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7th Annual Green Energy Challenge: Iowa State Cyclones Bring Home Second Win

In August, ELECTRI International selected three NECA student chapters as finalists for the 2015 Green Energy Challenge. Out of 17 proposals the panel selected Iowa State University, Pennsylvania State University and the Illinois Institute of Technology as finalists, providing each student chapter with a $2,000 travel award.

On Saturday, Oct. 3, the teams faced the jury of NECA member contactors and industry partners at the annual NECA Convention and Trade Show in San Francisco. Each team developed a backup power system and resiliency plan for an existing facility demonstrating critical power needs. Each student chapter had 15 minutes to present and an additional 10 minutes to field project questions from the judges and convince the panel that their design and project proposal delivered the most significant payback and long term energy efficiency.

For the second year in a row the Iowa State Cyclone Energy Team captured first place and a $4,000 cash prize from ELECTRI.

The winning proposal

Cyclone Energy selected Iowa State’s Administrative Services Building (ASB) as the target facility. Housing one of the university’s two datacenters, uninterrupted power is critical to ASB’s operations. The students interviewed ASB employees to assess their needs and determine how the project could improve the overall health and wellness of occupants. Outdated fluorescent fixtures created uneven distribution and shadowy workspaces for employees. In response Cyclone Energy went to work to develop a LED lighting retrofit, including 400 fixtures with occupancy sensors and further daylight harvesting.

Part of the project plan also incorporated a critical load and microgrid analysis. Cyclone Energy’s design included the implementation of more than 442 solar modules to generate 143 kilowatts of renewable energy.

No project is feasible without an estimate, schedule and financing course of action. Cyclone Energy students worked to develop an accurate project cost, attractive payback period and a schedule utilizing summer months to minimize disruption and downtime. ASB will remain operational throughout the LED retrofit and solar array installation.

As a nonprofit university, Cyclone Energy turned to the Iowa Energy Bank Loan to secure low-interest financing for the project, providing energy audit documentation.

Project stats

Total project cost: just over $1 million

Duration: 165 calendar days

Projected completion: September 2016

Payback period: 9.3 years with an annual savings of more than $67,000 per year

Iowa State was named the winner of the Green Energy Challenge at the Opening General Session of NECA 2015  in San Francisco Sunday, Oct. 4.

This annual event helps engage student chapters across the country, challenging them to develop real-life proposals, sharpen professional oral and written communication skills and develop future leaders in energy-efficient project planning and design.

Testimonials

It was an absolute pleasure to work with the writers and editorial team at TrueLine Publishing for our recent article in US Builders Review. From the start of the project, it was apparent that everyone involved was very concerned with accuracy and getting the facts right. They were also very conscientious about soliciting our feedback and ensuring that we were happy with the content and with the manner in which Giroux Glass was described in the finalized piece.
— Barbara Kotsos, Director of Marketing & PR, Giroux Glass
I was contacted as a nominee for the Greenbuild Editor’s Choice 2016 recognition and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Working with US Builders Review has been a blessing for my company. Erica Berry took an awesome interview in the initial call as she gathered data for the article. She was concerned about how we became us, and she made me feel important by listening and taking notes. Then there is Ian Nichols who made me feel so comfortable in sharing my story, and Molly Shaw who interviewed me as well, as she was getting ready to create an awesome article about my company -- and I must say she nailed it on the first run! What a pleasure it has been to work with everyone. This feature on Container Homes USA will help me push the company into the forefront at the Greenbuild Expo 2016.
— Derrick C. W. Childs, Director Construction & Design, Container Homes USA
Kyle and his team were very professional and patient in explaining their program to us. Their communications were clear and concise and did a great job of guiding us through the process of getting published in their magazine.
— Michael Henthorn, Owner, Henthorn Commercial Construction
TrueLine Publishing was a delight to work with. They were extremely patient and worked diligently to get our article written and published. The team always responded in a timely manner and was courteous. I look forward to working with TrueLine Publishing in the future and will recommend them to other businesses.
— Crystal Leos, Business Development, DALLASWHITE Property Restoration
Working with Kyle at TrueLine Publishing was a great experience. We are quite pleased with how the article about Souder Brothers turned out. The magazine article and photo spread is going to be a very effective tool to use in our marketing. If you have the opportunity to be featured in a project like this, I would recommend doing it. Kyle and his team made the whole process very smooth and we are happy to have been a part of the latest edition of US Builders Review.
— Corinne Schaffer, Project Manager, Souder Brothers Construction
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— Ryan Sanzari, Director of Operations, Alfred Sanzari Enterprises
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