Sustainability + Environment
Last month, Jenita McGowan was sworn in as Cleveland's new Chief of Sustainability, replacing the outgoing Andrew Watterson. A Northeast Ohio resident since 1996, McGowan's an adopted Clevelander in every sense. Fresh Water contributor Erin O'Brien sat down with McGowan and got the lowdown on the status of sustainability in Cleveland.
On Tuesday, February 7, Global Cleveland opened the doors to its Public Square welcome center. The organization is tasked with attracting and retaining talent to the region from around the globe, with the goal of adding 100,000 people to the region. Fresh Water photographer Bob Perkoski was at the ribbon cutting.
The foreclosure prevention plans that President Obama announced in his recent State of the Union address may help struggling Northeast Ohio homeowners, says Lou Tisler of the nonprofit Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS), but our hard-hit region is not out of the woods yet.
"When lenders and government-sponsored entities such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac look at what keeps people out of foreclosure, they see it's principal reduction," says Tisler. "The new program that the Obama administration has proposed offers triple the incentives to lenders to keep people in their homes through principal reduction."
Although Tisler says that it's "obscene" that the government must provide lenders with additional help, he adds that it's crucial that lenders come to the table and negotiate. "Banks continue to say that they can't reduce principal because that would mean that every homeowner would want a reduction. Yet we're not seeing people strategically defaulting and trashing their credit ratings. People are coming through our door nonstop, and until they're gainfully employed, it won't stop."
Unfortunately, Tisler does see an end to the steady stream of people calling his office seeking help. Yet he believes that principal reductions, more effective foreclosure relief and an economic uptick that reduces unemployment will eventually reduce foreclosures. Until then, he says, Northeast Ohio can continue to expect the foreclosure problem to be an unwelcome guest on its doorstep.
Source: Lou Tisler
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"When lenders and government-sponsored entities such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac look at what keeps people out of foreclosure, they see it's principal reduction," says Tisler. "The new program that the Obama administration has proposed offers triple the incentives to lenders to keep people in their homes through principal reduction."
Although Tisler says that it's "obscene" that the government must provide lenders with additional help, he adds that it's crucial that lenders come to the table and negotiate. "Banks continue to say that they can't reduce principal because that would mean that every homeowner would want a reduction. Yet we're not seeing people strategically defaulting and trashing their credit ratings. People are coming through our door nonstop, and until they're gainfully employed, it won't stop."
Unfortunately, Tisler does see an end to the steady stream of people calling his office seeking help. Yet he believes that principal reductions, more effective foreclosure relief and an economic uptick that reduces unemployment will eventually reduce foreclosures. Until then, he says, Northeast Ohio can continue to expect the foreclosure problem to be an unwelcome guest on its doorstep.
Source: Lou Tisler
Writer: Lee Chilcote
tedxcle 2012 details announced
TEDxCLE 2012 will be held on Friday, April 20th, 2012.
TEDxCLE is an annual forum that gathers the region’s big thinkers to "share ideas worth spreading." Organizers -- and recent "brain gains" -- Hallie Bram and Eric Kogelschatz seek to change the perceptions of people who live here as well as those outside the region by sharing stories of success, innovation and inspiration.
TED is a New York-based, international nonprofit whose mission is to spread innovative ideas in the areas of “technology, entertainment and design.” Founded in 1984, TED now hosts conferences in 80 countries.
Bram and Kogelschatz came up with the idea of launching TEDxCLE shortly after relocating in 2009 from Boston to Cleveland’s Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood.
“We realized that there are so many amazing things happening here," explains Bram, "but many people just don’t know about them.”
The first two years of TEDxCLE sold out in literally minutes. Fortunately, this year's conference has been moved to a larger venue -- the Gartner Auditorium at The Cleveland Museum of Art -- which will provide an additional 300 seats.
There is still time to submit speaker nominations. You can send them here until Friday, February 17th.
TEDxCLE is an annual forum that gathers the region’s big thinkers to "share ideas worth spreading." Organizers -- and recent "brain gains" -- Hallie Bram and Eric Kogelschatz seek to change the perceptions of people who live here as well as those outside the region by sharing stories of success, innovation and inspiration.
TED is a New York-based, international nonprofit whose mission is to spread innovative ideas in the areas of “technology, entertainment and design.” Founded in 1984, TED now hosts conferences in 80 countries.
Bram and Kogelschatz came up with the idea of launching TEDxCLE shortly after relocating in 2009 from Boston to Cleveland’s Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood.
