Latest news with #Cordia
Business Journals
01-06-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Powering Minneapolis icons: Cordia's energy innovations at U.S. Bank Stadium and Augsburg University
In a city known for its dynamic seasons, iconic skylines, and deep community roots, infrastructure is the invisible thread keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. At Cordia, we take great pride in being a part of that critical foundation — delivering reliable, efficient energy services to the institutions that make Minneapolis thrive. Two recent milestones underscore our continued investment in the city's future: our long-standing relationship with U.S. Bank Stadium and a renewed partnership with Augsburg University. A legacy of support for U.S. Bank Stadium U.S. Bank Stadium isn't just a premier sports and entertainment venue —it's a symbol of Minneapolis' forward-looking spirit. Since opening its doors in 2016 on the former site of the Metrodome, the stadium has hosted the Super Bowl, Final Four, and countless concerts, becoming a national showcase of what a modern facility can be. What many may not know is that Cordia has supported this site for decades, going back to the original Metrodome. When plans began to emerge for a new stadium, we saw it as an opportunity not just to continue our service, but to innovate and expand our infrastructure to meet the future needs of the facility. As part of a multi-year planning and engineering process, Cordia executed an agreement to provide U.S. Bank Stadium with both steam and chilled water service from our downtown energy system. To ensure peak reliability and performance, we installed a new, dedicated 24-inch chilled water line that feeds directly into the stadium. This line, along with dedicated booster pumps and a complete reconfiguration of the piping within our main plant, represented a significant investment in custom engineering and construction. The result is a highly efficient, resilient energy delivery system that supports everything from climate control for fans to optimal field conditions for athletes. It's a behind-the-scenes solution with very visible results. Renewing a community bond with Augsburg University Our work with Augsburg University is another proud chapter in Cordia's Minneapolis story. In late 2023, we renewed our energy partnership with the university — a relationship that has sustained for more than two decades. But this wasn't just a renewal; it was a reinvestment in the university's campus and the surrounding community. As part of this renewed agreement, Cordia purchased the university's existing steam line, assuming responsibility for its operation and long-term reliability. We recognized immediately that parts of the infrastructure were aging and required thoughtful, coordinated upgrades. But the situation also presented a unique challenge. Adjacent to Augsburg's campus is M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital, a critical facility with round-the-clock operations and emergency care. We routed a new path for the replacement steam line — primarily to minimize piping in the public street for cost reasons — and coordinated construction carefully to avoid disruptions. This wasn't your typical infrastructure project. With an active emergency room entrance just feet from our construction zone, coordination and communication were paramount. Our teams collaborated daily with hospital and university staff, managing traffic, minimizing disruption, and adjusting schedules in real time to meet the needs of patients, students, and faculty alike. The result was a seamless installation that improved energy reliability without impacting access to essential services. Investing in Minneapolis' resilient future These two projects — at U.S. Bank Stadium and Augsburg University — are powerful examples of how Cordia's infrastructure investments aren't just about pipes and pumps; they're about partnerships. Our goal is to be more than an energy provider — we aim to be a trusted collaborator, designing systems that meet today's needs while preparing for tomorrow's challenges. Energy infrastructure in urban environments requires precision, patience, and a deep commitment to the community. Whether we're installing a 24-inch chilled water line beneath downtown streets or coordinating construction next to a hospital emergency entrance, our work is always guided by a focus on safety, sustainability, and service. Minneapolis continues to grow and evolve, and Cordia is proud to be growing with it. From powering iconic stadiums to supporting world-class education and healthcare institutions, we're honored to play a role in building a resilient, efficient, and connected city. As we look to the future, our mission remains clear: deliver energy solutions that empower communities — and do it with care, excellence, and partnership. 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 Jacob Graff is a distinguished leader in the thermal and distributed energy infrastructure sector, currently serving as the regional president of the North and West for Cordia. With a wealth of expertise in orchestrating sales and operations of multiple thermal district energy systems, Graff is renowned for his strategic vision and operational prowess.
