press release
February 22, 2024
Governor Lamont Announces Launch of Pilot Program at UConn Health Using Innovative Technology to Reduce Carbon Emissions and Deliver Significant Lower Energy Costs
Shelton-based company Buddafly installs state-of-the-art energy solution in UConn Health's child care center building in pilot project with funding from Connecticut Innovations
(Hartford, Conn.) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced approval for a 12-month pilot program to begin at UConn Health's Child Care Center building in Farmington. This includes the introduction of innovative new technology developed by Shelton-based company Budderfly. We help health systems and hospitals achieve net-zero carbon emissions and realize significant energy cost savings.
In the pilot, the company will install, deploy, and manage a unique ultra-high-performance (UHP) heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to demonstrate its ability to decarbonize and save energy for government agencies and organizations. .
The pilot, funded by Connecticut Innovations (CI) through the Governor's Innovation Lab, is the latest effort and investment by the state of Connecticut to achieve zero-carbon electricity by 2040. CI is the state's strategic venture capital arm, providing a major source of funding and ongoing support for innovative growth companies in Connecticut, covering the initial costs of equipment and installation. Budderfly is his CI portfolio company and is backed by Partners Group.
“This UConn Health pilot program is the latest example of our continued commitment to achieving zero emissions and carbon-free electricity for Connecticut by 2040.” Governor Lamont said:. “In addition to meeting our broader carbon reduction goals, the success of this pilot will deliver new sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy jobs across the state, while deepening our commitment to tackling the climate crisis.” One of the best things about this pilot is that we're launching it using technology developed by a company headquartered right here in Connecticut. ”
Budderfly's UHP solution is an all-electric system that reduces energy costs by separating airflow management from heating and cooling systems. In addition to a full suite of energy management services and software, Budderfly will also deploy a billing platform to UConn Health to create transparent bills and verify energy savings and cost savings. This pilot will showcase the commercial viability and energy-saving capabilities of Buddafly's energy solutions for government agencies and institutions.
“We look forward to demonstrating how we can reduce energy use and costs in our home state.” Al Subrouy, Founder and CEO of Buddafly, said:. “UConn Health's child care center is currently heated with natural gas, but the pilot will eliminate the use of this fossil fuel and employ heat pump technology to reduce total energy usage.”
“We are constantly challenging ourselves to find ways to meet the state’s climate action plan and the university’s net carbon neutrality goals.” UW President Radenka Maric said:. “In addition to upgrading our facilities and maximizing efficiency, this partnership will also allow UConn Health to realize cost savings.”
“Badafly, a Connecticut-based company with more than 150 employees, is an innovative energy management company with a demonstrated commitment to growing its business and customer base in Connecticut.” Governor Lamont said:. “This is exactly the type of synergy we hoped to identify when we launched the Governors Innovation Lab at CI. We look forward to implementing our solution in ten government buildings.”
Budderfly has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of America's Fastest Growing Private Companies from 2021 to 2023 and to the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 list in 2023. The company uses an energy-as-a-service model for installation and monitoring. , manages a combination of patented technology, equipment upgrades, and proprietary energy software for customers at no out-of-pocket cost. Facility owners and operators benefit from lower energy bills, a reduced carbon footprint, more reliable operations, and an improved customer and employee experience.
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