Power a Clean Future Ohio and the City of Toledo Host "Sustainability Showcase"

A dynamic half-day event, featuring a tour of local sustainability projects and presentations from Mayor Kapszukiewicz and other leaders highlighted how Toledo is leading on climate and clean energy.

(Toledo, OH) – Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO) and the City of Toledo hosted a successful "Sustainability Showcase" on Friday, October 18, 2024, bringing together city leaders, staff, and community advocates to highlight innovative projects advancing sustainable practices across the region. The event showcased Toledo’s leadership in clean energy initiatives and the collaborative work being done to address climate change at the local level.

During the event, nearly 30 attendees embarked on a facilitated bus tour throughout Toledo where attendees could see and interact with sites utilizing renewable energy and energy-efficient practices, innovative land use, green infrastructure, electric vehicles, and more. Among the sites visited were Toledo’s Environmental Services Division, Monroe Street United Methodist Church & Bluff Street Village, the UT Scott Park Campus of Energy and Innovation solar array, and a visit with the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) Executive Director Sandy Spang and representatives from the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA).

Following the tour’s conclusion, Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz kicked off a lunch program at the Glass City Metroparks Enrichment Center by acknowledging the dedication and passion of city employees in helping Toledo become a leader in sustainability. Toledo City Council Member Nick Komives, Sustainability Manager Dana Reising, and PCFO Executive Director Joe Flarida also presented to attendees and offered remarks. 

“We were thrilled to partner with the City of Toledo to host this event, and recognize the many ways they have come to lead regionally on climate and clean energy,” said PCFO Executive Director Joe Flarida. “The projects and partnerships this event highlighted show that local leadership is essential to building a sustainable future, and Toledo is a great example of what is possible for other communities.”

The Sustainability Showcase provided an opportunity for attendees to network, learn, and engage with innovative solutions to the challenge of climate change. It also highlighted Toledo’s growing role as a hub for innovation in clean energy and environmental sustainability.

"I’m grateful for this platform to recognize Toledo’s progress, but also the invaluable contributions of the staff members doing this work every day,” said Toledo City Council Member Nick Komives. “This event shows that we can implement real solutions to our greatest challenges right here at the local level, and we’re happy to have partners like Power a Clean Future Ohio supporting us.”

As part of PCFO’s mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build equitable, clean, and prosperous communities, this event demonstrated the power of collaboration between local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community organizations. The success of this event sets the stage for future partnerships and initiatives aimed at ensuring a cleaner, healthier future for all Ohioans.