About the IAC Program

The UIC-IAC

• Halfway through fourth year
• 85 assessments to date
• 16 general industry groups assessed
• Over 700 recommendations made
• Goal is to save client 10% of total energy budget within capital investment guidelines

UIC-IAC Results FY2001 - FY2004

Recommendations per assessment day (2001-2002)
• Average savings: $50,000I
• Implementation cost: $110,000
• Simple payback: 2.3 years

Recommendations per assessment day (2001-2004)
• Average savings: $66,000
• Implementation cost: $160,000
• Simple payback: 2.4 years

Recommendations per assessment day (energy, waste and productivity, for 2001-2004)
• Average savings: $218,000
• Implementation cost: $280,000
• Simple payback: 1.2 years

Overall implementation rate: 44%

What is meant by the term Industrial Assessment? An industrial assessment is, quite simply, an in-depth assessment of a plant site; its facilities, services and manufacturing operations. This term is used to refer to a process which involves a thorough examination of potential savings from:

• energy efficiency improvements,

• waste minimization and pollution prevention, and

• productivity improvement.

Assessments are performed by local teams of engineering faculty and students from 26 participating universities across the country.

The assessment begins with a university-based IAC team conducting a survey of the eligible plant, followed by a one or two day site visit, taking engineering measurements as a basis for assessment recommendations. The team then performs a detailed analysis for specific recommendations with related estimates of costs, performance and payback times.

Within 60 days, a confidential report, detailing the analysis, findings and recommendations of the team is sent to the plant. In two to six months, follow-up phone calls are placed to the plant manager to verify recommendations that will be implemented.

Find out how you can get an assessment