No one is seeking to create show-pony systems to serve as science-fair demonstrations. The purpose is to invent practical, working systems that can be installed in existing structures and included in new ones.
In the United States, buildings account for nearly 40 percent of energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Foley will devote at least one-third of his time to the project, the rest to his duties at Penn State, where he is vice president for research and dean of the graduate school.
"He's extremely well-prepared for this job," said Paul Hallacher, Penn State's director of research program development, who reports directly to Foley. "The man just gets things done."
Hallacher, who will help manage the new enterprise, described Foley as a scholar, a thinker, and a leader who has hands-on experience in business and in research.
"He's a wonderful guy to work for," Hallacher said. "He sets a pace. But he gives good recognition to the people under him, he supports the people under him, and he's not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty."
Foley, 54, was born and raised in Providence, R.I., and attended Providence College, about a block from his house. He received a master's degree from Purdue University, earned his doctorate at Penn State, and later worked for American Cyanamid Co., now part of the German chemical giant BASF. There he consulted with firms including Monsanto, DuPont, and Englehard Corp.
