U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Industrial Technologies Program

What is the IAC?

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
• 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.