NEW - Cleveland Sustainability Program web page
Also - Akron Greenprint for the Future page
On May 26, 2005, then-Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell introduced Andrew Watterson as the city's first sustainability programs manager. Watterson is a native of Greater Cleveland and has experience constructing green buildings, including the Cleveland Environmental Center.
The City of Cleveland's Sustainability Programs Manager will help the city develop innovative, environmentally friendly ways for the city to save money, lessen its ecological footprint and improve public health. Watterson is housed in the Department of Public Utilities, and will work with all city departments, City Council, and partners in the community to create interdisciplinary programs to make Cleveland a greener, healthier and more prosperous city.
"Through sustainability principles, the city can be more efficient and effective at delivering quality service to residents and helping shape Cleveland's future," Watterson says.
Watterson adds that the goals of the sustainability program also include introducing sustainability principles to city employeess and to instill a sustainability culture through education.
Progress as of August 2006 (information provided by the Sustainability Program)
Fleets
Anti-Idling Policy:
Idling creates pollution and wastes valuable resources. An anti-idling policy (introduced in June 2006) mandates city employees to turn off their vehicles to save money and reduce emissions. With a fleet of 4,900 vehicles and $5.4 million annual gas and diesel bills, the city hopes the new anti-idling policy will save hundreds of thousands of dollars a year.
Hybrid Vehicles:
Muni-owned Cleveland Public Power has purchased eight hybrid vehicles that save on fuel and help to protect the environment. The city will continue to purchase hybrid vehicles when possible.
Energy
Renewable Energy:
The City of Cleveland is seeking renewable and sustainable energy options as part of an economical and robust electrical infrastructure.
Wind Power:
The 2-year wind monitoring project is continuing on the water intake Crib located in Lake Erie. For more information. Wind power is clean, renewable, and free.
Procurement/Purchasing
Develop policies to encourage the purchase of:
- Regional products
- Recycled products
- Products that conserve energy
- Recyclable Products
Health and Environment
Planning and Leadership Roles:
- Air quality
- Water quality
- Storm water management
- Green space
- Transportation options
- Commercial recycling
- 26 recycling drop off centers
- Yard waste pick up
Construction Waste Management:
The Cleveland Division of Water now requires all contractors to divert 50% of C&D waste generated on projects from landfills.
- Saves space in landfills
- Provides materials for manufacturers
- Recycles building materials
Help set the agenda for the city's sustainability manager: What should be the priorities in making Cleveland greener, healthier and more prosperous? Leave a comment.
To contact Andrew Watterson or call 216-664-2444 xt. 5582; to reach his assistant Philena Seldon xt. 5586.
Resources
"Connecting Cleveland: 2020 Citywide Plan" includes sustainability
Green-collar jobs for urban America
Why green urbanism makes sense for Cleveland
did our region's mayors attend?
Susan Miller Says:Mayors, Looking to Cities’ Future, Are Told It Must Be Colored Green
"Mayors, heard a clear message: Cities that are “walkable,” workable and livable add up to the “s” word: sustainable. Cities that are centered on people and public transit, not cars, and built to higher standards of energy efficiency will save money, hum with new development and create jobs to suit a greener way of life."
A few of our local mayor's signed the climate protection agreement, but I have not heard of any planning to achieve specific goals. Have you?
When I was growing up in an even more racially divided world, we referred to people as black, white, yellow, brown and some were heard to say, "I don't care if s/he is green, if s/he will provide safety and stability..." Now we might all be looking for a green candidate. Back then (when we were going to the moon) they were probably referring to an imagined Martian and now they mean some on who would use the concepts sustainability to address our concerns. Back then the "s" word meant something distasteful. Now we know that waste can equal wealth.
What's you Mayor up to in this regard?
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