Shaker Heights Joins Clean Energy Coalition

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH — Shaker Heights joined a clean-energy and carbon reduction coalition called Power a Clean Future Ohio this week.

During Monday night's Shaker Heights City Council meeting, the resolution to join the coalition was unanimously approved. Shaker becomes the 20th community to join the group.

"Many of the activities our city has undertaken in the last several years overlap with Power A Clean Future Ohio goals, as we seek to live and work more sustainably through recycling programs, tree planting, EV charging, and composting food waste," said Mayor David Weiss in a statement.

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Power a Clean Future Ohio is a nonpartisan coalition and campaign designed to lower carbon footprints and move communities toward cleaner energy solutions. Other Northeast Ohio communities in the group include Cleveland Heights and Lakewood, according to the coalition website.

"As the latest city to join Power A Clean Future Ohio, Shaker Heights will be able to share its successes with other members while also benefiting from additional clean energy resources that will help reach the community’s shared goals of reducing emissions and centering sustainability in the City’s operations," said Joe Flarida, executive director of Power a Clean Future Ohio.

As Shaker Heights continues its push toward a more sustainable energy future, the city has two events planned to raise awareness of the issue.

On Wednesday, the city will celebrate the 6th Annual Energy Efficiency Day. Officials will share information on social media with the hashtag #EEDay2021. Messages will include how to improve home energy efficiency and highlights of the city's own efforts to become more sustainable.

For example, the city noted, it has adopted a 100-percent renewable electric plan for all municipal buildings and streetlights. Shaker Heights has also shifted to LED lighting and purchased its first electric vehicle.

Residents can share their own tips and successes using the #EEDay2021 hashtag.

Then, on Saturday, a Shaker Heights Rooftop Solar Tour will showcase residential solar installations in the community. The tour will be held from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and will be led by the Energy Subcommittee of Shaker Heights City Council.

Homeowners who have installed rooftop solar panels will be on hand to talk about their experience. There will also be opportunities for self-guided tours, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., with residents able to collect a map at the southwest corner of Van Aken Boulevard and Lee Road, in the green space next to the Main Library.