Markham District Energy Earns International District Energy Association 2013 System of the Year Award

MARKHAM, ON – June 11, 2013 – At its 104th Annual Conference and Trade Show in Miami, FL, held June 2-5, the International District Energy Association (IDEA) presented Markham District Energy (MDE) with the 2013 IDEA System of the Year Award. The highest honour the IDEA can confer on a district energy system, the award recognizes a system demonstrating exemplary efficiency, outstanding performance in reliability, safety and environmental stewardship and overall commitment to customer service excellence and industry engagement. 

“Since it was first awarded in 1993, the IDEA System of the Year Award has come to be associated with the best of the best,” said Ray DuBose, IDEA System of the Year Selection Committee Chairman. “We have recognized some truly outstanding district energy systems operating at very high efficiencies with flawless service records and very high customer satisfaction reviews. On behalf of the IDEA, I would like to congratulate Markham District Energy for meeting those same standards and rightfully joining the ranks of our prior winners.”

“The City of Markham is proud to own and operate our local district energy system and to be distinguished as a global best practice leader,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Through Markham District Energy, we’re able to provide efficient, reliable and sustainable heating and cooling services to City-owned facilities, as well as residential, institutional and commercial buildings.”

MDE’s Board Chair, Deputy Mayor Jack Heath, added, “MDE is considered a leader in district energy in Canada, so to be recognized internationally by our industry peers is a proud accomplishment for MDE and encouragement to continue striving for excellence in operations, customer satisfaction and environmental performance.”

“This is a great honour for our team,” said MDE President and CEO Bruce Ander. “Our dedicated employees combined with the vision and leadership of our Board, Mayor Scarpitti and Council enable us to be industry leaders. In addition to what we have accomplished in Markham, we take pride in providing guidance and leadership to other Canadian municipalities considering district energy.”

“The Markham story is a primary example of how municipal leadership can be successful, if not instrumental, in launching new district energy systems and can be replicated as mayors and sustainability directors seek new clean energy solutions,” said IDEA President and CEO Robert Thornton. “The organization is clearly committed to excellence and dedicated to continuous improvement and holds high standards for efficiency, reliability and community participation.”StarBuzzOnline.com