Boston Neighborhood Network Talk of the Neighborhoods

Today, government agencies juggle competing priorities, balancing budget restraints, hiring needs, improving processes, and focusing on reducing carbon impact.
Municipal, state, and federal buildings have unique energy requirements. From courthouses and state houses to medical facilities and libraries, these buildings must serve the needs of the public while keeping employees comfortable and able to do their critical work.
Government buildings have a significant opportunity to decarbonize their operations. Around the world, building operations and materials are responsible for roughly 42% of annual carbon emissions.
Across the U.S., leading cities are taking action to reduce this substantial carbon footprint. Building performance standards are being enacted, requiring buildings to reduce carbon emissions. These requirements make low-carbon, sustainable energy a non-negotiable requirement for new and existing buildings, and government operations are no exception.
In 2023, the Federal government announced the first-ever Federal Building Performance Standard (BPS), which aims to cut energy use and electrify equipment and appliances in 30% of Federally owned building space by 2030.
Many federally owned buildings are partnering with district energy systems to meet these carbon requirements and appeal to eco-conscious employees. Federal buildings currently connected to district energy systems can instantly meet the requirements set by the new standard, and buildings connected in the future can also meet these requirements while benefitting from the efficient, sustainable, and reliable service district energy provides.
Because district energy systems leverage centralized infrastructure to serve multiple buildings connected to one system, cities across the U.S. are turning to district energy to advance their clean energy goals and meet their reliability needs.
District energy systems are fuel agnostic, making them a powerful tool for building decarbonization. Vicinity is deploying innovative technologies and integrating renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro into our systems to decarbonize the buildings we serve by 2050 or sooner. With Vicinity, building owners and operators can rely on an uninterrupted energy supply while reducing their carbon impact.
By connecting to Vicinity’s district energy system, government buildings not only have access to reliable, sustainable energy but are also supported by a team of experts to ensure their operations run smoothly and efficiently. Our specialists include experienced licensed engineers, operators, and financial professionals who provide dedicated service.
Vicinity Energy serves over 40 million square feet of government building space nationwide, working as a trusted energy partner with federal and state operations, from libraries and city halls to federally-owned hospitals.
From reducing carbon emissions to improving resilience, district energy systems provide reliable service to government buildings so they can focus on the vital work that is shaping our country. With district energy, government buildings can free up additional space, reduce energy expenses, and meet emission reduction requirements.
Vicinity’s energy solutions for government buildings are reliable and sustainable. They help advance the innovations that propel our communities forward and protect the world.
Get started with district energy today to decarbonize your buildings and access reliable, uninterrupted service.
Vicinity Energy has been recognized by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce for its commitment to innovation in the launch of eSteam™, the first renewable, carbon-free thermal energy product in the United States. Vicinity and IQHQ team members talk about the impact eSteam™ is making in Boston and Cambridge in this video highlighting Visionary award winners.
Cambridge, November 28, 2023 – Vicinity Energy, a decarbonization leader with the nation’s largest portfolio of district energy systems, announces the arrival of its 42MW industrial-scale electric boiler, set to be installed at its Kendall Square facility in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Installing the electric boiler marks a significant stride in Vicinity’s commitment to sustainable practices and reducing carbon emissions. The company is poised to commence the installation process in the coming months, with the electric boiler expected to be fully operational by the spring of 2024.
The newly acquired 42MW electric boiler will play a pivotal role in Vicinity Energy’s mission to provide sustainable solutions to its customers. Once operational, the boiler will enable the immediate production of eSteam™, Vicinity’s award-winning carbon-free thermal energy product. This groundbreaking development underscores the company’s dedication to a cleaner, sustainable future.
“This 42MW electric boiler represents a significant leap forward in our decarbonization efforts for Boston, Cambridge and the Commonwealth. With the ability to produce eSteam™ on an industrial scale we are rapidly advancing our capacity to deliver carbon-free thermal energy to meet the strong and accelerating demand of our customers for an affordable net zero-carbon future. We are excited about executing on our years of planning and the positive implications this holds for our customers and communities. We are also looking forward to taking our next major step…stay tuned!” states Bill DiCroce, chief executive officer of Vicinity Energy.
Vicinity will implement the second phase of its electrification plans by installing a 35MW industrial-scale heat pump complex at its Kendall facility that will enter service in 2027.
“In our commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions, the technologies we are implementing signify more than just progress; they represent a large first step toward fulfilling our promises to customers, employees, and the communities we proudly serve,” states Kevin Hagerty, president of Vicinity Energy. “This innovation will enable us to convert renewable electricity directly into steam at Kendall Station in Cambridge, where we own a direct connection to the backbone of the high-voltage electric grid. By leveraging our existing infrastructure and deploying new technologies, we are taking our environmental responsibility to the community from the planning stage to reality.”
Vicinity aims to achieve net zero carbon across its portfolio and provide solutions to decarbonize its customers and communities. The company recognizes the urgency of addressing climate change and understands our pivotal role in decarbonizing urban cores and campuses. In response, Vicinity has set ambitious targets for decarbonization, aiming not just to meet industry standards but to redefine them to lead the thermal energy industry in clean energy solutions.
About Vicinity Energy
Vicinity Energy is a clean energy company that owns and operates an extensive portfolio of district energy systems across the United States. Vicinity produces and distributes reliable, clean steam, hot water, and chilled water to 250 million square feet of building space nationwide. Vicinity continuously invests in its infrastructure and the latest technologies to accelerate the decarbonization of commercial and institutional buildings in city centers. Vicinity is committed to achieving net zero carbon across its portfolio by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.vicinityenergy.us or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.
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media@vicinityenergy.us