Sustainability + Environment
With nearly a dozen different farmers markets setting up around town, it has never been easier to stock our larders with fresh, local food. In this pictorial feature, Fresh Water managing photographer Bob Perkoski takes us on a colorful tour of Cleveland's increasingly popular farmers markets. Bring cash, a cloth bag, and a healthy appetite.
massive new wind turbine makes noise in forbes
Forbes featured an article on Cleveland's new wind turbine, stating that "Ohio has gotten a sneak peek at what expanding wind power will look like near Lake Erie."
The turbine, which was made in Germany, arrived Monday at the Port of Cleveland. It will be installed at the Lincoln Electric Co. in Euclid.
The wind turbine will measure 24 stories high to the tip of the blade. "The turbine has blades 165 feet long," the article states. "It will stand about three times taller than the wind turbine at Cleveland's Great Lakes Science Center."
Cuyahoga County made a $350,000 forgivable loan toward the cost of the turbine.
Read the rest here.
The turbine, which was made in Germany, arrived Monday at the Port of Cleveland. It will be installed at the Lincoln Electric Co. in Euclid.
The wind turbine will measure 24 stories high to the tip of the blade. "The turbine has blades 165 feet long," the article states. "It will stand about three times taller than the wind turbine at Cleveland's Great Lakes Science Center."
Cuyahoga County made a $350,000 forgivable loan toward the cost of the turbine.
Read the rest here.
MC2 STEM High School was named a regional runner-up in an energy conservation competition sponsored by Alcoa Foundation and the Pew Center on Global Climate Change in Arlington, VA. The competition, called Make an Impact: Change our 2morrow (CO2), awarded STEM High School a $1,000 grant for completing the most calculations on how to reduce the carbon footprint with a carbon calculator.
"It was an opportunity for students, teachers, parents and administrators to have hands-on experience in learning about energy conservation in the home," says Vivian Davis, communications and community relations manager for Alcoa in Cleveland.
Three schools in Cleveland participated in the challenge that involved 15 schools nationwide and more than 8,000 students. The Make an Impact: Change Our 2morrow challenge is part of a new $7 million Alcoa Foundation investment to address regional environmental challenges, improve energy efficiency and enhance global reforestation projects.
In addition to the carbon calculators, schools were given a range of educational materials to get students excited about the challenge. MC2 STEM High school, located in the Great Lakes Science Center and GE Lighting's Nela Park in East Cleveland, focuses on hands-on education in science, technology, engineering and math. "It was such a delight," Davis says of the challenge, "We were able to see the school's mission come to life -- to prepare students in stem sciences. I was so impressed."
Source: Vivian Davis
Writer: Karen Connelly
"It was an opportunity for students, teachers, parents and administrators to have hands-on experience in learning about energy conservation in the home," says Vivian Davis, communications and community relations manager for Alcoa in Cleveland.
Three schools in Cleveland participated in the challenge that involved 15 schools nationwide and more than 8,000 students. The Make an Impact: Change Our 2morrow challenge is part of a new $7 million Alcoa Foundation investment to address regional environmental challenges, improve energy efficiency and enhance global reforestation projects.
In addition to the carbon calculators, schools were given a range of educational materials to get students excited about the challenge. MC2 STEM High school, located in the Great Lakes Science Center and GE Lighting's Nela Park in East Cleveland, focuses on hands-on education in science, technology, engineering and math. "It was such a delight," Davis says of the challenge, "We were able to see the school's mission come to life -- to prepare students in stem sciences. I was so impressed."
Source: Vivian Davis
Writer: Karen Connelly
The North Union Farmers Market now operates eight different markets around the Greater Cleveland area. Three years ago, the nonprofit launched a new market at the Cleveland Clinic, bringing healthy, farm-fresh produce to a neighborhood that could use it most. Here is a video of the popular Cleveland Clinic market in action.
The Tremont neighborhood recently celebrated the opening of a new parking lot at Jefferson and Professor avenues that will not only help alleviate the neighborhood's parking crunch, but also help solve the region's storm water management problem.
The parking lot incorporates bioswales that will prevent rainwater from entering the sewer system. When rain falls onto the property, it runs off into carefully designed plant systems that gradually release it back into the ground.
The parking lot was developed by the Tremont West Development Corporation (TWDC), a nonprofit community development group that serves the Tremont neighborhood, in partnership with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD), URS, and the City of Cleveland Sustainability Office.