“We realized that there are so many amazing things happening here," explains Bram, "but many people just don’t know about them.”
The first two years of TEDxCLE sold out in literally minutes. Fortunately, this year's conference has been moved to a larger venue -- the Gartner Auditorium at The Cleveland Museum of Art -- which will provide an additional 300 seats.
There is still time to submit speaker nominations. You can send them here until Friday, February 17th.
The Fowler Center for Sustainable Value at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University has recently introduced a new form of sustainable consulting for small and medium-sized businesses.
In partnership with True Market Solutions, a San Francisco-based company, the Fowler Center introduced its Sustainability Circles initiative in October. The effort aims to help such businesses enhance their performance by fully integrating sustainable business practices into what they do.
The Fowler Center's Sustainability Circles include both peer-based learning and professional advising. The program brings up to nine organizations at a time into a peer learning community for one day a month for six months. Sustainable business practice topics range from the built environment to operational environments.
At the end of the process, Sustainability Circles participants walk away with specific outcomes that are intended to help them transition into more sustainable, effective businesses. Such results include a complete carbon footprint analysis, an initial project and a customized Sustainability Action Plan.
"This is about a whole new lens for business," says Beau Daane, Manager of the Fowler Center. "In a world with rising customer expectations and declining natural resources, businesses have to consider sustainable value or they'll be left in the dust. For us, this is where the scholarship meets the practice."
Source: Beau Daane
Writer: Lee Chilcote
In partnership with True Market Solutions, a San Francisco-based company, the Fowler Center introduced its Sustainability Circles initiative in October. The effort aims to help such businesses enhance their performance by fully integrating sustainable business practices into what they do.
The Fowler Center's Sustainability Circles include both peer-based learning and professional advising. The program brings up to nine organizations at a time into a peer learning community for one day a month for six months. Sustainable business practice topics range from the built environment to operational environments.
At the end of the process, Sustainability Circles participants walk away with specific outcomes that are intended to help them transition into more sustainable, effective businesses. Such results include a complete carbon footprint analysis, an initial project and a customized Sustainability Action Plan.
"This is about a whole new lens for business," says Beau Daane, Manager of the Fowler Center. "In a world with rising customer expectations and declining natural resources, businesses have to consider sustainable value or they'll be left in the dust. For us, this is where the scholarship meets the practice."
Source: Beau Daane
Writer: Lee Chilcote
A few weeks ago, Cleveland Heights City Council passed legislation that allows residents to purchase city-owned residential lots for as little as $100. With this move, the inner ring suburb became the latest city in Northeast Ohio to encourage "blotting," the practice of homeowners absorbing adjacent lots for yard expansion, urban gardening or beautification.
Like many inner ring suburbs, Cleveland Heights has been hard hit by foreclosure and vacancy in recent years, and has pressed hard to demolish homes that it deems beyond saving. As a result, it has acquired vacant lots. City officials deem selling these lots as one way to re-purpose these once-blighted properties.
The city plans to offer these vacant properties to individuals who own the adjacent properties. If both of the neighboring owners are interested, the lot could possibly be split or sold to the highest bidder. Six to 12 properties currently are available, with more expected to become available later this year.
Although the lots are large enough to accommodate new homes, the city expects most of them to be used for activities like gardening and neighborhood cookouts.
Source: City of Cleveland Heights
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Like many inner ring suburbs, Cleveland Heights has been hard hit by foreclosure and vacancy in recent years, and has pressed hard to demolish homes that it deems beyond saving. As a result, it has acquired vacant lots. City officials deem selling these lots as one way to re-purpose these once-blighted properties.
The city plans to offer these vacant properties to individuals who own the adjacent properties. If both of the neighboring owners are interested, the lot could possibly be split or sold to the highest bidder. Six to 12 properties currently are available, with more expected to become available later this year.
Although the lots are large enough to accommodate new homes, the city expects most of them to be used for activities like gardening and neighborhood cookouts.
Source: City of Cleveland Heights
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Inefficient, drafty homes in Cleveland not only are an impediment to attracting savvy urban homebuyers, they're also a harsh economic reality for those who must swallow high utility bills. Despite the daunting prospect of renovating an old home, there are simple, cost-effective ways to save energy -- and money -- that don't involve notching the thermostat down another degree or donning Eskimo-like clothing.
That's the impetus behind Cleveland Energy $aver, a new program just launched by the City of Cleveland, Cleveland Action to Support Housing (CASH), Cleveland Housing Network (CHN), LAND Studio and the U.S. Department of Energy. The program aims to make 100 homes in Cleveland energy-efficient by fall of this year.
