Akron: Mayor Horrigan Recognized as a Leader on Climate Action at U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting
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~ The U.S. Conference of Mayors recently announced the winners and honorable mentions for the 2023 Mayors' Climate Protection Award. Among the honorable mentions was Akron, Ohio Mayor Dan Horrigan, who was recognized for modernizing the city's District Energy Steam Plant.

Mayor Horrigan expressed his gratitude for the recognition, saying "I'm honored to be recognized by the U.S. Conference of Mayors for Akron's work to reduce carbon emissions. Our partnership with Akron Energy Systems is a real sustainability success story. By modernizing our steam plant, we have reduced fuel use by 46% since 2010, reduced annual output of carbon emissions by a staggering 117,000 tons, and reduced water use by 30M gallons per year."

In 2018, during Mayor Horrigan's first term, Akron City Council authorized a $25.4M renovation of the city's district energy plant in order to transform it from a dangerous trash-incineration facility to a safe and cost-effective power-generating operation. The finished heating and cooling product is delivered to buildings in downtown Akron including City Hall and hospitals.

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USCM President Miami Mayor Francis Suarez praised mayors throughout the nation for their efforts in being more efficient with energy resources and cutting carbon use in the process: "These awards help tell the story of mayoral leadership, one where these local leaders confront the real challenges of the day and do so in ways that make our cities cleaner, smarter and more livable."

In 2022 alone, Akron's district energy system achieved a 97% reduction in air pollutants as well as an impressive 46% improvement in energy efficiency with 99.999% reliability of system operations. Additionally, 27 jobs were retained while 10 new jobs were created due to this project as well as 6 new customers added to the system including Akron Summit Library Main Branch, Ocasek Building, and Goodrich apartments resulting in a 50% increase in cooling sales with $155 million saved from community investment savings.

Marc Divis, founder and CEO of AES said "Mayor Horrigan provided tremendous leadership, dedication and support to bring this critical low-carbon infrastructure solution to downtown Akron...Mayor Horrigan's achievements to improve the environment will benefit Akron for generations."

Today's announcement is yet another example of how Mayor Horrigan has worked hard over his tenure to make sure that his city is doing its part when it comes to environmental sustainability initiatives that will benefit future generations of Akonians alike.

Filed Under: Government, City

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