This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. “We all make personal choices in life. When you choose energy, you have more power than you think.” says Richard King from the Department of Energy. In his talk, he shares the foundation of the solar decathlon project and the opportunities that Solar energy can bring to our lives.

Credit: images are creative common or provided by the speaker.

Richard is a physicist at the Department of Energy and enjoys working with young architects and engineers because he believes they have the most responsibility for the way energy is used. As individuals, all of us are responsible for the energy we use in and around our homes. We all make personal choices. Do you walk, ride a bike, or drive a car? Do you purchase green power? Do you leave lights on? How about the airport or a community building? If energy is being wasted, who is responsible? Richard started a competition for universities called the Solar Decathlon. The challenge is to design houses of the future - sustainable homes powered by the sun. Thousands of students have given 2.4 million tours of innovative homes in the past few years, a great way to help reach a tipping point. But reaching that point depends on a world of choices.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)