Dyson College of Arts and Sciences

48 Proactive Steps Communities Can Take To Facilitate Microgrids and District Energy With CHP Where Appropriate • Require that development and redevelopment projects greater than 200,000 sq. ft. conduct a district energy feasibility analysis • Review zoning regulations to insure that high efficiency, environmentally superior onsite power generation and cogeneration is permitted in commercial, industrial and multifamily areas • Lead by example conducting an analysis of district energy with CHP at municipal facilities. If developing a municipal community energy system require publicly owned or controlled buildings to connect to heating, cooling and power services • For development projects receiving public support, make such sites "district energy ready", leaving space for thermal and electric connections • For new and redeveloped sites with public support encourage central distribution systems for heat, hot and chilled water • Pass legislation endorsing community microgrids • Incorporate the analysis of microgrid opportunities as a routine component of city planning and economic development activities • Coordinate the activities of local infrastructure and transportation agencies so that new capital projects don't preclude future linking of community or neighborhood energy systems • Provide maps to site owners and developers of the infrastructure under the streets, to identify sites that are favorable / unfavorable, for trenching • Encourage municipalities to offer additional development rights (higher densities, more floors) in exchange for the development of low (or net zero) neighborhoods • Utilize zoning measures to encourage development and re-development to be district energy ready • Create and widely distribute a heat map for your community. A heat map is a tool to visualize and identify block and building heat demand, inventory potential sources of heat at the block, neighborhood and community level and from and assess how sources of supply and areas of demand can be connected in an efficient manner to improve efficiency and lower energy costs • Designate a person who has responsibility for overseeing the day to day requirements of a community energy initiative. A "project champion" has proven to be essential to the ultimate success of community energy projects • Consult existing sources for information sharing and expertise. Pace Energy & Climate Center has established and maintains a database of information and experts. www.law.pace.edu/energy

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