Energy Innovation - Department of Citywide Administrative Services

Department of Citywide Administrative Services


Buildings/Office Space Energy ManagementFleet ManagementPersonnel Services

Energy Supply
Clean Energy Generation
Demand Response and Load Management
Energy-Efficient Operations and Maintenance
Energy Efficiency Retrofit Projects
Energy Training and Strategic Planning
Energy Innovation
Reports and Publications
Career Opportunities
Vendor Opportunities
Email Energy Management

Energy Supply

Clean Energy Generation

Demand Response and Load Management

Energy-Efficient Operations and Maintenance

Energy Efficiency Retrofit Projects

Energy Training and Strategic Planning

Energy Innovation

Reports and Publications

Career Opportunities

Vendor Opportunities

Email Energy Management


Energy Innovation

Program Overview

DCAS launched the Innovative Demonstrations for Energy Adaptability (IDEA) Program in 2014 to advance the City's emissions reductions goals by engaging vendors to test new or underutilized technologies in City buildings.

Participating vendors receive support in building use cases for their solutions, while addressing City building system or operational challenges and informing the DCAS cleantech strategy and investments.

How to Participate

For vendors

Submit your IDEA product/technology information

The IDEA Program is open to entrepreneurs and companies who have innovative energy efficiency, energy infrastructure, or distributed generation solutions. Vendors are expected to:

work with DCAS to test their technologies in City buildings for a specified demonstration period, generally 3 to 12 months, but longer as needed.

be responsible for installing and commissioning their solutions, as well as conducting as-needed training of City staff.

work with DCAS to complete a performance assessment of their technologies’ effectiveness and suitability for use across the City’s portfolio after project completion.

Selected vendors may receive the following benefits:

Project management support from DCAS to demonstrate the value of their innovative technology in a City building.

Contracting, procurement, and cloud/cybersecurity approval support from DCAS, inclusive of other applicable regulatory items.

Outreach support from DCAS in educating partner agencies about the technology and/or pilot project.

Option to schedule a Demonstration Day with DCAS partner agencies to showcase the technology and/or pilot results.

Option to publish a case study on the DCAS website and to use data in future marketing activities.

Overall understanding of the City’s real estate portfolio and procurement process for future projects.

DCAS is currently accepting ideas from vendors on a rolling basis. We will contact you if your technology has been selected for demonstration.

Submit your IDEA product/technology information

For agency partners

DCAS is seeking agency partners interested in having tested technologies installed in their buildings. Find a technology for your building here.

Outcomes and Case Studies

As of June 2024, DCAS has completed 27 technology demonstration projects, focused on building controls, HVAC optimization, renewable energy technologies, and smart building systems. Please refer to the case studies below for highlighted demonstrated technologies. (Case studies are only developed for technology demonstration projects that have successfully been completed.)

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Building Controls

Wireless Pneumatic Thermostats - Cypress Envirosystems

Self-Powered Wireless Lighting Controls - Illumra

Cozy Radiator Cover - Radiator Labs

Wireless Space Sensors - Heat-Timer Corporation

Predictive Building Control Software - Selex ES

Wireless Controllers for HVAC Units - Encycle

Building Energy Management System - US Energy Group

Predictive Software - Callida

HVAC Optimization

Insulating Valve and Boiler Jackets - Thermaxx

Building Automation System - Global Control Solutions

Commutated Motor and Fan Units - Mainstream

Modified Venturi Style Steam Traps - SteamGard

Internet-Based Oil Verification System - US Energy Group

Smart Valve Chilled Water Optimization - Flow Energy

Energy Recovery Ventilation - Advanced Cooling Technologies

Wirelessly-Controlled Radiator Valves - Spartan Peripheral Devices

Two Phase Flow DHW System - Hudson Fisonic

Heat Transfer Nano Fluids - TCT Nanotech

Coil Cleaning Enzyme Rich Foam – Blue Box Air

Innovations in Renewable Energy

Solar-Powered Fabric Canopies - Pvilion

Flared Biogas to Power - Electratherm

Smart Building Systems

Electrical Systems Voltage Optimization - Legend Power