--(BUSINESS WIRE)--International District Energy Association:
WHAT: IDEA2015: Inspiring the Next Generation, taking place June 28 to July 1 in Boston, MA, is an international forum that brings together global energy experts, business leaders and policymakers to discuss the latest trends and innovations in district energy, CHP and microgrids for cities, communities and campuses. After decades of business-as-usual, the utility industry is quickly transforming the way it generates, distributes and values energy, particularly as it relates to more sustainable and resilient cities and communities. During this 106th annual conference, specific topics for discussion will include:
- Urban Sustainability – Insightful city planners and sustainability directors are seeking proven solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, optimize local resources, enhance economic resiliency and strengthen critical energy infrastructure. In parallel with IDEA2015, the City of Boston Office of Environment, Energy & Open Space will host a special workshop for the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) that will focus on policies and best practices for city leaders to deploy multi-building microgrids and district energy systems in cities.
- Utility of The Future – Traditional utilities are in the midst of a profound paradigm shift, moving to new business models with more distributed generation assets that better integrate thermal energy, storage, renewables, microgrids and pro-sumer interactivity. The conference will explore how utilities, regulators and industry are adapting to accelerate deployment of cleaner, more resilient energy infrastructure for cities.
- Global Industry Growth; Local Leadership – The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) District Energy in Cities Initiative calls for accelerated global deployment of district energy in cities to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen local economies. The C40 Cities Climate Leadership, USDN Network and US EPA Clean Power Plan all recognize district energy/CHP as strategic energy infrastructure. As part of this year’s conference, the City of Boston Office of Energy, Environment and Open Space will be recognized by the UNEP District Energy in Cities Initiative for vision and commitment to district energy.
WHERE: John B. Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA
WHEN: June 28 – July 1, 2015
* On the morning of Wednesday, July 1, media will be able to join tours of world-class CHP facilities and district energy systems serving Boston & Cambridge, university campuses, biomedical industries and healthcare institutions. We ask for RSVPs in advance.
WHO: IDEA2015 is organized by the International District Energy Association (IDEA). Now in its 106th year, this annual conference brings together energy experts from around the world with urban sustainability leaders from across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East to discuss innovations, best practices and policy initiatives.
This year’s notable speakers include:
- Shannon Lawrence – Head of Energy Initiative, C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, London
- Lily Riahi – Advisor, Sustainable Energy in Cities, United Nations Environmental Program, District Energy in Cities Initiative, Paris
- Austin Blackmon – Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space, City of Boston
- Judith Judson – Chair, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (invited)
- Bill DiCroce – President & COO, Municipal and Commercial Business Lines, Veolia North America, Boston
- Robert Thornton – President & CEO, IDEA
- Kim Sung Hei – CEO, Korea District Heating Corporation
- Ahmad Bin Shafar – CEO, Empower Energy Solutions, Dubai, UAE
- And many others...
You can review the conference agenda on the IDEA2015 website.
Also during the conference – IDEA will highlight new research including a new white paper that details how district energy and CHP can serve as tools to meet the EPA’s 111(d) compliance requirements along with an upcoming report from Energy Efficiency Markets on microgrids.
About IDEA:
The International District Energy Association (IDEA) is a nonprofit 501(c) 6 industry association founded in 1909 and governed by a 22-member Board of Directors. IDEA represents approximately 2000 members who are district heating and cooling executives, managers, engineers, consultants and equipment suppliers from 26 countries. Association members operate district energy systems owned by utilities, municipalities, hospitals, military bases and airports throughout North America and around the world. Visit http://www.districtenergy.org for more information or follow us on Twitter at @districtenergy.
