Energy efficiency cluster grows in Northern California

A proposal by a consortium of research universities, national laboratories and local governments and organizations would create a Northern California innovation cluster around energy-efficient building technology.

It would be the first cluster of its kind in the nation, working to develop and commercialize the technology — and spur economic growth.

If successful, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory-led proposal would tap the expertise of members from the Bay Area and Sacramento region.

“From our region’s perspective, if this lands in Northern California we are going to be extremely well-positioned for jobs and business growth in the specific sector,” Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance chief executive officer Meg Arnold said.

Ultimately, the federal government hopes such a cluster would boost the nation’s global competitiveness in the industry.

The cluster would serve as a pilot project that could be replicated. For now, just which region will host the pilot has not been determined. Grant applications are due Thursday.

“It would be a huge boon for the Northern California region to be selected and be part of this,” said J.D. Stack, director of program development at SARTA.

Read the full story in the Sacramento Business Journal.