Homeowners who enroll in this program can obtain a complete energy audit for a mere $50, a tidy sum that likely amounts to a fraction of their monthly heating bill. After the audit has been completed, owners will work with program staff to develop a scope of work, seek low-interest financing if needed, and hire a contractor. When the job is completed, professionals will help evaluate the work to make sure it's been done properly. As an enticement, owners will save 20 percent off the top, and another 20 percent when the work is complete.
“Cleveland Energy $aver will provide homeowners with tools they need to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes,” says Marcia Nolan, Executive Director of Cleveland Action to Support Housing (CASH). “It will also help Cleveland to become more sustainable and competitive to future residents.”
Source: Marcia Nolan
Writer: Lee Chilcote
That's the impetus behind Cleveland Energy $aver, a new program just launched by the City of Cleveland, Cleveland Action to Support Housing (CASH), Cleveland Housing Network (CHN), LAND Studio and the U.S. Department of Energy. The program aims to make 100 homes in Cleveland energy-efficient by fall of this year.
Homeowners who enroll in this program can obtain a complete energy audit for a mere $50, a tidy sum that likely amounts to a fraction of their monthly heating bill. After the audit has been completed, owners will work with program staff to develop a scope of work, seek low-interest financing if needed, and hire a contractor. When the job is completed, professionals will help evaluate the work to make sure it's been done properly. As an enticement, owners will save 20 percent off the top, and another 20 percent when the work is complete.
“Cleveland Energy $aver will provide homeowners with tools they need to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes,” says Marcia Nolan, Executive Director of Cleveland Action to Support Housing (CASH). “It will also help Cleveland to become more sustainable and competitive to future residents.”
Source: Marcia Nolan
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The City of Cleveland has scheduled two meetings to allow public comment on its new lakefront plan, the most ambitious effort in years to redevelop the city's long-dormant downtown shoreline. Portions of the plan, including an event series to be launched this summer, could begin to show progress this year.
The City plans to hire a Harbor Manager in the next few months, who will be responsible for overseeing waterfront activities, including management of the contract for a planned 53-slip marina. Other responsibilities will include property management, overseeing a vending program to allow food trucks and other vendors to sell their wares on the East 9th Street pier, and organizing lakeside concerts and festivals to be added to the city's lineup of summer events.
"The vision is to try to create more activity on the waterfront, and we're in the process of finalizing our strategy," says Ricky Smith, Director of Port Control for the City of Cleveland. Smith added that he expects construction on the marina, which has already been funded and will allow for short-term docking, to begin this year and wrap up in spring of 2013. He expects the same timeline for an iconic, moveable pedestrian bridge that is slated to traverse the North Coast Harbor.
Source: Ricky Smith
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The City plans to hire a Harbor Manager in the next few months, who will be responsible for overseeing waterfront activities, including management of the contract for a planned 53-slip marina. Other responsibilities will include property management, overseeing a vending program to allow food trucks and other vendors to sell their wares on the East 9th Street pier, and organizing lakeside concerts and festivals to be added to the city's lineup of summer events.
"The vision is to try to create more activity on the waterfront, and we're in the process of finalizing our strategy," says Ricky Smith, Director of Port Control for the City of Cleveland. Smith added that he expects construction on the marina, which has already been funded and will allow for short-term docking, to begin this year and wrap up in spring of 2013. He expects the same timeline for an iconic, moveable pedestrian bridge that is slated to traverse the North Coast Harbor.
Source: Ricky Smith
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Former County Treasurer Jim Rokakis, who prophesied Ohio's foreclosure crisis as early as 2000 and was a prime mover behind Ohio's land banking law and the Cuyahoga Land Bank, is now working with the newly formed Thriving Communities Institute to form land banks throughout Ohio.
The Thriving Communities Institute was formed last year by the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, a nonprofit that works to preserve undeveloped land in Northeast Ohio, as a way to spread the successful land banking movement. It has since grown rapidly, and Rokakis now finds himself traveling throughout Ohio to provide technical assistance and help counties set up land banks.
Since the Cuyahoga Land Bank was formed, Rokakis says, it has effectively shut down the supply of low value properties to investors in the county, secured agreements with lenders to acquire distressed properties, and facilitated over 1,000 demolitions of eyesore properties throughout Cleveland.
