Syracuse Sun

The University has secured funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to establish new Building Training and Assessment Centers (BTACs). These centers aim to train undergraduate and graduate engineering students while contributing to a clean energy workforce. The SU-BTAC will align with the DOE BTAC program's vision, offering education and hands-on training for engineering students. This initiative focuses on reducing energy burdens for commercial and institutional buildings, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

The SU-BTAC will be located at the Syracuse Center of Excellence (SyracuseCoE), New York State’s hub for Environmental Energy Systems. SyracuseCoE collaborates with over 200 private companies, organizations, and academic institutions to develop products and services related to indoor environmental quality, clean and renewable energy, and water resource management.

In partnership with SyracuseCoE, the SU-BTAC plans to foster relationships and screening opportunities for companies. This effort aims to connect commercial and institutional buildings with regional programs involving unions, apprenticeships, trade organizations, community programs, among others.

“I see the SU-BTAC as an expansion of the Syracuse University Industrial Assessment Center (SU-IAC), now SU-ITAC, and as a great experiential learning opportunity for our students. Not only are we able to help commercial and institutional buildings with reducing their energy burden, but we are also able to teach and mentor the next generation of energy engineers,” stated Jackie Anderson, director of IAC and associate teaching professor in mechanical and aerospace engineering.

The leadership of SU-BTAC will consist of faculty from Syracuse University with support from faculty at the City University of New York. Professor Ian M. Shapiro will co-direct the center alongside professors Jensen Zhang and Bing Dong.