Participatory research for the evaluation of satisfaction with solar decathlon competitions: A survey analysis

Abstract

With its first edition held in 2002 organized by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Solar Decathlon is a university competition focused on training the next generation of architects and engineers with the aim of spreading the concept of efficient houses powered by the sun, fostering a more sustainable and efficient world. To date, 18 competitions have been held around the world with approximately 291 teams, involving thousands of students, professors, organizers, visitors, etc. With almost two decades of history, there is no information on the performance of competitions in the eyes of those who have gone through this experience. This study, developed in the Annex 74 “Competition and Living Lab Platform” of the International Energy Agency’s Energy in Building and Communities Technology Collaboration Program, seeks to provide insight into the experience of former decathletes, faculties, organizers, and professionals who have attended some of the competitions held so far. To reach this objective, a worldwide survey was conducted in 2020 and an analysis of the responses was carried out. With this information, it is possible to assess the performance of Solar Decathlon competitions and associated events in order to improve them.