U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement
Climate Protection Agreement Link
In 2006, Mayor Frank G. Jackson signed the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement. This signature acknowledges that the City of Cleveland takes climate change seriously and will make efforts to reduce the City’s overall carbon footprint.
Local Governments for Sustainability
Local Governments for Sustainability Website
In 2007, the City of Cleveland joined ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability in order to determine its carbon footprint and to establish effective ways of reducing it. The phrase “carbon footprint” refers to the impact that human activity has on the planet in regards to the amount of carbon dioxide which is produced.
United Nations Global Compact
UN Global Compact Website
In 2008, Mayor Jackson signed the UN Global Compact, making Cleveland the second US city to do so. Three of the compacts principles concern the environment. By becoming part of this strategic policy initiative, the City encourages the development and diffusion of environmentally-friendly technologies.
Advanced Energy Portfolio Standard
State of Ohio Renewable Portfolio Standards
Cleveland has adopted a citywide Advanced Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) to ensure that 15% of Cleveland Public Power’s energy comes from advanced or renewable sources by 2015, 20% by 2020, and 25% by 2025. The City also actively lobbied for the statewide AEPS which was passed in 2008.
LED Streetlights
The City of Cleveland is replacing traffic and crosswalk signals with LED lights to reduce energy and maintenance costs. The traffic light replacement is part of a 5-year plan being managed by the Department of Public Service.
Wind Monitoring in Cleveland
Green Energy Ohio Website
Great Lakes Science Center Wind Turbine
REPP: Ohio’s Future in the Renewable Industry
The City of Cleveland is monitoring wind speeds at various locations throughout the City’s landscape to determine the feasibility of utility scale wind power generation in and around the City. In addition, through a partnership with Green Energy Ohio and Case Western Reserve University, the City is monitoring wind speeds on Lake Erie to determine the feasibility of utility scale wind power on the Lake. Information gathered through this study may result in the first freshwater wind farm in the world.
The Great Lakes Science Center installed a 225kw wind turbine and connected it to the Cleveland Public Power (CPP) grid, making it the largest distributive wind generator on CPP’s system. Wind power is a clean and renewable energy source. Wind turbines will provide jobs for Ohioans and help reduce dependency on imported fuel for electric power.
Globally known as an industrial center, Cleveland is well suited for the manufacturing of wind power components and the expansion of wind power generation.
Cuyahoga County Energy Task Force
Great Lakes Advanced Energy Task Force Website
The Office of Sustainability is one of the City of Cleveland’s representatives on the Great Lakes Advanced Energy Task Force. The focus of this task force is to explore the options available and to advance renewable energy for the region.
Solar Hot Water Pilot Project
“Solar water” is water heated with solar energy. The City is undergoing a pilot solar thermal project and plans to install up to 5 demonstration units on City facilities by Fall 2008. This will be part of a study to investigate the feasibility of developing a solar thermal utility with the Cleveland Division of Water.
Combined Heat and Power
Cleveland Public Power (CPP) is exploring Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and distributive generation as possible sources for public utilities. CHP is possible when a heat engine or power station generates electricity and heat at the same time. CPP is currently working on a variety of pilot projects in order to determine ways in which to have local generation on its system and incorporate CHP in its power portfolio.
Energy Audits and Efficiency
The City of Cleveland is conducting energy assessments of its facilities to continue finding ways to save money and reduce environmental impact. Recent audits include the Division of Water’s treatment plants, Public Utilities Building, and City Hall. Audits of Division of Water facilities have realized over $110,000 in annual savings.
Biodiesel Pilot Project
The City has initiated a Biodiesel Pilot project, which will test a 20% blend of biodiesel in the fleet. Biodiesel is comprised of processed vegetable oil or animal fat. Working with Earthday Coalition, NASA, and the Ohio EPA, the City plans to promote the use of locally-grown and manufactured biofuels to reduce the use of conventional diesel fuels and harmful emissions.
