Grandview Heights, Reynoldsburg and Shawnee Hills Recognized for Work to Enhance Environment
The cities of Grandview Heights, Reynoldsburg and the Village of Shawnee Hills have been recognized as members of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s (MORPC) Sustainable2050 initiative.
Grandview Heights has been recognized as a “Silver” community; Reynoldsburg has been recognized as a “Gold” community while Shawnee Hills has been recognized as a “Bronze” community. Ratings are based on how many points are earned for various activities.
"The designation of Grandview Heights, Reynoldsburg, and Shawnee Hills as Sustainable2050 communities demonstrates the powerful impact of local leadership in driving regional environmental progress. When communities commit to actionable environmental priorities, they do more than protect our natural resources—they build healthier, more resilient neighborhoods and strengthen economic vitality for generations to come.”
Highlights of the municipalities’ work towards the designations include:
- Grandview Heights included several sustainability features at the new City Hall, Police, and Fire Municipal Complex at 1525 Goodale Blvd. The building was designed to meet both LEED and WELL rating system requirements. The building has features that ensure energy efficiency and solar panels were also installed above the safety service carports and other improvements enhance stormwater runoff. Grandview Heights also established a compost program.
- Reynoldsburg’s environmental work included arboretum accreditation, EV readiness, electronic recycling, and a pollination program. Further, the city found a way to collect and repurpose single use plastics without a city-wide mandate that would add to the burden of their local businesses. The city collected single use plastic bags to be recycled/repurposed into brand new park benches.
- Shawnee Hills partnered with Delaware Soil and Water Conservation District to offer a backyard conservation rebate program. This program was designed to promote water quality education. For residents of the and Sunbury, they can get a $50 rebate to cover the cost of either a rain barrel or native plants. The village has also conducted walk audits with Delaware County Public Health and made road crossing improvements on various roads to promote walkability.
Sustainable2050 is a voluntary program that supports Central Ohio communities through direct technical assistance, collaboration, and regional recognition.
Sustainable2050 membership is available to MORPC members and associate members, who must pass a resolution of participation, designate a local champion, and align their local goals with the Regional Sustainability Agenda. Member communities pursue initiatives like expanding recycling programs, improving air quality, protecting local water resources, and increasing energy efficiency in municipal buildings. Depending on local achievements, communities can earn elevated tier designations ranging from Bronze to Platinum. Currently, 39 local communities and regional organizations participate in MORPC’s 15-county region, and 24 members have earned certification at various tier levels.
