Our Stories
The greatest measure of our team’s success is the success and business growth our clients see as a result of implementing our solutions. When we help a Pennsylvania company succeed, we create revenue and jobs which, in turn, helps all of Pennsylvania. Please enjoy these examples of our team helping clients more effectively manage their energy and technical resources, creating unique real-world opportunities for student engagement, and benefiting Pennsylvania in a number of measurable ways.
Paper Company Cuts Costs by Upgrading Lighting and Air System
Roaring Spring Paper Products was looking for opportunities to save energy and cut costs throughout their facility. By collaborating with a PennTAP advisor and student team, they identified two areas in need of improvement: outdated lighting and audible leaks in the compressed air system.
Delaware Valley Area Benefits from Building Re-Tuning Series
After PennTAP conducted a BRT Workshop in central Pennsylvania in 2017, the Delaware Valley School Facility Managers Association (DVSFMA) contacted PennTAP to provide a similar BRT Workshop that would help them move forward with their sustainability efforts.
Creating a Solar Energy Feasibility Tool for Pennsylvania Schools
A team of Penn State College of Engineering students, working through the Bernard M. Gordon Learning Factory, collaborated with a PennTAP technical advisor to create a solar PV evaluation tool designed specifically for Pennsylvania schools.
BRT Workshop Provides Foundation for Energy Savings at Lower Merion High School
Taking the tools and lessons from PennTAP’s BRT workshops, Lower Merion School District team members worked with Johnson Controls Inc. (JCI) to assess the operation of the HRU units and conducted prescriptive troubleshooting to determine opportunities for correction.
FirstEnergy Corporation Evaluates 3D Printing for Replacing Obsolete Parts
FirstEnergy Corporation challenged Learning Factory students to investigate 3D printing technology as an alternative for producing replacement grommets.
Silica Sand Supplier Saves $39,000 Annually with Lighting and Drying System Updates
The PennTAP team completed a walk-through of U.S. Silica and recommended lighting and system updates to increase the facility’s energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.
Engineering Students Help Lessen Fatigue for Surgeons
PennTAP partnered with the Penn State College of Engineering’s Learning Factory to develop a lead apron support structure prototype for Hershey Medical Center. The student team was successful in creating a design that met the sponsor’s needs of comfort, cost, mobility, deployment time, durability, and manufacturability.
PennTAP Conducts Boiler Energy Assessment for Pennsylvania Food Processing Facility
PennTAP worked with a local manufacturer to help them reduce their energy use and costs and increase the efficiency of their energy systems. The cost savings from these system recommendations is estimated to be $208,000/year and equates to energy savings of 9.652 million British Thermal Units per year.
Building Re-Tuning Drives Savings in Hampton Township
PennTAP conducted a Building Re-Tuning (BRT) walk-through of the Township of Hampton’s police station and reviewed the Township’s monthly electric and natural gas consumption statistics. PennTAP’s assessment led to extensive repairs and renovations and ultimately energy and cost savings for the Township of Hampton.
Preventing Pollution and Reducing Resource Use at Hazeltine Maple Farm
PennTAP worked with a maple syrup producer to upgrade their production process by adding an energy-efficient reverse osmosis machine which helped them save costs and reduce direct air emissions.
