On Aug. 28, Governor Ned Lamont visited the University of Connecticut Medical Center’s Outpatient Pavilion to discuss innovative technologies that will be installed on the Farmington campus to bolster the state’s efforts to reduce energy costs and reduce its carbon footprint.
Lamont was joined by collaborators including University of Connecticut President Radenka Marić, UConn Health CEO Dr. Andrew Agnobi, Connecticut Innovations CEO Matt McCoo, UConn Health Vice President of Facilities Development and Operations Eric Krueger and Budderfly CEO Al Sabbrooi.
The innovative ultra-high performance (UHP) heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system being installed at UConn Health is manufactured by Shelton-based Budderfly.
The company has partnered with the University of Connecticut Health Center and Connecticut Innovations, the strategic venture capital arm of the State of Connecticut, to deploy and test the benefits of the technology in a 12-month pilot project program with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions at the state’s academic medical center’s Creative Child Center.
The pilot program is funded by Connecticut Innovations through the Connecticut Governor’s Innovation Institute. It is the latest effort and investment by the State of Connecticut as it strives to achieve a zero-carbon electricity supply by 2040.
At the celebration event, Dr. Andrew Agunobi, newly returned CEO of University of Connecticut Health, praised the team of Connecticut collaborators and Governor Ned Lamont, saying, “We are grateful for the opportunity for this pilot program. We hope to lower our energy costs and reduce our carbon footprint. The savings are beneficial for our organization, but most importantly, it’s the future of our planet.”
University of Connecticut President Radenka Maric agreed, saying, “This experiment marks a very important milestone for the university. One of our strategic goals is how we address climate change. We’re going to make the planet a better place.”
“We’re very proud to be a part of this project,” added Matt McCoo, CEO of Connecticut Innovations. “They want to reduce costs for government, and this project will do that.”
“We are truly honored to be part of this effort in Connecticut,” concluded Eric Krueger, vice president of facilities development and operations for UConn Health.
“I’m a caring Connecticut citizen, and we’re going to cut carbon to save the world,” Budderfly CEO Al Sablow said.
Subbroy added, “We are excited. We will measure the benefits and return on investment of the pilot project. We look forward to a larger scale rollout.”
The Governor praised the pilot project collaboration and the future impact of Budderfly’s innovative technology.
“This is a huge problem for our energy grid and for energy prices,” Lamont said.
The governor also offered words of praise to UConn Health and its returning CEO, Agunobi.
“Not bad, Andy. You’re back in 90 days, saving money and saving the planet,” Lamont said with a smile about the UConn Health CEO.
“We can achieve incredible efficiencies when it comes to energy. We can invest and save money across the state,” Lamont said.
The governor also said he is in discussions with innovative energy companies Budderfly and CT Innovations about what the state can do for homeowners in the future.
“The research at the University of Connecticut will be a big success,” Lamont concluded.
