Recognizing Leaders, Empowering Communities & Shaping Ohio’s Clean Energy Future
On December 11, 2024, PCFO proudly hosted the Clean Energy Champions Awards, a celebration of leadership and innovation in advancing clean energy solutions across Ohio. The event recognized outstanding individuals and communities that have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to reducing emissions, promoting renewable energy, and fostering sustainability.
The evening was filled with inspiring stories, collaborative energy, and a shared vision for a cleaner, brighter future, reaffirming PCFO’s mission to empower communities and drive meaningful climate action. Congratulations to all 2024 Clean Energy Champions!
Power a Clean Future Ohio’s signature biannual event recognizes outstanding local leaders and communities across the state for their accomplishments in equitably achieving carbon emission reductions and implementing clean energy solutions.
Keynote Speaker
Carla Walker
World Resources Institute Director of Environmental Justice and Equity
Carla Walker is the Director of Environmental Justice and Equity for WRI-US, where she leads efforts to integrate equity, environmental justice, and just transition into climate solutions. Her work focuses on expanding the visibility and impact of these issues and influencing decision-makers to address today’s pressing environmental challenges. Previously, Carla served as the Climate Advisor for Cincinnati with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) through the Bloomberg Philanthropies American Cities Climate Challenge. In that role, she advanced energy efficiency programs for low-income families, promoted electric vehicle adoption and EV charging infrastructure buildout, and facilitated community workshops for the Groundworks USA Climate Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
With over 20 years of experience, Carla has driven civic engagement and public service initiatives at local, state, national, and international levels. She has worked in three mayoral offices, consulted on over 100 political and issue campaigns, and led projects addressing equity and inclusion for organizations like Healing Our Waters Coalition and ONE.org Africa. Carla holds degrees in biology, environmental engineering science, and public administration from the University of Cincinnati, the University of Florida, and Harvard Kennedy School, respectively. Based in Cincinnati, OH, she serves on several nonprofit boards and fosters international connections as president of the Cincinnati-Nancy Sister City Association.
2022 Clean Energy Champions
At PCFO’s 2022 Clean Energy Champions Awards, these communities and individuals were recognized for exceptional leadership in advancing local climate action and clean energy initiatives. Through innovative projects and collaborative efforts, they have made significant strides in reducing emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and fostering sustainable development in communities across Ohio.
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Recognizing the implementation of a 100% clean energy program.
Athens, Athens County, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Silverton, Worthington
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Recognizing commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and effectively address climate change.
Athens, Athens County, Bexley, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Columbus, Cuyahoga County, Dayton, Euclid, Lakewood, Lucas County, Montgomery County, Oakwood Village, Portsmouth, Solon, South Euclid, Toledo, University Heights, Upper Arlington, Warren, Youngstown
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Recognizing an innovative approach to investing in clean energy to build a better future for residents
The City of Athens
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Recognizing an innovative approach to protecting and investing in the environment to build a better future.
The City of Toledo
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Recognizing a community's commitment and action to achieve energy justice for all residents.
The City of Dayton
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Recognizing leadership and dedication to building a clean energy future for their community.
Meg Maloney (Dayton), Eric Zamft, (Cleveland Heights), Erin Beck, (Columbus)
Location
The 2024 Clean Energy Champions Awards Event will be hosted on the evening of December 11 at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus. Located along the Scioto River in the Franklinton neighborhood, COSI is a science museum and research center that originally opened in 1964.
Event Address: 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
Parking Address: 52 Belle St, Columbus, OH 43215