Now other counties in Ohio are following Cuyahoga County's lead. "There's a land bank in Montgomery County now, Franklin is close and we've just been hired by Hamilton County," says Rokakis, stressing that vacant properties are not just an urban issue. "Land banks work in urban, rural and suburban settings."
The gradually declining numbers of foreclosures are misleading, Rokakis says, because they don't reflect the number of delinquent homeowners or the fact that banks are frequently walking away from properties without taking title. To address these ongoing problems, cities and counties need more tools and money for acquisition and redevelopment. "If we don't take the eyesores and turn them into things of beauty, the problem will only get worse," he says. "This isn't just about demolition, it's also about positioning properties for redevelopment."
The long-term solution? Instead of another bank bailout, relief for underwater homeowners and communities saddled with foreclosures is needed, he says. Rokakis is now working with a group of state and federal legislators to propose a federal tax credit that would create a pool of money for property redevelopment.
Source: Jim Rokakis
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The Thriving Communities Institute was formed last year by the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, a nonprofit that works to preserve undeveloped land in Northeast Ohio, as a way to spread the successful land banking movement. It has since grown rapidly, and Rokakis now finds himself traveling throughout Ohio to provide technical assistance and help counties set up land banks.
Since the Cuyahoga Land Bank was formed, Rokakis says, it has effectively shut down the supply of low value properties to investors in the county, secured agreements with lenders to acquire distressed properties, and facilitated over 1,000 demolitions of eyesore properties throughout Cleveland.
Now other counties in Ohio are following Cuyahoga County's lead. "There's a land bank in Montgomery County now, Franklin is close and we've just been hired by Hamilton County," says Rokakis, stressing that vacant properties are not just an urban issue. "Land banks work in urban, rural and suburban settings."
The gradually declining numbers of foreclosures are misleading, Rokakis says, because they don't reflect the number of delinquent homeowners or the fact that banks are frequently walking away from properties without taking title. To address these ongoing problems, cities and counties need more tools and money for acquisition and redevelopment. "If we don't take the eyesores and turn them into things of beauty, the problem will only get worse," he says. "This isn't just about demolition, it's also about positioning properties for redevelopment."
The long-term solution? Instead of another bank bailout, relief for underwater homeowners and communities saddled with foreclosures is needed, he says. Rokakis is now working with a group of state and federal legislators to propose a federal tax credit that would create a pool of money for property redevelopment.
Source: Jim Rokakis
Writer: Lee Chilcote
reimagine cleveland wins national planning excellence award for sustainability innovation
Defying a Rust Belt reputation may not have been the primary goal of Re-Imagining a More Sustainable Cleveland, but winning a National Planning Excellence Award from the American Planning Association proves the local initiative is well on its way.
Re-Imagining a More Sustainable Cleveland began in 2008 with a singular goal: bring Cleveland’s neighborhoods back, one vacant lot at a time. Led by the City of Cleveland and urban development organization Neighborhood Progress, the program pairs with Kent State University’s Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative to envision innovative uses, including alternative energy generation and ecosystem revitalization, for vacant spaces throughout the city.
The American Planning Association recognized the collaborative effort for its non-traditional approach to greening Cleveland, awarding organizers for engaging the community with city-wide workshops and securing funding for nearly 60 vacant land pilot projects.
Read the rest here.
Re-Imagining a More Sustainable Cleveland began in 2008 with a singular goal: bring Cleveland’s neighborhoods back, one vacant lot at a time. Led by the City of Cleveland and urban development organization Neighborhood Progress, the program pairs with Kent State University’s Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative to envision innovative uses, including alternative energy generation and ecosystem revitalization, for vacant spaces throughout the city.
The American Planning Association recognized the collaborative effort for its non-traditional approach to greening Cleveland, awarding organizers for engaging the community with city-wide workshops and securing funding for nearly 60 vacant land pilot projects.
Read the rest here.
A $3.2 million grant from the federal government's Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks program announced last week will help pay for green upgrades to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. The private, nonprofit rail line carries nearly 200,000 passengers yearly, including more than 25,000 who carry bikes aboard the train, as it traverses through the picturesque Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Nearly half of the grant funding -- about $1.4 million -- will go towards building a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Cuyahoga River at Rockside Road. The bridge will span from the Rockside Station parking lot to the Lock 39 Trailhead along the Towpath Trail. It will facilitate safer, easier access for bikers and hikers who wish to ride the rail and take advantage of the scenic Towpath.
