The University of Wisconsin celebrated the opening of a new home for energy research on campus in the Wisconsin Energy Institute with a symposium, tours and hands-on activities over the weekend.

The two-day event began with a symposium Friday highlighting the energy research that will occur in the new facility. As part of a day of family-friendly events, WEI hosted tours throughout the building and hands-on activities involving energy. Experts answered questions regarding the institute’s goals for students and community members at the event.

Outreach Coordinator Megan Anderson said WEI is a world-class leader in clean energy research and the building will benefit the university by serving as a meeting ground for collaborative research work.

“We want to give energy a home on campus,” she said.

Anderson said the open space in the building will allow interdisciplinary research and a convenient location to tackle energy issues and be productive.

She added staff at WEI will focus on the future of energy research and the primary objective of institute researchers is to move energy forward by achieving clear, sustainable energy for everyone.

Besides a place for future energy research on campus, the building itself also serves as an example of the future direction of energy preservation, according to WEI employee Scott Williams.

During a building tour with Williams, energy enthusiasts learned 95 percent of construction waste was recycled throughout the building process. Williams explained that a large goal of the building process was to be as energy efficient as possible.

According to Williams, the building is 52 percent more energy efficient and uses 27 percent less water than a typical building.

Building features to contribute to this goal included an advanced heat recovery wheel that recycles heat energy back into the building’s systems and a large rain garden that filters and returns water and snow melt back into the soil.

“We’re trying to be efficient,” Williams said. “We’re trying to overcome the technical issues in renewable energy for a better future.”

Williams explained WEI is dedicated to creating, integrating and transferring knowledge about clean energy.

He said the three main objectives of WEI programs are to foster a community of collaborators by encouraging interdisciplinary research, enhance public understanding of pressing energy issues and inspire leadership in tomorrow’s energy front-runners.

According to Director of Research Communications Margo Broeren, the building is state-funded and cost $50 million to build. She added the concept of the building was discussed in 2005, however the construction of the building did not take effect until November 2010.

“Now it’s finally done and we’re all excited to move forward with renewable energy,” Broeren said. “This building will bring people together for a common purpose.”