Daren Bower of Fox17 West Michigan visited our Grand Rapids facility and spoke to Vice President and General Manager Jesse Douglas about how our facility is transforming to reach net zero carbon emissions. Check out the video for an inside look at our facility and new electric boiler that will be installed. Read the full article here.
Industry: Hospitality
Downtown steam utility says customers will benefit from $2M state clean energy grant
Vicinity Energy Executive Chairman Bill DiCroce on Boston Public Radio
Boston Public Radio in conversation with Vicinity Energy’s Bill DiCroce
On the WGBH Boston Public Radio show, Vicinity Energy’s Executive Chairman Bill DiCroce joined the President of the Alliance for Climate Transition Joe Curtatone on the radio to discuss how Vicinity is combating the climate crisis by electrifying our district energy systems, and why more businesses need to take action now.
About Boston Public Radio
Hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan facilitate smart local conversation with leaders and thinkers shaping Boston and New England. Listen to the full episode here.
The Boston Globe Climate Club Explores: Climate Innovation
Vicinity Energy’s CEO Kevin Hagerty took part in an Energy Innovations panel, hosted by The Boston Globe and presented by the Museum of Science. The panel explored the past, present, and future of energy innovations, including what has shaped the current landscape and the groundbreaking advancements that are driving us toward a sustainable future. Climate reporter Sabrina Shankman moderated the dynamic conversation between Kevin and the Executive Director of HEETlabs, Audrey Schulman, and the Chief Technology Officer of Innovation at Schneider Electric, Scott Harden.
Charging ahead: Vicinity’s decarbonization pathway through electrification
Mitigating carbon in the U.S.’s production and distribution of energy is now just as critically important as society’s ever-growing need for energy. The federal government, states, and local municipalities are implementing, drafting, and debating new laws, regulations, and programs to swiftly push the clean energy transition and decarbonization.
Commercial buildings represent the highest source of carbon emissions in major cities, making them one of the most critical targets in urban decarbonization. New York City’s Local Law 97 was the first to set restrictions around carbon emissions on existing and new buildings—with Boston following close behind with Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) 2.0. As communities strive to lessen the impacts of climate change and building owners look to comply with these evolving mandates, it’s clear that resilient, reliable, and agile energy solutions are needed for a more sustainable future.
The first district energy electrification strategy in the U.S.
One of the most valuable assets in achieving aggressive decarbonization targets is district energy, a network of underground pipes that delivers thermal energy and chilled water to buildings in urban communities. Because district energy systems are agile, flexible, and agnostic to fuel sources, they are essential tools to decarbonize communities at scale. As clean energy technology evolves and more renewable sources become available, Vicinity is quickly adapting to emerging trends to eliminate carbon from operations at central facilities in 12 cities across the country.
In 2020, Vicinity pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its operations by 2050. As Vicinity delivers steam for heating, cooling, and sterilization to customers ranging from state-of-the-art life sciences research facilities to Class A commercial office space, the company remains committed to providing reliable and affordable products to help customers eliminate carbon emissions.
How Vicinity is getting there
The backbone of Vicinity’s decarbonization plan is the electrification of its operations by utilizing a combination of existing infrastructure and implementing new, innovative technologies at Vicinity’s central facilities.
Like district energy systems in Canada and Europe, Vicinity will import carbon-free electrons through co-located substations to power electric boilers and industrial-scale heat pumps. These technologies with thermal storage will deliver safe, clean, and reliable carbon-free steam, known as eSteamTM, for heating, cooling, sterilization, humidification, and other thermal energy needs.
While the technologies will vary at each of Vicinity’s central thermal energy facilities, below is a quick snapshot of the overall electrification strategy:
-
- Biogenic fuel: A truly circular solution, Vicinity uses the waste cooking oil discarded by the local food service industry to generate steam. Vicinity has replaced heating oil with LR100, a biogenic fuel derived from waste vegetable oil. Benefits include significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 80% compared to distillate fuel and improving local air quality by reducing nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and particulate emissions.