Steve Wait, President and CEO of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, says that the funds will also help the rail line integrate technology that will make it more efficient and environmentally friendly. "We'll be investing money in upgrading and rebuilding an older locomotive to save up to 75 percent in fuel and also reduce emissions," he says. "Many commercial railroads are investing heavily in newer green technologies, but as a small nonprofit we never had the money before."
Other planned improvements for the rail line include rebuilding an older passenger car to make it more accessible, retooling a baggage car to add extra room for bikes, and replacing an old power generator rail car to make it greener and more efficient.
Source: Steve Wait
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Nearly half of the grant funding -- about $1.4 million -- will go towards building a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Cuyahoga River at Rockside Road. The bridge will span from the Rockside Station parking lot to the Lock 39 Trailhead along the Towpath Trail. It will facilitate safer, easier access for bikers and hikers who wish to ride the rail and take advantage of the scenic Towpath.
Steve Wait, President and CEO of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, says that the funds will also help the rail line integrate technology that will make it more efficient and environmentally friendly. "We'll be investing money in upgrading and rebuilding an older locomotive to save up to 75 percent in fuel and also reduce emissions," he says. "Many commercial railroads are investing heavily in newer green technologies, but as a small nonprofit we never had the money before."
Other planned improvements for the rail line include rebuilding an older passenger car to make it more accessible, retooling a baggage car to add extra room for bikes, and replacing an old power generator rail car to make it greener and more efficient.
Source: Steve Wait
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Fresh Water commissioned local videographer David Wester to take viewers inside the newly opened Greater Cleveland Aquarium. While there, Wester was guided by general manager Tami Brown, who discussed the nature and scope of the watery exhibits. Already off to a swimming start, the attraction aims to lure 500,000 visitors per year.
With his trusty lens in hand, Fresh Water photographer Bob Perkoski follows the progress of the Greater Cleveland Aquarium from construction through opening day. The $33 million aquarium opened on schedule Saturday, January 21 in the Powerhouse building on the West Bank of the Flats.
ReImagining a More Sustainable Cleveland, a creative land reuse initiative to transform empty city lots into gardens, orchards and farms, has received the American Planning Association's National Planning Excellence Award for Innovation in Sustaining Places.
The program, which is led jointly by Neighborhood Progress (NPI), the City of Cleveland, Kent State University's Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative and LAND Studio, was first launched in 2010. In its first round, the program funded 56 vacant lot reuse projects, including 13 community gardens, 10 market gardens, six pocket parks and three vineyards.
Now in its second round, ReImagining Cleveland will spend $1 million in 2011-2012 to turn city-owned vacant lots into community green spaces and expanded side yards for residents. To date, nearly 60 homeowners have applied for side yard expansions and 16 green space projects are being implemented.
"ReImagining is an incredibly significant and collaborative effort that helps transform neighborhoods into safer and more stable communities," said Joel Ratner, President and CEO of Neighborhood Progress. "We are so proud that the program has received this honor from the American Planning Association."
Source: Neighborhood Progress
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The program, which is led jointly by Neighborhood Progress (NPI), the City of Cleveland, Kent State University's Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative and LAND Studio, was first launched in 2010. In its first round, the program funded 56 vacant lot reuse projects, including 13 community gardens, 10 market gardens, six pocket parks and three vineyards.
Now in its second round, ReImagining Cleveland will spend $1 million in 2011-2012 to turn city-owned vacant lots into community green spaces and expanded side yards for residents. To date, nearly 60 homeowners have applied for side yard expansions and 16 green space projects are being implemented.
"ReImagining is an incredibly significant and collaborative effort that helps transform neighborhoods into safer and more stable communities," said Joel Ratner, President and CEO of Neighborhood Progress. "We are so proud that the program has received this honor from the American Planning Association."
Source: Neighborhood Progress
Writer: Lee Chilcote
What's the cumulative impact of Cleveland's 200-plus community gardens, 20-plus farmers markets and 60-odd acres of urban land that have been tilled and planted for a future harvest?
That's an as yet unanswered question, says the City of Cleveland's new Sustainability Chief, but one she hopes to glean serious answers to in the coming year. Billed "The Year of Local Food" by Sustainable Cleveland 2019, a grassroots, city-led movement to employ sustainability as an engine to grow the regional economy, 2012 is going to be a momentous year.
"Local food is exciting because it combines entrepreneurship and environmental benefits with making connections in the local community," says Jenita McGowan, who last week succeeded Andrew Watterson as the city's Sustainability Chief. "We're really hoping to better connect Cleveland residents with local food, since many people still don't know what is available and how to access it."
