The University of British Columbia and Cisco collaborate on smart energy

The University of British Columbia (UBC) and Cisco have announced an arrangement that will see the two parties collaborate on a number of initiatives focused on smart energy technologies and converged network solutions.

A key component of the collaboration will be Cisco’s direct involvement in the university’s Campus as a Living Lab Initiative to accelerate the development, demonstration and commercialization of new technologies and solutions. Together UBC and Cisco aim to help create smarter, more energy-efficient buildings while identifying best practices and innovative solutions to reduce UBC’s net greenhouse gas emissions and associated carbon costs.

UBC and Cisco intend to pursue activities that will enhance, augment and sustain strategies and opportunities that use the capabilities and expertise of UBC.

Cisco says it may invest up to $1 million over five years in collaborative projects. Cisco and UBC will explore solution approaches for a campus-wide Smart Energy System that can integrate energy generation, demand and supply to buildings at UBC’s Vancouver campus.

“Cisco and UBC share a vision of achieving environmental sustainability through the transformational use of smart energy systems such as smarter buildings and communities,” said Pascal Spothelfer, vice president, Communications and Community Partnership, The University of British Columbia. “This agreement will give us the opportunity to act on this shared vision by using UBC as a living laboratory to provide faculty, students and staff with fantastic learning opportunities and more efficient University operations. The living lab will also aim to define new industry benchmarks and a city-scale demonstration for making communities more sustainable through better efficiency and advanced technologies.”