I Am District Energy

I AM District Energy is where the people behind the pipes, plants, and planning take center stage. Delivering unique stories about those working in the industry, I AM District Energy shines a light on the engineers, operators, students, advocates, and leaders whose careers are shaping the future of district energy and thermal networks—often in ways that don’t make the headlines. 
 
Through candid profiles, career journeys, and reflections from across the district energy ecosystem, I AM District Energy explores what motivates people to do this work, the challenges they’ve faced, and the moments that made it meaningful. These human-interest stories highlight the diversity of paths into district energy, the value of collaboration and mentorship, and the shared sense of purpose driving decarbonization, resilience, and innovation. At its core, this blog is about community—connecting people through stories that remind us the industry’s greatest asset isn’t technology alone, but the people who power it.
 
I AM District Energy tells the personal stories behind the systems that quietly keep campuses and communities running. Please read on!

And we want to hear from you too! Share this blog on social media and tell us your story and of your experience working in district energy, with the hashtag #IAMDistrictEnergy. 

Latest Post

The Future of District Energy: 
Advice from Today’s Leaders to Tomorrow’s Trailblazers

Around the world, the district energy industry is growing and rapidly evolving, integrating emerging technologies to support and accelerate the energy transition toward lower-carbon solutions.  In most cities, the energy consumed to heat and cool buildings makes up more than 51% of primary energy use, making it imperative that thermal energy systems become lower-carbon and more sustainable. In recent years, the industry has attracted a new wave of talented younger people seeking to merge their professional careers with a calling for a more mission-centered future. IDEA is at the center of this trend, connecting people eager to learn with those willing to share experiences and insights.  

Industry Outlook 
 
Today, the energy sector—employing over 8.5 million workers—is one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. District energy professionals represent a small, but mighty segment of this workforce, driving innovation across the spectrum as manufacturers, engineers, consultants, campus energy leaders, and more. 
 
As detailed in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy & Employment Report, energy efficiency professionals, including those working in renewable heating and cooling, have a strong future ahead: an average salary that is 20% higher than the national median and projected employment growth of nearly 7%. 


IDEA regularly brings together district energy leaders to look ahead at where the industry is headed, much of which relies on cultivating a strong talent pipeline and supporting early-career professionals as they build the skills they need to thrive. Read on for key lessons from today’s leaders. 

Take Measured Risks. Don’t Fear Failure. 
 
While conventional district energy systems are proven pathways to efficiency, the next stage of innovation involves collaborations with emerging technologies to extend these gains even further. Continued advancement relies on a key mindset: a willingness to take risks. 
 
Whether implementing a first-of-its-kind system or volunteering for a new project, venturing outside your comfort zone is as foundational to the field as the central facility itself. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, and Earl Collins, CEO of Cordia Energy, both stress the importance of “picking up and trying again” and not letting the fear of failure stand in the way of striving for new heights. 

 
Know the Business Inside and Out. 
 
As articulated by Kevin Hagerty, CEO of Vicinity Energy: “There is no replacement for knowing the business well.” This adage is backed by data. According to the DOE report, 35% of surveyed businesses cited lack of experience, training, or technical skills as a primary reason for hiring difficulties in the energy efficiency sector.
 
Early-career professionals who dedicate themselves to truly understanding their field gain not only a competitive edge but also demonstrate to customers and other stakeholders a genuine passion for the field. 

Speak Your Customer’s Language. 
 
While integral, technical skills and industry expertise alone are not enough for a successful career in district energy. Frank Cuomo, director at Con Edison, underscores the importance of strong communication skills: “If I can’t communicate my ideas and thoughts to a customer, then I am only half [as] effective at my job,” he expressed. 
 
From educational institutions to municipalities, foundational district energy principles may be similar, but the goals, challenges, and considerations of each system owner vary widely. Whether you are a service provider or a member of an operations team, the ability to effectively communicate the value of energy efficiency outcomes in your stakeholders’ language is indispensable. 

Strive for Early Impact.
For professionals taking the earliest steps of their careers, it can be hard to believe their work makes a difference. But the days of busywork and coffee runs are long gone—if they ever existed. Today’s talent brings drive, curiosity, and newly sharpened skills that deliver real value.
 
 Offering worlds of encouragement, Luke Gaalswyk, CEO of Ever-Green Energy, says: “Don’t underestimate the impact you can have early on in your career.  Surround yourself with good people and don’t be afraid to ask questions or volunteer for assignments.” Many leaders would agree: in this sector, the fresh perspective of a newcomer can be just as influential as the sage wisdom of an industry veteran. 


