The 2023 Rose Parade on January 2nd will feature a float designed by students, “Building the Future,” showcasing the “present” of sustainable homebuilding through the first-of-its-kind demonstration hydrogen home, inspired by SoCalGas’ [H2] Innovation Experience in Downey, CA.
The float was designed by 10 to 15-year-old participants of the Building Industry Association of Southern California (BIASC) Junior Builders program. The design celebrates the BIASC’s 100th year by depicting the past, present and future of homes.
The home of the “present” demonstrates the latest in sustainable and resilient home building, inspired by SoCalGas’ [H2] Innovation Experience, located in Downey, California, site of a new, clean renewable hydrogen microgrid and LEED platinum certified home.
Armando Infanzon, SoCalGas Director of Business Development, said, “What’s truly exciting is that hydrogen microgrids such as this could power communities – with the production of clean renewable hydrogen with net-zero carbon emissions. At the end of the day, this is about shaping our future - with clean, renewable, and reliable energy for all.”
“We are proud to be a part of a float that was designed by students from the BIA’s Junior Builders program to encourage youth to follow career opportunities in building and STEM. SoCalGas invests in our communities through purposeful charitable giving, partnerships, and volunteerism,” said Trisha Muse, SoCalGas’ Director of Community Relations. SoCalGas has committed to invest $50 million over the next five years to help create more equitable communities.
SoCalGas partnered with the Building Industry Association of Southern California to support their Junior Builders program with a $100,000 donation and had over 200 SoCalGas employees volunteer to help decorate the float.
Mia Montejano, 15, with the BIASC’s Junior Builders, who said that they came up with the design last summer, said, “We wanted to show that creativity is an important part of the future of building.”
Pictured
Top: Mia and Maddie Montejano with BIASC’s Junior Builders, helped design the float. Bottom: SoCalGas volunteers decorating the “Building the Future” Rose Parade float.
