The final of the Solar Decathlon Africa Design Challenge 2024 took place successfully at the Green & Smart Building Park on the UM6P campus in Benguerir. This major international event, dedicated to innovation and sustainable development in sustainable architecture and construction, highlighted the skills and ingenuity of participating teams from around the world.
The **Solar Decathlon Africa – Design Challenge 2024 (SDA-DC24)** is an international competition organized by the **Institute for Research in Solar Energy and New Energies (IRESEN)**, **Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)**, and the **Green Energy Park**, under the auspices of the **Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development** of the Kingdom of Morocco, with the support of the **U.S. Department of Energy (US DoE)**. This competition invites students to design innovative net-zero energy buildings tailored to the needs of Africa, focusing on climate resilience, accessibility, and community well-being.
**Technical and Scientific Results**
In this edition, teams composed of over 250 students and researchers from 6 different countries, representing more than 70 universities and higher education institutions, presented concepts for high-performance, energy-autonomous house prototypes incorporating cutting-edge technologies. Among the notable innovations:
– **Advanced Photovoltaic Systems:** Teams used next-generation solar panels optimized for maximum energy yields even in low-light conditions.
– **Energy Storage Systems:** Utilization of high-capacity batteries and thermal storage solutions, ensuring increased energy autonomy.
– **Smart Energy Management:** Integration of AI-based energy management systems, allowing for real-time optimization of energy consumption.
– **Eco-friendly Construction Materials:** Use of sustainable and recyclable materials, reducing the overall carbon footprint of constructions.
– **Innovative Construction Techniques:** Application of modular and prefabricated construction methods, reducing waste and improving resource efficiency.
**Sustainable Construction**
In addition to technological advancements, the Solar Decathlon Africa Design Challenge places a particular emphasis on sustainable construction. Teams demonstrated the importance of combining innovation and sustainability in their projects by integrating construction practices that minimize environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency.
The designs of the prototypes illustrate how sustainable construction techniques can be implemented on a large scale, positively influencing the building sector. By using available and local eco-friendly materials, efficient construction processes, and smart technologies, teams proved that sustainability and the performance of future buildings can go hand in hand.
The jury deliberated and is pleased to announce the winners in the following categories as well as the grand winner:
– **Residential:** the Eco-terra team, a team from the National School of Architecture of Marrakech;
– **Commercial:** the Innovex team, a team from the National School of Architecture of Rabat and SUPMTI Rabat;
– **Community:** the Buiclay team, a team from the Higher School of Technology of Salé, the National School of Arts and Crafts of Rabat, and the National School of Architecture of Rabat.
– **Grand Winner:** the Eco-terra team.
The award-winning teams distinguished themselves through their excellence in design, innovation, and sustainability of their value proposition. Their exemplary projects illustrate the immense potential of young international talents to transform the sustainable architecture sector.
The Solar Decathlon Africa Design Challenge 2024 was a resounding success, showcasing the immense potential of young international talents to transform the sustainable architecture sector. The projects presented this year will serve as a model for future initiatives in eco-friendly construction and sustainable development.