Getting Started with Thermal Energy Networks
Thank you for your interest in Thermal Energy Networks!
The resources, questions, and actions below can help you start exploring the possibilities in your city or town.
We hope the information and suggestions here help you work with your community to understand and consider Thermal Energy Networks.
This resource may be for you if:
You are a member of a local energy committee
You are a resident, business owner, or local official wanting to advance Thermal Energy Networks in your city or town.
You can use these materials to:
Explore local thermal energy needs and resources.
Engage your community to consider a potential project.
Introduce your city or town to the benefits of local heating & cooling.
Watch and share our short videos.
Share information with your community.
Download and share these resources. Find more on our page of Fact Sheets.
Find answers in our FAQ.
Initial Questions & Actions
The questions below can help you learn about your community’s existing thermal energy resources and how they could connect to buildings in a network.
Each question has an accompanying action you can take to find out more. You can follow the order of these steps or create your own pathway.
1
Who can help gather information?
ACTION: GET PEOPLE TOGETHER
Invite people from your community (a small group is good) to get together to review this resource, discuss possibilities, and identify first steps.
Include a range of perspectives if you can, from people working in clean energy or involved in city or town governance to business leaders or students. You can emphasize that expertise is appreciated but not required, as you can learn together.
Is your town already considering Thermal Energy Networks?
2
ACTION: CHECK YOUR TOWN PLAN
See if your city or town plan includes Thermal Energy Networks.
A city or town plan is a visionary document that is updated every five years to reflect your community’s current priorities, goals, challenges, and assets. Each plan includes a section on energy and may already reference geothermal solutions or networked thermal systems. Including Thermal Energy Networks in your town plan makes it easier for state agencies to make grants and demonstrate compliance for federal and state standards and regulations.
We recommend that you read your city or town plan or speak with your local energy commissioner or committee to find out whether or not any of this language is already included in the plan. If not, you can ask for Thermal Energy Networks to be added.
Working with local leaders to bring an ask or proposal to your city council or town selectboard is a direct path to implementing a Thermal Energy Network. You can start by offering your support to city or town staff to gather the following information.
3
Who are the local leaders most likely to support a project?
ACTION: IDENTIFY SUPPORTERS
Make a list of local leaders and businesses in your community who might get involved such as:
Town planners, planning commission, or other local committees
Municipal water & wastewater departments
Industries that create waste heat or wastewater such as breweries, commercial bakeries, or hotels
Regional planning commission and economic development corporations
4
What thermal energy is already generated in your community?
ACTION: INVENTORY THERMAL ENERGY RESOURCES
Make a list of existing thermal energy that’s currently being wasted, for example:
Grocery stores and large refrigeration systems
Ice arenas
Wastewater treatment facilities
Data processing centers, including large banks and telecommunications facilities
Breweries, distilleries, bakeries, and factories
Land available for a geothermal borefield (open space or parking lot)
What buildings or neighborhoods are nearby (within about ¼ mile) that could use the heat?
5
Where does it make sense to start a Thermal Energy Network?
ACTION: INVENTORY BUILDING TYPES AND THERMAL NEEDS
Make a list of the buildings in your city or town center or a local area with a variety of buildings. Look for:
Different kinds or purposes of buildings
What kind of heating and cooling systems are used now
When current heating and cooling systems need to be replaced
Need for weatherization and other upgrades
Is there a larger municipal building that could be a first project and the foundation for a network?
Are plans underway or in early stages to improve infrastructure or add new developments?
6
ACTION: IDENTIFY UPCOMING PROJECTS
Learn about new housing, water or wastewater systems, and other kinds of development or infrastructure that might complement a Thermal Energy Network.
Consult local leaders:
City council or town selectboard and supporting committees such as a planning, housing, economic development, and energy
Municipal staff such as town planners, managers, or clerks
Regional planning commissions
Does your town have infrastructure plans in the works such as replacing water or wastewater pipes? Are new housing or mixed-use developments being planned?
After gathering information, you likely have some good ideas for where a Thermal Energy Network might work in your community. We’d love to hear from you. Please contact us at info@vctn.org with your questions and ideas.
And check out our toolkit: How to Build a Thermal Energy Network, a detailed, practical guide to developing a Thermal Energy Network.