U.S. Department of Energy announces plans to assist GVSU

Grand Valley State University’s Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons is included in a list of projects chosen by the U.S. Department of Energy to receive assistance in reducing building energy use.
 
Scientists and engineers from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), a DOE laboratory, will work with the Pew Library design team to identify ways to reduce energy consumed by the building.

Supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 24 projects throughout the U.S. will receive a total of $21 million in technical assistance over a three-year period. Other organizations on the list include Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.

“Grand Valley is always finding ways to operate as efficiently as possible,” said James Moyer, assistant vice president for Facilities Planning. “We are honored to be chosen to work with a group of world-class people who recognize Grand Valley’s sustainable efforts, and are looking forward to transfer the best practices learned during this project to future projects.”

Project selection criteria included the likelihood of achieving significant energy savings, the probability of success and widespread deployment potential.

A grant proposal was submitted to the Department of Energy in May 2010. A group of energy experts met with Moyer, toured the campus and evaluated what could be done. “This grant is unique because rather than receiving funds, we’re receiving technical expertise,” said Moyer.

Pew Library construction will begin this spring and the library is expected to be completed in 2013. Visit www.gvsu.edu/library/newbuilding to see design renderings, floor plans and to take a virtual tour of the library.

To view the Department of Energy announcement, visit the news room at www.energy.gov.