DMC Sustainability Series: The Evolving Energy System – Decarbonization through District Energy Systems

The transition of the electrical grid to carbon free energy and the emergence of new technologies are enabling communities and campuses to take significant steps toward a carbon neutral future. In many communities, district energy systems are playing a strategic role decarbonizing the heating and cooling of buildings. This presentation will describe how district energy is being used to achieve climate goals and how the transformation of the electrical grid is aiding that effort.

Rochester City Council recently approved the design of a downtown district energy system with funding support from Destination Medical Center. The district energy system will replace the existing steam service to City Hall, Rochester Public Library, Rochester Art Center, and Mayo Civic Center that is set to end in 2023. It will create a sustainable energy system that can be expanded for further efficiency and environmental gains.

Ken has served as President and CEO of Ever-Green Energy since 2010. He has over 35 years of experience with energy systems for communities, college and healthcare campuses, and mission critical facilities. He is a frequent speaker on energy trends and system decarbonization and is the past chair of the boards for the International District Energy Association, the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce and the Midwest Renewable Energy Tracking System (M-RETS). Ken has been a Fellow of the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment since 2016.

The DMC Sustainability Series is free to view.