The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams to design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient and attractive. The award-winning solar house constructed at the Stevens Institute of Technology crossed the country twice and has been built and rebuilt three times. The SU+RE House is now a permanent exhibit at the Liberty Science Center.

         The SU+RE House is intended to deal with the reality of climate change, increase efficiency by using 90 percent less energy, become a fully solar-powered and resilient energy hub and ultimately achieve net zero energy use.

             While there are thousands of definitions for sustainability, the most relevant today is “without relying on the use of fossil fuels or other limited natural resources.” The SU+RE House will adhere to the most stringent building energy code in the world—the Passive House Standard.

Location: Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City. SU+RE house tours are held on weekends; sign up at the LSC welcome desk on the day of visit. For prearranged group tours for 10 or more people, call 201-253-1310. For more information, visit LSC.Org and SUREHouse.org.