The Orange County Sustainability Decathlon Challenge: design and build a model solar-powered home that addresses climate change and California’s housing needs, showcases innovation, ensures the home is market-ready, and can educate the community about the challenges climate change poses.
Success in the face of adversity is nothing new to Rancho Cielo: Many thought the school wouldn’t work when the idea was presented over 20 years ago. However, it has flourished and currently has 200 students enrolled. Similar doubt was cast when Rancho Cielo decided to participate in the Orange County Sustainability Decathlon, competing against renowned institutions like Cal Poly Pomona, UC Santa Cruz and Virginia Tech.
Once again, the naysayers were proven wrong.
Thirty-eight Rancho Cielo’s Construction and Sustainable Design Academy students worked tirelessly over the last year.
They exceeded expectations, racking up five first-place awards (Energy Efficiency, Sustainability & Resilience, Lighting & Appliances, Health & Comfort, and Innovation) and three second-place awards (Architecture & Interior Design, Engineering & Construction, and Communications & Marketing) across ten categories, making them the overall winner of the inaugural competition.
