Capabilities

The Energy Resources Center (ERC) is a multifaceted, interdisciplinary, energy research organization with over thirty years experience. The ERC is involved in projects covering almost every aspect of the energy endustry in the United States. Our staff bring to every project a collective set of expertise that spans all market sectors, and includes in-depth knowledge of conservation, power generation, professional education, bulk power procurement, technological evaluation and economic benefit analysis. With such breadth and depth of knowledge and experience, the ERC is uniquely well-positioned to assist a broad range of clients with their energy objectives.

The ERC’s core capabilities span the following four main areas:

Engineering Solutions
The Engineering Solutions Group focuses on solving energy problems in the Industrial, Commercial and Residential markets. Using energy audits, computer modeling and on-site consultation and evaluation, the group identifies options for improved efficiency.

Distributed Energy Resources
The Distributed Energy Resources group promotes the viability and proliferation of combined heat and power technologies that generate at least a portion of a building or facility's electricity requirements on-site.

Policy and Assessment Group
This group performs economic analysis and close study of the effects of national and state energy policies as well as corporate decisions concerning R&D funding and investment. The Policy and Assessment Group also evaluates the impact of specific technologies and governmental regulations on the newly deregulated energy marketplace.

Building Sciences
The Building Sciences Group combines the center’s growing staff expertise in IAQ, HVAC, and buildings, along with select Mechancial & Industrial Engineering department facilities to conduct RD&D and technology transfer in the building sciences. As part of the University of Illinois at Chicago, the ERC has access to state of the art laboratory testing facilities. Specific activities have led to the engagement of faculty and staff from other departments and colleges within UIC, including Mechancial & Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and the School of Public Health. Through computer analysis, laboratory studies, and field evaluations the group executes a multidisciplinary, IEQ and energy efficiency program addressing systems, processes, and technologies in the built environment and resulting effects on human health, comfort, and productivity, and building energy use and economics.