Cincinnati partners to advance building decarbonisation

In 2008, Cincinnati became one of the nation’s first municipalities to address climate change with its first Green Cincinnati Plan, the city’s blueprint for climate action. Over the last 15 years, Cincinnati has seen a 38.6 per cent reduction in the City’s carbon emissions from buildings, transportation, and waste. The revised 2023 plan aims to electrify 20,000 households by 2030, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and target a 50 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

“We understand that buildings are a critical component of our climate work, and that decarbonising an older building stock is not a simple process,” said Oliver Kroner, director of the City of Cincinnati’s Office of Environment & Sustainability. “Partners like BlocPower are key difference makers in our work as we navigate complex issues like energy poverty, environmental justice, and electrification. BlocPower’s data tools and expertise empower us to strategically advance building decarbonisation at scale.”

Through direct collaboration with the City’s Office of Environment & Sustainability, BlocPower incorporated several new, up-to-date datasets from the City into BlocMaps, including building upgrade history, permitting records, building health hazards, solar feasibility, and energy usage patterns. As a result, BlocMaps will be better able to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of Cincinnati’s collective decarbonisation efforts. The City of Cincinnati and Green Umbrella have licenced BlocMaps until 2025. 

“The future of effective climate action hinges on the dedication of cities and local leaders to confront these challenges head-on,” said Donnel Baird, BlocPower founder and CEO. “Cincinnati’s steadfast commitment to building electrification and decarbonisation aligns with our mission to reduce carbon emissions while simultaneously enhancing health, comfort and safety. We are proud to partner with the City of Cincinnati and Green Umbrella to advance local decarbonisation for all.”

Cincinnati’s BlocMaps is made possible by a local donor. 

Since its founding in 2014, Blocpower reports it has completed 5,000-plus energy efficiency projects nationwide. BlocPower utilises its proprietary BlocMaps software platform to help municipalities, utility companies, and sustainability experts plan, manage, finance and implement equitable decarbonisation strategies. The company is backed by some of the world’s top investors, including Goldman Sachs, Kapor Capital, Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund, Andreessen Horowitz and American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact.