all competitions

The Dow Chemical Company has long been committed to using chemistry to solve the world's energy challenges, combining the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress.

In that spirit, Dow Solar has announced its sponsorship of The Dow Chemical Company Solar Design Competition. This international competition for the design of near-zero energy usage housing is open to students around the world studying architecture, engineering, industrial design, and other relevant design disciplines.

The Dow Chemical Company Solar Design Competition will serve as a global brain-storming exercise in which competitors cooperate in on-going dialogue and inspire innovation among one another. Given Dow’s leadership in the commercialization of new solutions to achieve near-zero energy homes, it the company’s hope that the ideas generated by this competition will extend far beyond its contestant population.

Dow's ability to develop solutions for the world's pressing energy and climate change challenges is built on the know-how we've used to transform our own global operations. As one of the world's largest industrial consumers of energy, we're living proof of how enhancing energy sources, optimizing use and minimizing losses can provide real and sustainable benefits. Our pioneering leadership in energy efficiency has led to a 38% reduction in energy intensity since 1990, saving nearly 1,700 trillion BTU. As a result of our corporate energy efficiency and conservation program, we have prevented more than 90 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.

Solar Design Competition 2011-2012 Prizes
The Dow Chemical Company Solar Design Competition will be an entirely peer-reviewed competition that will be held online and requires each contestant to judge other submissions against predetermined criteria.

Three winning entries, as determined by the peer review judging process, will receive cash prizes. First, second and third prizes - $20,000, $10,000 and $5,000 – will be awarded at a formal ceremony in early 2012.

Additional topical prizes (e.g. Best of Show, Green, Innovation, etc.) will be awarded by a separate jury of experts and Dow employees. Architect Peter Anders, of Kayvala Inc. will serve as a consultant for the competition. Kayvala works closely with innovative companies to develop new construction materials and products.

Competition registration will begin in August and is open to individual students, student teams, or students participating with professionals in any field appropriate to the project goals.

Registered contestants will participate in a three stage peer-review process ending in January 2012 to determine the winners.

Registration will open in August 2011! By signing up, you will receive information on the competition; you are not obligated to participate.

website: http://www.dowsolar.com/homeowner/near_zero/near_zero.htm