NEORSD is currently working on a plan for regional storm water management that it hopes will spur more small-scale efforts like this one in the future. Storm water management solutions can help address the problems of flooding, erosion and combined sewer overflows or pollution, NEORSD says.
To acquire the formerly blighted parcel, TWDC partnered with local property owners and applied for funding from the Model Blocks program of Neighborhood Progress, a nonprofit that provides grants and technical assistance to CDC's in Cleveland.
Under the new fee structure that NEORSD plans to roll out next year, property owners can also earn credits for innovative storm water management solutions that keep rainwater out of sewers. For more information, visit Project Clean Lake.
Source: Tremont West Development Corporation, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The parking lot incorporates bioswales that will prevent rainwater from entering the sewer system. When rain falls onto the property, it runs off into carefully designed plant systems that gradually release it back into the ground.
The parking lot was developed by the Tremont West Development Corporation (TWDC), a nonprofit community development group that serves the Tremont neighborhood, in partnership with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD), URS, and the City of Cleveland Sustainability Office.
NEORSD is currently working on a plan for regional storm water management that it hopes will spur more small-scale efforts like this one in the future. Storm water management solutions can help address the problems of flooding, erosion and combined sewer overflows or pollution, NEORSD says.
To acquire the formerly blighted parcel, TWDC partnered with local property owners and applied for funding from the Model Blocks program of Neighborhood Progress, a nonprofit that provides grants and technical assistance to CDC's in Cleveland.
Under the new fee structure that NEORSD plans to roll out next year, property owners can also earn credits for innovative storm water management solutions that keep rainwater out of sewers. For more information, visit Project Clean Lake.
Source: Tremont West Development Corporation, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District
Writer: Lee Chilcote
time mag discusses the 'greening' of cle's fed building
A recent Time article titled "Greening the Skyline" discussed plans to make Cleveland's Celebrezze Federal Building more energy efficient. Built in 1967, the building is getting a new façade made of glass and aluminum that will envelop the original. The new construction will prevent heat loss in the 32-story building.
"Designed by architect Charles Young of Interactive Design Eight, the new facade will stand 2.5 ft. (75 cm) outside the old exterior," the article states. "Airflow between the old and new facade will insulate the building, yielding an estimated energy savings of $650,000 per year."
President Obama's stimulus program will contribute to funding the project.
The Time article also mentions recent improvements made to the Empire State Building, as well as the city of Melbourne's project aimed at reducing the energy consumption of about 1,200 office buildings 38% by 2020.
"Skyscrapers look modern, but they are among the worst culprits in urban areas when it comes to energy consumption and carbon emission, with outdated heating, cooling and lighting systems."
Read the rest of the article here.
"Designed by architect Charles Young of Interactive Design Eight, the new facade will stand 2.5 ft. (75 cm) outside the old exterior," the article states. "Airflow between the old and new facade will insulate the building, yielding an estimated energy savings of $650,000 per year."
President Obama's stimulus program will contribute to funding the project.
The Time article also mentions recent improvements made to the Empire State Building, as well as the city of Melbourne's project aimed at reducing the energy consumption of about 1,200 office buildings 38% by 2020.
"Skyscrapers look modern, but they are among the worst culprits in urban areas when it comes to energy consumption and carbon emission, with outdated heating, cooling and lighting systems."
Read the rest of the article here.
Rhonda Sincavage has vivid memories of the day that a dilapidated shoe factory in her hometown was torn down. The incident sparked her lifelong passion for historic preservation.
"My grandfather worked there, along with many people that lived in our town," said Sincavage, Program Associate for State and Local Policy at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, at last week's sold out TEDxCLE event. "It was our town's namesake and a symbol of our community."
During her presentation, Sincavage challenged stereotypes that she encounters during her career. Preserving buildings and neighborhoods is not simply a luxury, she argued, but an economic necessity that creates jobs, boosts the local economy and creates a more sustainable future.
"When I tell people what I do, some ask if I wear period dress or if I've saved any buildings lately," she said. "Yet our generation's version of historic preservation has nothing to do with our grandmother's version. This isn't about little old ladies saving buildings; this is about learning from the past to preserve the future."
She also stated that preserved neighborhoods tend to be more diverse than others, and that preserved buildings leverage additional investment, citing Cleveland's Warehouse District as one example.
Sincavage challenged the stereotype that older buildings are expensive and inefficient. "There's no reason why historic buildings can't be as efficient as new buildings," she said. "Historic buildings are the original green -- they have windows that let in natural light and overhangs that provide for shade." Preserving older buildings also reuses existing resources rather than throwing them away.
