Industrial Training and Assessment Center @ Michigan State University

MSU ITAC research project highlight: This research by Victoria Redruello aims to enhance the accuracy of building energy assessment recommendations by utilizing heat flux sensors to directly measure R-values. Accurate assessment of building envelope performance is crucial for effective energy efficiency strategies.

MSU ITAC research project highlight: This project completed by Michael Burns focused on creating an Energy Use Intensity (EUI) calculator that applies to both commercial and industrial facilities. EUI is a key metric that measures a building’s energy performance relative to its size and usage.? Now analysts at the ITAC can present clients with their calculated EUI before an assessment is conducted, and afterwards if the recommendations made were to be implemented.

Are you an automotive supplier in Michigan looking to make the transition to electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing or alternative clean energy products? Michigan State University's Industrial Training and Assessment Center (MSU-ITAC), in partnership with University of Michigan - Economic Growth Institute, is here to help! Please see the post below for more information.

We are excited to share this research project completed by Sean Fleming and Yusuf Basmaci! This project focuses on the use of large language models to help streamline parts of the ITAC assessment process. The deliverables of this project included: A trained large language model that can analyze components of anonymized utility data, and a creative prompt useful for brainstorming ideas to save energy.

Michigan State University Industrial Assessment Center Research Project Highlight: This project, completed by Josie Caldwell, focuses on how small to medium sized manufacturers can reduce the strain on the grid by becoming apart of an emergency demand response program. Read more about it by visiting this website: https://lnkd.in/g5sGnyDz

The MSU Industrial Assessment Center (MSU IAC) is changing its name! We are now the MSU Industrial Training and Assessment Center (MSU ITAC). This is a nationwide name change for all existing and new ITACs. We look forward to continuing to work with everyone to support energy and manufacturing workforce development, and SMM energy costs, efficeincy and sustainability improvements.

Michigan State University Industrial Assessment Center Research Project Highlight: This project focuses on how manufacturers deal with problems relating to energy resilience. This project was important because extreme weather puts a strain on the grid, leading to power outages and process disruptions. Speaking with the industrial facilities the MSU IAC was doing assessments with helped illuminate what resilience issues Michigan manufacturers face and how they plan for such issues. The findings revealed that many manufacturers are investing in innovative solutions such as renewable energy sources, backup power systems, and improved energy management practices. This project was completed by Katie Tonielli, learn more about the findings related to energy resilience by checking out the flyer below!

Are you passionate about energy, sustainability, the environment, decarbonization? resilience? Do you want to work in an energy, sustainability, or manufacturing related career? We are looking for students like you! Students will be trained in conducting energy- and sustainability-focused assessments of commercial buildings and manufacturing facilities. Experience will be gained in energy efficiency and sustainability measures for industrial and commercial buildings, data compilation and analysis, outreach, leadership on assessments and within the center, training, and mentoring.?? Apply now!

The IAC worked hard over the summer! Our team has tackled it all! Of the 19, 2 of these assessments include wastewater treatment plants, 6 commercial buildings, and 11 industrial. On top of this, each of our students conducted their own research project that advances/benefits the IAC in some way. Their dedication to learning and innovation is the force behind our continued success. We were also pleased to join Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm for a walkthrough of our process at Paramount Coffee, where the IAC conducted a successful assessment in 2023. As we look ahead to the new semester, we're excited to continue our work and expand our impact on the industry. Our students and faculty are eager to tackle new challenges and make a difference.

This summer some of our Energy and Sustainability Analysts worked outside of the IAC. Many continued to learn more about how small and and medium sized industrial manufacturers and commercial buildings can save energy, and others worked on energy modeling. Check out what Cade Person, Julianna Thompson, Behlul Kula, and Michael Burns have been up to! Being in the IAC has helped these individuals become more passionate and eager to learn about the impact these buildings have on the environment. They were able to apply skills they learned from working in the IAC to internships and jobs to help excel their career.