First Light House

Tuesday 29 November 2011

Summer 2011

Meridian’s drive for a better energy future was illustrated by our support of a team of Victoria University students who took third place in the US Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon competition.

The students built a solar-powered iconic Kiwi bach called the ‘Meridian First Light House’ for their entry in the highly anticipated international design competition.

The 10 contests that made up the competition were designed to demonstrate inventive clean-energy solutions – solar-powered houses using cost-effective, energy-efficient construction with energy-saving appliances and renewable energy systems.

Meridian’s team won the Engineering contest, achieved equal first in Hot Water and Energy Balance, second for Architecture and third for Market Appeal.

The house was the first Southern Hemisphere entry to qualify for the competition and attracted crowds to Wellington’s waterfront throughout May capturing the interest of the public and national media.

“Meridian is delighted to have been involved in such an exciting project that has given potential leaders of tomorrow an amazing opportunity to show off Kiwi ingenuity and skill on the world stage,” says CEO Tim Lusk. “The creativity of the Victoria University team shares great synergies with Meridian's passion and drive to create a better energy future.”