GOLDEN, Colo. — The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Verizon have signed a memorandum of understanding that could lead to the development of new innovative ways to reduce energy use in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry.

NREL said that through this first-of-its-kind agreement between an ICT company and a DOE national laboratory, NREL’s work with Verizon could produce a blueprint for energy efficient operations in one of the most energy-intensive industries in the world on a square-foot basis. Verizon will advance its goals to become more efficient in its own operations and provide customers with intelligent efficiency solutions.

“Innovation and application of energy-saving technologies in a way that makes sense in the marketplace are vital to improving the nation’s economy and environment. NREL’s collaboration with Verizon offers a variety of possibilities for using clean energy and improving energy efficiency in a large and meaningful way,” said Dan Arvizu, NREL director.

NREL and Verizon will share expertise and resources in several areas under the agreement:

• Energy efficiency and energy management at Verizon’s buildings and facilities;

• Energy efficiency and energy management at Verizon’s data centers; and

• Advancement of smart grid technologies and best practices, including energy and communication technologies in homes and buildings.

“Verizon has taken significant steps in becoming a greener more energy-efficient company,” said James Gowen, chief sustainability officer, Verizon. “By partnering with one of the top science and technology labs in the world, we’ll be able to achieve even greater efficiencies in a cost-effective fashion. We’re very excited about this opportunity.”

Publication date:08/08/2011