How Cordia is powering downtown Phoenix's Biomed Core and future growth with carbon-free cooling
As downtown Phoenix continues its rapid growth as a center for health care, education, and innovation, Cordia is expanding its energy infrastructure to meet the rising demand for reliable, sustainable cooling. The company's latest project — Plant 4 — will support the expanding Phoenix Biomedical Core (PBC) and help ensure that Phoenix's future is powered by clean, efficient energy.
Since 2001, Cordia has played a critical role in downtown's development. Through its Energy Center Phoenix (ECP), Cordia provides chilled water district cooling services to 47 buildings, including the Phoenix Convention Center, ASU's downtown campus, and Chase Field. But with the downtown area experiencing a surge in development, the ECP system is nearing its maximum capacity.
Meeting demand through expansion
To address projected growth, Cordia is building a new 10,200-ton chilled water plant — Plant 4 — at the PBC. This plant will directly support major new developments, including the ASTRA Towers (2 million square feet), University of Arizona's CAMI (220,000 square feet) and ASU's new Health Headquarters (200,000 square feet).
Plant 4 will be constructed on land owned by the University of Arizona through a 50-year ground lease, strengthening an already collaborative relationship between the institutions. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with operations anticipated by early 2028.
In addition to increasing system capacity, Cordia will implement critical piping improvements as part of the project, including closing the chilled water loop at Fillmore Street. This upgrade will improve operational flexibility, reliability, and resiliency across the network — essential for supporting the region's long-term growth.
100% carbon-free power
Plant 4 will be fully powered by carbon-free electricity from Arizona Public Service (APS), supporting Cordia's goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. This initiative marks a major step in decarbonizing downtown Phoenix's energy supply.
Cordia remains one of APS's top key accounts in Arizona and is the highest localized power user in downtown Phoenix. The collaboration between Cordia and APS ensures this growth is not only feasible but sustainable.
A legacy of sustainability and innovation
Cordia's Phoenix system has evolved from its roots with Chase Field to a dynamic energy infrastructure solution that reflects innovation and environmental responsibility. It was born from a vision to create a scalable, efficient, and sustainable district cooling system for Arizona's largest central business district.
Over two decades, Cordia has enabled expansion of the city. Projects like CityScape, Central Station, and the Phoenix Biomedical Campus have benefited from Cordia's ability to grow its network and adapt to evolving customer needs. A notable example includes the company's integration with the Chase Field plant and a unique underground installation beneath city streets at the Convention Center — showcasing a track record of strategic and creative planning.
One of Cordia's hallmark innovations is its use of ice storage tanks, holding 96,000 ton-hours of cooling capacity, to shift energy use to off-peak nighttime hours. These tanks reduce daytime electrical demand, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and deliver reliable cooling even during the hottest months. This strategy also helps avoid costly peak demand charges, allowing Cordia to deliver savings to its customers — averaging 13% in energy costs.
Water conservation and system reliability
Sustainability extends beyond electricity. Cordia has also invested in water-saving technologies, including the installation of a water softening system at Plants 2 and 3. This system is projected to save approximately 25 million gallons of water annually — a meaningful contribution in a desert city where water conservation is critical.
With a total of 27,500 tons of chilled water capacity and a 99.99% reliability record, Cordia's infrastructure has silently supported downtown Phoenix's transformation for more than 20 years. From large-scale public events to daily campus and hospital operations, its role in maintaining the city's momentum is indispensable.
Collaborating for a greener future
Cordia's partnerships with organizations such as the University of Arizona, RED Development, and the city of Phoenix are central to its success. These collaborations allow the company to deliver tailored energy solutions that serve not just individual buildings, but the broader community.
The construction of Plant 4 is more than a capacity upgrade — it's a reflection of Cordia's long-term vision. It supports the city's economic development, aligns with environmental goals, and ensures Phoenix is prepared for a more sustainable future.
As downtown continues to thrive, Cordia remains a reliable and forward-thinking energy partner. With Plant 4, the company is reinforcing its mission: to deliver resilient, efficient, and sustainable district cooling to one of Arizona's most dynamic urban centers.
Cordia is a leading provider of safe, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Cordia serves over 700 customers with heating, cooling, and electricity throughout the U.S. Cordia is committed to driving change toward a more resilient, sustainable energy future and empowering people and communities to reach their full potential. Learn more at cordiaenergy.com.
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