ABSTRACT
As Solar Decathlon Europe took flight, other places around the world seized upon the opportunity to formulate and render their own versions of this unique program. Pioneering leaders in different regions of the world realized that the educational value and workforce development strengths of this competition could help propel their university students toward successful professional careers. In addition, Decathletes who participated in these events became remarkable change agents capable of promoting transformational thinking, applied practice, and government policy from the ground up. Forward-looking pathfinders also recognized the potential for Solar Decathlon to move the needle with the expansion of renewable energy and growth of sustainable building practices. For many nations, dependence on fossil fuels was untenable, unhealthy, and costly in the long run, especially if they lacked their own resources. Plus, affordable housing had become a global issue that begged for innovative solutions, particularly in developing countries.
