- Initiative through the Department of Energy will support efforts to improve energy efficiency and workforce development at Connecticut manufacturers
- Faculty from the University of Connecticut and University of New Haven will participate
- Program will look to specific efforts, such as reducing energy and water use
Summary by Dirk Langeveld
The University of Connecticut and University of New Haven are teaming up on a major research effort to help local manufacturers reduce their carbon footprint.
Using $3.4 million in funding from the Department of Energy, nine faculty from the schools will assist small and medium-sized manufacturers in Connecticut and New York with free audit services and consultations on reducing the environmental impact from their operations. The efforts will look to areas such as reducing energy and water use, implementing renewable energy systems, and minimizing industrial waste.
The initiative will also work toward improvements such as training workers, improving productivity, and strengthening cybersecurity.
- The project is part of a $60 million DOE effort across 28 states to support university-based Industrial Assessment Centers
- Connecticut has more than 1,000 small and medium-sized manufacturers as well as a strong aerospace and naval manufacturing industry, but has been historically underserved in IAC assessments
- Smaller manufacturers often lack the in-house research and development capabilities to pursue energy improvements and other initiatives
- The UConn and UNH effort will also capitalize on partnerships with numerous existing business groups, energy efficiency firms, and others
