Twenty-three current and former ASU students from various departments – including the School of Sustainability – were part of the ASUNM team that produced a structure called SHADE (Solar Homes Adapting for Desert Equilibrium). SHADE, which uses building materials and energy systems that are particularly effective and sustainable in a Southwestern desert environment, won fifth place in the architecture category and sixth in the engineering category of the 2013 Solar Decathlon. After making appearances in several states, it has returned to Phoenix and will soon be open for tours.

The Solar Decathlon, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, challenges teams to design and build innovative, affordable, sturdily crafted and comfortable solar-powered houses that produce as much energy as they consume and incorporate other sustainable living features. Students from ASU and University of New Mexico joined forces to form one of 19 teams of college students throughout the world selected to participate in the competition. The ASU students involved in the project hope it sparks further efforts to promote sustainable living.