Energy Systems
Use District Energy Steam
What Is It?
District energy is produced in one central plant where electricity, steam for heating, and chilled water for air conditioning are all generated and then distributed to the district. Since electricity is produced at the same location as steam, steam can be produced much more efficiently with the thermal waste from electricity production (known as cogeneration). As a result, using district energy steam can help a facility reduce its carbon footprint. Standard power plants convert approximately 40-50% of the fuel input to energy while district energy/combined heat and power are about twice as efficient, converting approximately 80% of the fuel input to energy.
Benefits
Individual buildings using district energy systems can reduce their capital costs because they do not need their own boilers or furnaces, chillers, or air conditioners. Some other benefits of using district energy steam include:
- Improved energy efficiency
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
- Ease of operation and maintenance
- Decreased life-cycle costs
- Decreased building capital costs
- Improved architectural design flexibility
Regulatory Impacts and Requirements
Potential regulatory touchpoints in Boston and Massachusetts include:
- Zoning Board of Appeals
- Public Inspection Commission
- Fire Department
- Stretch Energy Code
- Building Code/Permit
- Local Utilities
- Boston Water and Sewer Commission
- Regulations governing the use of sanitary and combined sewers and storm drains of the Boston Water and Sewer Commission: Excessive inflow to sewer systems from sump pump may result in the Commission requiring the building owner to eliminate the source of inflow at owner’s expense.
Financing Options, Incentives, and Rebates
NEWS
RESOURCES
- International Energy Agency: Cogeneration and District Energy
- International District Energy Association (IDEA): What Is District Energy?
- Center for Climate and Energy Solutions: Cogeneration/Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
