The Central Ohio Climate Action Plan (COCAP) is a shared roadmap to a healthier, more resilient, and more equitable future for our region. Built on the continued work in the region, the COCAP lays out a thoughtful set of goals, strategies, and actions that local governments, businesses, organizations, and residents can implement to cut energy waste, improve air quality, and support economic opportunities, all while empowering Central Ohio communities.
While the COCAP is for all of Central Ohio, the report covers the 10-county Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area, per the US EPA:
The COCAP sets two ambitious targets for Central Ohio:
50% GHG reduction by 2035
Net-zero by 2050
The COCAP brings together a wide set of tools to guide our region forward. It includes:
- A regional greenhouse gas inventory showing where our emissions come from.
- Targets and projections for cutting emissions by 2035 and 2050, and a detailed look at co-pollutant reductions.
- A comprehensive list of actions across key sectors.
- A workforce analysis of how actions will impact jobs across the region.
- A community benefits assessment of the broader benefits of climate action.
These efforts are led by the City of Columbus’ Sustainable Columbus and MORPC, in partnership with Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO), The Ohio State University, and IMPACT Community Action. All funding came from the US EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program.
COCAP GOALS
The COCAP includes a broad menu of strategies and actions, giving communities flexible options based on their priorities. For a quick glance at the 17 strategies, click on the tabs below.
- Support Zero-Emission Vehicle Adoption
- 4 actions, including building more charging and fueling stations where freight trucks and delivery vehicles operate (1.3)
- Reduce Vehicle Dependence
- 2 actions, including expanding access to shared transportation options like bikes, scooters, and cars (2.2)
- Advance Rail, Air, and Water Transportation Systems
- 3 actions, including researching cleaner fuel options for planes and trains (3.3)
4. Adopt Electric Systems in Buildings
- 8 actions, including training electricians to install electric heating and cooling systems (4.8)
5. Reduce Energy Use and Generate Power Onsite
- 8 actions, including setting and tracking onsite renewable energy goals for commercial buildings (5.7)
6. Achieve Net-Zero Buildings
- 3 actions, including encouraging adoption of Building Performance Standards (BPS) for industries and businesses (6.2)
7. Reduce Emissions from Equipment and Processes
- 4 actions, including offering training for building managers on reducing energy use (7.4)
8. Expand Waste Diversion
- 6 actions, offering composting and recycling services for major food waste producers (8.2)
9. Reduce Landfill Waste and Improve Waste Systems
- 2 actions, including offering incentives to businesses for reducing landfill waste (9.2)
10. Improve Water Efficiency Across All Sectors
- 2 actions, including offering leak detection support for high-demand water users (10.1)
11. Improve Energy Use in Water Treatment
- 2 actions, including supporting utility partnerships for water treatment efficiency upgrades (11.1)
12. Protect and Expand the Region’s Tree Canopy
- 4 actions, including supporting regional tree canopy mapping and greenspace protections (12.1)
13. Improve Farming Practices and Reduce Emissions
- 4 actions, including supporting large-scale composting and soil health practices (13.1)
14. Upgrade Industrial Buildings and Equipment
- 6 actions, including developing a regional guide for industrial fuel and equipment upgrades (14.1)
15. Reduce Industrial Emissions and Improve Energy Practices
- 2 actions, including launching a regional clean energy co-op for industrial buildings
16. Offset Remaining Emissions
- 2 actions, including exploring evolving carbon offset approaches for future climate planning (16.1)
17. Educate Across Sectors on Sustainable Practices
- 2 actions, including training local workers to support new energy systems (17.1)
For more context on the US EPA CPRG work prior to the COCAP please click the link below.