Interprofessional Projects Program (IPRO) team “Efficiency Strategies for Chicago Buildings” was awarded the College of Science Dean’s Choice Award during IPRO Day on April 20.

The group was advised by Daniel Tomal, adjunct professor of industrial technology and management, and co-led by third year architectural engineering student Myka Chang and fifth year engineering management student Taylor Thompson. They, along with a group of 19 other Illinois Tech undergraduates from all disciplines, designed a net zero energy proposal for the Institute of Cultural Affairs building. The three components included in their plan were analysis and optimization of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), rebalancing and refitting natural and artificial lighting for greater efficiency, and optimization and expansion of solar panel usage.

The guidelines for winning the College of Science Dean’s Choice IPRO Award were that the team promoted rigorous disciplinary methods of modeling and analysis, applied problem-solving skills to an issue relevant to society, and developed technologies to meet current and future challenges. The group’s ability to display teamwork, communication, and ethical awareness were also taken into account.

Rob Ellis, associate dean of the College of Science, said, “We were impressed by the multifaceted modeling and analysis conducted by the team toward a cohesive and compelling final design, and wish the team well at the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) conference Green Energy Challenge competition.”