar Decathlon Competition

Buildings are responsible for half of the European energy consumption. Afterward dealing with the reduction of CO2 emissions involves sustainable housing, with the aim at minimizing energy needs to reach comfort conditions, and to build a system of production of alternative energy able to feed entirely those needs. This paper deals with the Solar Decathlon Competition, on the basis of two participations of the University of Roma TRE with housing prototypes focusing on passive behavior, natural materials, reusable components and products. But the importance of a Solar Decathlon experience, where multidisciplinary students are involved in the design and construction of housing, belongs not only to the building sector, but also engage many others common lifestyles: uniforms employ natural textiles; furniture designed by the team derives from a nesting process in order to reduce material waste; menu tries to reduce at maximum exotic products and meat consumption, that can have an important impact on the environment, for the gas emission in atmosphere. This approach is deeply encouraged by Solar Decathlon, an international award-winning program that challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency. The author guided a team -composed by the Universities of Rome TRE and Sapienza- in the Solar Decathlon 2012 edition and is guiding a new team belonging to the University Rome TRE, bringing students towards an experimental awareness on the entire life cycle of a building, affecting their lives as well. This paper will deal with this overall experience focusing from the science of interior environments to the ecology of the entire planet.