Balance Quick Action with Patience 
 
Behind every compelling case study or district energy success story lie years of painstaking research, planning, and implementation. As environmental and operational conditions evolve, district energy professionals must remain flexible and patient, adapting to new developments but maintaining a persistent, problem-solving mindset. Early career professionals will help shape projects that remain central to long-term energy solutions.
 
Meghan Riesterer, chief sustainability officer of CenTrio, highlighted the value of patience. “It’s an absolute privilege that we find ourselves in our careers at this point in history.” 
 
When you think about it, many of us are currently working on district energy solutions that shape communities for the next 50 to 100 years—these are exciting times for our industry.  

For even more insight on the range of career opportunities available in district energy, and how you can stand out as a candidate, consider attending CampusEnergy2026 and IDEA2026 for in-depth insights, networking, and professional development. 

Photo of a recent meetup of the IDEA Young Professionals Group at IDEA2025

Previous Posts

  • Around the world, the district energy industry is growing and rapidly evolving, integrating emerging technologies to support and accelerate the energy transition toward lower-carbon solutions. In most cities, the energy consumed to heat and cool buildings makes up more than 51% of primary energy use, making it imperative that thermal energy systems become lower-carbon and more sustainable. In recent years, the industry has attracted a new wave of talented younger people seeking to merge their professional read more

  • At Con Edison, leadership goes beyond titles or team structures. Instead, it centers on responsibility—uplifting others, serving the community, and leading with purpose, no matter your role. These principles form the foundation of the Dick Morgan Leadership Program, a homegrown initiative that has quietly transformed how hundreds of employees view themselves and their place in the company's future. “The program got me out of my shell, infused confidence within me, and silenced my self-doubt,” said read more

  • At IDEA2025, district energy professionals from around the world shared ideas and insights and recognized the accomplishments of their peers. They also honored the recipients of the 2025 John Gray Scholarship. Established in 2009, the scholarship is named for a former IDEA president and board member whose passion for welcoming new members and first-time attendees at conferences has become ingrained in IDEA's culture. If you've attended an IDEA conference, you've likely noticed the apple read more

  • At IDEA2025, district energy professionals from around the globe shared ideas, insights and recognized the accomplishments of their peers. The Norman R. Taylor Award, honoring IDEA’s “Person of the Year,” is named for a former president and executive director of the organization who made major contributions to IDEA as it stands today and was known for treating people with dignity and humility. This award is presented to an individual whose career accomplishments have had an undeniable read more

  • In a webinar hosted by the Urban Green Council, Con Edison President Matt Ketschke laid out an ambitious roadmap for how district steam can help New York City reach city- and state-wide energy goals. Read on to learn more about IDEA member company Con Edison’s plans to help ensure NYC’s renewable energy future based on that conversation. On the busy streets of Manhattan, beneath the towering skyscrapers and labyrinth of subway lines, an unsung hero has been heating and cooling the city that never read more

  • IDEA’s 116th Annual Conference & Trade Show is being held in Minneapolis in early June. Cordia Energy is a leader in the integration and innovation of district energy systems in cities across the United States. District energy has been critical infrastructure in downtown Minneapolis for over 50 years. Their team will be presenting and giving a tour of some of their facilities at IDEA2025. Read on for a pre-conference preview. In cities across North America, decarbonization and energy resilience read more

  • This post is part of the I AM District Energy blog. Visit and bookmark the page and introduce yourself to the people behind the systems and the impact they have on our industry and our planet. As cities and campuses race to decarbonize, and digital demand continues to climb, the energy world is facing a convergence of pressures: reliability, sustainability, scalability, and cost. For both district energy and the data center industry, these challenges are not new, but the solutions read more

  • The future of energy is shifting in many dimensions. From rapidly rising demand to aging infrastructure, energy systems around the world are moving to adapt scalable solutions that are both economically and environmentally sustainable. District energy is uniquely poised to meet these demands head-on, with a track record of steady evolution and innovation. Read on for our members' thoughts. District energy systems have been providing heating, cooling and energy for cities in some form since the read more

  • Augusta National Golf Course is famous for hosting The Masters every year; Albatros at Le Golf National is where the world watched Scottie Scheffler take home the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. But despite the lack of presence of a PGA legend or an Olympic champion, what was formerly known as Hillcrest Golf Club in St. Paul, Minnesota, has also been in the spotlight over the last few months, but not for the reasons one may assume. Thanks to the partnership between master developer read more

  • Carrying on a Legacy: The Inaugural Class of the Patti Wilson Leadership Program In 2024, the IDEA community and many others lost someone that served as a guiding light, an anchor and an example to everyone she met—Patti Wilson. In the spirit of continuing her legacy, IDEA, the Wilson family and her long-time employer, Affiliated Engineers, established the Patti Wilson Leadership Program. The first class of the program was announced at IDEA’s CampusEnergy2025 conference in February, with read more