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DATC Goes Green
KAYSVILLE, UT -- Davis Applied Technology College (DATC), a UCAT campus, has a mission to be on the cutting edge of technology, not only in training, equipment and facilities, but also in energy efficiency. In its latest effort to go “green,” DATC installed solar panels to its main building, resulting in a cost savings of $7,000-$8,000 per year. In addition, DATC began an Energy Technician program last year to develop the renewable energy workforce.
When budget cuts ensued three years ago, DATC’s Facilities Director, Kent Thorsted, became concerned the “green” projects would not be funded. He knew by postponing the projects, more problems would be created, so he quickly turned to the Division of Construction and Facilities Management (DFCM) to find creative ways to fund the energy efficient projects.
Thorsted worked with DFCM’s Energy Program Director, Bianca Shama, in attaining ARRA funds. Shama says “we enjoy helping agencies uncover ways to fund projects and push everyone in the right direction in finding cost effective solutions.”
According to Shama, efficiency money was allocated evenly throughout the state. The agencies receiving funding were those with the most need. “We really looked at agencies that were underfunded and they were typically given a bigger piece to push some projects through without the use of state funds.”
“I am very grateful for the partnership we have with DFCM. Together we have created one of the best solar projects in the State. I appreciate their assistance in obtaining the funds and then helping DATC complete this exciting ‘green’ project on our campus,” says Brent Petersen, DATC’S Vice President of Facility Services.
Chad Hofheins is also pleased DATC received the funding. His company, Wasatch Sun, was contracted to install the school’s 57.6 KWH Photovoltaic Systems. He says, “Even with just five hours of good sunlight, the solar panels generate 57,600 watts per hour. An average home uses 30,000 watts per day. Energy not used up in the month is sold back to the power company, another cost saver for the institution.”
Energy Technician student, Adam Molling, has a vested interest in the green initiatives made available to students at the College. His class was able to install the Wind Turbine Generator, the sole energy sources for 12 of the 15 desktop PC computers students use to research alternative energy. He says, “As long as the wind is blowing, the turbine is generating electricity, morning and night.”
The DATC Energy Technician training certificate program started in February of last year, after the Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS) was awarded $4.6 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Labor. Training includes Green Construction, Energy Management/Efficiency, and Renewable Energy Transmission.
For more information regarding DATC’s Energy Technician program, call 801-593-2100 and/or go to jobs.utah.gov and click on the State Energy Sector Partnership Grant (SESP) link to apply for Training Money. For more information about DATC's Green Projects, call Kent Thorsted at 801-593-2430.
About Davis Applied Technology College:
Davis Applied Technology College (DATC) is one of eight campuses of the Utah College of Applied Technology, and is located just north of Salt Lake City, Utah. DATC provides training in an open-entry, open-exit environment which annually prepares over 7,400 high school and adult students with career and technical skills. DATC currently offers certificate programs in the Schools of Business, Construction, Health Professions, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Service Professions and Transportation. The College is committed to quality education and dedicated to its philosophy of "We Change Lives." For more information, visit www.datc.edu or contact James Larson at james.larson@datc.edu or 801-593-2483.
About UCAT:
UCAT is the parent organization for Utah’s eight regional applied technology colleges (ATCs). Established by the State of Utah, UCAT provides market-drive technical education through eight ATCs that meets the needs of Utah’s employers for skilled workers. The ATCs prepare both adult and high school students to enter or advance in the workplace. Customized training is also provided to employers for their work force through UCAT’s Custom Fit program. The eight ATCs are Bridgerland, Davis, Dixie, Mountainland, Ogden/Weber, Southwest, Tooele, and Uintah Basin. For more information, visit www.ucat.edu or contact Jared Haines at 801-955-2172 or 801-361-0631.
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