Reducing Energy Waste
Issue
“The largest, fastest, cheapest way to abate climate change is to reduce energy waste.”
— “Taking Action on Climate Change,” The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
Funding
Nearly half of grant dollars for U.S.-focused climate change programs in 2007 targeted energy projects
Challenge
How can we create a more sustainable urban environment and decrease energy consumption and waste?
Strategy
“Think globally, green locally.”
Invest in community-based projects that boost the local economy and reduce carbon emissions
— Cleveland Carbon Fund
Case Study
Cleveland Carbon Fund
- The first community-based carbon reduction fund, launched in 2009 by a public/private partnership
- Clevelanders can offset their carbon footprint through tax-deductible gifts for local projects like
- tree planting
- home weatherization
- showerhead and compact fluorescent light bulb replacement
- The Cleveland and George Gund Foundations together committed $30,000 to create the Fund’s web site
Results
- Carbon reduction will save residents money in the long term
- Emissions will be reduced by an estimated 500+ tons each year
- Local projects will improve Cleveland’s environmental health, stimulate the economy, and create jobs
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Research Sources
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
Taking Action on Climate Change:
A Guide for Grantmakers
Environmental Grantmakers Association
"Investing to
Re-Balance a Warming World"
Arabella Philanthropic Investment Advisors
Global Philanthropy Partnership
2008
Cleveland Carbon Fund
Cleveland Foundation
The George Gund Foundation
Growing Ohio's Green Energy Economy
Environment Ohio Research & Policy Center
Kruse, Wren; Amy Gomberg
3/2009
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