April 1999

The Official Newsletter of International District Energy Association Volume 14 Number 9

 

 

Survey Reveals:

Less than Five Percent of Nation's Building Systems Affected by Year 2000 Bug

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International, in a unique partnership with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), Buildings magazine, and the President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion, released the results of a ground breaking survey on Year 2000 (Y2K) showing that a very small percentage of building and facility systems (one to five percent) are potentially affected by the Y2K bug. The results, announced at the National Y2K Summit on Building Preparedness on March 4, 1999 in Washington, DC, indicate that America's property owners and managers and taking aggressive action to confront the "millennium bug."

With the assistance of Buildings magazine, BOMA and the GSA distributed a survey aimed at determining the level of readiness among private and public sector real estate. Based on over 1,500 responses -- the most widespread assessment of property professionals done to date -- the survey identified as top priorities for action: security systems, telecommunications equipment and energy management controls.

Demonstrating real estate professionals' high level of activity, two-thirds of companies indicate they have already established a formal, written plan for addressing Y2K issues in their buildings, including defined responsibilities and implementation milestones. Specifically, industry professionals are addressing Y2K in the following project phases:

  • Assessment: Two-thirds of organizations report being 75 to 100 percent complete in identifying affected systems.
  • Remediation: 65 percent of respondents are at least 50 percent complete in implementing system corrections.
  • Validation: 55 percent of organizations have completed at least half their testing of repaired or upgraded systems.
  • Contingency Planning: 38 percent of respondents are at least 50 percent complete in developing and implementing plans to address unforeseen problems.

These survey results, combined with the fact that property professionals are finding compliance issues with only one to five percent of their building systems, clearly demonstrates that the nation's buildings are largely Y2K compliant, and that the vast majority of building and facility managers will be Y2K ready when January 1, 2000 strikes.

 

Energy Outlook

The April issue of the Energy Information Administration's "Short-Term Energy Outlook" projects electricity demand to grow 1.4 percent in 1999 but increase to 2.1% in 2000 which is still below the 2.4 percent annual growth that occurred between 1990 and 1998. Furthermore, oil import dependence is projected to reach 54 percent in 2000 if domestic oil production continues to decline, if weather conditions are normal, and if modest economic growth continues. The report can be found at <http://www.eia.doe.gov/steo>.

 

 

1999 Third-Worst January Ever for Catastrophe Claims

U.S. insurers paid catastrophe claims totaling an estimated $1.75 billion for property damage from four January events, making this the third-costliest January since 1949 when modern catastrophe-loss record keeping began, according to Insurance Services Office Incorporated's Property Claim Services unit.

This January's catastrophe losses exceed 1998's entire first quarter catastrophe losses by $750 million.

Nearly 800,000 claims resulted from severe weather and winter storms in the eastern half of the United States, including an outbreak of tornadoes in Arkansas, which posted the greatest catastrophe losses of any state at $250 million. Other states with large January losses include: New York, $130 million; Pennsylvania, $115 million; New Jersey, $95 million; and Michigan, $90 million.

New Wrinkle in Stadium Scenario

The effort to clear the site of a stadium for the New England Patriots has a powerful potential ally - an international technology and engineering giant with expertise in the steam power plant business. Windsor-based ABB Combustion Engineering confirmed it has been working with the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority on a potential partnership. Under the proposal, ABB could provide financing as well as turbines and heavy components of a plant that would replace the current CTG Resources Inc.-owned steam plant on the stadium site in Hartford.

The CTG plant, tucked between I-91 and Columbus Boulevard, is the biggest physical obstacle to clearing the proposed site for a $374 million stadium for the Patriots. The 37-year old plant provides heating and cooling for about 70 buildings in downtown Hartford.

Several divisions of ABB, including the power-generation, turbine-manufacturing and financial services divisions, could be involved in a Hartford steam plant deal, said John Diekmann, manager of public relations for ABB Combustion. The resources recovery authority and ABB representatives have discussed a number of scenarios for what role ABB might play. "The big thing is nobody knows what it might be," Diekmann said.

The authority is also negotiating with another utility powerhouse, Northeast Utilities, over a buyout of a long-term power purchase agreement. Whether NU plays a larger role in the steam plant talks is unclear. ABB, the authority and the state are among the parties trying to negotiate an agreement with CTG on the steam plant and on another CTG subsidiary -- the office headquarters and operations center of the Connecticut Natural Gas Corp.

Sources say the talks also have included NU, which in the past has indicated an interest in purchasing a gas utility. One scenario being discussed would have NU buying CTG Resources, and selling off the downtown heating and cooling business to a joint venture of ABB and the resources recovery authority.

NU and CTG have both declined to comment about that potential blockbuster deal, but negotiations reportedly have intensified in recent days. Sources said the deal could solve a lot of the problems standing in the way of the stadium and that it would make business sense for both companies and their shareholders.

