Syracuse University Selected by the US Department of Energy to Help Manufacturers Reduce Carbon Footprint
Syracuse University was selected by the US Department of Energy (DOE) as one of 32 universities to help local manufacturers improve their energy efficiency with a $ 60 million investment. The DOE and its largest cohort of university Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs) to date will support small and medium-sized manufacturers in reducing their CO2 emissions and energy costs while training the next generation of energy efficiency workers.
Syracuse University was selected by the US Department of Energy as one of 32 universities to help local manufacturers improve their energy efficiency with a $ 60 million investment.
The investment will help remove barriers to decarbonization across manufacturing and advance the goal of a clean energy economy.
“America’s best and brightest university students are successfully helping local manufacturers reduce pollution, save energy and cut their electricity bills,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm. “The DOE’s University Industrial Assessment Centers support small and medium-sized businesses – especially in disadvantaged and underrepresented communities – in transitioning to a clean energy economy, building the next generation of workforce in the energy sector, and advancing America toward a carbon-free future 2050. “
This new cohort of IACs at 32 universities will focus on improving productivity, improving cybersecurity, promoting resilience planning and delivering training to facilities in disadvantaged communities. The cohort will also participate in a new pilot project to expand into the commercial construction market. As part of the pilot project, selected IACs will work with community colleges and engineering programs to train a variety of students and professionals to conduct energy efficiency assessments of small to medium-sized buildings, including those in deprived communities.
To date, the IACs program, one of the DOE’s longest-running programs and managed by the Advanced Manufacturing Office, has provided nearly 20,000 free reviews for small and medium-sized manufacturers and more than 147,000 recommendations for improvement actions. Reviews typically identify more than $ 130,000 in potential annual savings.
Syracuse University has 10 to 15 students involved at a time, and the team conducts 20 assessments each year, says Jackie Anderson, assistant professor and director of the engineering management graduate program at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science.
“I look forward to working with our students to help the environment by improving energy efficiency in manufacturing facilities across the state,” said Anderson.