Other plans for 2012 include increasing the number of urban farmers in the city, tying into the West Side Market's centennial celebrations this fall, and garnering commitments from large institutions to buy more food locally.
"The Year of Local Food allows all local groups to co-market their work," says McGowan. "That helps them to tie into a larger movement."
Sustainable Cleveland 2019 will host a kick-off event for the Year of Local Food this Friday, Jan. 20th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cleveland City Hall at 601 Lakeside.
Source: Jenita McGowan
Writer: Lee Chilcote
That's an as yet unanswered question, says the City of Cleveland's new Sustainability Chief, but one she hopes to glean serious answers to in the coming year. Billed "The Year of Local Food" by Sustainable Cleveland 2019, a grassroots, city-led movement to employ sustainability as an engine to grow the regional economy, 2012 is going to be a momentous year.
"Local food is exciting because it combines entrepreneurship and environmental benefits with making connections in the local community," says Jenita McGowan, who last week succeeded Andrew Watterson as the city's Sustainability Chief. "We're really hoping to better connect Cleveland residents with local food, since many people still don't know what is available and how to access it."
Other plans for 2012 include increasing the number of urban farmers in the city, tying into the West Side Market's centennial celebrations this fall, and garnering commitments from large institutions to buy more food locally.
"The Year of Local Food allows all local groups to co-market their work," says McGowan. "That helps them to tie into a larger movement."
Sustainable Cleveland 2019 will host a kick-off event for the Year of Local Food this Friday, Jan. 20th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cleveland City Hall at 601 Lakeside.
Source: Jenita McGowan
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The Jewish Federation of Cleveland recently celebrated the completion of its new headquarters in the Beachwood. The 30-year-old building underwent a green renovation that includes rooftop solar arrays, energy- and water-efficient systems, and indoor bike storage.
The Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization that supports social service, educational and humanitarian efforts in Cleveland and worldwide, earned a coveted LEED Gold rating for its energy-efficient renovation. LEED is short for Leadership in Energy Efficiency and Design, a green rating system.
"One of the values of Judaism is tikkun olam, which means 'repairing the world,'" says Harvey Freiman, Vice President of Operations with the Federation. "We did this because a planet that is greener and healthier is a good thing."
Beyond the environmental benefits, Freiman says that the energy-efficient project also reduces the Federation's operating costs moving forward while improving the quality of the work environment for the organization's employees.
The Federation faced many challenges along the way, including choosing which energy-efficient upgrades would provide the most bang for the buck. "You have to ask, 'Does spending more money bring additional benefit'?" says Freiman.
The organization was able to receive state and federal grant dollars to help cover the costs of the solar array. Donations from the Mandel family of Cleveland covered the purchase and renovation costs of the building.
Source: Harvey Freiman
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization that supports social service, educational and humanitarian efforts in Cleveland and worldwide, earned a coveted LEED Gold rating for its energy-efficient renovation. LEED is short for Leadership in Energy Efficiency and Design, a green rating system.
"One of the values of Judaism is tikkun olam, which means 'repairing the world,'" says Harvey Freiman, Vice President of Operations with the Federation. "We did this because a planet that is greener and healthier is a good thing."
Beyond the environmental benefits, Freiman says that the energy-efficient project also reduces the Federation's operating costs moving forward while improving the quality of the work environment for the organization's employees.
The Federation faced many challenges along the way, including choosing which energy-efficient upgrades would provide the most bang for the buck. "You have to ask, 'Does spending more money bring additional benefit'?" says Freiman.
The organization was able to receive state and federal grant dollars to help cover the costs of the solar array. Donations from the Mandel family of Cleveland covered the purchase and renovation costs of the building.
Source: Harvey Freiman
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Two local student-led teams, NanoHarv Technologies and Amplified Wind solutions, have made it to the semifinals of the Clean Energy Trust’s Clean Energy Challenge.
NanoHarv Technologies, a group of graduate students in CWRU’s Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Program (STEP), investigates new techniques that could potentially deliver cost efficient methods for the production of algae biofuels and other valuable by-products.
Amplified Wind Solutions is a group of CSU students and professors who have developed a wind speed amplification system that, when installed on a cylindrical structure such as a silo or water tower, can provide three times the electricity production of a typical wind turbine in low or marginal wind areas.
“The quality of the applications was fantastic,” says Amy Francetic, executive director of the Clean Energy Trust. “We had over 100 applications.” Only 16 teams were chosen to move on to the finals and present their business plans in Chicago on February 29 and March 1.
