University of Iowa
Energy Collaborative

To ensure the long-term reliability and sustainability of the university’s utility services, UI has entered into a public-private partnership (P3) with the University of Iowa Energy Collaborative (UIEC), an entity comprised of ENGIE North America and Meridiam. This 50-year partnership brings to UI industry-leading expertise in energy and utility asset management. UIEC will accelerate progress toward sustainability goals while ensuring reliable electricity, water, heating, and cooling services.

Goals & Objectives

Coal Free by 2025
To achieve the university’s goal to be coal-free by 2025, the partnership will implement several innovative strategies to improve efficiency and transition to cleaner sources of energy.
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to 2010 baseline and continue to pursue a renewable energy supply strategy
  • Deliver reliable electricity, water, heating, and cooling services to the UI campus community
  • Invest in the University’s core missions of teaching, research, and scholarship
  • Prepare students to live and work in the 21st century through direct engagement and education in sustainable energy technologies and processes
  • Facilitate knowledge exchange among the campus community and the State of Iowa, Nation and World

UN Sustainable Development Goals

One of the key features of this partnership is to help the university meet its energy transition objectives. It will therefore concretely contribute to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong
learning opportunities for all
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation
for all
Ensure access to affordable, clean, reliable, sustainable and modern
energy for all
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable
industrialization and foster innovation
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
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Meet Our Team

UIEC Leadership

Joy Thakur
Joy Thakur
CEO of UIEC
(ENGIE)
CFO of UIEC
Alex Gansen
CFO of UIEC
(Meridiam)

Operations and Capital Expenditures

Garry Patricio
Garry Patricio
Director of Energy Delivery, O&M
(ENGIE)
John Bergerud
John Bergerud
Power Plant Manager, O&M
(ENGIE)
Brianna Wills
Brianna Wills
Manager, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
(UIEC)
Jim Zaruba
Jim Zaruba
Outside Water Services Manager, O&M
(ENGIE)
John Weyer
John Weyer
Distribution Manager, O&M
(ENGIE)
Kerry Dixon
Kerry Dixon
Program Manager, CAPEX
(ENGIE)

Joel Elkins
Joel Elkins
Director of Capital Projects, CAPEX
(ENGIE)
Solar Panels

About ENGIE

UIEC Primary Function: Utility systems operator and project developer

As a power generator, energy services company, and retail electricity supplier, ENGIE North America is the only company that delivers comprehensive, integrated services across the entire energy value chain. This makes ENGIE a preferred provider to major universities, cities, healthcare providers, and other social infrastructure entities. ENGIE’s business strategy focuses on delivering safe, reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy solutions that meet customer needs over the long term and contribute to a carbon-neutral economy.


About Meridiam

UIEC Primary Function: Infrastructure investment management

Meridiam was founded in 2005 by Thierry Déau, with the belief that the alignment of interests between the public and private sector can provide critical solutions to the collective needs of communities. Meridiam is an independent investment Benefit Corporation under French law and an asset manager. The firm specializes in the development, financing, and long-term management of sustainable public infrastructure in three core sectors: mobility, energy transition and environment, and social infrastructure. With offices across the globe, Meridiam currently manages US$17.8 billion and more than 100 assets to date. Meridiam is certified ISO 9001: 2015, has an Advanced Sustainability Rating by VigeoEiris (Moody’s), and applies a proprietary methodology in relation to ESG and impact based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).


Meridiam Montreal University Hospital