- Heat pumps: Vicinity is partnering with a Germany-based energy provider to develop a low-temperature water-source heat pump system for carbon-free eSteamTM generation. These plans are already in motion as Vicinity looks ahead to 2028 when the Kendall facility in Cambridge will be home to Massachusetts’s largest planned industrial-scale heat pump complex. Installation at other locations in Philadelphia and Kansas City will follow.
- Electric boilers: Leveraging existing infrastructure and access to a lower-cost, transmission-level electrical supply, Vicinity will consume renewable power from the grid and import it to its facility through the co-located substation to produce carbon-free eSteamTM.
- Thermal storage: To lower our customers’ average cost of renewable thermal energy, thermal storage will provide on-demand eSteamTM production from stored, off-peak renewable electricity.
What this means for Vicinity’s district energy customers and communities
Vicinity’s decarbonization journey enables buildings to transition to clean energy sources at scale and seamlessly achieve carbon reductions without any additional capital needed. As federal, state, and city officials enact building performance standards to reduce existing and new buildings’ carbon footprint, Vicinity continues to invest in infrastructure at central facilities. It enables customers to comply with these evolving standards. Vicinity’s eSteamTM sets customers on a rapid pathway to decarbonize by 2050 and achieve their ambitious ESG initiatives. With eSteamTM, Vicinity’s valued customers, like IQHQ, can provide resilient and responsible spaces to positively impact their building occupants and the surrounding community.
Oklahoma State University Partners with Vicinity Energy for Sustainable District Energy
Tulsa, September 5, 2024—Vicinity Energy, a leader in decarbonization with the nation’s largest portfolio of district energy systems, has partnered with Oklahoma State University (OSU) to provide chilled water and steam service to a new medical campus. This project will combine multiple existing buildings into a state-of-the-art hospital. Vicinity will serve the entire 58-bed medical-surgical inpatient hospital for Oklahoma veterans, totaling over 275,000 square feet of building space.
The medical campus will use steam and chilled water for space heating and cooling, domestic hot water, and direct steam humidification. By choosing district energy, the campus will reduce the emissions associated with its onsite operations.
Nearly 100% of the condensate water will be returned and reused at Vicinity’s facility. This sustainable practice conserves water and enhances the system’s overall efficiency, aligning with Vicinity’s commitment to a clean energy future.
By utilizing district energy, the medical campus will experience enhanced reliability, better redundancy, and greater energy efficiency compared to operating onsite equipment. This ensures a stable and efficient energy supply, which is crucial for the continuous and reliable operation of the medical facility.
“This partnership reflects our dedication to operational excellence,” said Dr. Johnny Stephens, president of Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. “By integrating Vicinity’s district energy solutions, we are not only minimizing our carbon footprint but also enhancing the reliability and efficiency of our medical facilities. This collaboration ensures that we provide our veterans with a safe and environmentally responsible healthcare environment.”
“At Vicinity, our priority is delivering innovative, sustainable energy solutions tailored to the unique needs of our customers,” said Kevin Hagerty, CEO and president of Vicinity. “We’re proud that OSU has chosen district energy for its reliability and environmental benefits, entrusting us with the opportunity to power their state-of-the-art medical campus. This partnership not only significantly reduces OSU’s onsite carbon emissions but also positively impacts the campus and the surrounding community.”
Vicinity is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions across its entire portfolio while offering sustainable solutions to help decarbonize its customers and communities. In Tulsa, Vicinity plans to implement electric boilers and heat recovery heat pumps, leveraging renewable energy sources to decarbonize its operations. This initiative will allow Vicinity to provide Tulsa customers with its carbon-free thermal energy product, eSteam™.
