Veolia North America and officials from Boston and Cambridge yesterday commemorated the completion of the $112 million Green Steam project in the Boston-Cambridge district energy network.

The Green Steam project, which includes the completion of a 7,000-foot steam pipeline extension and planned reconfiguration of the recently acquired Kendall Station combined heat and power plant, allows Veolia to export more environmentally friendly thermal energy from Kendall Station, minimizing environmental impact to the Charles River and reducing the carbon footprint of Boston and Cambridge.

Veolia North America is leading operator and developer of efficient energy solutions. Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and Cambridge Mayor David Maher joined Veolia executives at the Museum of Science to mark the completion of the Boston-Cambridge project.

Green Steam is an innovative environmental solution that captures and reuses heat that was previously lost to the environment. The increased efficiency reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 475,000 tons annually and is directly responsible for nearly 6 percent reduction of non-transportation carbon emissions for both cities. Additionally, Green Steam infrastructure improvements support sustainable development in Boston and Cambridge by increasing the LEED ratings of buildings that tie into the system.

"The city of Boston has been making great strides in creating a green city, which is possible through the dedication and help of Boston’s residents, businesses, and institutions," Walsh said in a statement. "Veolia has been a strong and loyal partner with the city, and the completion of this project marks an important step forward in attaining our Greenovate Boston goal of reducing Boston’s greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050."