Averett University on Thursday announced a partnership that it hopes will launch a digital ecosystem toward becoming carbon neutral.
The Danville-based school is partnering with Dalrada Financial Corporation in efforts to “drive significant reductions in carbon emissions and savings in energy costs while leading the university into the Metaverse.”
Dalrada Energy Services — a division of Dalrada Corp — will help with Averett’s goal of designing a next-generation campus experience, according to a press release. The company’s solutions address issues such as climate change and “technology solutions for a new era of human behavior and interaction.”
The Metaverse — a term coined by science fiction author Neal Stephenson in his 1992 novel Snow Crash — describes “a proposed immersive version of the internet, accessed via virtual reality headsets, augmented reality glasses , phone apps or other devices is accessed”. to The Associated Press.
Metaverse is essentially viewed as the internet brought to life, or at least rendered in 3D, the AP reports.
“Partnering with Dalrada allows us to set the sustainability bar for colleges across the country and ensure we foster an educational environment designed to lead our students into the digital future,” said Tiffany M. Franks, President of Averett, in a statement. “Like never before, we will equip students with the tools they need to succeed after graduation and prepare them for the jobs of the future we can’t even imagine.”
In addition to cutting-edge technology, the plans include “student ownership of digital assets and personalized artificial intelligence, as well as learning and understanding the implications of digital currencies,” the university reported in a press release.
Carbon neutrality – achieving net zero carbon emissions – is a focus of the partnership. For example, by using the company’s LikidoONE heat pumps and other resources, Averett expects to save up to 20% on energy costs while reducing its carbon footprint, the press release said.
Another key area is Web 3.0, a broad description of the next phase of the Internet. According to Averett, it is the first American institution of higher learning to develop personalized Web 3.0 capabilities while promoting sustainable energy outcomes.
“Working with a community leader like Averett University to help them achieve educational goals is exciting, and we look forward to developing a program that takes a direct approach to addressing global challenges while driving real change that promote sustainability,” said Brian Bonar, Chairman and CEO of Dalrada Financial Corporation.
Averett officials say timelines for campus implementation are underway, and they will list other “partners within the Dalrada ecosystem” when the project begins.
