Our Mission: Power a Clean Future Ohio is building momentum now for a clean, prosperous future by equipping local leaders for equitable, community-driven carbon reductions in Ohio.

New Solar Project Pushes Cincinnati Zoo Closer to Net-Zero Goal

Since installing its first 1.56MW solar array in 2011, the Cincinnati Zoo has made considerable strides towards sustainability. Earlier this month, the Zoo broke ground on a new 2.8MW solar array covering their Euclid Ave. parking lot. Upon completion, they expect two-thirds of their power will be generated from their solar arrays, reaching 100% by 2030-2032.

Embracing solar energy has been a net positive for the Zoo, as energy bills have been cut in half since 2005 despite increased attendance and significant expansions to their facilities. However, the benefits extend beyond the Zoo itself and into the surrounding community. The Zoo's 600-acre solar farm in Warren County, the largest in Ohio, supplies 30MW of renewable energy for local companies, supporting regional sustainability efforts. They have also purchased additional panels to help generate clean, renewable energy and reduce energy costs in underserved communities.

Over 800 people attended January's Greater Cleveland Partnership Sustainability Summit, suggesting that corporate interest in integrating sustainability projects into mainstream business practices is rapidly growing. Corporate sustainability commitments and federal incentives, like tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, are just a few reasons for their growing viability in the business landscape. 

Baiju Shah, CEO of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, highlighted sustainability as "a massive market opportunity" and essential for competition in the global marketplace. One-third of the Partnership's most prominent member companies have pledged to be carbon neutral by 2050, and nearly all member companies have committed to some sustainability practice. 

While demand for renewable energy development from the business community continues to grow, Ohio’s legal and regulatory barriers continue to create unnecessary challenges for solar developers and the companies that would like to purchase that energy. PCFO was invited to speak at the event on the Energy and Decarbonization panel and shared some of the similar challenges facing local governments that also have similar interests in purchasing Ohio-based renewable energy. 

The Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC) recently received a $12.5 million federal grant that will help fill critical gaps for EV charging infrastructure throughout southern Ohio. Dana Vingris, SOPEC's Director of Grants, believes that building 50 additional charging stations between Dayton and Athens will encourage more people to consider purchasing EVs.

Vingris adds that while increasing the number of EVs on roads will reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality, the utility improvements necessary to install new EV charging infrastructure will also lead to more resilient communities and fewer power outages.

This grant is part of a larger allocation to Ohio by the US Department of Transportation's Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program - part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) also received $15 million to build charging stations in the region.

Upcoming Events

CLEANinCLE Public Meetings



February 24 & 28, 2024

More information: Here

Register: Here

CLEANinCLE is a community air monitoring project that will expand the city’s air monitoring network by installing 30 air sensors in neighborhoods and using a mobile monitoring shelter to better understand pollution levels across different neighborhoods. The public is invited to bi-monthly meetings across Cleveland to share concerns, help determine sensor placements, and contribute to the data dashboard design.

Illuminating Impact: Integrated Lighting Campaign Gives Back to the Community

February 27;11:00 a.m.

Virtual meeting: Register here.

DOE’s Integrated Lighting Campaign (ILC) recognizes innovative lighting control projects that push the envelope in terms of energy savings, novel capabilities, and non-energy benefits. Join this webinar to learn how two recognized participants upgraded their facilities and brought benefits back to their communities.

How U.S. Cities and Counties Are Accelerating the Deployment of EV Charging Infrastructure

February 29, 2024; 2:00 - 3:00 PM

Register: Here

Supercharged by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, the U.S. is rapidly transitioning to electric vehicles. But access to EV charging remains a key challenge, especially within underserved communities. This webinar will feature speakers from three local governments working on key strategies to support equitable communitywide deployment of EV charging.

Second Chance Hiring in Energy

March 5, 2024; 11:30 AM

Register: Here

Hosted by the US Department of Energy Office of Energy Justice and Equity, join a new nationwide webinar series focused on sourcing the workplace needed to sustain and expand talent in the renewable energy sector. Participate in a national convening of energy employers, policymakers, and community-based organizations developing the reentry workforce pipeline.

Shelter in the Storm: Reimaging resiliency for your communities and congregations

March 14, 2024; 12:00 pm ET

ReImagine Appalachia and Solar United Neighbors will discuss the innovative ways that communities and houses of worship are being transformed into resilience hubs, which help communities prepare for and recover from climate disaster.

University Heights Sustainable Home Fair

April 21, 2024; 1:00 - 4:00 PM

More information

Is there a home renovation project on your to-do list this Spring? Learn how your home can become more energy efficient, less costly to operate, and more sustainable at the University Heights Sustainable Home Fair. Visit information booths from local vendors and service providers, attend how-to workshops, test-drive an electric vehicle, and more. The Fair will take place at the Wiley School Building at 2181 Miramar Blvd., University Heights, OH 44118.