Case Study: Van Andel Institute achieves uninterrupted 24/7 sustainable high‑pressure steam for critical research with Veolia North America

Sustainable infrastructure supports cancer and Parkinson’s research

Van Andel Institute (VAI), a 400,000 sq. ft., LEED Platinum biomedical research and education facility in Grand Rapids, required reliable, 24/7 high‑pressure steam for heating, humidification and autoclave sterilization to support cancer and Parkinson’s research. Rather than build its own plant, VAI contracted with Veolia North America for district steam service (9,750 lb/hr under a 10‑year agreement) to meet stringent environmental controls and continuous operational needs.

Veolia North America upgraded its Grand Rapids thermal energy plant—adding a condensing economizer and an on‑site emergency backup generator in 2012—and supplies VAI steam via a 7‑mile distribution system that serves ~130 customers (450,000 lb/hr total capacity). When a downed utility pole caused outages in spring 2014, Veolia’s backup power kept steam flowing to VAI for nearly an hour with no disruption; the result was uninterrupted research operations, greater reliability and sustainability, and lower long‑term energy costs.

Van Andel Institute