BOSTON, MA — Vicinity Energy has received a Gold Award from the International District Energy Association (IDEA) recognizing the continued growth of its Boston and Cambridge district energy network and the increasing adoption of district energy by commercial and institutional building owners.

The award, presented during IDEA2026, the association's 117th Annual Conference & Trade Show in Ottawa, Canada, recognizes both building area committed and total square footage connected to Vicinity's district energy system. Vicinity Chief Development Officer Brian Mueller accepted the award on behalf of the company.

District Energy Growth Reflects Decarbonization Demand

Founded in 1909, IDEA represents nearly 3,000 members in more than 30 countries and serves as the leading industry association for district energy professionals. This year's conference, themed "Connecting Networks," focused on decarbonization, energy resilience, system integration and thermal network innovation.

Vicinity also participated in the conference's North American industry plenary panel, where CEO Kevin Hagerty joined other energy leaders to discuss market trends, building decarbonization and the future of integrated energy networks.

Expanding Network Serves Major Commercial Buildings

Vicinity operates one of the nation's largest district energy systems, supplying thermal energy to more than 240 buildings through approximately 29 miles of underground piping across Greater Boston and Cambridge.

The network serves hospitals, universities, commercial properties and institutional facilities with centralized heating and cooling designed to improve reliability, resilience and long-term energy efficiency.

The company estimates its district energy systems help avoid more than 97,000 tons of local carbon emissions each year.

Innovation Supports Lower-Carbon Building Operations

Vicinity has continued investing in technologies that help customers reduce building emissions, including its electric-powered boiler at its Kendall facility in Cambridge. The system produces eSteam®, a carbon-free thermal energy solution that supports building decarbonization goals without requiring major changes to existing building infrastructure.

The IDEA Gold Award recognizes the continued expansion of Vicinity's district energy network as more organizations across Boston and Cambridge look to district energy as a reliable, cost-effective and lower-carbon approach to heating and cooling.

To learn more visit www.vicinityenergy.us.