Cincinnati, Columbus, and Fairfield Recognized as Clean Energy Champions
The cities of Cincinnati, Columbus, and Fairfield were among those honored for local clean energy leadership at last week’s Clean Energy Champions Awards. Power a Clean Future Ohio’s signature event, held at Ohio State University’s Ohio Union, drew a sold-out crowd of mayors, city staff, sustainability advocates, and business leaders from across the state.
“Even in the face of the deeply challenging affordability crisis, I am optimistic because of the people in this room,” said PCFO Executive Director Joe Flarida during opening remarks. “We are proud to honor some of these leaders tonight and to recognize all of you in your contributions to a healthier, more prosperous Ohio that is built on clean energy.”
Former Governor of Washington Jay Inslee delivered the evening’s keynote address, speaking to the need for continued climate action, the significant impact local governments can have, and lauding Ohio’s rich history of innovation as a reason for optimism.
“This is a state that gets it in clean energy, I want to commend you,” said Governor Inslee to the audience. “You inspire other people, young people, to come into the industries involved in clean energy,” Inslee continued. “You get labor communities to understand the job creating potential. You are superheroes in my book.”
Following the keynote address, PCFO announced its marquee award recipients. These three awards highlight the impactful work being done at the local level and inspire others to advance their own clean energy and sustainability initiatives.
THE CITY OF FAIRFIELD RECEIVES THE CLEAN ENERGY CHAMPION AWARD
The City of Fairfield was recognized for its leadership in clean energy and sustainability through its new 1.5 MWdc solar array at the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project will offset 65% of the facility’s electricity use and deliver more than $2.5 million in projected net lifetime savings after capital costs.
“It’s a real honor to accept this Clean Energy Champion Award,” said Fairfield Councilmember Gwen Brill. “In 2024, we adopted our sustainability plan with a focus on making city operations more efficient and using resources thoughtfully throughout our city. One of the plan’s goals was to reduce emissions by advancing local and renewable energy projects with city facilities – this summer, Fairfield’s first renewable energy project went live.”
THE CITY OF CINCINNATI RECEIVES THE ENERGY JUSTICE CHAMPION AWARD
The City of Cincinnati was recognized for its equity-centered leadership in clean energy and innovative brownfield redevelopment through its nearly 10 MW Center Hill Solar Project. Set for completion in late 2027, the project will be the largest solar installation within Cincinnati city limits and is expected to provide approximately 10% of the electricity needed for City facilities. The project will transform a long-blighted, closed landfill into a productive clean-energy asset while supporting long-term energy affordability and resilience.
“I understand that economic justice and environmental justice are absolutely inseparable,” said Cincinnati Councilmember Ryan James. “Because when we fail to protect the environment, we all suffer, but the first to suffer – and the most severely punished – are often our most vulnerable neighbors.”
THE CITY OF COLUMBUS RECEIVES THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION AWARD
The City of Columbus was recognized for its sustainability leadership, its comprehensive programming and efforts across conservation, energy, transportation, and community engagement, including updating its Climate Action Plan in 2025 to target a 50% emissions reduction by 2035. The city is also expanding clean energy access and transportation options, including roughly 500 miles of planned new bike infrastructure, and has Ohio’s only Building Energy Benchmarking Ordinance to improve building performance citywide.
“We’re thrilled to accept the Environmental Champion Award on behalf of the city,” said Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther. “When we talk about sustainability, affordability is a big part of the picture. We’re not just talking about carbon emissions or climate targets, we’re talking about people's lives.”
CLEAN ENERGY STAFF CHAMPIONS HONORED
PCFO also recognized three Clean Energy Staff Champions for their leadership and dedication to building a clean energy future for their communities. These individuals have helped their municipalities achieve their sustainability goals and integrate innovative and impactful solutions throughout city operations.
Cassie Johnson, City of Columbus, Director of Sustainability and Resiliency
Casey Shevlin, City of Akron, Buildings & Energy Coordinator
Dawn Kirchner, City of Kettering, Sustainability Manager
PCFO is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Ohio's communities and leaders working tirelessly to build a clean energy future. The Clean Energy Champions Awards highlighted the innovation, collaboration, and resilience of those advancing clean energy solutions and climate action across the state.
PCFO would like to thank the event staff at Ohio State University and event sponsors Nutter Consulting, the Ohio Mayors Alliance, the Ohio Environmental Council, Data Driven Narratives, Ohio Citizen Action, the Nature Conservancy, Heads Up, Ohio!, and D3Energy.