What We Do

Attracting attendance from around the globe, IDEA hosts an Annual Conference and Trade Show, Campus Energy Conference, International Cooling Conference, and a newly added Microgrid Conference. Our “best-in-industry” technical content, programming, and workshops represent best practices and emerging technologies that drive the industry forward. View Upcoming IDEA Events

Published since 1915, District Energy Magazine continues to be an authoritative source of district energy industry news & information. Included with membership, IDEA offers both a print and digital version of the quarterly magazine with a readership of more than 3,500 industry professionals.

Additionally, collaborative publications such as the District Heating Handbook, District Cooling Guide, Community Energy Guide, and more offer technical guidance to focused audiences.

Our subsidiary Microgrid Resources Coalition(MRC) is a consortium of owners, operators, developers, suppliers and investors formed to advocate for policies and regulations that support microgrid deployment—especially those anchored by district energy/CHP.

Continuing the discussion from business relationships forged at conferences, IDEA’s membership has access to Online Community Forums, connecting them directly with industry experts willing to share their depth of experience and knowledge. Members pose questions to a peer group full of practical experience knowledge of best practices.

Bringing visibility to our industry in Washington, IDEA actively lobbies on behalf of our members to secure favorable legislation and funding opportunities for our industry. When pertinent legislation comes to the table, IDEA weighs in on key points and calls on members to engage policymakers.