North Carolina State University
IN-3: Innovation 3

Energy Fellowship Program

Energy Management has emerged as one of the most critical fields of study and professions of our time. It is also one of the broadest topics and very difficult to master. There are many aspects of the profession, and many different ways to approach our current energy problems. Our energy management and facility manager professionals need to be equipped with a diverse skill set both technically and creatively.

NC State's Energy Leader Internship Program combines a need for qualified and well-trained individuals with five organizations prepared to mentor them. The host team assembled will provide the Energy Leaders with a broad view of many real-world challenges and tasks. One of the strengths of this partnership is that each of the Interns will have direct contact with professionals in the field of energy management, and will be able to leverage their experience and expertise produce energy savings, sponsor deliverables, and enhance Energy Leader careers. The education and experience the interns will receive by participating in this Program will be well-rounded and more fully prepare them to become energy managers of the future.

The success of these Energy Leader internships is a strong motivator to fund and maintain the Program. The initial duration of the internship was 12 months, but the overwhelming success of the Program has demonstrated the value of creating an ongoing internship. For example, recent Energy Leaders have spearheaded efforts to improve sponsor organizations.

NC State Energy Management
- Conducting a student sustainability/energy/waste reduction/transportation survey
- Participating in 22 campus building energy audits that have identified potential energy savings of $1.5 mm with a ROI less than 1-yr

NC State University Sustainability Office
- Creating a campus green ambassador program to engage students to lead campus energy reduction projects.
- Developing an inventory of existing campus renewable energy projects and developing new processes to promote further development

NC Solar Center
- Facilitating the installation of electric vehicle plug in stations
- Completing a state-wide inventory of vehicle fleet alternative fuel use

Advanced Energy
- Conducting public sector and commercial building energy audits
- Creating energy-efficiency best practice outreach materials for NC home builders

FREEDM/ATEC
- Overhauling program marketing materials for luring students and corporate sponsors
- Attending national meetings and conventions to promote FREEDM programs

The goal of the Energy Leader Internship Program is to support key economic development efforts in North Carolina. Completion of these internships will give the Energy Leaders valuable experience in many aspects of the field of energy management. In addition, during the course of the internships, the Energy Leader Interns will come in contact with regional and national leaders in the field. The real-life education received by the Interns, along with the contacts made during their time in the Program, will likely lead to permanent full-time positions within our region.

The direct effects of these internships will be the creation of new jobs, implementation of renewable, carbon-neutral energy sources, and deployment of energy management means and methods. The secondary effects of the internships will be much more pervasive - the organizations with which these Energy Leaders ultimately spend their careers will become more efficient, profitable, and prepared for North Carolina’s future.

The initial Energy Leader Internship Program was proposed by NC State and sponsored by North Carolina Energy Office and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). 10 interns will be completing their approximately two year leadership training in April of 2012. NC State is seeking ongoing funding for this program. The collaborative projects formed by these interns and host organizations has furthered the sustainability efforts of NC State and the state of North Carolina.