This 10-year initiative engages people from all walks of life, working together to design and develop a thriving and resilient Cleveland region that leverages its wealth of assets to build economic, social and environmental well-being for all.
The third annual Sustainability Summit will be September 22 and 23, 2011 in Cleveland’s Public Auditorium. -more
Building an Economic Engine to Empower a Green City on a Blue Lake
History The Office of Sustainability was established in May 2005 to help the city save money and reduce its ecological footprint
Vision The Office of Sustainability leads and empowers Cleveland to be a global leader in urban sustainable living, commerce, operations and community
Goals The Office of Sustainability works with the City’s administration as well as its departments to integrate sustainability principles into daily operations and achieve the following:
Save the City of Cleveland money and reduce its ecological footprint or combination of resource consumption and waste generation
Use sustainability as a tool for economic development
Introduce a sustainability culture and its principles into the community
Focusing on these goals will help attract and retain people, businesses, and intellectual capital in the region by providing a friendly and healthy place for people to live, visit, and work
Guiding Principles The Office of Sustainability:
Creates tools to establish accountability by tracking sustainability goals
Measures the effect of policy around 3 main areas: Environment, People and Economy
Create a culture of sustainability by successfully communicating policies, projects and procedures with all stakeholders
Establishes partnerships and leverage the strengths of organizations to implement programs and projects that promote sustainability.
Trains stakeholders on sustainability policies and procedures
Develops practices to minimize recurring annual costs, reduce environmental impact, and create accountability for implementation
Promotes vibrant communities, attract, and grow businesses through the development of policies, procedures and programs Sustainability: meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
By instituting energy efficiency and conservation initiatives in city facilities, operations, and vehicle fleets, the City is saving taxpayer money, and taking the right steps towards carbon neutrality and sustainability. Through education, policies, and programs, the City empowers employees, businesses, and residents to take action to be more energy efficient.
As a prime recipient of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Federal funds for an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, the City is implementing City policies and community projects to stimulate sustainability initiatives.
The City has purchased over 80 hybrid vehicles and more than 250 alternative fueled vehicles for its fleet
A Municipal Solid Waste to Energy facility will produce energy to be sold by Cleveland Public Power (CPP) -more
Currently in Process: electric energy from advanced/renewable sources, replacing traffic/crosswalk signals with LED lights, Lake Erie wind monitoring, reducing carbon footprint, waste-to-energy feasibility study, solar hot water project, combined heat and power project, energy assessments, and biodiesel project. -more
The Office of Sustainability develops and implements policies and practices with city departments to embrace a culture of sustainability. The office collaborates with the community to create a city that improves the economic, environmental and social well-being of its citizens
By instituting energy efficiency and conservation initiatives in city facilities, operations, and vehicle fleets, the City is saving taxpayer money, and taking the right steps towards carbon neutrality and sustainability. Through education, policies, and programs, the City empowers employees, businesses, and residents to take action to be more energy efficient. 