Finally, Sincavage said that preserving neighborhoods is not only a way to spur redevelopment, it also attracts residents. The "Soul of the Community" project, an effort launched by Gallup and the James L. Knight Foundation, showed that aesthetics, openness and social offerings are the most important factors for people when choosing a place to live.
"There's really a strong correlation between someone's emotional attachment of a place and their likelihood to stay," said Sincavage.
Source: Rhonda Sincavage
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"My grandfather worked there, along with many people that lived in our town," said Sincavage, Program Associate for State and Local Policy at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, at last week's sold out TEDxCLE event. "It was our town's namesake and a symbol of our community."
During her presentation, Sincavage challenged stereotypes that she encounters during her career. Preserving buildings and neighborhoods is not simply a luxury, she argued, but an economic necessity that creates jobs, boosts the local economy and creates a more sustainable future.
"When I tell people what I do, some ask if I wear period dress or if I've saved any buildings lately," she said. "Yet our generation's version of historic preservation has nothing to do with our grandmother's version. This isn't about little old ladies saving buildings; this is about learning from the past to preserve the future."
She also stated that preserved neighborhoods tend to be more diverse than others, and that preserved buildings leverage additional investment, citing Cleveland's Warehouse District as one example.
Sincavage challenged the stereotype that older buildings are expensive and inefficient. "There's no reason why historic buildings can't be as efficient as new buildings," she said. "Historic buildings are the original green -- they have windows that let in natural light and overhangs that provide for shade." Preserving older buildings also reuses existing resources rather than throwing them away.
Finally, Sincavage said that preserving neighborhoods is not only a way to spur redevelopment, it also attracts residents. The "Soul of the Community" project, an effort launched by Gallup and the James L. Knight Foundation, showed that aesthetics, openness and social offerings are the most important factors for people when choosing a place to live.
"There's really a strong correlation between someone's emotional attachment of a place and their likelihood to stay," said Sincavage.
Source: Rhonda Sincavage
Writer: Lee Chilcote
When Michael Walton bought a hoop house for his city farm, he envisioned an urban barn-raising of sorts. He put out a call for volunteers, and soon had 30 people who offered to help.
Yet by noon on the big day, only 10 were left. The next day, there were five. Two days later, the group had been wheedled down to three hardy souls. And still the hoop house wasn't completed.
Frustrated, Walton and his coworkers began to ask themselves: Is this really the best product available? And then, rather than wait for an answer, the team set out to design a better model themselves. That's how Tunnel Vision Hoops, a startup manufacturer of retractable all-weather domes for growing crops, was born.
"We thought we'd just build a few each summer, make some pizza money and go on our way," Walton told the audience at a recent entrepreneurial showcase organized by Local Food Cleveland, a group whose mission is to help grow the local food movement in Northeast Ohio. "Yet when we really started looking at the design, that's when we decided to launch our business."
Tunnel Vision's all-weather high tunnels represent an improvement over existing designs, say owners Michael Walton, Carlton Jackson and Todd Alexander. They feature dome-shaped ends that help them to withstand strong winds, systems for collecting rainwater that can be used for irrigating plants, retractable end walls that allow for venting, and entrances on the sides rather than the ends, making it easier to move from one tunnel to another.
Since launching last year, Tunnel Vision has sold structures to Case Western Reserve University's Squire Valleyview Farm and the Cleveland Botanical Garden's Green Corps program. In its first six months, the company did over $80,000 in sales.
The company also has a division called We Dig the City that is intended for backyard gardens. These tunnels start at 10 feet long and are priced at $2,000, including installation.
Tunnel Vision's long-term goal is to aid the local food movement and keep more of our food dollars in Northeast Ohio by making the region a year-round growing center.
Source: Tunnel Vision Hoops
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Yet by noon on the big day, only 10 were left. The next day, there were five. Two days later, the group had been wheedled down to three hardy souls. And still the hoop house wasn't completed.
Frustrated, Walton and his coworkers began to ask themselves: Is this really the best product available? And then, rather than wait for an answer, the team set out to design a better model themselves. That's how Tunnel Vision Hoops, a startup manufacturer of retractable all-weather domes for growing crops, was born.