“This is a great opportunity for us to gain insight into the challenges of business plan development and new venture creation,” says Justin Isaacs, co-founder of NanoHarv. The winners in Chicago will go on to the national competition in Washington, DC, this summer to compete for $150,000.
While Niki Zmij, CEO of Amplified Wind Solutions, would like the prize money to help bring her company to commercialization, she is also happy in the lessons she’s learning.
“Whether we win or not this competition has been an incredible lesson in entrepreneurship,” says Zmij. “I’m a firm believer that we all learn best by doing -- and this process has allowed me to gain a very clear picture of what it takes to develop a new technology, start up a company, and put forth the dedication and hard work that it takes to make it successful.”
Source: Amy Francetic, Justin Isaacs, Niki Zmij
Writer: Karin Connelly
NanoHarv Technologies, a group of graduate students in CWRU’s Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Program (STEP), investigates new techniques that could potentially deliver cost efficient methods for the production of algae biofuels and other valuable by-products.
Amplified Wind Solutions is a group of CSU students and professors who have developed a wind speed amplification system that, when installed on a cylindrical structure such as a silo or water tower, can provide three times the electricity production of a typical wind turbine in low or marginal wind areas.
“The quality of the applications was fantastic,” says Amy Francetic, executive director of the Clean Energy Trust. “We had over 100 applications.” Only 16 teams were chosen to move on to the finals and present their business plans in Chicago on February 29 and March 1.
“This is a great opportunity for us to gain insight into the challenges of business plan development and new venture creation,” says Justin Isaacs, co-founder of NanoHarv. The winners in Chicago will go on to the national competition in Washington, DC, this summer to compete for $150,000.
While Niki Zmij, CEO of Amplified Wind Solutions, would like the prize money to help bring her company to commercialization, she is also happy in the lessons she’s learning.
“Whether we win or not this competition has been an incredible lesson in entrepreneurship,” says Zmij. “I’m a firm believer that we all learn best by doing -- and this process has allowed me to gain a very clear picture of what it takes to develop a new technology, start up a company, and put forth the dedication and hard work that it takes to make it successful.”
Source: Amy Francetic, Justin Isaacs, Niki Zmij
Writer: Karin Connelly
Last week, Fresh Water participated in a forum entitled "A City of Two Tales: Writing About Cleveland" at the Happy Dog in the Gordon Square Arts District. The event showcased the power of new media to spur civic dialogue and prompted an ongoing debate about telling the city's story to natives and newcomers alike.
The event was organized by Ohio City Writers (OCW), a nonprofit writing center that hosts classes and literary events on Cleveland's west side, and based upon a blog post written by Angie Schmitt of Rust Wire entitled "The Problem with Boosterism."
Following an introduction by OCW Director Frank Lewis, Schmitt kicked off the discussion by offering a critique of pro-Cleveland sentiment in the media and among civic leaders. Northeast Ohio frequently focuses on economic development projects with overstated economic benefits while failing to address genuine problems such as poverty and urban sprawl, she argued. Moreover, she added, Clevelanders often seem unwilling to listen to critiques of regional policymaking, and even become angered by criticisms intended to point out the city's problems.
Other panelists responded by arguing that while Northeast Ohio clearly has a lot of work to do in addressing its problems, the choice between "boosterism" and "realism" represents a false dichotomy. Writing or talking about Cleveland in honest terms typically means walking a fine line between offering a critique of what's wrong with the region and celebrating its successes, they said.
The topic prompted over 100 people to attend the event, which included occasional fights over the mic as well as shout-outs from the bar.
The next day, boosters and non-boosters alike lit up the blogosphere and Facebook with their takes on what happened at the contentious forum. A collection of their blogs can be found on Ohio City Writers' Facebook page.
The event also prompted a discussion about how Clevelanders can convey what's happening here to the national media, who some argued often rely on well-worn narratives about the Rust Belt rather than digging into the region's complexity.
Those looking to join the discussion or participate in future Write to Assemble events (Lewis is planning a poetry slam next) should visit OCW's website.
Source: Ohio City Writers
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The event was organized by Ohio City Writers (OCW), a nonprofit writing center that hosts classes and literary events on Cleveland's west side, and based upon a blog post written by Angie Schmitt of Rust Wire entitled "The Problem with Boosterism."
