In 2009, Mayor Frank Jackson launched Sustainable Cleveland 2019, a ten-year initiative aimed at making Cleveland a more sustainable city was established. SC2019 engages people from all walks of life, working together to design and develop a thriving and resilient regional economy that leverages its wealth to build economic, social and environmental well being for all. 2011 is the year of energy efficiency with the goal of creating a common vision that is regional, using communication to educate and engage individuals, firms and institutions about what is at stake around the energy efficiency challenge. These efforts focus on green building, green energy job creation and sustainable design and manufacturing.
Last week as part of the yearlong celebration, the Levin College hosted “Sustainable Cleveland 2019: Celebrating Energy Efficiency in 2011” Forum focused on the importance of energy conservation and energy efficiency as a driver for economic transformation.
The Forum kicked off with a welcome from Cleveland State University President, Ronald Berkman who praised Mayor Frank Jackson for his leadership on the Sustainable Cleveland 2019 initiative. President Berkman discussed Cleveland’s potential for economic growth, declaring sustainability and innovation as economic drivers for growth in cities. He also stated that Cleveland should focus on expanding our manufacturing base, as this is an industry that already exists in Cleveland.
Next up was a warm welcome from Mayor Frank Jackson who discussed plans for Cleveland’s future as a sustainable city, stating that he is positioning Cleveland for the way the world is going to be, not how it is today.
Moderated by Andrew Watterson, Chief of Sustainability for Cleveland, speakers took the stage one-by-one to discuss their organizations’ initiatives, available resources and programs, and provide a call to action to Cleveland residents. Speakers included Michele Kilroy, Northeast Ohio U.S. Green Building Coalition; Nathan Engstrom, Campus Sustainability Coordinator, Cleveland State University; Paul Ettorre, Key Bank: The Greater Cleveland Energy Alliance; Jennifer Kuzma, Executive Director of the First Suburbs Consortium Development Council – City of Cleveland Heights; and Anand Natarajan, Energy Manager, City of Cleveland – Mayor’s Office of Sustainability.
The “Sustainable Cleveland 2019: Celebrating Energy Efficiency in 2011” Forum concluded with a Q&A session where attendees voiced their enthusiasm and concerns as well as asked questions about the future of jobs related to energy efficiency in Cleveland.
All forums are archived on our website and can be accessed by clicking here.
Join us on June 14, 2011 from 4:00-6:00pm for “What Should be Done with Underperforming Schools?,” a special Levin College Forum developed and presented by area high school juniors participating in the Leadership and Public Policy Institute at Baldwin Wallace College.
