Syracuse University receives $750,000 from U.S. Department of Energy to accelerate innovations for ‘grid-interactive’ and energy-efficient buildings
October 14 2021 - 8:47AM
Syracuse University has received a $750,000 award from the U.S.
Department of Energy (DOE) to accelerate development and
commercialization of innovations for ‘grid-interactive’ and
energy-efficient buildings. The project is focused on strengthening
the regional innovation cluster in Central New York, including
resources available through the Syracuse Center of Excellence in
Environmental and Energy Systems (SyracuseCoE) and CenterState CEO.
This is one of ten awards made by DOE’s Energy Program for
Innovation Clusters (EPIC) and is the only EPIC project focused on
building technologies.
As the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated anew, indoor spaces
are crucial to the health, comfort and productivity of occupants.
At the same time, building operations are responsible for nearly
half of the energy used in the US. The DOE’s Building Technology
Office envisions that a clean-energy future requires innovations
for “grid-interactive buildings” (GEBs) that integrate energy
generation or storage capabilities and management systems that
interact with the regional electrical grid.
Participating companies will receive assistance to develop and
commercialize energy hardware innovations for buildings, including
heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, building
envelope systems, building-integrated energy generation and
harvesting technologies, and building-integrated battery and
thermal energy storage systems. Beyond the innovation cluster, the
goals of the project are to promote equity & public health in
this sector and further the nation’s transition to net-zero carbon
emissions.
“This award gives us the opportunity to strengthen and grow the
regional cluster of businesses that are developing building
technology innovations and products,” said Eric Schiff, interim
executive director of SyracuseCoE. “This project supports
SyracuseCoE’s mission to catalyze these innovations in New York
State.”
The project will sponsor a series of events and resources for
networking, technical, marketing and equity issues, as well as
provide access to funding opportunities and national lab resources.
Startup companies can join the Clean Tech Center in Syracuse which
offers a suite of services with additional financial support from
NYSERDA. All companies can propose collaborative projects involving
intellectual property, prototypes, and proof-of-concept for their
potential products for buildings.
“The ‘smart’ and high-performance building technologies regional
innovation cluster is critical to Central New York’s economy. We
are excited to partner with the SyracuseCoE on this project as it
will leverage and build on that existing regional expertise, and
strengthen strategies to improve public health, particularly in
disadvantaged communities, ” said Rob Simpson, president of
CenterState CEO. “Ensuring that we can help companies and
innovators advance these systems to drive more equitable health
outcomes is central to our vision of creating a place where
business thrives and all people prosper.”
A kickoff webinar will be held on Tuesday, October 19th at 4
p.m. ET. The event will give a brief introduction to the program,
including the opportunities available for CNY companies. Event
panelists will discuss the needs and opportunities for energy
hardware innovations for “smart buildings,” including products that
promote equity and health in addition to grid interactivity and
energy efficiency. Monica Neukomm, Technology Manager for
Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings (GEB), with the DOE’s Building
Technologies Office (BTO) will join the panel. The event will also
be joined by Eric Schiff, Ed Bogucz, Bing Dong, and Bess
Krietemeyer from Syracuse University, and Sarah Hood and Juhanna
Rogers from CenterState CEO, and Joseph Borowiec from NYSERDA. For
more information about the program, contact Tammy Rosanio at
tlrosani@syr.edu. You can register to attend by clicking this
link.
About SyracuseCoE
Led by Syracuse University, SyracuseCoE is part of Central New
York’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem. The center is a
hub for innovative research and product development to improve
indoor environmental quality, energy efficiency in buildings, clean
and renewable energy and water resources. One of 13 NYSTAR funded
Centers of Excellence, SyracuseCoE strategically brings industry
partners together with researchers and students in a thriving
culture of collaboration and innovation, ultimately creating new
businesses and jobs, strengthening regional and state
economies.
About CenterState CEO
CenterState CEO is an independent and forward thinking economic
development strategist, business leadership organization and
chamber of commerce; dedicated to the success of its members and
the prosperity of the region. We serve as an advocate and resource
for smart business, catalyze and facilitate regional growth, and
promote community prosperity through results-driven partnerships,
planning and problem-solving. www.centerstateceo.com
Daryl Lovell
Syracuse University
(315) 380-0206
dalovell@syr.edu
