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We recently wrapped up the 38th annual Campus Energy conference in Boston, where we filled four days with panel discussions, workshops, exchanges of ideas, best practices, and spirited conversations with friends and colleagues, old and new. Welcoming over 1500 individuals eager to discuss the future of district energy never gets old (especially with over 500 first-time attendees!)

Our plenary panel set the stage for discussion on how district energy is accelerating the energy transition. The panelists opened the conference with a brief background on their respective campuses (Cornell University, Columbia University, Tufts University, University of Florida, University of Washington, University of Illinois), detailing their innovative strategies for decarbonization and sustainability they are planning and implementing as part of their day-to-day work. Each approach was as unique as the campus it served, but the work is never really done. The energy transition is a continuous evolution and IDEA’s members are utilizing district energy in new creative ways to increase energy efficiency and enhance resiliency.

The panel discussion also covered issues around owning, operating and maintaining a campus district energy system, and the importance of continually educating and updating multiple stakeholders on the performance and planning of the critical energy infrastructure that supports the campus mission.   It was agreed that campus energy systems present a special opportunity to involve the next generation in energy planning, as bright and eager students are looking for ways to better the future, starting on their own campuses.  Panelists suggested that simply opening the door to students is a good way to start the conversation and invite collaboration across generations.

Honoring Patti Wilson, The Heart of IDEA

The Patti Wilson Leadership Program made this year’s conference particularly unique, as we were able to honor our beloved colleague and friend, Patti, who sadly passed away in 2024. In her honor, IDEA and her former employer Affiliated Engineers established this new program aimed at fostering the advancement and participation of promising young women in the district energy industry.

Patti was a former board member and chair of IDEA who embodied the essence of IDEA through her commitment to collegiality and collaboration and willingness to extend her comfort zone to include advocacy and global engagement.  It was a special privilege to recognize the inaugural class of the Patti Wilson Leadership Program of eight young women in school or the early stages of their careers. Based on the strength of their program submittals, we have every confidence that our industry will be in good hands.  You can meet the members of the inaugural class here.

We were also especially pleased to welcome members of her family to reflect on Patti’s contributions to the IDEA community.   

Planning the District Energy Systems of the Future

In addition to a robust technical program, there was palpable energy among attendees in the hallways, lobbies and across the exhibit hall.  Workshops focused on operational issues, thermal energy networks, and integration of geo-exchange. On a macro level, as utilities are confronted with escalating load growth from technologies like AI and data mining, campus energy managers face challenges from escalating demand charges, supply and reliability concerns.

The conference featured informative presentations from IDEA members who are leveraging district energy to decarbonize heating, cooling and power systems, and also highlighted  integration of lower-carbon technologies including geo-exchange, wastewater, waste heat or electrifying  systems through sector coupling. Segments also covered topics like team management and utility master planning. With the conference in Boston, home to many colleges and universities, the IDEA Young Professionals Group (YPG) hosted a special segment for regional college and university students to attend and meet with industry leaders, learn about district energy and visit the exhibit hall. 

The 2025 Campus Energy Conference provided an opportunity for members to share their progress and opened the floor to new ideas for accelerating the energy transition. Given that this year’s attendance topped a new high-water mark, it’s encouraging to see the interest in district energy growing among both seasoned industry professionals and young people navigating a new path forward.  IDEA members will convene in June in Minneapolis for “Aggregate, Integrate, Innovate” for the 116th Annual Conference & Trade Show.  We hope to see you there.

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