Texas A&M University has been presented the top award bestowed by the International District Energy Association in recognition of its achievements in energy efficiency, resource optimization and environmental sustainability.
The Award of Excellence was presented to Jim Riley, Texas A&M’s executive director of Utilities & Energy Services at the 3rd Global District Energy Climate Awards and Summit in New York City on September 23, 2013. Pictured with Jim Riley, is Les Williams director for Utilities & Energy Services.
As part of Climate Week NYC, an international panel of experts selected nine international entities to receive Awards of Excellence and two recipients for Special Awards for Innovation and Integration of Renewable Energy. The Summit gathered industry leaders from across North America, Europe and the Middle East to discuss new innovations in district energy infrastructure. In addition to Texas A&M, the following entities received Awards of Excellence: Aberdeen Heat & Power in Aberdeen, Scotland; Qatar Cool in Doha, Qatar; Cornell University in Ithaca, New York; Helsingin Energia in Helsinki, Finland; Falu Energi & Vatten in Falun, Sweden; Twence in Hengelo, The Netherlands; and District Energy St. Paul in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Texas A&M University Utilities & Energy Services Department has added 50 megawatts of cogeneration to provide highly reliable and efficient cooling, heating and power for over 60,000 occupants in 19 million square feet of space on the university campus, while cutting energy use by 45% per square foot and saving over $162 million since 2002. “Utilities & Energy Services has provided the leadership and expertise to achieve these excellent results, but the full support of university management and the campus community has been essential for success,” Riley said.
Texas A&M University is proud to be considered a leader in the application of Combined Heat and Power and district energy. CHP is considered a cornerstone of the comprehensive UES energy management program, and was also awarded with the 2013 Energy Star CHP Award in February.
Executive Director Jim Riley and Director Les Williams presented with the 2013 Global District Energy Award