Constrained by inflation, CSUB looking for donations to supplement budget for energy innovation building
The three-story building will be almost a quarter smaller than initially expected, for one thing, and the university is having to delay plans for hiring faculty specifically to work at the 57,000-square-foot building.
But there's still hope CSUB will be able to upgrade the project and bring it closer to the university's original vision for when the Energy Innovation Building opens in fall 2027. That's because the university plans to kick off a campaign next month soliciting naming-rights agreements among local energy companies.
'That would help to bring some of the specialized lab equipment and other opportunities to the building,' said CSUB's CFO and interim vice president, Kristen Watson.
The building was and still is planned to be a hub of excellence for promoting sustainable energy solutions and collaboration among local industry, students, federal scientists and partners across the region. Its design was approved in March by trustees of the California State University system.
In alignment with the county's statewide leadership in production of oil and renewable energy, CSUB says the building will offer space for specialized teaching laboratories, along with room for computing, materials testing, power systems and petroleum engineering. A 240-seat venue is planned for consortiums and other gatherings focused on energy innovation.
CSUB has long wanted a center like the one planned just south of one of the two existing science centers on campus. The university's leadership sees energy advancements, including in the area of carbon management, as key to improving local quality of life, enhancing environmental stewardship and generating tax revenue to sustain local communities.
The building's economic significance is not lost on Justin Salters, a local consultant with experience in economic development and public policy. He said Thursday the project is an opportunity to grow the region's energy leadership and grow its role in developing new technologies that will be needed for providing 'reliable, affordable and ever-cleaner energy.'
'This is a huge win for the region,' Salters said by email. 'I look forward to seeing how it expands research at CSUB and hope to see technologies developed in the building leveraged by entrepreneurs to launch new ventures and create good jobs for Kern County residents.'
Already some members of the local energy industry have stepped up with financial support for the building or the California Energy Research Center it will house. At least two large Kern County oil producers, Chevron and Aera Energy LLC, have pledged seven-figure grants.
Chevron said its $1.25 million contribution will support academic and education outreach programs at the building while giving engineering students a chance to work with advanced equipment that can help prepare them to work in the industry immediately upon graduation.
'Chevron recognizes that science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education plays an important role in advancing innovation, research and technology and inspires the next generation of scientists, engineers and problem-solvers,' spokesman Sean Comey said by email.
Aera, which has since been acquired by local oil producer California Resources Corp., committed $2.5 million toward an endowment funding leadership of CERC, whose first executive director was recently hired and is scheduled to start the job this summer.
Watson noted donations have already come in for the naming of the building's multipurpose room and atrium lobby. But she said other spaces remain open to naming-rights agreements.
The plan is to partner with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to support research and technical infrastructure, specifically for the purpose of achieving California's goal of carbon neutrality by 2045. As part of that, federal scientists are expected to work with university personnel.
CSUB hoped to hire energy specialists who would work in the building at its opening. That won't happen at first, Watson said, though existing faculty will have offices and access to lab space.
She said specially dedicated faculty remain a goal.
'As resources become available,' she said, 'we'll look to bring specialized faculty on board.'
The project is being managed by locally based Bynum Inc. The building's design was prepared by architecture firm AC Martin of Los Angeles. San Francisco's Swinerton has been named the construction contractor.
Construction is expected to start early next year.
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