Video Series Aims at Improving Indoor Air Quality
mproving indoor air quality is the goal of a new video series developed by UC Davis experts in collaboration with the California Department of Public Health. Aimed at building and facility managers, the videos distill the science of air quality into steps building and facility managers can take to remove pollutants, including viruses, from the place we spend most of our time — indoors.
“The goal is to help people understand the issues around indoor air quality, how it is related to disease, and what managers can do to make it better,” said Chris Cappa, chair of the UC Davis Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and co-principal investigator of the project.
The COVID-19 pandemic focused attention on indoor air, but there are multiple health effects of indoor air pollution beyond infectious disease. These range from scratchy throats, asthma and allergic reactions and headaches, to increasing risks for heart disease, stroke and some cancers. Poor air quality harms student learning and attendance and cognitive ability.
Pathways to Decarbonize Society’s Most Popular Material
Sabbie Miller, Director of the UC Davis Materials Decarbonization and Sustainability Center, recently published an article in NAE Perspectives, exploring critical strategies for reducing GHG emissions associated with concrete production.
Concrete, a globally essential building material, is responsible for more than 7% of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions, primarily due to the cement it contains. Miller’s article addresses the complex challenges and opportunities in reducing the carbon footprint of this material, essential for infrastructure but intensive in emissions. She examines a range of decarbonization strategies, from improving material efficiency to adopting alternative binders and emerging technologies like carbon capture and storage.
Protecting Research Participants: WCEC’s Best Practices Highlighted in DOE Report
The U.S. Department of Energy recently highlighted WCEC’s best practices for protecting participants in energy research projects in a report summarizing its 2023 Human Subjects in Energy Technology and Policy Research Symposium. Sarah Outcault, EEI and WCEC Market Transformation Research Director, shared these insights during her talk at the event hosted by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in October 2023.
CLTC Study Highlights the Power of Residential Energy & Automation Systems for California Homes
A new CLTC study on Residential Energy & Automation (REA) Systems showcases how this innovative technology can help homeowners save energy and cut costs through the use of intelligent energy management. REA systems integrate technologies like solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicles into smart, automated networks that optimize energy use—helping lower utility bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The study highlights the significant benefits and cost savings of adopting REA systems, explores the evolving market, and identifies current and future utility customers who stand to benefit. It also projects the potential statewide energy savings from widespread REA adoption, showing how these systems can transform home energy use for a greener future.
UC Davis Researchers Explore Japan's Leading-Edge Energy Efficiency Innovations
Alan Meier, Adjunct Professor in the UC Davis Department of Environmental Science and Policy, recently led a study tour in Japan alongside David Vernon, Co-Director of Engineering at EEI and WCEC, and Sarah Outcault, EEI and WCEC Market Transformation Research Director. Together, they engaged with manufacturers, researchers, and government officials, visiting facilities such as the Daikin Innovation Center, Osaka University’s sustainable campus, the Fujisawa Sustainable Smart Town, and Panasonic’s headquarters, showroom, and heat pump water heater production line. The tour also included stops at energy startup LOOOP, Mitsubishi Research Institute, Jyukankyo Research Institute, and Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), the national research and development agency.
Following the study tour, Meier and Outcault participated in the 12th annual Energy Efficiency in Domestic and Light Sources (EEDAL) conference in Kitakyushu, Japan, where Meier presented his research paper, “Cross-Cutting Strategies to Lower Electricity Use of Miscellaneous Electric Loads in the Domestic Sector,” and Outcault presented her research paper, “Harnessing Non-Energy Impacts to Promote Residential Heat Pump Adoption: Examples from the U.S. and Beyond.” The conference provided a platform for sharing insights on global energy efficiency advancements, with a focus on technologies that reduce consumption and bolster sustainable practices.
Introducing HoMEDUCS: A Modular Data Center Solution for High-Density Computing
The Holistic Modular Energy-efficient Directed-cooling UC Solution (HoMEDUCS) offers a containerized modular data center designed to meet the rising demand for high-density computing. With up to 240kW per rack and a total IT load of 1.5MW within two 20-foot containers, HoMEDUCS provides unmatched power density, tailored cooling efficiency, and flexibility. This innovative system uses ultra-efficient cooling through cold plates and Microchannel Polymer Heat eXchangers, eliminating water waste and reducing energy costs. Its modular format allows rapid deployment in various settings, from edge computing to remote locations, while enabling heat repurposing for sustainability, making HoMEDUCS a leading choice for modern, eco-conscious data infrastructure.
Register Today for GEM 2024
Join us November 6th for the sixth annual Global Energy Managers Workshop, where experts and emerging leaders will share best practices in campus energy management and carbon reduction. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with a global community dedicated to driving sustainable progress—register today!
Join Us for the Energy Seminar Series
Join us online for our Energy Seminar Series. Each week, these seminars feature an expert in energy related topics.
Fridays, at 10:30am – 11:50am PST
