Addressing Philadelphia’s clean energy goals
District energy is one of the most valuable tools at Philadelphia’s disposal when it comes to saving money, optimizing building space, and reducing building’s carbon footprint.
Investing in Philadelphia
Vicinity’s multimillion-dollar investments have improved the city’s critical energy infrastructure, enabling Philadelphia’s integrated district energy system to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by nearly 300,000 tons annually—the equivalent of removing almost 65,000 cars from the roads every year. Vicinity’s investments have also increased the resiliency of our robust and agile critical energy infrastructure, ensuring 99.99% reliable energy delivery. As a result, customers enjoy increased capacity, reliability and overall system efficiency and can feel good knowing that they’re supporting clean, renewable energy distribution.
Integrating Renewable Energy Into Our Fuel Mix as an Alternative to Fossil Fuels
Vicinity Energy centrally produces and distributes steam, hot water and chilled water to over 230 million square feet (nearly eight square miles) of building space nationwide. Now, in partnership with Lifecycle Renewables, Vicinity will begin to integrate LR100™ across each of its facilities over time. Permits have already been acquired and the biogenic fuel tested in Philadelphia, with implementation in other districts on the immediate horizon. A truly circular solution, the wastes discarded by the local food service industry will now be used to heat and cool businesses and institutions in the same city.
The Benefits of Transitioning to LR100™
12,200 tons
Significantly reducing Vicinity’s distillate fuel use, cutting carbon emissions by 12,200 tons, or the equivalent of removing 2,650 cars from Philadelphia’s roads each year
600,000 Gallons
Recycling 600,000 gallons of food service industry waste oil (the average person consumes approximately 1.5 gallons of oil a year) into energy, that would otherwise be discarded in landfills or city sewers
80%
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 80% versus distillate fuel, improving local air quality through reductions in nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and particulate emissions compared to traditional heavy fuel oils
LR100™
Expanding Lifecycle Renewables’ operations in Philadelphia, resulting in job creation, recycling programs and cost savings for local restaurants, and sustainability benefits for the community
$60 million
Green steam project investment in Philadelphia
300,000 tons
Annual reduction of the region’s GHG emissions
65,000 cars
Cars removed from the road per year (carbon reduction equivalent)
The Green Energy Solution is Right Under your Feet
Vicinity feeds the Philadelphia district systems with low carbon, green steam generated in our combined heat and power (CHP) facilities. Our CHPs produce electricity while simultaneously capturing waste heat that would otherwise be lost under conventional means. This waste heat is converted to green steam and supplied to our customers through our vast underground network, providing heating, cooling, humidification and sterilization to our customers.
Use the calculator to estimate your annual savings when using district energy instead of natural gas onsite generation and the carbon emissions reductions for your building.
For a more detailed analysis of your specific energy needs contact us.
Carbon Reduction tons per year
The above analysis includes all costs of district steam and gas boiler alternatives including equipment, maintenance, repairs, and consumables such as fuel, water, sewer, and chemicals. For a more detailed analysis of your specific energy needs, please contact us at info@vicinityenergy.us
Reductions in carbon emissions lessens the impact on climate change and improves the health of local populations.
Meet The Federal Building Performance Standard With District Energy
Vicinity's systems can help you instantly meet the requirements set by Biden's Building Performance Standard (BPS) while benefiting from the efficient, sustainable, and reliable service district energy provides.
An Innovative Approach to a Cleaner Environment
- Electrifying generation to further reduce carbon emissions as the grid gets greener;
- Investing in efficiency projects and upgrades to our existing district infrastructure;
- Leveraging renewable energy for our “house loads” in our facilities;
- Researching new opportunities, like the introduction of battery storage, to meet the needs of customers and avoid costly grid interruption; and
- Exploring additional leading-edge technologies to accelerate our transition.
“Reliable service is essential in operating the Walnut Street Theatre, America’s oldest theatre. Vicinity provides first class service to keep our National Historic Landmark building efficiently operating for today’s modern demands.”
Mark D. Sylvester
Managing Director, Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, PA
How District Energy Works
District energy is an innovative and resilient energy solution that uses a centrally located facility, or facilities, to generate thermal energy—heat, hot water, or chilled water—which is then transported through highly insulated underground pipes directly to nearby buildings, avoiding the need for boilers, chillers and cooling towers in individual buildings. Watch the video to learn more about how district energy works.
A Clean Energy Future is in our Grasp
Our Customers
We help organizations of all sizes—from Philadelphia hospitals to hotels to universities—use and manage energy more efficiently, sustainably, and strategically.
Featured Resources
Articles, case studies, datasheets, videos, white papers, and more.
