The 2013 Solar Decathlon China is a newly implemented, biennial residential design competition sponsored by the National Energy Administration of China and the U.S. Department of Energy. There are 23 collegiate teams from all over the world designing homes that will be built and transported to China for the competition. The University of Illinois was chosen to partner with the host team, Peking University in Beijing, China, because of the successful past Solar Decathlon experiences and favorable international reputation. Teams are required to meet specific criteria, demonstrating their ability to design an entirely solar-powered home of approximately 100 square meters. During the decathlon competition, the homes are judged in ten specific areas of competition: Architecture, Market Appeal, Engineering, Communications, Solar Application, Comfort Zone, Hot Water, Appliances, Home Entertainment, and Energy Balance. In addition to educational benefits to hundreds of students involved in this unique multi-disciplinary project, it is also a great opportunity for University of Illinois to showcase its
achievements on an international scale.

The goal for this year's project, Etho, is to further enhance the University of Illinois's reputation for educational excellence while abroad. This competition is the next step in the long and evolving process that is Illinois Solar decathlon. This year this team hopes to continue and increase the momentum that the past homes have generated for all the University of Illinois programs involved. Solar Decathlon injects a level of energy and collaboration that is not often experienced in student run projects. For what they work on is actually built, a real home, and our University leaves a lasting legacy that encompasses our design and engineering abilities. On campus they hope to continue to connect and educate students from multiple disciplines about the ever-growing field of sustainability issues.