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.

Learn more about District Energy in Philadelphia

Biogenic Fuels - Circular Economy

Integrating Renewable Energy Into Our Fuel Mix as an Alternative ​to Fossil Fuels

In partnership with Lifecycle Renewables, Vicinity has integrated LR100™ biogenic fuel 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.

Read our Press Release |  Clean Energy Future

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.

sq. ft.
10,000 sq. ft.
2,000,000 sq. ft.
If your building's square footage is less than 10,000 or greater than 2,000,000 please contact us to discuss your specific energy needs
Direct Energy Savings per year
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

With decades of building and managing the largest energy districts in the U.S., Vicinity continues to innovate and invest in sustainable energy infrastructure and technology to reduce our overall environmental impact. Our Clean Energy Future is a reflection of this commitment and incorporates the latest strategies and technologies available, including:

  • 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.

Learn more about our Clean Energy Future

Walnut Street Theatre logo

“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.

What is District Energy?

Infographic showing Vicinity Energy's Path to a Clean Energy Future

A Clean Energy Future is in our Grasp

By taking action and implementing a host of innovative energy strategies and technologies, Vicinity is leading the way to building decarbonization.
Download Infographic

Our Customers

We help organizations of all sizes—from Philadelphia hospitals to hotels to universities—use and manage energy more efficiently, sustainably, and strategically.

Drexel University
10 Rittenhouse Square
The Wanamaker Office Building
Keystone
Two Liberty Place
WillsEye Hospital
accesso logo
Jefferson Health
Sheraton
MRP Realty
Walnut Street Theatre
ASI Group logo