Organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, in collaboration with the Green Energy Park and the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and with the support of the United States Department of Energy, the competition saw the participation of teams including more than 250 students and researchers from six countries.
These teams, representing more than 70 universities and schools, presented prototypes of highly energy-efficient houses incorporating the most recent technologies.
Thus, the “Eco-terra” team from the National School of Architecture (ENA) of Marrakech won the prize in the residential category, while the prize in the commercial category was awarded to the “Innovex” team. from ENA in Rabat and the “SupMTI” school in Rabat.
The community construction prize went to the “Buiclay” team from the École Supérieure de Technologie de Salé, the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Métiers in Rabat and the ENA in Rabat.
Notable innovations included advanced photovoltaic systems where teams used next-generation solar panels, optimized for maximum energy production even in low light conditions, and energy storage systems using high-capacity batteries and thermal storage solutions, guaranteeing greater energy autonomy.
It also involves intelligent energy management through the integration of energy management systems based on artificial intelligence, allowing energy consumption to be optimized in real time, as well as the use of sustainable and recyclable building materials.
Innovative construction techniques were also discussed, applying modular and prefabricated construction methods, thereby reducing waste and improving resource use efficiency.
The Solar Decathlon Africa Design Challenge, focused particularly on sustainable construction, demonstrating the importance of combining innovation and sustainability in projects, integrating construction practices that reduce environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency .
The prototype designs show how sustainable construction techniques can be applied at scale, positively influencing the construction industry.
The teams also unveiled, using locally available and environmentally friendly materials, efficient construction processes and intelligent, sustainable and efficient technologies in the construction of buildings of the future.
In this regard, Samir Rachidi, Director General of IRESEN, said that the competition saw the participation of multidisciplinary teams of university students, having designed high-performance buildings using sustainable construction models and accessible local materials .
He added, in a statement to MAP, that these teams distinguished themselves through exemplary projects, highlighting the enormous potential of young talents at the national, continental and international levels, to achieve a sustainable transition in the construction sector. and town planning.
For her part, Maryem Bzi, from the “Eco-terra” team, winner of this edition, expressed her joy at this victory, explaining that the team had focused on the technical and energy challenges as well as on the quality of the interior spaces taking into account the well-being of the inhabitants.
According to the organizers, the Challenge was a “resounding success”, demonstrating the enormous potential of young international talents to transform the sustainable construction sector through the projects presented this year, which are considered models for green construction initiatives and sustainable development in the future.