Cincinnati Green!

This just released from the Mayors Office is very exciting!

Mayor Mallory Sets Green Cincinnati Energy Efficiency Goals
Directs OEQ to develop city-wide Climate Protection Plan
City begins pilot energy reduction project at the Permit Center

Cincinnati – Mayor Mark Mallory and City Manager Milton Dohoney launched Green Cincinnati this morning by setting energy efficiency goals for City Government and beginning the process to create a city-wide Climate Protection Plan. The Mayor set Green Cincinnati energy efficiency goals of reducing the city government’s electricity demand by 4% in 1 year and 10% in 4 years. The Mayor also announced that he was introducing a motion to City Council that would direct the Office of Environmental Quality (OEQ) to begin a city-wide Climate Protection Planning Process.

“We have a moral responsibility to protect the Earth and the City of Cincinnati is going to be a leader in helping our region change,” Mayor Mallory said. “We start by looking at our own operations and reducing our use of electricity.” By setting the Green Cincinnati energy efficiency goals, the City of Cincinnati is moving aggressively on the global issue of Climate Protection. By achieving 4% in energy efficiency in 1 year, the city will save $286,000, and enough energy to power 239 homes, or eliminate the air pollution created by 511 cars. By reaching the 4 year goal of 10% energy efficiency, the city will save $632,000 per year, equal to 645 homes, or 1,384 cars. The goals apply to all nonutility city departments.

The goal of the city-wide climate protection planning process is to create a city-wide plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the region. OEQ director, Larry Falkin will form a task force of stakeholders, including government officials, business groups, advocacy groups, community organizations, utilities, and other interested parties. The taskforce will look at energy efficiency, transportation, land use, and waste management, and will recommend actions for climate protection.

Mayor Mallory made the announcement at a morning press conference at the City’s Business Development and Permit Center today, where the City is kicking off a three-month pilot energy efficiency program. The employees at the Permit Center (more than 130) have volunteered to serve at the pilot site for determining how much energy can be saved through employee actions.

“We know that green development supports economic development,” said Dohoney. “It is part of what makes us an attractive, competitive city for businesses and people. As one of the larger employers in the city, we also know we must set an example for ways to be a greener city.”

City Manager Milton Dohoney has sent a directive to City Department Directors requesting that each department develop an energy management plan. The plans will focus on becoming more energy efficient by reducing utility and fuel usage, promoting conservation, and reducing energy costs. The Director of the Office of Environmental Quality, Larry Falkin, will be assisting each department in developing the plans. The plans should begin being implemented in 2008.