BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — California State University, Bakersfield, broke ground on its $83 million Energy Innovation Building (EIB) on Thursday morning.
Officials said 10 years ago, CSUB approved the concept for an ambitious plan to construct the building, later receiving the allocated $83 million in 2022 from Gov. Gavin Newsom for construction.
The building will allow the university to grow its STEM program, meet regional needs for a highly-skilled workforce, and create an intellectual hub for science and research locally, said CSUB.
The EIB will be a three-story, 56,000-square-foot facility, between Science III and the Student Health Center.
Photo courtesy: news.csub.edu
It will feature:
8,900 square feet of research space for physics, engineering, and the California Energy Research Center.Specialized labs for computing, materials testing, power systems, and petroleum engineering.A 240-seat event hall for symposiums, conferences, and academic events.Offices and extended education programs to connect workforce development with industry needs.
Photo courtesy: news.csub.edu
The EIB will meet CSU sustainability standards, feature low-energy systems, drought-tolerant landscaping, and efficient irrigation, said officials.
CSUB said the facility will be fully electric, powered in part by off-site solar panels.
Photo courtesy: news.csub.edu
Mayor Karen Goh and Sen. Shannon Grove were among those in attendance.
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For more information, visit news.csub.edu.