Alfa Laval Strengthens Leadership Position in Heat Exchanger Market by Acquiring Vicarb S.A.

Alfa Laval, the world's leading manufacturer of compact heat exchangers, has announced the acquisition of Vicarb S.A., a French manufacturer and supplier of compact heat exchangers. The merger of the two companies allows Alfa Laval to expand its product portfolio with new welded heat exchangers. It will also broaden Alfa Laval's production capabilities and sales coverage in the North American heat exchanger market.

Vicarb S.A., a privately-owned company, has 700 employees worldwide, 100 of which are located at the company's North American location in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. Vicarb's products are plate heat exchangers and other specially developed welded compact heat exchanger designs including the Compabloc, a fully welded yet accessible plate heat exchanger; the Compaplate, a wide-gap welded plate heat exchanger; and a die-formed plate coil heat exchanger. These will serve as a complement to Alfa Laval's extensive range of plate, spiral and brazed heat exchangers and other niche heat exchangers.

EPA Global Warming web site Expands

The U.S. EPA's global warming web site has expanded and improved. The new pages relate global climate change to selected sectors and groups: outdoor recreation and wildlife, public health, state and local governments, business, coastal zones, and meteorology. Here's a brief description
of what's available on each page:

  • Outdoor recreation and wildlife: The perfect site to visit for information on climate change for those whose livelihood or avocation involves the outdoors. Learn how climate change may affect your favorite state, national park, or wildlife species. Find out about relevant conferences and events.
  • Public health: An excellent resource for medical and public health professionals. These pages include reports, articles, brochures, and even a slide show presentation that addresses climate change and public health.
  • State and local governments: States and localities have an important role to play in addressing global climate change. On these pages you'll find the necessary materials to ensure success. Learn how other states and communities have reduced emissions and saved money. Check out state greenhouse gas inventories. Discover why and how you can become involved with the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives' Cities for Climate Protection Campaign.
  • Business: Answers the bottom-line question: What can businesses do
    to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money at the same time? Includes a brief primer on the insurance industry and green power marketing. Don't miss the renewables
    section, in which you'll find out how innovative new technologies can simultaneously reduce pollution and your overhead.
  • Coastal: For those who live near, visit, or make decisions about the coast.
    Sea level reports will help bring you up-to-speed on sea level rise and help you learn about mitigation and adaptation strategies. Lots of links related to sea level rise ensure that the surfing is second to none.
  • Meteorology: Includes the latest climate change updates-concise information that will help you navigate the sea of climate change materials. These pages also include links filled with valuable resources for meteorologists.

To find the new pages, visit <http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming>. Then click on "Stakeholders" in the left-hand column.

New Houston Ballpark Contracts for District Cooling Service

Northwind Houston, a joint venture of Reliant Energy and Unicom Thermal Technologies, has its first major customer. The Harris County-Houston Sports Authority awarded the company a 30-year contract to provide cooling for Houston's new downtown ballpark. The 8,500-ton load will be served by Northwind's first central cooling plant, the Union Station District Energy Center that is now under construction. The plant also will serve other customers, as it will contain an 88,000-ton hour thermal ice-storage system and instantaneous cooling capacity of 32,000 tons. Service will commence in August 1999 in time for the first pitch in the new stadium scheduled for April 2000.

 

Calendar
of Events

90th Annual IDEA Conference & Trade Show
June 12-15, 1999
Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Castle Boston, Massachusetts
Contact: IDEA, (202) 429-5111

29th Biennial Congress of Euroheat and Power, Unichal
June 14-16, 1999
Sheffield, England
Contact: CHPA Services,
+44 1403 785409

2nd Annual Earth Technologies Forum
September 27-29, 1999
Hyatt Regency, Washington, DC
Contact: Dave Stirpe, 703-243-0344

14th Annual IDEA Cooling Conference
October 6-8, 1999
Sheraton Atlantic City
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Contact: IDEA, 202-429-5111

European District Heating & Cooling Week
November 9-12, 1999
Finlandia House, Helsinski
Contact: EuroHeat & Power, unichal, +32 2 779 9279

13th Annual IDEA College/University Conference
February 23-25, 2000
Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
Contact: IDEA, 202-429-5111

 

 

We hope you will join us in
welcoming the following new
members of IDEA!

Oleksa P. Breslawec, P.E.
Partner
Sebesta Blomberg & Associates, Inc.
5075 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 200
Minneapolis, MN 55416
612-546-7570
612-546-0494 fax
E-mail: obreslawec@sebesta.com
URL: www.sebesta.com
Referred by Jim Sebesta, Sebesta Blomberg & Associates, Inc.

