A North Carolina university won a competition to compete in an Energy Department contest that challenges teams to construct homes that are sustainable and leave a low carbon footprint.

Appalachian State University in Boone is one of 20 schools from throughout the world that will compete in Solar Decathlon 2011, which will be in September 2011 on the National Mall in Washington. The school's entry is called Solar Homestead, a 1,000 square foot house with detached guest quarters.

"Appalachian's Department of Technology has been a leader in sustainable technology for more than 25 years," said Dr. Glenda Treadaway, Dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts. "It continues to build on that tradition of excellence with projects such as the Solar Homestead. "

One sponsor of the Appalachian State team is Lowe's Companies, who gave the school $350,000 for its efforts.

"The leadership demonstrated by the Appalachian team to educate its peers, lead the state and share with the world its solutions for sustainable living is truly commendable," said Larry D. Stone, chairman of Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation and president and chief operating officer of Lowe's Companies.