AURAK Departs for Solar Decathlon

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) Engineering School held a reception at the RAK Research and Innovation Center to commemorate the sending off of the Zero Energy Buildings to the 2018 Solar Decathlon Middle East.

The 2018 Solar Decathlon Middle East is an international competition created by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the Department of Energy of the United States in which competitors design and build solar houses adapted for heat, dust, and high humidity.  The entries are evaluated based on architecture, engineering and construction, energy management, energy efficiency, comfort conditions, house functioning, sustainable transportation, sustainability, communication, and innovation.

AURAK President, Professor Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim; Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, Professor Stephen Wilhite; Associate Provost for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Denise Gifford; Dean of the School of Engineering, Professor Mousa Mohsen; Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, Professor Daniel Kirk; Dean of the Office of Academic Support Services, Professor Steven Zani; Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research, Professor Bilal Akash; Vice President of Quality Assurance, Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation, Dr. Ashok Kabi Satpathy; Department Chair of Architecture, Dr. Eka Sediadi; Associate Professor of Architectural Design, Mr. Tawfiq Abu Hantash; and representatives from Al Nuaimi Group LLC and The Green Bridge Group Contracting LLC toured the Zero Energy Building before its departing to Dubai.  AURAK’s Zero Energy Building was built in cooperation with Al Nuami Group LLC and The Green Bridge Group Contracting LLC, providing students with expertise, technology, and training towards its design and construction.

“Competition impels ingenuity and creativity, which facilitates progress,” remarked Professor Al Alkim. “The 2018 Solar Decathlon is an excellent space for students to unleash their potential in combining classroom theories and technology with the use of resources they normally would not have access, all the while working to conserve the environment.”