The University of Toledo has signed an agreement with BottomLine Resource Technologies of Columbus, Ohio, to serve as a consultant in the transformation of its Scott Park Campus into a dedicated Campus of Energy and Innovation.
The campus will serve as a hands-on alternative energy laboratory used for teaching, research and demonstration, as well as to generate energy and reduce the University’s carbon footprint.
UT, a national leader in solar energy research, is the only university in the country to commit an entire campus to advancing renewable, alternative and sustainable energies. Proposed projects will include work with wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, energy storage, electric transportation, and transformational grid analytics and modeling.
BottomLine, a subsidiary of Juice Technologies LLC, is a company engaged in consulting, development and program management for utility-scale renewable generation projects, smart electric grid initiatives and energy efficiency projects.
The firm will immediately begin conducting an energy audit of the entire University, highlighting recommended energy conservation measures and potential energy savings. BottomLine also will work with UT to obtain financing for the projects and oversee the implementation process.
“We are energized and excited to manage The University of Toledo’s ambitious plans to become more efficient in the use of electricity and more energy independent through the installation and operation of renewable energy generation,” said Richard D. Housh, BottomLine chairman and CEO. “UT will become the national leader in energy innovation on a campus setting.”
Thomas Hurkmans, BottomLine president and CFO, added, “We will work diligently to assist UT in building all aspects of this project to ensure the lowest possible cost and maximum operating flexibility. This will likely involve innovative public-private partnerships.”
In addition to the many educational opportunities, the Scott Park Campus of Energy and Innovation is expected to foster regional economic development through commercialization and business incubation efforts.
“We are very pleased with our selection of BottomLine Resource Technologies to manage this complex and very important project,” said Chuck Lehnert, UT vice president for facilities and construction. “The Scott Park Campus of Energy and Innovation will be a great resource for our students, as well as a premier location for advanced research and demonstration of energy technologies.”
UT has requested federal stimulus money to support the project.