Henry K. Tseng, P.E.
Project Manager
Sebesta Blomberg & Associates, Inc.
5075 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 200
Minneapolis, MN 55416
978-887-1111
978-887-1116 fax
E-mail: htseng@sebesta.com
URL: www.sebesta.com
Referred by Jim Sebesta, Sebesta Blomberg & Associates, Inc.

Ralph Sargent
Marketing/Communications Manager
Panametrics Inc.
221 Crescent Street
Waltham, MA 02453
781-899-2746 x172
781-894-8582 fax
E-mail: rsargent@panametrics.com

Tony DiCarlo
New England Sales Manager
Panametrics Inc.
221 Crescent Street
Waltham, MA 02453
781-899-2746 x123
781-894-8582 fax

Shaun W. Hayes
President
Hayes Energy Consultants, Inc.
PO Box 24219
New Orleans, LA 70184
504-875-1942
504-875-1943 fax
E-mail: shayes63@aol.com
Referred by: Entergy Thermal, New Orleans

 

1998 Warmest Year of Millennium, Climate Researchers Report

Researchers at the Universities of Massachusetts and Arizona who study global warming have released a report strongly suggesting that the 1990s will be the warmest decade of the millennium, with 1998 the warmest year so far. Researchers also have found that the warming in the 20th century counters a 1,000-year-long cooling trend.

The study, by Michael Mann and Raymond Bradley of the University of Massachusetts and Malcolm Hughes of the University of Arizona, appears in the March 15 issue of Geophysical Research Letters, published by the American Geophysical Union. The research was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation.

"Temperatures in the latter half of the 20th century were unprecedented," said Bradley. The study involved a close examination of natural archives, such as tree rings and ice cores, which record climate variations. These natural archives are called "proxy indicators" by scientists. Using proxy information gathered by scientists around the world during the past few decades, the team used sophisticated computer analysis and statistics to reconstruct yearly temperatures and their statistical uncertainties, going back to the year 1000 AD.

For more information on climate change, check out the EPA's web site at www.epa.gov/globalwarming.

 

BOMA Releases Survey

One of the most important factors in the performance of any office building is its ability to attract and retain tenants. Unfortunately, many building owners, managers and leasing agents have only a vague idea of what today's tenants really need to effectively conduct business. To help, results of the recently completed survey entitled "What Office Tenants Want" sheds light on key "intelligent building features" as identified by tenants.

BOMA International and the Urban Land Institute (ULI) recently surveyed 1,800 office tenants throughout North America from different business categories. One of the most revealing issues centered on the concept of intelligent building features. Surveyed office tenants were asked to select and rank in importance a total of 13 intelligent building features:

  • Built-in wiring for the Internet.
  • Local-Area Network (LAN)/Wide-Area Network (WAN) connectivity.
  • High technology, energy-efficient HVAC.
  • Conduits for cabling
  • Wiring for high-speed networks.
  • Fiber optics
  • Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN).
  • Redundant power sources.
  • Automatic sensors for lighting.
  • Satellite accessibility.
  • Interactive building directories.
  • Automatic sensors for faucets/toilets.
  • Smart elevators.

Results were tabulated and analyzed based on the respondent's main line of business.

Complete survey results can be found in "What Office Tenants Want," which can be obtained by calling 1-800-426-6292 or via BOMA's online server at <http://www.boma.org/bomauli.htm>. The member price is $49.95; the list price is $79.95.

Statoil Cuts Deals with UniFirst and Tufts

UniFirst Corp., the nation's fourth-largest manufacturer and marketer of uniforms, and Tufts University have selected Statoil Energy Inc. to help them efficiently meet their energy needs. Under its three-year contract with UniFirst Corp., Statoil will manage the company's $9 million annual energy budget and reduce energy costs by 20%.

Statoil Energy will assume complete responsibility for energy management at UniFirst's 60 facilities coast to coast. Statoil Energy will supply electricity, natural gas and alternative fuels, as well as provide a full spectrum of energy-management services, including demand-side management, price-risk management, tariff analysis, contract management and invoice management.

Under its contract with Tufts University, Statoil Energy will completely retrofit the existing energy infrastructure of the four-building, 275,000-square-foot Medical Research Facilities in downtown Boston. Statoil Energy will save the internationally renowned research and teaching facility more than $1 million annually in energy costs while the facility remains 100% occupied.

Under the contract, Statoil Energy will remove more than 60 heating and air-conditioning systems; construct a hot and chilled water central plant; install a closed-loop cooling system to reduce reliance on city water; install building automation and control for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, lighting and other systems; and upgrade more than 7,000 lighting fixtures to higher efficiency standards.

Statoil Energy is the parent company of IDEA member Harrisburg Steam Works and Tufts University is the alma mater of IDEA Chairman, Rob Thornton.

