OF2-2/16/07 7:25AM MAKING IT EASIER TO BRING ENERGY EFFICIENT PRODUCTS TO THE MARKET PLACE
Let's face it: energy efficiency is not as sexy as coming up with the newest hydrogen fuel cell. But, in reality, it can have a far bigger effect.
"There's in fact 30 years of tremendous research on energy efficiency, but a disappointing amount of that has come into the market and made a difference." said Andrew Hargadon.
Now, there's a way to get it to market.
Many inventors are hard at work creating cutting edge energy efficiency technologies. But then what? University of California, Davis, Business School professor Andrew Hargadon/
"Oftentimes they'll say, 'Well, society will benefit.' And we'll say, 'Well that's nice, but society doesn't have a checking account, so who's the actual customer who would pay?" said Hargadon.
Hargadon's new Energy Efficiency Center opened last spring at UC Davis with a mission to connect these inventors with industry and marketers.
"Most of that research has stagnated, because it lacked the combination of investment capital and business models that would turn it from a great idea into a marketplace change." said Hargadon.
The Center has an area to showcase some of the cool new products -- they pick ones that could make a big difference. Dick Bourne is a mechanical engineer that works there on low energy cooling systems.
"At night you can make water cold using evaporative processes and by radiation to the night sky. We have discussed this technology with some of the Big Box retailers, and they've shown interest. We have high hopes that this energy efficiency center and low energy cooling center can improve the climate for business and home owners." said Dick Bourne.
The Osgood File. Charles Osgood on the CBS Radio Network.
The Osgood File. February 16, 2007 |
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