Small- and medium-sized manufacturers in Louisiana may be eligible to receive a no-cost assessment provided by DOE Industrial Assessment Centers.
The U.S. Department of Energy announced $60 million in funding for its largest-ever cohort of university-based Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs), which assist small- and medium-sized manufacturers in reducing their carbon emissions and lower energy costs.
Teams located at 35 universities around the country—including LSU and Louisiana Tech University working with Grambling State University and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette—will conduct the energy assessments to identify opportunities to improve productivity and competitiveness, reduce waste, and save energy.
IACs typically identify more than $130,000 in potential annual savings opportunities for every manufacturer assessed, nearly $50,000 of which is implemented during the first year following the assessment. Over 19,500 IAC assessments have been conducted.
Manufacturers can contact the closest IAC location about receiving an IAC assessment if they meet these criteria:
- Within Standard Industrial Codes (SIC) 20-39
- Located less than 150 miles of a participating university (see locations)
- Gross annual sales below $100 million
- Fewer than 500 employees at the plant site
- Annual energy bills more than $100,000 and less than $3.5 million
- No professional in-house staff to perform the assessment
IAC assessments are in-depth evaluations of a facility conducted by engineering faculty with upper class and graduate students from a participating university. After a remote survey of the plant, the team conducts a one or two-day site visit to take engineering measurements.
The team performs a detailed process analysis to generate specific recommendations with estimates of costs, performance, and payback times. Within 60 days, the plant receives a confidential report detailing the analysis, findings, and recommendations.
In six to nine months, the IAC team calls the plant manager to verify what recommendations have been implemented. Universities periodically apply to host an IAC and receive DOE funding to provide assessments. The IAC program has offered assessments since 1976.
Contact the closest IAC location about receiving an IAC assessment.
