NLine Energy and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Honored with Prestigious Joseph M. Brillhart Innovation Award for Sustainability

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – July 1, 2025 – The International District Energy Association (IDEA) proudly announced today that NLine Energy, a leader in sustainable energy solutions, and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (PSHMC) have been jointly awarded the esteemed Joseph M. Brillhart Innovation Award. This recognition celebrates their groundbreaking sustainability efforts at the PSHMC campus, a testament to their commitment to environmental stewardship and operational efficiency. The award was presented at IDEA2025, the organization's annual conference and trade show, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, this past June.

Now in its thirteenth year, the Joseph M. Brillhart Innovation Award is one of the most coveted accolades in the district energy industry. It recognizes organizations that demonstrate exceptional innovation in developing and implementing sustainable energy solutions, significantly contributing to energy efficiency, reduced carbon footprints, and enhanced environmental performance. The collaboration between NLine Energy and PSHMC exemplifies this spirit, showcasing how strategic partnerships can drive meaningful progress in sustainability within large-scale institutional settings.

A Deep Dive into the Award-Winning Sustainability Initiatives

The initiatives undertaken at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, in partnership with NLine Energy, focused on optimizing the campus's district energy system. This involved a comprehensive approach to energy management, including the integration of advanced technologies and operational strategies designed to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Key aspects of their project likely included:

• Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Implementing state-of-the-art systems to reduce energy consumption across heating, cooling, and power generation.
• Carbon Footprint Reduction: Shifting towards cleaner energy sources and optimizing existing infrastructure to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
• Operational Resilience: Improving the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the campus's energy supply.
• Innovative Technology Adoption: Deploying cutting-edge solutions in areas such as combined heat and power (CHP), thermal energy storage, or advanced control systems.

The success of these initiatives at PSHMC serves as a powerful case study for other large institutions and healthcare facilities looking to enhance their sustainability profiles. The project not only delivers significant environmental benefits but also contributes to long-term operational savings, demonstrating that ecological responsibility can go hand-in-hand with financial prudence.

Market Context and Implications for the Energy Sector

This award highlights a growing trend within the energy sector: the increasing demand for sustainable and efficient energy solutions, particularly in critical infrastructure like healthcare. Companies like NLine Energy, which specialize in district energy and sustainable infrastructure, are well-positioned to capitalize on this shift. The recognition from IDEA underscores the importance of innovation in meeting global climate goals and the rising expectations for corporate environmental responsibility.

For the broader market, this development signals continued investment in green technologies and infrastructure. Governments, corporations, and institutions are increasingly prioritizing sustainability, driving demand for specialized services and products that can deliver measurable environmental and economic benefits. The district energy market, in particular, is poised for significant growth as organizations seek centralized, efficient, and resilient energy systems.

Investment Insights: What This Means for Investors

While The Hershey Company (HSY) is primarily known for its confectionery products, this news, though not directly related to HSY's core business, underscores the broader market's increasing focus on sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors. Companies that demonstrate strong commitments to sustainability, whether through their own operations or by partnering with leaders in the field like NLine Energy, often attract more favorable investor attention and may exhibit greater long-term resilience.

Investors interested in the energy sector should look for companies that are:

• Innovators in Sustainable Energy: Firms developing and deploying advanced, efficient, and clean energy technologies.
• Partners in Green Infrastructure: Companies that collaborate with large institutions to implement significant sustainability projects.
• Beneficiaries of ESG Trends: Businesses whose services or products align with the growing global emphasis on environmental responsibility.

This award for NLine Energy and PSHMC reinforces the narrative that sustainability is not just a corporate social responsibility initiative but a critical component of modern infrastructure development and a significant driver of economic value. For investors, this means keeping an eye on companies that are at the forefront of this transition, as they are likely to be key players in the evolving energy landscape.

The Future of Sustainable Healthcare Infrastructure

The collaboration between NLine Energy and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center sets a new benchmark for sustainable healthcare infrastructure. As healthcare facilities are significant energy consumers, their efforts to reduce environmental impact are crucial. This award will likely inspire other medical centers and large campuses to adopt similar innovative approaches, further accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. The Joseph M. Brillhart Innovation Award serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when expertise, vision, and commitment converge to address pressing environmental challenges.