Green Cincinnati

Cincy is widely recognized as a green destination

Cincy has been recognized as one of America's More Livable Communities in the Nation. Bestowed by the non-profit organization, Partners for Livable Communities, Cincinnati was listed among the top 10 largest cities across the nation whose innovations have brought vitality and growth to their regions and improved quality of life. The Cincinnati hospitality community knows the value of going green, and meeting planners have access to Cincinnati hotels that participate in sustainable initiatives.

  • Cincinnati has become the first Green Power Community in Ohio and is also ranked sixth in the nation in the amount of green power bought by a community.
  • Cincinnati uses 408 million kilowatt-hours of green power per year. This is enough to offset the carbon dioxide emissions of 60,000 cars a year.

Cincinnati Parks & Recreation

Outside Magazine ranked Cincinnati in its top 10 cities, calling it “an incredibly easy city in which to live with its excellent green spaces, parks, and lush hillsides.”

  • Over 5,000 acres of city parkland are covered by five regional parks, 70 neighborhood parks, 34 natural areas, five nature centers, 16 scenic overlooks, and 65 miles of hiking and bridle trails. 
  • Cincinnati Parks provides a wide variety of features and facilities, such as playgrounds, picnic areas, shelters, pathways, nature centers, gardens, overlooks, and a conservatory.
  • Bicycling enthusiasts enjoy 55 miles of streets that are designated bike routes, and more than 200 bicycle racks are in place at stores, schools, restaurants, and swimming pools.
  • USA Today ranked Cincinnati Parks as one of the top three urban park systems in the United States.
  • The Cincinnati Parks System has been rated 'excellent' by the Trust for Public Land.

Corporate Green Practices

  • Duke Energy Corporation launched the "Go Green" program for residential and business users. This program allows consumers to purchase energy generated by wind or solar power sources.
  • The Procter & Gamble Co. announced the launch of the Supplier Environmental Sustainability Scorecard and rating process to measure and improve the environmental performance of its key suppliers.
  • Great American Ball Park works with the U.S. EPA programs to improve energy performance, increase energy efficiency, reduce waste and educate the public.
  • 66 business and public agencies in Cincinnati were nominated for Green Business Awards for placing environmental stewardship as one of their top priorities.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Named "The Greenest Zoo in America," received the Supernova Star of Energy Award from the Alliance to Save Energy.

  • In 2009, the zoo opened its new Platinum LEED-certified entrance and started an innovative program to eliminate stormwater runoff from its property.
  • The Cincinnati Zoo is committed to lending a hand in the community. The zoo provides the necessary resources and tools to go green and also motivates the community to take pride in their neighborhood while saving money and resources.
  • Recently, 6,400 solar panels have been installed on a canopy structure in the Cincinnati Zoo parking lot. 
  • The zoo is working toward getting 100 percent of its 60 acres off the stormwater grid. They are so by utilizing pervious pavement, green roofs, and rain gardens.
  • You can read more about their Green Initiative here: https://cincinnatizoo.org/conservation/go-green/green-initiative/

Duke Energy Convention Center

  • The Duke Energy Convention Center is committed to being a responsible steward of the environment. Practices they have implemented as part of their green initiative include:
  • Installation of a 101.0 kw DC photovoltaic solar array on the roof of the Exhibit Halls
  • LED lighting upgrade in 1st floor Exhibit Halls
  • Green certified soap and eco-friendly paper products in all public restrooms
  • Recycling of used cooking oil
  • Front of house composting to encourage attendees to contribute to conservation        
  • Multi-stream recycling units

Sharonville Convention Center

  • The Sharonville Convention Center has been awarded LEED Silver certification established by the U.S. Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification. The following are just a few examples of the steps and improvements that were made to qualify for the certification:
  • The project maximized the reuse of existing building envelopes, and interior elements were utilized and re-purposed to the greatest extent possible.
  • The Project employed a construction and demolition waste management program, ensuring that over 75% of the generated waste was diverted from the landfill.
  • To minimize off-gassing and increase indoor air quality, low-emitting products were specified for adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, and carpet systems.

Education

The University of Cincinnati was named to the Princeton Review's list of GREEN universities - the only public university in Ohio to make the list. 

  • Along with Ohio leading the nation, Cincinnati is leading Ohio for the most LEED-registered schools. 
  • With fifteen LEED Green buildings, the University of Cincinnati has become a leader in sustainability.
  • Cincinnati State offers a Renewable Energy major, as well as a Sustainable Design and Construction Certificate.
  • Cincinnati Public Schools has started integrating sustainability into their K-12 curriculum.