Oklahoma State University is one of 32 universities in 28 states that will conduct industrial assessments for the U.S. Department of Energy to help manufacturers in carbon reduction.
The Energy Department announced the program will receive $60 million in funding for its largest-ever cohort of university-based Industrial Assessment Centers. The program helps small and medium-sized manufacturers in reducing their carbon emissions and lowering energy costs. It also trains the next generation of energy-efficiency workers.
“America’s best and brightest university students are successfully helping local manufacturers reduce pollution, save energy, and cut their electricity bills,” said Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm.
This new cohort of IACs at 32 universities will focus on improving productivity, enhancing cybersecurity, promoting resiliency planning, and providing trainings to entities located in disadvantaged communities stated the Energy Department announcement.
The cohort will also engage in a new pilot project to expand to the commercial building market. As part of the pilot, selected IACs will partner with community colleges and technical programs to train diverse students and professionals to conduct energy-efficiency assessments of small to medium-sized buildings, including those located in disadvantaged communities.
To date, the IACs program, one of DOE’s longest-running programs managed by the Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO), has provided nearly 20,000 no-cost assessments for small- and medium-sized manufacturers and more than 147,000 recommendations for improvement measures. Assessments typically identify more than $130,000 in potential annual savings opportunities.
In addition to Oklahoma State, others include the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Texas A&M Engineering Station, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, the University of Missouri and the University of Nebraska.
Click here for full list.