Efficient and appropriate use of energy resources is also necessary for the maintenance of the environment. One goal of the JCEM is apply our engineering expertise to conservation and management of energy resources to ensure a sustainable future. JCEM programs focus on the design and technology of cost-effective, energy efficient buildings and industrial processes, as well as the application of renewable resources. The Center is supported by grants and contracts from industrial firms, state and federal government agencies, and private organizations and foundations. Back to Top Research Program The Center, through its faculty affiliates, staff, and university students, performs research in the broad area of energy management.
Most efforts focus on energy use in buildings.
The work includes applied research in the analysis of energy systems as well as practical implementation of energy-efficient technologies. The fundamental physics of buildings dictate energy needs. JCEM projects have explored fundamental heat and mass transfer in and around buildings, including ground heat transfer, heat and moisture in building envelopes, air and pollutant transport in buildings, and radiation exchange in rooms. JCEM projects have improved our understanding of these mechanical systems and their interactions and operation within buildings. The result is better design of new systems, better understanding of their performance in real buildings, and intelligent operation of existing systems for minimal energy costs.