About Vicinity Energy
Vicinity Energy is the largest owner and operator of district energy systems dedicated to decarbonizing its operations and investing in innovative renewable thermal energy technologies to offer carbon-free eSteam™ to its customers. Operating 19 district energy systems in 12 cities, Vicinity delivers reliable and sustainable steam, hot water, and chilled water to 260 million square feet of building space nationwide. As Vicinity advances its electrification efforts across its locations, the goal to achieve net zero by 2050 is more than a commitment—it’s a mission. Learn more about Vicinity’s vision for a clean energy future at www.vicinityenergy.us.
Media Contact
Sara DeMille
Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
media@vicinityenergy.us
Sustainability spotlight: a conversation between Vicinity Energy and Ballard Spahr
Sustainability spotlight: a conversation between Vicinity Energy and Ballard Spahr
In this episode of Ballard Spahr’s Sustainability Spotlight series, Vicinity Energy’s Chief Sustainability Officer Matt O’Malley and Vice President of Government Affairs Jeannie Morris discuss how Vicinity is combating the climate crisis with carbon-free eSteam™ and why more businesses need to take action now. Brendan K. Collins, a partner in Ballard Spahr’s Philadelphia Office and leader of the firm’s Manufacturing and Consumer Products Industry Group, hosts the discussion.
About Ballard Spahr LLP
Ballard Spahr LLP, an Am Law 100 law firm with more than 600 lawyers in 15 U.S. offices, serves clients across industry sectors in litigation, transactions, and regulatory compliance. The firm’s Sustainability Spotlight podcast highlights the sustainability efforts that businesses are making to combat climate change and other environmental challenges.
Vicinity Energy Announces Bill DiCroce’s Passing of the Baton to Kevin Hagerty as the New CEO
Boston, MA, July 10, 2024—Vicinity Energy, a leading provider of sustainable energy solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Hagerty as the company’s new chief executive officer and president. Bill DiCroce has led Vicinity and its predecessors as CEO and president since 2012 and will stay on as executive chairman of Vicinity’s Board of Directors.
Bill DiCroce’s long tenure as CEO and president has been marked by significant accomplishments, shaping the district energy portfolio and driving transformative growth and efficiency for Vicinity. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its footprint, enhanced its technological capabilities, and solidified its position as a leader in the urban and campus clean energy sector. Bill’s vision and dedication have been instrumental in advancing Vicinity’s mission to provide sustainable and reliable energy solutions to its customers and communities.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved at Vicinity,” said Bill DiCroce, executive chairman of Vicinity. “Our adoption of cutting-edge clean energy technologies and our commitment to sustainability have set a strong foundation for the future. Kevin has been instrumental in driving our shift to electrification and will continue to lead our efforts to decarbonize our customers and operations.”
Kevin Hagerty brings a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking approach to his new role as CEO and president. With a proven track record of driving innovation and fostering growth, Kevin is poised to lead Vicinity into its next chapter. His vision for a clean energy future aligns perfectly with Vicinity’s commitment to offering sustainable energy solutions that decarbonize our customers and communities.
“I am honored to take on this new role and continue the essential work of decarbonizing and expanding Vicinity’s district energy business,” said Kevin Hagerty, CEO and president of Vicinity. “My focus will be accelerating our efforts to provide clean, efficient, and reliable energy solutions to drive the transition to a sustainable energy future. A prime example of our commitment is our recent partnership with Emerson College, where we are excited to support their sustainability goals through our innovative eSteam™ solution.”
As part of this vision, Vicinity is committed to electrifying its operations and expanding its innovative eSteam™ solution. By transitioning from fossil fuels to electricity sourced from renewable energy, Vicinity aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions and enhance the sustainability of its services. eSteam™, in particular, represents a groundbreaking approach to providing carbon-free steam for heating and cooling needs, further supporting customers in their journey toward decarbonization and compliance with building performance standards.
