Sustainable Cleveland Municipal Action Plan

Sustainable Cleveland 2019 is an initiative that engages the region to build economic, social and environmental well-being for all. The Sustainable Cleveland Municipal Action Plan (SC-MAP) is focused specifically on municipal operations. The SC-MAP, in conjunction with the community-wide Climate Action Plan, enables the City to lead by example while reaping the many known benefits of sustainability.

Implementing the SC-MAP can serve to:

  • Lower City energy costs for heating, cooling, and lighting
  • Reduce fleet motor vehicle fuel costs and emissions
  • Reduce waste generation and increase landfill diversion rates, thereby reducing landfill tipping fees and transportation emissions
  • Lower water costs and consumption
  • Improve water quality in Lake Erie and rivers that feed it
  • Increase employee satisfaction, productivity, and health, while lowering utility bills from constructing high-performing buildings and retrofitting existing buildings
  • Unite the City’s many sustainability initiatives under one cohesive plan of action to create efficiencies and synergies
  • Engage municipal employees in the City’s sustainability efforts
  • Lead by example for the community and other municipalities

The City is already practicing sustainability in many areas. The purpose of the SC-MAP is to accelerate progress in a more coordinated manner and help the City achieve even more significant outcomes. To identify the best opportunities for accelerating sustainability across City operations, a baseline inventory was conducted to estimate current levels of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), energy use, water use, and associated utility costs. In 2010, total emissions for the City were approximately 400,000 Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e), equaling about 5% of all emissions generated within Cleveland city proper. This level of emissions equates to all City employees commuting from Cincinnati every day.

The SC-MAP contains overarching GHG reduction goals below 2010 baseline of 10% by 2016, 20% by 2020, and 45% by 2030. These goals will be achieved by implementing 25 actions outlined in the plan, split into the following five focus areas:

  • Design, Construction and Maintenance
  • Energy
  • Transportation
  • Water
  • Materials Management and Purchasing

SC-MAP At a Glance
Full SC-MAP

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