The implementation of the Green Cincinnati Plan (GCP) and its 80 plus recommendations began shortly after plan approval in June 2008. A Steering Committee was established with members that included representatives of business, government, and environmental, academic, and civic organizations. Quarterly meetings serve as status updates and direction setting interfaces. City departments, non-profit organizations, businesses, and interested citizens formed task teams to assist with the recommendations. By the Plan’s one year anniversary, implementation activities and/or projects had begun for over 60 of the recommendations.
Most projects are long term. Champions and their respective organizations and numerous volunteer task teams are currently working on furthering the Plan's recommendations and goals. Grants and other resources are also being solicited to support the efforts. Many recommendations require an advocacy component to educate the citizenry in best practices and the needed behavior change. Advocacy concepts are currently in development including a GCP pledge website and summit. The greenhouse gas GHG is a benchmark to determine if the Plan’s projects have been successful in moving the City of Cincinnati towards a more sustainable future.
Examples of some of the active initiatives are listed below.
• LEED Buildings in Cincinnati
• City Performance Contracts - energy retrofits for 40 city-owned facilities
• Cincinnati Energy Alliance - energy audits/retrofits for residential and non-profit properties
• CPS Science Curriculum Council presentation
• Electric Car Parking Incentive - free city parking for electric cars
• Renewable energy installation
• Metro’s Hybrid Busses - saving GHG with hybrid vehicles
• Food Task Team
• Cincinnati Farms/Gardens - urban agriculture on vacant city land
The Green Cincinnati Plan Dashboard provides the status for each of the over 80 recommendations.
Global Climate Change "Opportunities to Make A Difference"
