Take a stroll down to the Naval Yard in Philadelphia and you're bound to find the new Greater Philadelphia Innovation Cluster (GPIC) for Energy-Efficient Buildings.
Founded in 2010, it is a federal multi-agency funding opportunity to help create an "Energy Innovation Hub to develop innovative energy efficient building technologies, designs and systems."
While many people are searching for solutions to integrating alternative energy into the nation's infrastructure, GPIC has a different primary goal. "GPIC is not focused on the alternative energy generation," said Christine Knapp, the Manager of Public and Client Relations at GPIC. "We are more focused on reducing energy consumption in the first place. The cheapest and cleanest energy is the kind you do not use."
Much of the $129 million in funding from the federal government came from the Department Of Energy. GPIC is supported by over 70 companies that range from banks and community organizations, to various industry associations. Penn State University is also very involved as the GPIC has 24 members with the University leading the way. "Penn State is the lead organization and helps to manage the overall success of GPIC by handling the funds directly from the Department Of Energy."
Whether it is designing new tools, integrating existing technology, trying to influence public policy, or collaborating on projects, GPIC hopes to transform the building retrofit environment, stimulate private investment and create jobs both in Philadelphia and the nation as a whole.
GPIC is also helping students learn about energy solutions. "We've also helped to start a new school at the Navy Yard called the Sustainability Workshop," said Knapp. "It's a full-day project-based learning program for high school seniors that allows them to learn and engage in energy efficiency efforts."
The work going on at the Philadelphia Naval Yard is just another example of efforts being done to find new and innovative ways to solve the many issues regarding how we use our energy. While there is much to be done, it is exciting to see this type of work take place in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Sources:
www.flyingkitemedia.com/features/sustainabilityworkshop1003.aspx
www.gpichub.org
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