BEACHWOOD, Ohio -- A team of students from the University of Maryland is one of only 20 teams worldwide selected to compete in the U.S. Department of Energys Solar Decathlon 2011 and Tremco sustainable building solutions will be a part of their innovative and energy-efficient design.

Tremco Commercial Sealants & Waterproofings (CS&W) ExoAiro Air Barrier System - ExoAiro 110 Self-Adhered Air & Vapor Barrier Membrane and ExoAiro 220 Fluid-Applied Vapor-Permeable Air Barrier Membrane - is being used to control air and moisture infiltration which is known to increase energy consumption, cause premature degradation of building components and impact indoor air quality and occupant comfort. Tremco intumescent acrylic sealant Fyre-Caulk was applied on the interior for all through penetrations and fire-rated areas.

Tremco high-performance silicone sealants Spectremo 1 and Spectremo 2 were used for glazing of the windows, doors and sliders. Vulkemo 360NF/951NF, a coating system for pedestrian deck applications, was used for the "pond areos" where natural grasses and plants will live with a waterfall to recirculate the water. In addition to supplying product, Tremco CS&W provided on-site training with the students as the process began.

Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance supplied its Tremco TPA (Tri-polymer Alloy) Roof Membrane which is a highly reflective, cool roof system designed specifically for mechanically fastened applications. Also utilized was its Tremlock VP (standing seam) metal roof assembly, another highly sustainable roof assembly which can be specified in new steep-sloped construction or retrofit applications.

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 - a worldwide competition held every two years in Washington, DC - challenges 20 collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered homes that are not only energy-efficient and attractive, but also affordable. The houses will be transported to the National Mall for public display and judging in October 2011. The competitions top prize will go to the team that best balances cost-effectiveness, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.

WaterShed at University of Maryland

Marylands solar-powered house, WaterShed, will be the culmination of an innovative learning program - combining team building, collaboration, experiential learning, age-old wisdom, and new technologies to equip tomorrows professionals, leaders, and decision-makers with the knowledge to address one of the most critical issues of our time - dependence on fossil fuels. Nearly 300 students from architecture, engineering, environmental science and technology, plant sciences, landscape architecture, and other disciplines will participate in Marylands Decathlon effort. The last time the University of Maryland received the honor to compete in 2007, it placed first in the nation and second in the world.

Tremco Commercial Sealants & Waterproofing has taken the concept of sustainability and has incorporated it into its product development activities, operations and corporate culture. Using sustainable products, integrated design and best practices, Tremco CS&W, along with its sister divisions and sister companies within RPM International, have transformed the vintage 1970 Tremco headquarters into a model for sustainable design. At Tremco, sustainability has literally become the cornerstone of its business.