UC Irvine Field Laboratory Wins APPA Award

The UC Irvine Field Laboratory, a research-driven partnership led by UC Irvine’s National Fuel Cell Research Center, in collaboration with Facilities Management and Environmental Planning & Sustainability, has received international recognition for being “extremely innovative” in its use of utility infrastructure as a model for communities and colleges worldwide. UC Irvine’s Campus Energy Manager, Matt Gudorf, accepted APPA’s 2013 Effective & Innovative Practices Award for “programs and processes that enhance service delivery, lower costs, increase productivity, improve customer service, generate revenue, or otherwise benefit the educational institution.” Other participants include Siemens, MelRoK, Toyota, ETAP, UC Irvine’s Transportation & Distribution Services, Southern California Edison, and Southern California Gas Co.

The Field Laboratory acts as a “microgrid” such that the campus power needs are addressed primarily through on-site generation and novel energy efficiency and management strategies. With the use of advanced technologies like concentrated solar power, electric vehicles and charging stations, and high-resolution power metering, the NFCRC is able to collect data and monitor energy usage and savings. With the collaboration of the NFCRC and Facilities Management, UC Irvine acts as a recognizable model for colleges and institutes around the world to practice reliable and sustainable energy use strategies.



May 20, 2013