Energy efficiency can be defined as simply “using less energy to provide the same level of energy service. The need to improve energy efficiency is not simply an environmental issue, but also an enabling factor and basic premise of a competitive and sustainable economy.

Energy efficiency offers a two-fold opportunity for Cleveland’s economy. First, new business opportunities for Cleveland are born out of the need for an environmentally sustainable economy, allowing Cleveland both to retain jobs and create new employment opportunities in traditional sectors such as construction, building and manufacturing. Second, energy efficiency can decrease input and operating costs for the City and Cleveland businesses, while allowing individuals to reduce their expenditures on a household level. This provides an opportunity to increase businesses’ profit margin, free up money for reducing deficit while retaining the government’s public spending allowance, and increase wealth in Cleveland communities.

Accomplishments in 2011 include:

• Launch of the Cleveland Energy $aver Program
• Formation of the Cleveland 2030 District
• A Year of Energy Efficiency Kick-Off at City Hall
• A CSU Levin College Forum on Energy Efficiency
• A Vital Neighborhoods Working Group contest for block clubs to compete in energy efficiency
• The City’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Projects including:
  • Solar Hot Water at the Collinwood Recreation Center
  • Lighting Retrofits at 25 City facilities
  • HVAC upgrades at Fire Stations