Session 1: Workshop Introduction & Level Setting

Rob Neimeier, Client & Market Officer at Ramboll – Rob Neimeier has 33 years of consulting experience including program and project management for public and private higher education, public agencies, and municipalities with energy reduction and climate action goals. He works with many State University of New York (SUNY) campuses to develop and implement energy master plans focused on decarbonization and transitioning from fossil fuels to alternative low carbon energy supply technologies to align with the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Rob also works with NYSERDA on Thermal Energy Network Potential in NYS and the NYS Department of Public Service (DPS) on efforts related to the Utility Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Act.

Mark Spurr has been a district energy consultant since 1985 and has played a key role in the growth of District Energy in the U.S. and the Middle East. He advises utilities, cities and universities regarding creation of new thermal energy businesses, district energy system design, economic analysis, energy infrastructure and decarbonization master planning, rate design and due diligence review for asset acquisitions or sales. Current work focuses on design of new low-to-no carbon greenfield systems and on decarbonization of existing district energy systems.

In addition to serving many private and public sector clients, since 1990 Mark has also served as Legislative Director of the International District Energy Association, where he is responsible for developing and advocating policies, legislation and regulations to encourage the expansion of district energy systems. Mark is IDEA’s point person on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and has extensive knowledge of the IRA incentives and related proposed regulations.

Mark has led the development of international design guidance documents relating to conversion and connection of buildings for district energy service, design of district cooling systems, and integration of waste heat recovery and renewable energy in sustainable energy systems.

Edward “Ted” Borer is the founder and president of Borer Energy Engineering, LLC, a consulting firm offering  life-cycle-cost-reduction and carbon-reduction guidance and training to institutions and organizations who serve the energy industry. He recently retired after 30 years as Energy Plant Director for Princeton University where he helped develop the university’s path to carbon neutrality. He has over 40 years of experience in the power industry, starting in the nuclear industry in the early 1980’s. He is a registered Professional Engineer and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering and earned the CEM, CEP, and LEED-AP certifications. He is a director of the International District Energy Association and a founding member of the Microgrid Resources Coalition. He speaks regularly on energy topics and has published numerous articles in trade magazines, and peer-reviewed journals as well as book chapters in textbooks about Combined Heat and Power, and Microgrids. He has provided briefings for members of the US Senate, a United Nations SDG-7 event, and all five FERC commissioners. Contact: ted@borerenergy.com / 609-731-2327