NECA Blog

All The Latest News from NECA

Jul 16

Penn State, Iowa State and University of Washington Earn Finalist Spots for 2013 Green Energy Challenge

Annual Student Design Competition Inspires Real Energy Solutions

The 2013 annual Green Energy Challenge student competition, sponsored by ELECTRI International – the Foundation for Electrical Construction – is down to three finalist Student Chapter teams: The Pennsylvania State University, Iowa State University, and the University of Washington.

The finalists were selected by an eight-member competition jury that included electrical contractors and industry allies. Fifteen student teams submitted proposals to conduct an energy audit of a parking structure on campus or in the neighboring community for the initial round of competition. In addition to the technical recommendations offered in each retrofit proposal, teams were judged on construction planning and project management.

2012 Green Energy Challenge poster session in Las Vegas

2012 Green Energy Challenge poster session in Las Vegas

Finalist teams are responsible for further developing their proposal into presentations for the full jury at the 2013 annual convention of the National Electrical Contractors Association, Oct. 12-15, in Washington, D.C. NECA’s annual Energy Forum will also be held that day; the Energy Forum focusing on the work of electrical contractors in the energy solutions market of renewable power, energy storage and efficiency technology. ELECTRI International hosts the students’ travel to and participation at the event. A poster session of submissions from the participating student chapter teams is also part of the event.

Jurist Phillip Rose, Roman Electric Company, Milwaukee, WI, offered his analysis of the 2013 competition: “Since the beginning of the Green Energy Challenge, the bar has been raised each and every year. This year was the tightest competition we have seen to date. The level of knowledge and professionalism in the proposals were as good as we’ve ever seen. I was really impressed with our three 2013 finalists. After reading their proposals, I can’t wait to see the final three presentations.”

ELECTRI International President Russ Alessi said, “The student teams are bringing cutting-edge solutions to real-world problems that building owners and operators are coping with today. The Green Energy Challenge is an ideal way to explore what options could truly work, with guidance from electrical contractors who have hands-on experience.”

About ELECTRI: ELECTRI International – The Foundation for Electrical Construction, Inc. is the primary research arm of the electrical construction industry. Foundation research helps to improve the productivity, professionalism, and competitiveness of electrical contractors. ELECTRI International also represents the U.S. electrical construction industry internationally. For more information, visit www.electri.org.

For more information about ELECTRI International and the Green Energy Challenge, contact Sylvia Selwood, ELECTRI Director of Operations and University Relations, at 301-215-4539 or sselwood@necanet.org

Oct 02

More Winners for Green Energy Challenge in Poster Competition!

In addition to the four finalist presentations, Green Energy Challenge jurors also evaluated submissions from all 18 NECA Student Chapter teams who entered this year’s competition. Each team was invited to display their submission on a single board, including those who didn’t make it to the finals.

Southern Polytechnic University won first place in the poster competition, followed by Purdue University in second and GEC team winners Youngstown State University in third place for the competition.

We also learned that this year’s GEC winners aren’t just taking home prestigious awards, but cash prizes for their accomplishments. Finalist team awards won:

  • First Place: Youngstown State University — $2,000
  • Second Place: University of Washington — $1,000
  • Third Place: Iowa State University — $750

Poster competition winners won:

  • First Place: Southern Polytechnic University — $750
  • Second Place: Purdue University — $500
  • Third Place: Youngstown State University — $250

Full details about the 2012 Green Energy Challenge competition guidelines and scoring can be found online.

Aug 29

Connecting with the Best and Brightest at NECA 2012 Las Vegas

Along with new technology, NECA 2012 Las Vegas will feature new talent – enthusiastic members of NECA’s student chapters from 27 universities, all looking to connect with NECA contractors. Here’s how you can meet them at the convention.

The 2012 NECA Student Chapter Summit will convene on Sunday, Sept. 30 from 3-5 p.m. Contractors are invited to drop in during the summit for a spin around the Speed Interview and Networking Session. You’ll get eight minutes to meet with the students to discuss possible internship and mentoring opportunities. Students will come with their resumes and questions about the skills managers look for; contractors should come with business cards and career advice.

These students will be the next generation of NECA contractors, and they are eager to learn what skills will help them in the electrical construction industry. Please consider stopping by the Student Chapter Summit to meet the students your chapter has partnered with, plus others from around the country.

Learn more about the 2012 NECA Student Chapter Summit and save 20 percent on your job posting on the NECA Career Center. >>

Aug 13

Meet the 2012 Green Energy Challenge Finalists

A highlight of recent NECA conventions, the annual ELECTRI International Green Energy Challenge student design competition will feature four finalist teams in Las Vegas —  Georgia Tech, Iowa State University, University of Washington, and Youngstown State University

The teams will make their presentations in Las Vegas on September 29 immediately following the 2012 NECA Energy Forum. Each team is made up of construction management and engineering students who participate in their university’s student chapter of NECA. This year marks the first time four finalist teams have been chosen, as opposed to three.

“Energy Forum participants enjoy finishing the day hearing about the students’ visions of the industry’s future,” said Rob Colgan, NECA executive director, market development and Energy Forum organizer. “The Forum focuses on electrical contractors learning from each other, sharing how different companies are incorporating a variety of energy solutions work into their businesses. Then we can see how the next generation is using that information to create real changes for buildings on their campuses.”

More information about the 2012 Green Energy Challenge >>

Oct 02

Nerves, Nerves, NERVES

The three finalist teams from the University of Washington, Milwaukee School of Engineering and Youngstown State University are making their presentations for the final round of judging in the Green Energy Challenge at this very moment. The winner will be announced tomorrow at the NECA Student Chapter Summit. No word yet if last year’s winner University of Washington will be making a sweep, or if one of the two upstart teams will win this year.

Aug 19

Guest Post: Green Energy Challenge Finalists Offer a Glimpse of the Future

by Russ Alessi, President, ELECTRI International

Competition is a great way to learn and focus student careers on electrical construction.  So it was a real a nail-biter when we convened the first round of judging for the Green Energy Challenge last month to select the three finalists teams that will present their designs at NECA 2010 Boston.

Last year, University of Washington took first place. UW will be returning as a finalist this year, but they will be joined by two teams new to the competition — Milwaukee School of Engineering and Youngstown State University.  We had 13 teams enter the competition this year — nearly double the number of teams that entered the 2009 Green Energy Challenge!

Teams were asked to conduct an energy audit of a local a manufacturing facility. They had to do provide information for everything from a PV analysis to a financing plan.

It’s so great to see the kind of work and attention to detail that the students put into their reports. I am fortunate to get to see first hand what kind of talent we have entering the industry.

Now that we know who the three finalists will be, I can hardly wait to hear what they have to share about their projects in Boston. The suspense and enthusiasm is great for the industry. I hope you’ll make plans to hear what these talented young people are planning for their future in it!

2010 Green Energy Challenge Finalists’ Presentations
Saturday, October 2
2 p.m.
Room 52A and B, BCEC