Order Your Copy Now

Don't forget to order your copy of the United States Industrial Electric Motor Systems Market Opportunities Assessment by calling (800) 862-2086. The report details motor-driven system use in the industrial sector. You can find out what the key motor system energy saving opportunities are in your industry. And, you can use the report to benchmark your current motor system purchase and management procedures against concepts of best practice. The report contains valuable facts such as:

  • Improvements to the major fluid systems (pumps, fans and compressors) represent 62% of potential savings.
  • Typical savings for an industrial facility are around $90,000 per year; for paper mills, petroleum refineries, and inorganic chemical plants (the three highest motor system energy consuming industry groups) the annual savings are $659,00, $946,000, and $283,000 respectively.
  • Potential industrial motor system energy savings using mature, proven, cost-effective technologies equal roughly 11% of current annual usage or 75 billion kWh per year.
  • Motor systems used only for production processes consumed 23% of all electricity sold in the United States.

You may order either the Executive Summary or the entire report from the Clearinghouse at (800) 862-2086. You can also access the Web site at <http://www.motor. doe.gov/mcnew.htm> for the Executive Summary and Sections 1-4 of the report.

The Energy Network to Heat and Cool Hartford's Learning Corridor for the Next 25 Years

The Energy Network, Inc. (TEN), subsidiary of CTG Resources, Inc. announced that under a 25-year District Heating & Cooling Service Agreement, TEN will provide heat and air conditioning to The Learning Corridor. TEN will utilize energy produced by its newly re-powered cogeneration project located at Hartford Hospital to meet the Corridor's energy needs. The agreement is with the property owner, the City of Hartford.

The signing caps months of effort by the parties to develop an innovative, state-of-the-art energy concept which will be consistent with the electronically connected "SMART" neighborhood -- joining the schools with the proposed residential portion of the Corridor. The agreement is the second phase of TEN's planned development of a new South End District Energy System. TEN is working on the final phase by recommending long term energy solutions for thermal, cooling, and electricity for Trinity's South End campus.

Located in Hartford's South End, the Learning Center is an $86 million educational campus that forms the centerpiece of the Trinity College/SINA (Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance) neighborhood revitalization initiative. The Learning Corridor construction is well underway, with completion expected in the fall of 2000. Consisting of six structures linked by an Atrium, the Learning Corridor will encompass a Montessori Magnet School, a Middle School, a Science and Arts High School, a Commons building (pool, gymnasium and dining facilities), a 630-seat theatre, a parking garage, and retail businesses.

 

 

Conference Update...

Are You Prepared?

 

We're only two months away from the International District Energy Association's 90th Annual Conference and Trade Show

District Energy and the Environment: Preparing to Enter a New Millennium

Boston Park Plaza Hotel * June 12-15, 1999

We would like to thank the following companies for their commitment to exhibit at the Annual Conference:

ABB-Fischer & Porter

Adams Valves, Inc.

Alfa Laval

Altran Corporation

Ashland Chemical Co./Drew

Industrial Div.

Baltimore Aircoil Co.

BetzDearborn

Black & Veatch

Carter & Burgess, Inc.

CES/WAY International, Inc.

Chemworks Filtration

Coffin Turbo Pumps

Controlotron Corp.

DriTherm, Inc.

The Energy Network

Erdman, Anthony & Associates

EVAPCO, Inc.

FES (Division of Thermo Power Corp.)

Flow Control Industries, Inc.

Green Contracting Company, Inc.

Jordan Valve-Bestobell Steam

Kattner/FVB District Energy, Inc.

Kerotest Manufacturing Corp.

Kessler-Ellis Products

Matrix/Colt Construction

Nalco Chemical Co.

NEPCO

Newmans/Newco Valves

Nova District Energy Services, Inc.

Panametrics

Paul Mueller Company

Perma-Pipe, Inc.

Psychrometric Systems, Inc.

R.G. Vanderweil Engineers

RMF Engineering, Inc.

Rovanco Piping Systems

Sebesta, Blomberg & Associates

Spence Engineering Co.

Syska & Hennessy

Thermacor Process, Inc.

Thermal Science Technologies

The Trane Co.

Tower Tech, Inc.

Tuthill Energy Systems

Urecon, Ltd.

Vanessa/Tyco Valves & Controls

Yokogawa Corporation of America

York International Corp.

There are still exhibit and sponsorship opportunities available for this conference.
To secure a sponsorship, please contact Marie Williams at (202) 429-5111.
For information on exhibiting at IDEA's conference, contact Tammie Jackson at (301) 464-0059.

 

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District Energy Now is a monthly
publication of the International
District Energy Association.

Marie Williams, Editor

Barbara Erickson, Graphic Designer

All copy and correspondence
should be sent to:

1200 19th Street, N.W., Suite 300
Washington, DC 20036-2422

(202) 429-5111 phone
(202) 429-5113 fax

e-mail: idea@dc.sba.com
http://www.districtenergy.org

Return to IDEA home page.