Virginia Tech Takes on Solar Decathlon With Siemens

Virginia Tech Entry Manages Sun's Energy Sustainably with APOGEE® Building
Automation from Siemens Industry's Building Technologies Division

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Through contributions of
technology and engineering know-how from Siemens, Virginia Tech's entry is
more competitive than ever at this year's Solar Decathlon, now underway on the
National Mall in Washington DC. Virginia Tech's entry will be among 20
solar-powered, zero energy homes on display from colleges and universities
across the country and Europe. The Solar Decathlon is an international event
in which the Department of Energy (DOE) challenges teams from architecture and
engineering schools to design and build homes that use energy derived entirely
from the sun.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091012/NY90794)
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO)

"LUMENHAUS is a living laboratory," said Jack Davis, Virginia Tech's dean of
the College of Architecture and Urban Studies. "For students, this is an
opportunity for the hands-on application of what they learn in the classroom
and carry it fourth into their careers. Virginia Tech's entry is funded
entirely from external contributors, including the DOE and companies like
Siemens, and we wouldn't be here without their help and support."

Virginia Tech is competing in the Decathlon for the third time and this year's
entry is considered to be very competitive. LUMENHAUS uses current technology
to make the homeowner of the future's life more energy efficient, less
expensive and above all, sustainable. A comprehensive energy and resource
management strategy is implemented through technology and this allows
LUMENHAUS to take advantage of ambient environmental conditions no matter what
the season. Architecturally, LUMENHAUS incorporates open, free-flowing spaces
linking occupants to the natural environment outside as well as with each
other within the space. At its heart technologically is APOGEE Insight®, the
building automation system from the Building Technologies Division of Siemens
Industry, Inc. The system allows for sophisticated, integrated control schemes
that optimize energy efficiency and monitor and manage all aspects of the
building's heating ventilation and air conditioning systems, lighting, and
photovoltaic solar energy systems.

In all, the Building Technologies Division contributed more than $150,000 in
technology and engineering know-how, including hands-on mentoring by Siemens
engineer John Hamilton to help guide architect/engineering and computer
technology students during both the design and construction phases of the
project. As the deadlines for the exhibition approached, Virginia Tech's
students pulled a few all-nighters with Hamilton, learning first-hand how to
solve real-world technical challenges.

LUMENHAUS is competing in the Decathlon's 10 contests including architecture,
engineering, market viability, communications, comfort, appliances, water
heating, lighting, home entertainment, as well as a special two-part net
metering competition, where teams are rated on their energy generating
capabilities and can win a bonus for having house that produces more energy
than it consumes. Other sustainable features include the use of passive energy
systems, radiant heating and building materials that are from renewable and/or
recyclable sources.

About Siemens:
Siemens Industry, Inc. (SII) is the U.S. affiliate of Siemens' global Industry
Sector business -- the world's leading supplier of production, transportation
and building technology solutions. The company's integrated hardware and
software technologies enable comprehensive industry-specific solutions for
industrial and infrastructure providers to increase their productivity,
sustainability and profitability. The Industry Sector includes six divisions:
Building Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility,
Drive Technologies and OSRAM SYLVANIA. With nearly 222,000 Siemens Industry
Sector employees worldwide, the Industry Sector posted a worldwide profit of
$5.82 billion on revenues of $57 billion in fiscal 2008.
www.usa.siemens.com/Industry

Building Technologies
A division of Siemens Industry, Inc. (SII), Building Technologies (BT)
Division is a leading provider of energy and environmental solutions, building
controls, electrical distribution equipment, fire safety and security systems
solutions. BT's solutions enable America's buildings to be more comfortable,
secure and environmentally friendly as well as less costly to operate. With a
U.S. headquarters in Buffalo Grove, Ill., BT employs 7,400 people and provides
a full range of services and solutions from more than 100 locations
coast-to-coast. Worldwide, the company has 28,000 employees and operates from
more than 500 locations in 51 countries. The Building Technologies Division
posted worldwide revenues of $9.02 billion in fiscal 2008.
www.usa.siemens.com/buildingtechnologies

SOURCE Siemens

Steven Kuehn, +1-847-941-6047, steve.kuehn@siemens.com