IDEA2015 conference puts focus on industry changes

The International District Energy Association (IDEA) is running its IDEA2015: Inspiring the Next Generation conference focusing on urban sustainability, utility of the future and global industry growth and local leadership through Wednesday at Boston’s Hynes Convention Center.

Scheduled speakers for the 106th annual conference include C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group Head of Energy Initiative Shannon Lawrence and Energy and Open Space Chief of Environment Austin Blackmon.

Conference topics are designed to capture the industry’s trends and innovations. Urban sustainability will focus on the importance of city planning in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Utility of the future will speak to the changes utility companies are undergoing, both in terms of technology and business models. Global industry growth and local leadership looks at efforts, like those of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and C40 Cities Climate Leadership, to accelerate the industry’s growth internationally.

The conference also features workshops, technical tours and IDEA Forum and Board meetings, as well as dinners and Boston sightseeing.