PCFO’S CLEAN ENERGY CHAMPIONS AWARDS
Recognizing Leaders, Empowering Communities & Shaping Ohio’s Clean Energy Future
Power a Clean Future Ohio’s signature biennial event recognizes outstanding local leaders and communities across the state for their accomplishments in equitably achieving carbon emission reductions and implementing clean energy solutions. This event is a celebration of leadership and innovation in advancing clean energy solutions that will recognize outstanding individuals and communities that have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to reducing emissions, promoting renewable energy, and fostering sustainability.
On October 8, 2026, PCFO hosted the 2026 Clean Energy Champions Awards at Ohio State University, celebrating clean energy progress in Ohio with a capacity crowd — thank you for everyone who joined us for an inspiring evening! Stay tuned for news and updates about PCFO’s 2028 Clean Energy Champions Awards and other upcoming events.
2026 Clean Energy Champions Award Recipients
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Recognizing commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and effectively address climate change.
The City of Pepper Pike
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Recognizing an innovative approach to investing in clean energy to build a better future for residents
The City of Fairfield
Fairfield is recognized for its new 1.5 MWdc solar array at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, which will offset 65% of the facility’s electricity use, deliver over $2.5 million in projected net lifetime savings, and advance the goals of the Fairfield Sustains plan. -
Recognizing a community's commitment and action to achieve energy justice for all residents.
The City of Cincinnati
Cincinnati is recognized for its equity-centered clean energy leadership, including the nearly 10 MW Center Hill Solar Project, which will turn a closed landfill into the city’s largest solar installation and advance the Green Cincinnati Plan’s emissions and renewable energy goals. -
Recognizing an innovative approach to protecting and investing in the environment to build a better future.
The City of Columbus
Columbus is recognized for its leadership in sustainability, including a voter-approved 100% local renewable energy initiative, an updated Climate Action Plan targeting 50% emissions reductions by 2035, expanded transportation and clean energy access, and Ohio’s only Building Energy Benchmarking Ordinance. -
Recognizing leadership and dedication to building a clean energy future for their community.
Cassie Johnson, Columbus
Casey Shevlin, Akron
Dawn Kirchner, Kettering
2026 Clean Energy
Champions Awards Sponsors
2024 Clean Energy Champions Award Recipients
On December 11, 2024, PCFO proudly hosted the Clean Energy Champions Awards at COSI in Columbus.
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. Carla Walker, Director of Environmental Justice and Equity for the World Resources Institute provided the keynote address - watch it here.
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Recognizing the implementation of a 100% clean energy program.
City of Bexley, City of Cleveland Heights, City of Gahanna, City of Garfield Heights, City of Lakewood, City of Shaker Heights, City of South Euclid, City of Upper Arlington
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Recognizing commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and effectively address climate change.
City of Gahanna, City of Munroe Falls, City of Oxford
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Recognizing an innovative approach to investing in clean energy to build a better future for residents
The City of Lima
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Recognizing an innovative approach to protecting and investing in the environment to build a better future.
Cuyahoga County
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Recognizing a community's commitment and action to achieve energy justice for all residents.
The City of Youngstown
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Recognizing leadership and dedication to building a clean energy future for their community.
Valerie Katz (Cuyahoga County), Rob McCracken (City of Cincinnati), John Highman (City of Canton)
2022 Clean Energy Champions Award Recipients
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)
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Please contact events@poweracleanfuture.org for information about sponsorship opportunities.
Past Event Sponsors
