Rob Thornton

About Rob Thornton

Over 38 years in district energy industry, serving as President & CEO of International District Energy Association since where I focus on energy and environmental policy advocacy for district energy/CHP and microgrid industry. IDEA is 116-year old industry association formed in 1909 where I represent the interests of nearly members from 28 countries, interacting with the Administration; US Congress; United Nations Environment; US DOE; US EPA and other NGO\'s. Currently serve as US Representative to International Energy Agency TCP on District Heating & Cooling and work in collaboration with international colleagues in Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Korea, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, and UK to advance district energy as a suite of technologies to strengthen and de-carbonize cities, communities and campuses. Publisher of District Energy magazine and organizer of 3-4 international conferences annually. From 1987 to led business development with P&L responsibility for three successive downtown district energy systems in US, with focus on district cooling networks. Key near term goal is to advance awareness of district energy as vital, efficient energy infrastructure to enhance sustainability, promote circular economy, improve resiliency and cut emissions. Specialties: Business development; energy & environmental policy; district energy business models; communications; public speaking.

Experience

1. President & CEO

   International District Energy Association

   Jun 2000 — Present · Westborough, MA, US

   IDEA is a member industry association, formed in 1909, with members in 28 countries, focused on deployment and optimization of district heating and cooling systems in cities, communities, and campuses to increase energy efficiency, enhance resilience and reduce emissions. As president, principal responsibilities include advocacy and lobbying, education and communications, technical and policy advisory, and strategic direction of staff and volunteers. Serve as US representative to International Energy Agency (IEA) DHC CHP TAP. Work with US DOE, US EPA, US Dept of Commerce, United Nations Environment, Euroheat & Power, AGFW and other energy and environmental organizations. Publisher of District Energy magazine. Visit for more info.

Education

• Tufts University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Psychology/Energy & Environment

  1977 — 1981

Skills

• Wind
• Energy Efficiency
• Distributed Generation
• Environmental Policy
• Business Development
• Policy
• Engineering
• Cogeneration
• Solar Thermal
• Water
• Strategic Planning
• Energy Markets
• Climate Change
• Green Building
• Demand Response
• Sustainability
• Energy Policy
• Electricity Markets
• Feasibility Studies
• Natural Gas
• Renewable Energy
• Biomass
• Photovoltaics
• Commissioning
• Power Plants
• Strategy
• District Heating
• Power Generation
• Gas
• Project Finance
• Cleantech
• Environmental Awareness
• Biofuels
• Smart Grid
• Solar Energy
• Energy
• Hvac
• Alternative Energy
• Energy Management
• Energy Conservation