"We thought we'd just build a few each summer, make some pizza money and go on our way," Walton told the audience at a recent entrepreneurial showcase organized by Local Food Cleveland, a group whose mission is to help grow the local food movement in Northeast Ohio. "Yet when we really started looking at the design, that's when we decided to launch our business."
Tunnel Vision's all-weather high tunnels represent an improvement over existing designs, say owners Michael Walton, Carlton Jackson and Todd Alexander. They feature dome-shaped ends that help them to withstand strong winds, systems for collecting rainwater that can be used for irrigating plants, retractable end walls that allow for venting, and entrances on the sides rather than the ends, making it easier to move from one tunnel to another.
Since launching last year, Tunnel Vision has sold structures to Case Western Reserve University's Squire Valleyview Farm and the Cleveland Botanical Garden's Green Corps program. In its first six months, the company did over $80,000 in sales.
The company also has a division called We Dig the City that is intended for backyard gardens. These tunnels start at 10 feet long and are priced at $2,000, including installation.
Tunnel Vision's long-term goal is to aid the local food movement and keep more of our food dollars in Northeast Ohio by making the region a year-round growing center.
Source: Tunnel Vision Hoops
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Times have changed since the Stanford House, an historic farm in the Cuyahoga Valley, was built in 1830 by George Stanford, one of the first settlers of the Western Reserve. Back then, the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal was the main link to the outside world. Today, the property is situated near highways and two urban centers, yet remains protected by the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a natural retreat in an urbanized area.
Now the Stanford House has gained renewed life following a $270,000 renovation. The National Park Service has converted it into meeting space, an educational classroom for the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center and affordable overnight accommodations for hikers and bikers.
The Stanford House was purchased by the park service in 1978, and for thirty years, it served as a hostel that accommodated school groups, boy scout troups and international travelers of all ages. Yet when Stanford Hostel closed in 2008, its future was up in the air.
Soon the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNPA), a nonprofit advocacy group that works closely with the park service, stepped in to raise funds and complete a renovation. Federal stimulus funding covered $98,000 of these upgrades, with additional funding coming from area foundations and donors.
Because the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail is accessible from the Stanford House, CVNPA anticipates that the accommodations will be in demand from hikers and bikers completing longer, multi-day trips through the park. For the first time, backcountry campsites are also now available in a meadow adjacent to the property.
With a successful project under its belt, CVNPA is now eyeing the prospect of raising funds to renovate the Stanford House barn -- which would make an excellent location, they say, for interpretive programs, 'locavore' farm dinners, and rustic meeting space.
Source: Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Now the Stanford House has gained renewed life following a $270,000 renovation. The National Park Service has converted it into meeting space, an educational classroom for the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center and affordable overnight accommodations for hikers and bikers.
The Stanford House was purchased by the park service in 1978, and for thirty years, it served as a hostel that accommodated school groups, boy scout troups and international travelers of all ages. Yet when Stanford Hostel closed in 2008, its future was up in the air.
Soon the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNPA), a nonprofit advocacy group that works closely with the park service, stepped in to raise funds and complete a renovation. Federal stimulus funding covered $98,000 of these upgrades, with additional funding coming from area foundations and donors.
Because the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail is accessible from the Stanford House, CVNPA anticipates that the accommodations will be in demand from hikers and bikers completing longer, multi-day trips through the park. For the first time, backcountry campsites are also now available in a meadow adjacent to the property.
With a successful project under its belt, CVNPA is now eyeing the prospect of raising funds to renovate the Stanford House barn -- which would make an excellent location, they say, for interpretive programs, 'locavore' farm dinners, and rustic meeting space.
Source: Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association
Writer: Lee Chilcote
West Creek Reservation, a 278-acre Metropark in Parma that originally opened in 2006, will undergo a $12 million makeover to be complete by fall 2012, including sustainable landscaping designed to reduce pollution and test a new national rating system.
Cleveland Metroparks held a groundbreaking March 7th for park improvements, including a new visitor center, picnic shelter and all-purpose trails. The visitor center landscaping will feature a natural storm water treatment system that will help keep rainwater in West Creek, preventing flooding downstream.
The Sustainable Sites Initiative, a new national organization that is creating voluntary design standards for sustainable landscaping, will monitor and test the project. West Creek was selected to participate in the program among 175 sites nationwide.
As part of this effort, the Cleveland Metroparks will measure how much storm water is captured by the visitor center and report that information to the public. The visitor center will feature hands-on educational exhibits about water conservation.
West Creek's new sustainable landscaping system will control how much water enters the stream by acting as a filter. As storm water reaches the center, it will descend into wetlands and enter bio-swales, or plants, landscaping and rocks that function as detention basins. As storm water is gradually released, it will run through stepped pools and wetlands before flowing into the creek.
The new visitor center will be built with environmentally friendly materials, including sustainably harvested lumber and carpeting made from recycled materials. The parking lot will also feature porous pavement, allowing rainwater to flow into the landscaping instead of the sewer.
The landscape improvements at West Creek were designed by Floyd Brown Group and Domokur Architects in Akron and Doty & Miller Architects in Bedford.
The Sustainable Sites Initiative will incorporate feedback from its 175 test projects into a final rating system that it hopes to have in place by 2013. The purpose of the rating system is to develop universal criteria for sustainable landscaping in the U.S.
Source: Cleveland Metroparks
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Cleveland Metroparks held a groundbreaking March 7th for park improvements, including a new visitor center, picnic shelter and all-purpose trails. The visitor center landscaping will feature a natural storm water treatment system that will help keep rainwater in West Creek, preventing flooding downstream.
The Sustainable Sites Initiative, a new national organization that is creating voluntary design standards for sustainable landscaping, will monitor and test the project. West Creek was selected to participate in the program among 175 sites nationwide.
As part of this effort, the Cleveland Metroparks will measure how much storm water is captured by the visitor center and report that information to the public. The visitor center will feature hands-on educational exhibits about water conservation.
West Creek's new sustainable landscaping system will control how much water enters the stream by acting as a filter. As storm water reaches the center, it will descend into wetlands and enter bio-swales, or plants, landscaping and rocks that function as detention basins. As storm water is gradually released, it will run through stepped pools and wetlands before flowing into the creek.
The new visitor center will be built with environmentally friendly materials, including sustainably harvested lumber and carpeting made from recycled materials. The parking lot will also feature porous pavement, allowing rainwater to flow into the landscaping instead of the sewer.
The landscape improvements at West Creek were designed by Floyd Brown Group and Domokur Architects in Akron and Doty & Miller Architects in Bedford.
The Sustainable Sites Initiative will incorporate feedback from its 175 test projects into a final rating system that it hopes to have in place by 2013. The purpose of the rating system is to develop universal criteria for sustainable landscaping in the U.S.
Source: Cleveland Metroparks
Writer: Lee Chilcote
A soon-to-launch program from Cleveland's Office of Sustainability will provide energy audits and retrofits that will make older homes more energy-efficient. The program, which is funded in part by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), is intended to spur the market for green retrofits.
"There's not enough scale or demand yet to support an industry here, but we think there's an opportunity for a public or nonprofit entity to stimulate the marketplace," said Paul Ettorre, regional manager for Key Bank Community Lending and co-chair of the effort, at a forum on energy-efficiency at the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University.
Here's how the Energy $aver Pilot Program would work: Applicants must be residents of Cleveland and owner-occupants of their homes. They would pay $100 for an in-depth energy efficiency audit (the market-rate audit price is in the $250 to $300 range), resulting in a thorough list of measures that would improve the home's energy efficiency.
If a customer agrees to retrofit their homes, they could secure incentives such as reimbursement of the audit fee, a 20-percent credit towards measures that pay for themselves within 10 years, and low-interest financing of the cost of repairs.
Once a customer moves ahead, program staff would help him or her to select an experienced contractor. An average retrofit is estimated to cost about $6,000. The retrofits would focus primarily on items such as insulation, air sealing, HVAC repair and replacement, lighting and hot water tanks. Homeowners who wish to complete a comprehensive rehab will be able to do so using the program.
After the retrofit is done, auditors would return to the home to review the measures and ensure that the job had been completed properly. Organizers expect the Energy $aver Pilot Program to launch this year.
Source: Paul Ettorre
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"There's not enough scale or demand yet to support an industry here, but we think there's an opportunity for a public or nonprofit entity to stimulate the marketplace," said Paul Ettorre, regional manager for Key Bank Community Lending and co-chair of the effort, at a forum on energy-efficiency at the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University.
Here's how the Energy $aver Pilot Program would work: Applicants must be residents of Cleveland and owner-occupants of their homes. They would pay $100 for an in-depth energy efficiency audit (the market-rate audit price is in the $250 to $300 range), resulting in a thorough list of measures that would improve the home's energy efficiency.
If a customer agrees to retrofit their homes, they could secure incentives such as reimbursement of the audit fee, a 20-percent credit towards measures that pay for themselves within 10 years, and low-interest financing of the cost of repairs.
Once a customer moves ahead, program staff would help him or her to select an experienced contractor. An average retrofit is estimated to cost about $6,000. The retrofits would focus primarily on items such as insulation, air sealing, HVAC repair and replacement, lighting and hot water tanks. Homeowners who wish to complete a comprehensive rehab will be able to do so using the program.
After the retrofit is done, auditors would return to the home to review the measures and ensure that the job had been completed properly. Organizers expect the Energy $aver Pilot Program to launch this year.
Source: Paul Ettorre
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Making buildings more energy efficient may not sound sexy, but once owners begin to save money on their utility bills, it gets a lot sexier, said Andrew Watterson, Cleveland's Chief of Sustainability, at last week's forum at the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University (CSU).
"Every dollar saved from energy-efficiency measures has an impact not only on the environment but also on your pocketbook," Watterson said at the event, entitled "Sustainable Cleveland 2019: Celebrating Energy-Efficiency in 2011."
The forum was held to highlight efforts that are boosting the energy-efficiency of homes and buildings in Cleveland. Sustainable Cleveland 2019, a citywide effort to build a sustainable economy here by 2019, has chosen the theme of energy efficiency for this year. Sustainable Cleveland 2019 organizers hope that events like the one held last week will educate the public and spur efforts towards energy efficiency.
Nathan Engstrom, CSU's Campus Sustainability Coordinator, highlighted the university's commitment to making the campus more energy-efficient. "In recent years, we've completed an audit of every building on campus, and we're expecting to realize a 40-percent savings on our utility costs over a 10-year period, plus a 14-percent overall return on our investment," Engstrom said.
CSU has begun implementing 93 different energy efficiency measures, Engstrom said, including building automation, energy efficient lighting, and more efficient mechanical systems. "This is a wonderful story that we can tell to our students," added Engstrom. "We're on track to reduce consumption by 47-percent within 10 years, and to reduce emissions by 45-percent."
Source: Nathan Engstrom, Andrew Watterson
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"Every dollar saved from energy-efficiency measures has an impact not only on the environment but also on your pocketbook," Watterson said at the event, entitled "Sustainable Cleveland 2019: Celebrating Energy-Efficiency in 2011."
The forum was held to highlight efforts that are boosting the energy-efficiency of homes and buildings in Cleveland. Sustainable Cleveland 2019, a citywide effort to build a sustainable economy here by 2019, has chosen the theme of energy efficiency for this year. Sustainable Cleveland 2019 organizers hope that events like the one held last week will educate the public and spur efforts towards energy efficiency.
Nathan Engstrom, CSU's Campus Sustainability Coordinator, highlighted the university's commitment to making the campus more energy-efficient. "In recent years, we've completed an audit of every building on campus, and we're expecting to realize a 40-percent savings on our utility costs over a 10-year period, plus a 14-percent overall return on our investment," Engstrom said.
CSU has begun implementing 93 different energy efficiency measures, Engstrom said, including building automation, energy efficient lighting, and more efficient mechanical systems. "This is a wonderful story that we can tell to our students," added Engstrom. "We're on track to reduce consumption by 47-percent within 10 years, and to reduce emissions by 45-percent."
Source: Nathan Engstrom, Andrew Watterson
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Five years ago, Deby Cowdin was cleaning up after a party. As she picked up the empty wine and liquor bottles on her porch, her friend and partner, Mindy Bohannon, dared her to do something that would change her life. "She said, 'you're a glass artist, figure out something to do with them.'" So Cowdin did exactly that. She founded Blue Bag, a company that transforms bottles into serving plates, cheese boards and other works of art.
Cowdin started the business out of her home, selling her creations first at the North Union Farmers Market at Crocker Park, then at other farmers markets and art shows. The idea took off. "We started out of necessity, as a hobby," she says. "We never really thought it would turn into a manufacturing business."
Blue Bag sales have grown 50 percent each year since 2006. This year sales are up 100 percent. Aside from two additional partners, daughter Brandy Cooney and Jeff Nischwitz, the company has eight employees. Cowdin makes a point of hiring hard-to-place people, including a disabled vet and an employee with mild autism. "We build our company around helping people," Cowdin says.
Everything from the recycling to the distribution is done in house -- these days a studio on W. 14th St. and Berea Road -- and their products are available in more than 300 retail stores nationwide. Everything with the exception of one item is purchased locally.
