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.)