Students at Indiana University-Bloomington will be learning how to "walk the energy-efficiency talk" as Dave Sommer, business leader for Trane Indiana, shares how green buildings leverage innovative, energy-efficient technologies to significantly reduce their environmental impact.
Currently, buildings consume one-third of energy worldwide – emitting significantly more CO2 than the aggregate industry or transportation sectors. As the world's population grows, construction demands increase and developing nations progress, the need for the next generation of engineers to understand and execute green building practices will reach an ever-increasing urgency. Sommer will teach students at Indiana University-Bloomington how energy-efficient buildings benefit the environment, personal health, the community and the economy as a whole.
"Energy efficiency has risen from a niche concern to a cornerstone issue as evidenced by its prominent place in the current presidential election discourse," said Sommer. "Young engineers will be expected to know how to translate this issue into tangible action ... a skill that is in high demand but in low supply in today's talent marketplace."
Today's building boom is unfortunately being supported by inferior methods of construction as well as highly inefficient HVAC systems, making buildings the largest contributors to global warming. Sommer will explain how responsible energy use – driven by energy-efficient construction and technologies -- expands beyond a moral imperative straight to the bottom line. Worker productivity is positively affected by the higher levels of indoor air quality apparent in green buildings.
About Sommer
Sommer is responsible for providing building owners and their influencers with energy efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and services. He has delivered economically and environmentally responsible solutions to colleges and universities, K-12 schools, industrials and other businesses throughout the state. He leads 150 sales, service and parts associates in delivering premier customer service.
Sommer is active in Indiana with industry associations including the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Buildings Owners Management Association, Association of Heating and Refrigeration Engineers (ASHRAE) and ACHE. Sommer earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
About Engineering Better Careers, Engineering Better Environments
Through Trane's "Engineering Better Careers. Engineering Better Environments" College and University Program, senior executives collaborate with faculty and administrators to inspire the next generation of HVAC engineers. Trane executives visit campuses in person to educate students about real world engineering and business issues and the impact that engineering students can have today.
When leaders aren't visiting, Trane continues to support students and faculty by enriching classroom curriculum and creating clubs that encourage hands-on and experiential learning. Trane often offers software and lab equipment at a low and reduced cost; guides classroom curriculum, student projects and clubs; sponsors field trips to sales and manufacturing locations; and offers student internships and limited scholarships.
About Indiana University-Bloomington
Indiana University provides quality educational opportunities to communities across Indiana and to citizens from around the world. With over 92,000 students enrolled at eight campuses, study-abroad opportunities, research partnerships on five continents and 445,000 alumni worldwide, Indiana University is both a great public university and an internationally ranked institution of higher learning. Throughout its 180-year long history, IU has continued to build on the strong foundation of excellence in teaching, creative achievement in the arts and path breaking research and scholarships that distinguished the university in previous decades.
About Trane
Trane, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ingersoll Rand, provides systems and services that enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings around the world. The business offers a broad range of energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; dehumidifying and air cleaning products; aftermarket service and parts support; advanced building controls; and building and financing solutions including those that allow energy-efficient systems to pay for themselves through energy savings. Trane's systems and services have leading positions in premium commercial, residential, institutional and industrial markets; a reputation for reliability, high quality and product innovation; and a powerful distribution network. The business has more than 29,000 employees worldwide.