Lehigh University has been named one of 32 universities across the country to receive $60 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to serve as Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs).
The IACs will help small- and medium-sized manufacturers reduce their carbon emissions, lower their energy costs, and train the next generation of energy-efficient workers. The investment will help remove decarbonization barriers across the manufacturing sector, part of the Biden Administration’s goal of achieving 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 Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “DOE’s university-based Industrial Assessment Centers are assisting small- and medium-sized businesses – particularly those in disadvantaged and underrepresented communities – in the transition to a clean energy economy, building the next-generation energy workforce, and propelling America toward a carbon-free future by 2050.”
The new cohort of 32 universities in 28 states will focus on improving productivity, enhancing cybersecurity, promoting resiliency planning, and providing training to entities located in disadvantaged communities. The group will also take part in a new pilot project to expand the commercial building market. In that project, select IACs will partner up with community colleges and technical programs to train students and professionals on how to conduct energy-efficiency assessments of small to medium-sized buildings.
“Lehigh University is nationally recognized for its excellence in research and leading innovations, and this selection as an Industrial Assessment Center reflects its strength as an institution and commitment to our community,” said U.S. Representative Susan Wild (PA-07). “This choice will allow Lehigh to continue and expand upon its work to create jobs, reduce emissions, and promote sustainability among our manufacturers. I’m thrilled that a pillar of the Greater Lehigh Valley is getting the recognition it deserves from the Department of Energy.”
The IACs program is one of the DOE’s longest-running programs and has provided nearly 20,000 no-cost assessments, including more than 147,000 recommendations for improvement measures. Assessments typically identify more than $130,000 in potential annual savings opportunities.