"We work really hard at keeping everything in Cleveland," Cowdin says. "If we don't support the local economy, who will?"
Source: Deby Cowdin
Writer: Karin Connelly
Cowdin started the business out of her home, selling her creations first at the North Union Farmers Market at Crocker Park, then at other farmers markets and art shows. The idea took off. "We started out of necessity, as a hobby," she says. "We never really thought it would turn into a manufacturing business."
Blue Bag sales have grown 50 percent each year since 2006. This year sales are up 100 percent. Aside from two additional partners, daughter Brandy Cooney and Jeff Nischwitz, the company has eight employees. Cowdin makes a point of hiring hard-to-place people, including a disabled vet and an employee with mild autism. "We build our company around helping people," Cowdin says.
Everything from the recycling to the distribution is done in house -- these days a studio on W. 14th St. and Berea Road -- and their products are available in more than 300 retail stores nationwide. Everything with the exception of one item is purchased locally.
"We work really hard at keeping everything in Cleveland," Cowdin says. "If we don't support the local economy, who will?"
Source: Deby Cowdin
Writer: Karin Connelly
If Walter Wirth has his way, every restaurant in Cleveland will soon offer wine on tap. Yes, you read that right -- wine served from a keg. In fact, there is no good reason not to. In addition to providing the freshest possible product at the lowest possible price, the wine-by-the keg approach is as eco-friendly as it gets. While the concept may be new to Ohio, it is by no means a new concept.
Although jewelry maker Heather Moore moved into her rehabbed Midtown studio earlier this year, she's still getting used to her spacious new digs.
Maybe that's because she's spent the last 11 years running her fast-growing business out of her house. Granted, it was no ordinary home office: the Cleveland Institute of Art grad bought her great-grandmother's estate, a rambling Heights mansion, after moving back from New York City in 1999.
"We just couldn't grow anymore -- I had 45 employees working out of my house," says Moore, whose company, Heather B. Moore Jewelry, specializes in custom-made, personalized jewelry that she sells to more than 150 retailers around the world. "The workshop was in the basement, while sales and marketing were in the attic. If we needed to have a private conversation, we had to use one of my kids' bedrooms."
To accommodate her growth, Moore recently bought and renovated a former crane-making factory at 4502 Prospect Avenue, bringing 45 new jobs to Cleveland. In her renovation, Moore reused as much of the building as she could, including leftover crane parts that were repurposed into a dining room table that now graces the large kitchen.
Moore's building renovation included removing ceilings to create a lofted second-floor office, installing new windows, and turning an old garage door into a light-filled window. Future plans include an art gallery, new patio and roof garden.
When asked about her decision to relocate to Midtown, Moore says, "There's so much industry in Cleveland that you can take advantage of. A lot of what we do mixes old school techniques with newer technologies, so this is a great place to be."
Heather B. Moore Jewelry has become known not only for its work -- Moore builds relationships with her clients to draw out their stories and create highly personalized jewelry -- but also for its sustainable business model. The company uses 100-percent recycled materials in their products.
Now that she's settled into her new studio, Moore is soaking up the extra legroom -- and she also doesn't mind the short commute. "It's seven minutes from my house," she says.
Source: Heather Moore
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Maybe that's because she's spent the last 11 years running her fast-growing business out of her house. Granted, it was no ordinary home office: the Cleveland Institute of Art grad bought her great-grandmother's estate, a rambling Heights mansion, after moving back from New York City in 1999.
"We just couldn't grow anymore -- I had 45 employees working out of my house," says Moore, whose company, Heather B. Moore Jewelry, specializes in custom-made, personalized jewelry that she sells to more than 150 retailers around the world. "The workshop was in the basement, while sales and marketing were in the attic. If we needed to have a private conversation, we had to use one of my kids' bedrooms."
To accommodate her growth, Moore recently bought and renovated a former crane-making factory at 4502 Prospect Avenue, bringing 45 new jobs to Cleveland. In her renovation, Moore reused as much of the building as she could, including leftover crane parts that were repurposed into a dining room table that now graces the large kitchen.
Moore's building renovation included removing ceilings to create a lofted second-floor office, installing new windows, and turning an old garage door into a light-filled window. Future plans include an art gallery, new patio and roof garden.
When asked about her decision to relocate to Midtown, Moore says, "There's so much industry in Cleveland that you can take advantage of. A lot of what we do mixes old school techniques with newer technologies, so this is a great place to be."