Business Journals
01-06-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Cordia builds on 50-year legacy to power a cleaner, smarter downtown Minneapolis
As cities nationwide commit to bold sustainability targets, Minneapolis stands out as a leader in decarbonization and renewable energy adoption. Cordia is proud to play a key role in this transformation through innovative district energy solutions that support both economic growth and environmental stewardship. Our Carbon Free Chilled Water Program, launched in 2023 in partnership with the city of Minneapolis, is already making an impact. Designed to deliver chilled water with zero carbon emissions, the program currently serves two landmark facilities: the Target Center and the Minneapolis Convention Center. These buildings now benefit from a reliable, sustainable cooling source while helping the city advance its climate action goals. Chilled water for these facilities is produced at our Convention Center and Foster House plants — state-of-the-art electric chiller plants. We've enrolled their meters in Xcel Energy's Renewable Connect program, ensuring that all electricity powering the chillers is sourced from renewable energy. We've since expanded participation in Renewable Connect beyond these two plants as part of our broader strategy to meet Cordia's company-wide decarbonization goals. In 2024 alone, we produced over 4.3 million ton-hours of carbon-free chilled water — a significant milestone in advancing the city's energy resilience. A legacy of energy innovation in Minneapolis Cordia has long been embedded in the city's infrastructure. Cordia Minneapolis is one of our largest and longest-running district energy systems, operating continuously since 1972. With a central plant and eight satellite facilities, we provide both heating and cooling to more than 100 customers in a wide range of industries — from government buildings and commercial offices to hospitality and entertainment venues. Minneapolis is a dynamic, fast-growing city, and our district energy system is designed to grow alongside it. New customers can easily connect and immediately benefit from the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of a centralized energy source. This long-standing infrastructure provides the foundation for new decarbonization initiatives that are both scalable and sustainable. Dayton's plant overhaul doubles capacity Among the most significant upgrades currently underway is the full modernization of the Dayton's Chilled Water Plant, located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. As part of our broader push toward carbon-free energy, we've removed four decommissioned boilers and are replacing three chillers from the 1960s with modern, high-efficiency units. Once complete, the project will more than double the plant's current cooling capacity, enhancing our ability to serve new and existing customers across the city. Importantly, this plant is also powered by Xcel Energy's Renewable Connect, which means it will contribute to our carbon-free chilled water supply moving forward. The first new chiller started up this May, marking a key milestone in the plant's evolution and in our commitment to decarbonizing Minneapolis' energy systems. Smarter energy with artificial intelligence While infrastructure investment is critical, our sustainability efforts are equally focused on smart technology and data-driven optimization. At Cordia, we're using artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor weather patterns, predict demand peaks, and make real-time decisions about equipment dispatch. These predictive tools allow us to fine-tune plant operations to reduce energy usage, costs, and greenhouse gas emissions. AI also plays a crucial role in identifying and correcting equipment issues, improving system reliability, and extending the lifespan of our infrastructure. As our system 'learns' over time, we're able to make data informed decisions, deploy resources more efficiently, and enhance the performance of our district energy network. Looking ahead Minneapolis is charting a bold course toward a carbon-neutral future — and Cordia is proud to be a partner on that journey. Whether through the expansion of our Carbon-Free Chilled Water Program, the major infrastructure upgrades at the Dayton's plant, or the integration of AI-driven efficiency tools, we are investing in the future of urban energy. With a 50+ year track record, a deep commitment to innovation, and a clear vision for sustainability, Cordia Minneapolis is ready to grow with the city, supporting its environmental goals and delivering resilient, reliable energy to the businesses and institutions that power its economy. 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 Jacob Graff is a distinguished leader in the thermal and distributed energy infrastructure sector, currently serving as the regional president of the North and West for Cordia. With a wealth of expertise in orchestrating sales and operations of multiple thermal district energy systems, Graff is renowned for his strategic vision and operational prowess.