“Our electrification initiatives and district solutions are designed to decarbonize at a city-wide scale. Creating a sustainable energy future is a monumental task that we all share, and innovative solutions like Vicinity’s eSteam™ are crucial to addressing this challenge with the necessary scale and speed,” added Kevin Hagerty. “Vicinity is made up of an incredible team of people that I am proud to be a part of, and together, we will strive to do what is best for our customers, the cities we serve, and our planet.”
As Vicinity looks ahead, the company remains dedicated to its core mission of safety, sustainability, innovation, and community. With Kevin Hagerty at the helm and Bill DiCroce’s continued strategic involvement as executive chairman, Vicinity is well-positioned to lead the clean energy transition of urban cores and campuses.
About Vicinity Energy
Vicinity Energy is the largest owner and operator of district energy systems dedicated to decarbonizing its operations and investing in innovative renewable thermal energy technologies to offer carbon-free eSteam™ to its customers. Operating 19 district energy systems in 12 cities, Vicinity delivers reliable and sustainable steam, hot water, and chilled water to over 260 million square feet of building space nationwide. As Vicinity advances its electrification efforts across its locations, the goal to achieve net zero by 2050 is more than a commitment—it’s a mission. Learn more about Vicinity’s vision for a clean energy future at www.vicinityenergy.us.
Media Contact
Sara DeMille
Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
media@vicinityenergy.us
Hotel Phillips leverages district energy to optimize guests’ experiences and lower its carbon footprint
Industry
Hospitality
Location
Kansas City, MO
Square footage
207,375
The customer
Opening its doors to guests in 1931, Hotel Phillips is an iconic Art Deco building located in the heart of downtown Kansas City. With 217 rooms, the 20-story landmark was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Many of the original details remain today, including the walnut paneling, intricate metalwork, a 20-story mail chute, Art Deco lighting fixtures, a speakeasy, and a gilded statue of the goddess Dawn. The hotel’s historic character, state-of-the-art amenities, and superior guest services provide a unique experience for all visitors.
The challenge
Due to the building’s aging infrastructure and need for upgrades—mainly replacing the cooling tower—Hotel Phillips needed a cost-effective solution to provide efficient cooling to keep guests comfortable. The owners considered the complexity of chillers, the associated annual maintenance costs, and the staffing required for safe and efficient operation. Given these concerns, Hotel Phillips wanted to explore cooling options to reduce operational complexity and disruptive downtime.
The solution
Since Vicinity already supplied Hotel Phillips with green steam for over two decades, switching to district chilled water rather than purchasing onsite chillers was a seamless and easy decision. To support the hotel in connecting to the chilled water system, Vicinity invested capital in the expansion project, including street repairs, landscaping, and beautification to benefit the surrounding Kansas City community. With Vicinity’s operations and maintenance (O&M) support and dedicated customer service, the hotel now benefits from improved operational efficiency, increased reliability, and expert help on demand.
“We’ve been very happy with our longstanding steam service from Vicinity, and look forward to the additional efficiency, reliability and peace of mind we can expect from their chilled water service. Keeping our guests comfortable is our number one priority and we’re also so proud to be reducing our carbon footprint in the process,” states Hotel Phillips General Manager John Glenn of Arbor Lodging Partners LLC.
Reducing upfront capital investments
The switch to Vicinity’s chilled water substantially reduced the hotel’s upfront capital expenses, associated operations, and maintenance costs. With a lower total cost of ownership than onsite chillers, Hotel Phillips can now repurpose funds and staff hours to core business operations, optimizing guests’ experiences.
Achieving a lower carbon footprint beyond the building
Swapping the hotel’s cooling tower with chilled water yields a sizeable reduction in the hotel’s water and energy consumption, resulting in a net environmental benefit to the city. As Vicinity advances its net zero carbon plan across all its operations, Kansas City customers, like Hotel Phillips, will continue to receive greener energy solutions and reduce their carbon footprint. Vicinity’s district energy system in Kansas City plays a pivotal role in creating a sustainable, cleaner future.
Benefits
Upfront capital savings
99.99% reliability
