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Press Release - October 27, 2020

The International District Energy Association (IDEA) has released its annual report, District Energy Space, detailing the growth in district energy for 2019.  This year’s results, which showed a nearly 8% increase in the buildings committed, builds upon a more than decade-long trend of increasing adoption of district energy to reliably and efficiently deliver heating and cooling to buildings both here in the U.S. and around the globe.

Established in 1909, IDEA serves as a vital communications and information hub for the district energy industry, connecting industry professionals and advancing the technology around the world. IDEA comprises over 2,400 district heating and cooling system executives, managers, engineers, consultants, and equipment suppliers from 25 countries. IDEA supports the growth and utilization of district energy  to conserve fuel, increase energy efficiency and resilience, and reduce emissions.

The report, which has been an annual tradition for IDEA since 1990, is the result of voluntary reporting by  its member system operators who  share information about both buildings newly committed and those that have extended a contract with a duration of 10 years or more. The report also details building names, types of use (i.e. commercial office space, hotel, etc.), location, services (heating, cooling, hot water) and square footage served.  The report also provides summary insights on  industry growth in North America and Beyond North America.

“It is encouraging to see the continued growth of District Energy both domestically as well as globally,” said Rob Thornton, President & CEO of IDEA, “We face incredible challenges as a society to combat climate change while also seeing  demand for space cooling rapidly increasing in cities, communities and campuses. The scale, flexibility and efficiency of our member’s systems make district energy a critical component to meeting those challenges.”

On Wednesday, October 29^th, IDEA recognized members from North America who reported the largest growth in the number of buildings committed as well as total square footage added in 2019. The virtual event both celebrated the achievements of those members and highlight key trends detailed in the report. You may view a recoridng of the event here.

2020 Award Winners
Energy Services Aquistion Program (ESAP), Gold Awards, Buildings Committed and Square Feet Added

Vicinity Energy - Philadelphia, Silver Awards, Buildings Committed and Square Feet Added

Clearway Energy - Pittsburg, Bronze Award, Buildings Committed

Vicinity Energy - Boston, Silver Award, Square Feet Added


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