The International District Energy Association (IDEA) has announced the winners of the 2023 District Energy Space Award at its 115th annual conference in Orlando, Florida.
“This year’s recipients continue a trend of significant growth in district energy adoption worldwide, underscoring its importance in delivering reliable heating and cooling solutions.”
Throughout 2023, IDEA member district energy systems expanded their footprint, serving newly committed buildings and extending contracts for over a decade. The awards, based on voluntary reporting, highlight the square footage added or renewed under district energy services by IDEA members. Since 1990, these systems have added 2.8 billion square feet of building space, demonstrating the enduring impact and value of district energy solutions globally.
“This year’s outstanding growth by IDEA member district energy systems is deserving of recognition with the District Energy Space Awards,” remarked Rob Thornton, President & CEO of IDEA. “The increased square footage and building count reflect district energy’s vital role in shaping sustainable urban and campus environments.”
During the conference on June 17th, IDEA acknowledged North American and international members who reported the greatest increases in buildings served and total square footage added in 2023. Detailed insights and specific achievements are available in the full District Energy Space report, including building types, locations, and services provided (such as heating, cooling, and hot water).
The 2023 winners include:
Total Number of Buildings Added or Recommitted
North America:
- Gold: CenTrio Eastern Michigan University – 36 buildings
- Silver: Cordia Minneapolis – 21 buildings
- Bronze: Vicinity Boston/Cambridge – 7 buildings
Beyond North America:
- Gold: Empower – 42 buildings
- Silver: National Central Cooling Company PJSC – Tabreed – 29 buildings
- Bronze: EMICOOL – 24 buildings
Total Square Footage Added or Recommitted
North America:
- Gold: Cordia Minneapolis – 7,898,153 sq. ft.
- Silver: CenTrio Chicago – 6,025,000 sq. ft.
- Bronze: Enwave Toronto – 4,993,840 sq. ft.
Beyond North America:
- Gold: Empower – 34,246,111 sq. ft.
- Silver: National Central Cooling Company PJSC – Tabreed – 15,088,221 sq. ft.
- Bronze: EMICOOL – 869,188 sq. ft.
About IDEA
Founded in 1909, the International District Energy Association (IDEA) is a nonprofit industry association dedicated to promoting district heating, cooling, and combined heat and power solutions worldwide. With nearly 3,000 members from over 30 countries, IDEA facilitates industry leadership in providing efficient, economical, and environmentally sustainable energy solutions for critical missions and community-scale markets.
