An international architectural design competition for the so-called "Sun-lit Schools" was launched in Beijing on Wednesday, to seek solutions for solar-fueled school buildings in the countryside.

The contest is co-organized by the International Solar Energy Society (ISES) and the China Renewable Energy Society.

Contestants are required to design "Sun-lit" school buildings with reference to climatic conditions in earthquake-hit areas such as Maerkang and Mianyang, both in Sichuan Province.

Energy-efficient design is revolution for the architecture sector, a major energy consumer, according to Zhong Jishou, the organizing committee executive chairman.

"We want to make a breakthrough in building schools in the quake areas," he said. "Moreover, we also want provide a new model for rebuilding programs in these areas."

Professionals from domestic and overseas architectural institutions, universities and research and manufacturing companies related to solar energy are eligible applicants.

For more information, visit www.isbdc.cn.

(Xinhua News Agency June 26, 2008)