During the Orange County Sustainability Decathlon (“OCSD”) held from October 5th to 15th, 2023, teams from the Monterey Bay area achieved remarkable success, dominating first place in seven contests and securing top two finishes in all ten categories. The standout overall winner, excelling in sustainability, resilience, architecture & design, health & comfort (tie), and lighting & appliances was the Rancho Cielo Youth Campus from Salinas, California. This institution, dedicated to empowering underserved youth, made an indelible impact on the judges with their high-performance and commitment to excellence.

Rancho Cielo Nexus

The victory was embodied in Rancho Cielo’s Nexus house, a testament to sustainable living and collaborative innovation. The house's design and construction speak volumes of the drive and possibilities when it comes to eco-friendly and resilient architectural pursuits.

Fred Smoller, the OCSD’s president and CEO, shared his admiration, “This is a heartwarming underdog story. Rancho Cielo, while being the smallest school with fewer resources, showed what sheer willpower can accomplish. Their victory shines a light on the vital role of vocational education.”

Adding to this sentiment, Chris Devers, President and CEO of Rancho Cielo, highlighted that this achievement is a reflection of the community's collaborative effort, challenging preconceptions and showcasing the fruits of shared determination: “Many said it couldn’t be done. Rancho Cielo’s accomplishment was earned by the board, donors, staff, students, and community partners.”

UCSC EcoHus

Not to be outdone, the UCSC EcoHus team made waves as well, leading in Water Use & Conservation, Energy Efficiency, and Innovation. Their additional placements in Market Potential and Lighting & Appliances underlined their design’s practicality and appeal. The “EcoHus” design integrates sustainable living with affordability, featuring a home constructed from a shipping container within a greenhouse. This inventive home, crafted from recycled materials, is designed to be fully off-grid, complete with a sophisticated power and water system, and even includes an area for food cultivation.

Sue Carter, a professor from UCSC’s Physical & Biological Sciences Division, detailed their marketing strategy, offering a clear path to ownership for eco-conscious homebuyers, with options for an entire sustainable living ecosystem at competitive prices.

Hell Yeah!

The display of innovation, community spirit, and a drive for sustainable development at the OCSD is truly commendable. It is a clear indication that when communities come together, driven by purpose and passion, there is no limit to what they can achieve. Congratulations to Rancho Cielo, UCSC EcoHus, and all the teams for their incredible performances and for paving the way toward a more sustainable future. Their successes go beyond the Decathlon; they are shaping the blueprint for tomorrow's living standards.