Business Journals
02-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
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
Time of India
01-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Rapid urbanisation outpaces VMC's plantation drive
Vijayawada: Amidst the increasing need for more trees due to the diminishing tree cover caused by rapid urbanisation and the exponential growth of Vijayawada in all four directions, the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC), much to the dismay of many, planted a mere 7,115 plants within the city limits over the last four years. According to data gathered by the TOI from the horticulture department of the VMC, the municipal corporation planted fewer than 2,000 plants per year over the last four years under the avenue plantation programme aimed at developing a green canopy in the city. Cordia, Rela (Cassia species), Pagoda, Neem, Lagerstroemia, Marri, Spathodea, and Neredu are among the major plant species planted by the municipal corporation as part of the avenue plantation in the city. The civic body planted the highest number of trees—3,260—in 2024-25, followed by 2,045 in 2023-24, 696 in 2022-23, and 1,114 in 2021-22. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scarlett Johansson, 40, Shows Off Her Real Size In A New Vacation Photos 33 Bridges Undo It has been learnt that the civic body does not set annual targets for tree plantation to increase the green cover. Instead, it plants trees at identified spots under the avenue plantation initiative. "We instruct our supervisors across the three circles under the civic body's jurisdiction to identify stretches where tree plantation can be taken up, and we plant trees on vacant municipal land as well as along roads across 64 wards," a senior VMC official told TOI. The official claimed that the municipal corporation has focused on planting trees in residential colonies and has filled a majority of the 64 wards with trees, except for some wards in Circle-II, where plantation will be taken up in the coming days. Professor Ajay Katragadda, a passionate environmentalist from the city, said: "It is agonising to know that the municipal corporation uprooted and felled more trees than it planted in the last four years. Hundreds of fully grown, decades-old trees were chopped down for the construction of two flyovers at the Benz Circle instead of being transplanted."
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Harmony Tower making process restoring hot water
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — About 20 tenants in Harmony Tower on N. 2nd St. haven't had hot water since before Thanksgiving. Repairs were made and water was restored to some, but not all apartments. The City of Harrisburg said on Tuesday that the hot water was back, but some residents still say it's lukewarm. Harmony Tower building management put notices on people's doors on Tuesday. It states, 'The continued repairs to the hot water system are still being made. We are being assisted by Haller, our plumbing company, Cordia, the city steam that makes the water hot, Harrisburg City Codes, and the Harrisburg City Fire Department. It is under their advisement after a walk-through today that all units are able to receive hot water, but you may have to allow it to run for up to 10 minutes.' Fire Chief Brian Enterline says the hot water is fixed, but not perfect. He says 85 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit meets codes. Julia Rivera says she pays $39.99 a month for a gym membership just to shower. 'I pay to go take a shower and I work from my home, which is an inconvenience because this is the middle of winter and I have to leave, vacate my apartment to go to L.A. Fitness to take a shower,' Rivera says. 'Who wants to take a bath or a shower in warm water? It's like lukewarm. It's not even hot,' says Bernard Johnson, who also lives in the building. Geoff Glatt says previously he had to run both the shower and the sink for 30-60 minutes before the water would be even lukewarm. On Tuesday, after the city and building management said it was fixed, the water was warm right away. 'It's good for dishes,' Glatt says. 'I wouldn't want to take a shower in it.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Mayor Wanda Williams said the building management would be in hot water if they didn't fix the problem. 'I think one of the very few things that will get through to the to the head of the landlord is not receiving their monthly rent check and if I'm able to put the monthly rent check in an escrow account that they can get once they satisfy state and city requirements, then they're welcomed to have that money,' Glatt says. 'We will take the necessary legal requirements that we need to do,' Williams says. Debrah Wire has hot water, but she's been standing up for her neighbors. She reads HUD guidelines and reaches out to building management. She's facilitating a newly formed tenant association. 'Did I want to be a spokesperson for the hot water? No, but it's it's what's making things happen at this point,' Wire says. 'Our neighbors just deserve to have hot water and know that they matter,' Wire says. 'Senior citizens, disabled adults, Vietnam veterans to be treated this way, it's just inhumane.' Chief Enterline says there were problems with mixing valves pushing cold water onto the hot water side. He says new valves have to be ordered and replaced for every apartment. abc27 reached out to Harmony Tower and Lynd, the property management company in Texas, but we have not heard back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