Heather B. Moore Jewelry has become known not only for its work -- Moore builds relationships with her clients to draw out their stories and create highly personalized jewelry -- but also for its sustainable business model. The company uses 100-percent recycled materials in their products.
Now that she's settled into her new studio, Moore is soaking up the extra legroom -- and she also doesn't mind the short commute. "It's seven minutes from my house," she says.
Source: Heather Moore
Writer: Lee Chilcote
euclid ave corridor project finalist in national land-use prize
Urban Land Institute (ULI) has announced 20 finalists for its 2011 Awards for Excellence: The Americas Competition, "widely recognized as the land use industry's most prestigious recognition program."
"The criteria for the awards include leadership, contribution to the community, innovations, public/private partnership, environmental protection and enhancement, response to societal needs, and financial viability."
Cleveland's Euclid Avenue Transportation Project, developed by Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority and designed by Sasaki Associates, is one of the finalists.
"The $200 million Euclid Avenue Transportation Project brings bus rapid transit (BRT) and an improved streetscape along 8.3 miles of Cleveland's historic Euclid Avenue, connecting the central business district with major cultural, medical, and education users -- all at one-fourth the cost of light rail."
The project has also spurred $4.7 billion in spin-off investment and 11.4 million square feet of new and planned development.
Other finalists include Riverfront Park in Denver, Broadway Family Apartments in San Francisco, and Center for Urban Waters in Tacoma.
The winners will be announced on May 20 at the 2011 ULI Real Estate Summit in Phoenix.
Read the rest here.
"The criteria for the awards include leadership, contribution to the community, innovations, public/private partnership, environmental protection and enhancement, response to societal needs, and financial viability."
Cleveland's Euclid Avenue Transportation Project, developed by Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority and designed by Sasaki Associates, is one of the finalists.
"The $200 million Euclid Avenue Transportation Project brings bus rapid transit (BRT) and an improved streetscape along 8.3 miles of Cleveland's historic Euclid Avenue, connecting the central business district with major cultural, medical, and education users -- all at one-fourth the cost of light rail."
The project has also spurred $4.7 billion in spin-off investment and 11.4 million square feet of new and planned development.
Other finalists include Riverfront Park in Denver, Broadway Family Apartments in San Francisco, and Center for Urban Waters in Tacoma.
The winners will be announced on May 20 at the 2011 ULI Real Estate Summit in Phoenix.
Read the rest here.
despite population loss, cle attracts more young pros than ever
According to an article in USA Today, urban centers are attracting more and more educated young adults -- despite overall declines in population.
"In more than two-thirds of the nation's 51 largest cities, the young, college-educated population in the past decade grew twice as fast within three miles of the urban center as in the rest of the metropolitan area -- up an average 26 percent compared with 13 percent in other parts," the article states.
Cleveland is no exception.
Although the City of Cleveland lost 17 percent of its population between 2000 and 2009, the numbers of college-educated young professionals climbed by 49 percent thanks to 1,300 new residents between the ages of 25 to 34. This is good news for the economic future of urban cores.
Columbus, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Detroit were among the other cities with high percentages of young people moving downtown. The statistics count college-educated young people who live within three miles of a metro area's central business district.
Read the rest here.
"In more than two-thirds of the nation's 51 largest cities, the young, college-educated population in the past decade grew twice as fast within three miles of the urban center as in the rest of the metropolitan area -- up an average 26 percent compared with 13 percent in other parts," the article states.
Cleveland is no exception.
Although the City of Cleveland lost 17 percent of its population between 2000 and 2009, the numbers of college-educated young professionals climbed by 49 percent thanks to 1,300 new residents between the ages of 25 to 34. This is good news for the economic future of urban cores.
Columbus, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Detroit were among the other cities with high percentages of young people moving downtown. The statistics count college-educated young people who live within three miles of a metro area's central business district.
Read the rest here.
Rather than make a beeline for warmer climes, environmental advocate Philippe Cousteau will leave the chilly Arctic Circle (current temps: brutal) and head straight to Cleveland. The handsome grandson of Captain Jacques Cousteau, and environmental correspondent for CNN, will be in town to headline the third annual Green Gala. To be held Friday, April 8 at Executive Caterers, the event is the principal fundraiser for EcoWatch, an Ohio-based nonprofit that provides a voice for environmental organizations. The organization's bimonthly newspaper EcoWatch Journal is available free at over 2000 locations statewide.