Climate Action Plan for City of Kent, Ohio

 

Project Details:

KERAMIDA’s Livable City Solutions team developed a Climate Action Plan (CAP) for the City of Kent, Ohio. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, the CAP aims to propel the city towards the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with the global objectives outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement.

KERAMIDA provided GHG reduction strategies based on intensive community engagement and feedback. Leveraging extensive expertise and experience, KERAMIDA employed a multifaceted approach to formulating the CAP, centered around fostering widespread community engagement and actively seeking input and feedback from the diverse stakeholders in Kent. Recognizing the indispensable role of the local community in effecting lasting change, KERAMIDA's team initiated an inclusive and participatory process that facilitated meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

KERAMIDA’s Livable City Solutions Team spent a week in Kent to understand the unique challenges and opportunities that the city faces in its pursuit of sustainability. During this time, our team’s engagement included:

  • Facilitating over 14 community SME interviews

  • Giving a city council presentation

  • Holding a public engagement session

  • Identifying over 100 preliminary mitigation initiatives for the Kent community

SME Interviews
One of the most important aspects of KERAMIDA's engagement in Kent was the facilitation of over 14 interviews with subject matter experts (SMEs) across various sectors. These informative sessions served as invaluable knowledge-sharing opportunities, enabling the team to gather insights from individuals with deep expertise in areas such as energy, transportation, waste management, urban planning, and more. KERAMIDA's team was able to glean valuable perspectives and recommendations, ensuring that the resulting CAP would be feasible. 

City Council Presentation
In order to support transparent decision-making processes, KERAMIDA’s team delivered a presentation to the city council. This engagement allowed our team to communicate our findings, share the proposed strategies and initiatives, and solicit feedback from elected officials who play a crucial role in the plan's implementation. By garnering support and understanding at this level, KERAMIDA further solidified the foundation of the CAP, instilling confidence and buy-in from the city's leadership.

Public Engagement Session
Recognizing the vital role of the community in the successful realization of the CAP's objectives, KERAMIDA organized and led a dynamic public engagement session. This interactive event provided an open platform for residents and other stakeholders to voice their opinions, share ideas, and contribute to the collective vision for a sustainable future in Kent. By fostering inclusivity and actively seeking input from the very individuals who will be instrumental in executing the proposed strategies, KERAMIDA worked to empower the community and ensure that the CAP resonates with the aspirations and needs of the people it aims to serve.

Mitigation Initiatives
KERAMIDA's team identified over 100 preliminary mitigation initiatives specifically tailored to the unique needs and context of the Kent community. These initiatives encompassed a wide spectrum of sectors, ranging from energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption to sustainable transportation options, waste reduction and recycling programs, urban planning considerations, and beyond. By casting a wide net and exploring a diverse array of possibilities, KERAMIDA ensured that the CAP would encompass a holistic and integrated approach to carbon reduction and sustainability.

Upon completion, the Kent City Council codified the Climate Action Plan into law - a momentous step that solidified the CAP as a guiding framework for the city's future actions and policies, underscoring the commitment of Kent's leadership to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. KERAMIDA and the City of Kent continue to collaborate on implementing elements of the CAP.

View the Kent, Ohio Climate Action Plan.

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