IIT Bombay’s SHUNYA secures second place in ‘Solar Decathlon’ Build Challenge in US
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay’s SHUNYA (Sustainable Housing for Urbanizing Nation by its Young Aspirants) team secured second place in Solar Decathlon Build Challenge in the United States for their innovative zero-energy house designed to address air quality challenges in Mumbai’s hot and humid climate.
SHUNYA is a student-driven technical team of IIT Bombay working to build a sustainable future. It was the only team representing India in this competition out of 32 teams from across the world.
The house developed by the team has a 14-kW solar PV Plant with an advanced in-house automation system. The Automation system controls the in-house developed dehumidifier system designed especially for the climatic conditions of coastal regions. This house consumes nearly 80% less water than the regular house with its water efficiency fixtures, recycling system, and rainwater harvesting system.
The team includes more than 50 students with engineering, architectural, and management backgrounds from more than 16 departments of IIT Bombay.