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Energy Conservation Energy conservation includes policies and practices that encourage a reduction of energy consumption. Energy is a broad term. Energy conservation is associated strongly with “green architecture” practices. MORPC’s Center for Energy and Environment hosted the first Sustainability Summit in 2007 and the second summit is scheduled for October of 2008. In addition, MORPC has a weatherization program for low and moderate income families that is funded through private and public agreements Partners in Energy Conservation - AIA Columbus: A Chapter of the American Institute of Architects
This member driven professional organization provides educational activities to the design community. They have materials promoting sustainable design through their Sustainable Design Resource Center including the SustAIAnability 2030 Toolkit that is based on the goal to reduce carbon emissions from construction and slow climate change; the toolkit includes a variety of resources such as sample ordinances and information on green issues. - Building Industry Association of Central Ohio
The BIA is a member-driven organization whose membership is primarily builders. The BIA is involved in a number of efforts to promote green architecture including The Central Ohio Green Building Initiative that provides information on news and events focused on green construction, information and guidelines on green building requirements, and related news and events. It also provides educational material on green building certification. - Cool Cities Campaign
A program sponsored by the Sierra Club, this includes mayors pledges to reduce global warming pollution in their cities to 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. Columbus is the only central Ohio community to commit to this program that includes a number of milestones directed towards reaching pollution goals. Columbus developed a tool for measuring carbon emission that they are willing to share with other communities. - Central Ohio Green Pact
An agreement signed by various central Ohio communities committing themselves to reducing green-house gas emissions. It was signed by Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman and leaders of 10 suburbs: Bexley, Dublin, Gahanna, Grandview Heights, Grove City, Hilliard, New Albany, Powell, Upper Arlington and Worthington. MORPC is a contact for joining the pact. - MORPC Center for Energy and Environment
This arm of MORPC provides a number of services with regards to energy conservation as well as preserving natural resources. They provide weatherization and home improvement services to low and moderate income households, are responsible for announcing air alert days, provide educational opportunities to citizens, non-profit and for-profit organizations about sustainability issues, coordinate with organizations and a host of other related activities. - Ohio Board of Regents
Most central Ohio universities are including coursework about energy conservation. The Ohio Board of Regents is a one point source for accessing the universities. Chambers of Commerce are also point sources for accessing local universities. Examples of energy conservation efforts underway by one university, the Ohio State University (OSU), include:- Principles and Practices for a Sustainable Ohio State University: plan being implemented which commits OSU to placing sustainability at the core of its mission
- Green building: the new 4-H center, student services building, and Ohio Union building will be designed to meet LEED standards; the OSU Medical Center is embarking on a major renovation project that will include sustainable design features; and there is a plan to incorporate LEED standards into all future buildings as well as the OSU Building Design Standards
- Biodiesel: all diesel fuel dispensed on campus is biodiesel
- Flexcar: car-sharing program implemented campus-wide
- Ohio Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSD)
This is part of a national organization whose mission is to be a resource for the business community in sustainable development practices.
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