energy

Cleveland, Ohio, has been investing in energy efficiency initiatives, including retrofitting city buildings with energy-efficient technologies and encouraging local businesses to adopt sustainable practices. The city has adopted renewable energy sources, integrating solar and wind power into its energy mix. The Cleveland Energy Saver program offers homeowners energy audits and financing options for energy improvements. The city’s goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% below 2010 levels by 2050, and these initiatives are key steps in that direction. Cleveland Public Power also offers a variety of programs designed to encourage residential and commercial customers to conserve energy, providing energy-saving tips and tools.

water

Cleveland is known for its efficient water utility management, operated by the Cleveland Water Department, which has been recognized for its superior water treatment processes and infrastructure investments. The department serves more than one million customers and places a strong emphasis on maintaining and upgrading its water distribution network to ensure reliability and reduce water loss. Initiatives such as the Sustainable Cleveland 2019 focused on reducing water consumption and improving water quality through various community projects. Rain barrels and green infrastructure projects are encouraged to manage stormwater sustainably. The city also has programs to assist residents in fixing leaks, which is essential to preserving the water supply.

transportation

Cleveland’s transportation efficiency is supported by its commitment to improving public transit and non-motorized transport infrastructure. The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has been investing in modernizing its fleet to include more energy-efficient buses and trains, and upgrading stations for accessibility and comfort. The city promotes the use of alternative transportation through its bike-sharing program, UHBikes, and extensive network of bike lanes. Initiatives like the Cleveland EcoVillage project focus on transit-oriented development. Car-sharing services and electric vehicle charging stations are becoming more prevalent, aligning with the city’s sustainable mobility goals. Additionally, the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) works on regional transportation planning and advocates for sustainable transport solutions.

waste

Cleveland has made strides in improving waste management and recycling programs to enhance waste efficiency. The residential recycling program is being reinvigorated with the introduction of a new, simplified process aimed at increasing participation rates. The city’s Zero Waste Plan includes goals for reducing, reusing, and recycling materials from all waste streams. Local organizations champion composting initiatives to divert organic waste from landfills. Cleveland's Division of Waste Collection and Disposal has been working on improving efficiency in collection services and educating the community on the importance of proper waste sorting to reduce contamination in the recycling stream.