District Energy - 2010 Second Quarter

nation’s institutions of higher learning. At IDEA’s 23rd Annual Campus Energy Conference, hosted by the University of Nevada, Reno, it was abundantly clear that campus utility directors are not only being asked to implement more sustainable energy solutions to cut campus carbon footprints, but to do so with shrinking operating budgets and without readily available capital to update existing assets.

While many IDEA member universi-
ties continue aggressive efforts at higher
efficiency, enhanced controls and tighter
operational performance, there are an
even larger number of institutions who
are not members of IDEA, not participat-
ing in our conferences and may not be
aware of the solutions undertaken suc-
cessfully by IDEA peers. In other words,
they don’t know what they don’t know.
There is huge pent-up demand to dra-
matically increase fuel efficiency across
the country, and we need to reach this
audience more effectively in the months
and years ahead.

Ultimately, the race is not
only to the swift, but also
to the persistent.

Ultimately, the race is not only to the swift, but also to the persistent. IDEA will never have the resources to compete head to head with other industries, but we do have many advantages that support

our policy mission. We owe it to each other to continue our efforts to capture appropriations and to garner meaningful consideration in new climate regulations. Global competition in clean energy is definitely heating up, and we need to understand and influence the coming rules changes. If we want to be standing on the medal podium any time soon, we can’t show up for the next hockey game holding only a curling broom.

Robert P. Thornton President rob.idea@districtenergy.org

To our readers,

With some sadness, I announce that this will be the last issue of District Energy magazine under the stewardship of our longtime Executive Editor Monica Westerlund. For nearly 20 years – the past 12 as executive editor – Monica has made an indelible imprint on the IDEA community through her deep commitment to technical and editorial integrity, her insightful attention to emerging issues and environmental trends, and her unbridled enthusiasm for capturing and communicating the quality work of the people of IDEA.

Ten years ago, IDEA magazine was often simply 40 pages
of black-and-white technical case studies. Today, our full-color
format District Energy magazine often exceeds 80 pages, provid-
ing consistent columns and engaging stories shared
around the globe in print and digital formats. While
I am saddened by the departure of such a talented
and experienced colleague, I greatly appreciate her
efforts in smoothly passing the editorial baton to
highly capable Peter Myers, who produced our new
industry video. She has been a tremendous resource
and friend since we met nearly 25 years ago.

Tailor IDEA’s video to meet your needs.

Check out IDEA’s district energy industry video at http:/ tinyurl.com/IDEAvideo09. Then embed it on your own site or even customize it with your content.