Architecture 2030, the 2030 challenge, and the AIA 2030 Commitment, calls for Architects to design net zero buildings by 2030. In urban environments such as the Philadelphia area, we must design and renovate, new and existing buildings to this standard. To meet these challenges, many buildings will look to electrify and rely on the development of a cleaner power grid. In many cities, district energy systems offer an alternative to building electrification.

Join us for a tour of the Vicinity Energy facility in Philadelphia and a presentation by Nate Paist, Manager, to learn about the potential for clean and circular energy in our City and how Philadelphia can decarbonize to preserve our environment. You’ll also get insight to Vicinity’s efforts in Boston and their efforts to achieve carbon neutrality at record pace.

The tour and presentation will occur during two time slots, one at noon and one at 5:30pm at the Vicinity Energy Plant, for approximately 90 minutes. There will be lunch served at the first time slot and refreshments served at the evening time slot. Each tour has a cap of 15 attendees due to facility capacity, so please reserve your space quickly!

Learning objectives:  

1.Attendees will be familiarized with the history of adaptation for district energy systems and how those modifications have impacted the cities they serve.

2.Attendees will be able to define criteria for buildings that can be served by district energy systems.

3.Attendees will be able to list actionable steps that district energy systems can take to decarbonize their operations.

4.Attendees will learn about the current electrification process in Boston, which is a precedent for Philadelphia, and how policy encouraged the City's carbon neutral goals.