Following an introduction by OCW Director Frank Lewis, Schmitt kicked off the discussion by offering a critique of pro-Cleveland sentiment in the media and among civic leaders. Northeast Ohio frequently focuses on economic development projects with overstated economic benefits while failing to address genuine problems such as poverty and urban sprawl, she argued. Moreover, she added, Clevelanders often seem unwilling to listen to critiques of regional policymaking, and even become angered by criticisms intended to point out the city's problems.
Other panelists responded by arguing that while Northeast Ohio clearly has a lot of work to do in addressing its problems, the choice between "boosterism" and "realism" represents a false dichotomy. Writing or talking about Cleveland in honest terms typically means walking a fine line between offering a critique of what's wrong with the region and celebrating its successes, they said.
The topic prompted over 100 people to attend the event, which included occasional fights over the mic as well as shout-outs from the bar.
The next day, boosters and non-boosters alike lit up the blogosphere and Facebook with their takes on what happened at the contentious forum. A collection of their blogs can be found on Ohio City Writers' Facebook page.
The event also prompted a discussion about how Clevelanders can convey what's happening here to the national media, who some argued often rely on well-worn narratives about the Rust Belt rather than digging into the region's complexity.
Those looking to join the discussion or participate in future Write to Assemble events (Lewis is planning a poetry slam next) should visit OCW's website.
Source: Ohio City Writers
Writer: Lee Chilcote
A public hearing by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the City of Cleveland's permit application for a proposed waste-to-energy plant drew a large crowd to Estabrook Recreation Center on Monday night. Despite the city's promises that the new plant will effectively turn trash into treasure -- in the form of synthetic gas that can be used to create electricity -- many attendees said that environmental concerns and scant communication have left them with a long list of concerns.
"Why have there been a lack of community meetings around this issue?" asked Jeff Ramsey, Executive Director of the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization, citing only two community meetings held last year. "I don't consider a two-week comment period to be community engagement."
Other attendees expressed concerns about the plant's technology, which is relatively new and has not yet been used in the U.S. "Gasification has been touted as a clean technology, but it is not," said Stuart Greenberg, Executive Director of the nonprofit Environmental Health Watch. "If the City of Cleveland is the first to try this untested technology, then shouldn't there be more controls on it?"
Ward 14 City Councilman Brian Cummins stated his objections based upon concerns about pollution affecting low-income and minority constituents. "Pollution has affected our community for over 150 years," he said. "We want to move forward, not backward, and we're concerned about lead and mercury."
The City of Cleveland has stated that the Cleveland Recycling and Energy Generation (CREG) Center will create up to 100 new jobs, reduce the city's costs of hauling waste to out-of-county landfills, facilitate citywide recycling efforts, reduce environmental pollution and provide a safe, greener method of creating energy. The city also deems the CREG Center as a means of reaching its sustainability goals and Advanced Energy Portfolio Standard goal.
Following the hearing and comment period, the Ohio EPA will rule on the city's application for a permit. The city has not yet said how it plans to finance the gasification plant, which is expected to cost as much as $200 million.
Source: Jeff Ramsey, Brian Cummins, Stuart Greenberg
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"Why have there been a lack of community meetings around this issue?" asked Jeff Ramsey, Executive Director of the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization, citing only two community meetings held last year. "I don't consider a two-week comment period to be community engagement."
Other attendees expressed concerns about the plant's technology, which is relatively new and has not yet been used in the U.S. "Gasification has been touted as a clean technology, but it is not," said Stuart Greenberg, Executive Director of the nonprofit Environmental Health Watch. "If the City of Cleveland is the first to try this untested technology, then shouldn't there be more controls on it?"
Ward 14 City Councilman Brian Cummins stated his objections based upon concerns about pollution affecting low-income and minority constituents. "Pollution has affected our community for over 150 years," he said. "We want to move forward, not backward, and we're concerned about lead and mercury."
The City of Cleveland has stated that the Cleveland Recycling and Energy Generation (CREG) Center will create up to 100 new jobs, reduce the city's costs of hauling waste to out-of-county landfills, facilitate citywide recycling efforts, reduce environmental pollution and provide a safe, greener method of creating energy. The city also deems the CREG Center as a means of reaching its sustainability goals and Advanced Energy Portfolio Standard goal.
Following the hearing and comment period, the Ohio EPA will rule on the city's application for a permit. The city has not yet said how it plans to finance the gasification plant, which is expected to cost as much as $200 million.
Source: Jeff Ramsey, Brian Cummins, Stuart Greenberg
Writer: Lee Chilcote