HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 50-25RECORD OF RESOLUTIONS
BARRETT BROTHERS - DAYTON, OHIO
Resolution No.___50-25 Passed. ’
ADOPTING THE DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
WHEREAS, Dublin City Council adopted the 2018 — 2020 Dublin Sustainability
Framework at its September 24, 2018, meeting, which was an internally
composed document that provided goals to create a sustainable, healthy
resilient future for Dublin; and
WHEREAS, Dublin City Council adopted the Dublin Strategic Framework at its
July 25, 2022 meeting, which established a goal to be the most sustainable
global city of choice; and
WHEREAS, the City commissioned Asakura Robinson to complete an updated
Dublin Sustainability Plan to establish measurable goals; and
WHEREAS, the Dublin Sustainability Plan incorporates feedback from City
Council received at various points throughout the process of developing the
final version.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Dublin,
State of Ohio, (2 _ of the elected members concurring, that:
Section 1. The Dublin Sustainability Plan is hereby adopted, attached as
Exhibit A.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect upon passage in accordance with
Section 4.04(a) of the Revised Charter.
Passed this = day of Doda ber, 2025.
(aE
Mayor — Presiding Officer
imme oe
Clerk of Council
YY
To: Members of Dublin City Council
From: Megan D. O’Callaghan, P.E., City Manager
Date: September 30, 2025
Initiated By: Michael E. Barker, Deputy City Manager
Emily Goliver, Operations Administrator – Sustainability
Re: Resolution 50-25 – Adopting the Dublin Sustainability Plan
Background
At its September 24, 2018, meeting, City Council adopted the 2018 – 2020 Dublin Sustainability
Framework – an internally composed document that provided goals to create a sustainable,
healthy resilient future for Dublin. The Framework was set to be completed in 2020 but was
extended to 2021 due to the pandemic delaying many of the initiatives. Of the 35 goals, 31 were
substantially completed. The Framework can be found at this link, for reference.
On May 1, 2023, an update process began, involving public input, alignment with local and
regional plans and an inventory of existing conditions. Additional details regarding the background
of this project can be found in the attached supporting materials.
City Council reviewed the draft Dublin Sustainability Plan at the June 3, 2024, meeting. The revised
version of the Plan was presented to Council at the August 25, 2025, meeting. City Council
provided feedback on the following discussion topics:
1. Does Council have feedback or questions about the Dublin Sustainability Plan Executive
Summary?
2. Does Council have feedback or questions regarding the Dublin Sustainability Plan?
3. Is Council supportive of the next steps/implementation plan that Staff has identified?
Council inquired about potential grant opportunities to help offset the cost of sustainability
initiatives and how residents will be able to find a comprehensive list of ways to get involved.
Council Feedback: As the budget process continues, Staff should highlight which items advance
some of the Sustainability Plan goals.
The proposed 2026 Operating Budget consolidates several sustainability initiatives into the Office
of the City Manager to increase the visibility of the City’s investment in eco-friendly programs.
Council Feedback: The Executive Summary should be more reader-friendly for those who don’t
understand industry buzzwords.
Staff refined the Executive Summary to reduce it from three to two pages, eliminating redundant
details that can be found in the Plan itself. The revised Executive Summary provides background,
defines sustainability, highlights a few of the most impactful initiatives from the Plan and outlines
the next steps to communicating the Plan and opportunities for community participation.
Council Feedback: Public education should be highlighted in the Executive Summary.
Office of the City Manager
5555 Perimeter Drive • Dublin, OH 43017
Phone: 614.410.4400 Memo
Memo re. Resolution 50–25 – Adopting the Dublin Sustainability Plan
September 30, 2025
Page 2 of 2
Objective 1.3 “Amplify Dublin’s Sustainability Story” provides strategies and actions to develop
clear and consistent communications regarding events, programs and opportunities for community
participation. A strategy from this objective was added to the Executive Summary to emphasize
the important of public participation and engagement in implementing the Plan. Additionally,
language was added to the “Road Ahead” section to align with Objective 1.3.
Council Feedback: The timeframe for 1.1.5.D seems like a long time to wait to hire a consultant.
Staff clarified that the timeframe for that particular goal is to implement the recommendations
from the consultant. The action item was revised to more clearly indicate that within the Plan
itself. It now reads “Hire a consultant to review the Dublin Irish Festival’s current sustainability
initiatives and implement recommendations on future programs, including those that will lower the
carbon footprint and help it become a zero waste event (e.g. a 90% diversion rate, per the Ohio
EPA).”
Council Feedback: The Action Plan should list years for implementing the action items, rather than
the timeframes.
The timeframes of 1-3 years, 3-7 years and 7+ years were selected in alignment with the Parks
and Recreation Master Plan. The timeframes for implementing the action items are considered to
begin with the adoption of the Dublin Sustainability Plan.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that City Council approve Resolution 50-25 adopting the Dublin Sustainability
Plan.
VDUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 1 October 2025
In 2018, Dublin City Council adopted the 2018-2020 Dublin
Sustainability Framework, which provided measurable goals
to create a more resilient community. In 2022, City Council
adopted the Strategic Framework, committing to becoming
the most sustainable global city of choice. Building on that
vision and goals established in the 2018 Framework, the
Dublin Sustainability Plan sets a clear roadmap with goals,
objectives and collective actions to create a city that is
inclusive, equitable and impactful.
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability means meeting today’s needs without harming
tomorrow. For Dublin, it’s about supporting thriving businesses
while protecting community resources and the natural
environment for the future.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ACHIEVE ZERO WASTE
City of Dublin’s Core Focus Areas
Dublin will foster a thriving circular economy.
Strategy: Expand community recycling and diversion through
continued education and improved accessibility.
Become a leader in natural resource regeneration.
Strategy: Improve new development practices regarding the
preservation of existing natural features.
Become carbon neutral by 2035.
Strategy: Identify opportunities to improve development practices
related to transportation, water and renewable energy.
Approach leadership with an inclusive lens.
Strategy: Use Dublin’s signature annual events as a platform to lead by
example and build awareness of City sustainability efforts.
MODEL SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP
DESIGN SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
SUPPORT THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
ACTIONS
Adopt code revisions and a
stormwater management plan that
eliminate inconsistencies related
to sustainable development.
Model energy conservation
best practices.
ACTIONS
Adopt revised neighborhood
guidelines for trees and
hedgerows.
Amend soil erosion and sediment
control plans to preserve
vegetation.
ACTIONS
Evaluate and identify ways to
increase access to diversion
opportunities through piloting an
additional compost drop-off.
Explore the feasibility of providing
recycling to multi-family residents.
ACTIONS
Establish City events, including
the Dublin Irish Festival, as zero-
waste events.
1
2
3
4
Sustainable
Neighborhoods &
Built Environment
Natural Resources
City Operations
Recycling & Diversion
Energy &
Air Quality
Mobility
Community
Engagement
Economics
2018 Sustainability Goals
VDUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN October 20252
MODEL SUSTAINABLE
LEADERSHIP
Approach leadership with
an inclusive lens.
DESIGN SUSTAINABLE
COMMUNITIES
Become carbon neutral
by 2035.
SUPPORT THE NATURAL
ENVIRONMENT
Become a leader in natural
resources regeneration.
ACHIEVE
ZERO WASTE
Dublin will foster a thriving
circular economy.IN PROGRESS(Now)Promote City programs and
incentives
Establish data reporting
responsibilities
Improve water efficiency
Reduce dirty diesel /
standard fuel vehicles from
City fleet
Support transit, micro-
mobility and active
transportation
Increase renewable energy
generation and storage
Support adaptive reuse
Improve development
practices in preservation
and use of native plants
Expand community
recycling
Reduce food waste by
partnering with local food
pantries
SHORT TERM (1-3 years)Create volunteer programs
Establish partnerships
Create public dashboard
Adopt new engagement
tools and increase public
outreach frequency
Enhance community
resilience
Establish sustainable
building development
Pilot action at specific sites
Expand community-
centered nature-based
solutions
Increase Styrofoam
diversion rate by 50%
Decrease municipal solid
waste
MEDIUM TERM (3-7 years)Work with Dublin Schools
and Dublin Arts Council
Champion green business
Integrate with local
planning contexts
Increase energy efficiency
Reduce water use
Increase green streets and
cool corridors
Improve water
management
Create a One Water
Framework plan
Increase diversion rate to
60% in year 5
Increase Styrofoam
diversion rate by 50%
every 3 years
Support circular food
systems
Establish “Soft Recycling
Program”LONG TERM(7+ years)Partner with institutions,
nonprofits and regional
organizations
Achieve carbon neutrality
Pilot green building
methods
Expand sustainable
transportation infrastructure
Steward regenerative
systems
Create a building material
reuse center
How Can I Get Involved?
•Practice zero waste at home
•Switch to LED lighting and water-saving fixtures
•Participate in City programs like Sustainable
Saturday
•Choose biking, walking, or carpooling
•Share the plan and encourage others to get involved
1 2 3 4
Goals & Implementation Roadmap
This chart is a snapshot of the Sustainability Plan, showing key goals, strategies, actions and timelines.
The Road Ahead
Dublin’s Sustainability Plan is both a blueprint and a call to action.
Dublin can advance the goals identified in the Executive Summary
by developing clear and consistent communications regarding
the Plan and opportunities for community participation. Through
bold leadership, community partnerships, and measurable goals,
Dublin is committed to building a resilient, sustainable future for
today and for generations to come.
•Carbon Neutral by 2035
•60% diversion rate by 2030; 80% by 2035
•20% reduction in City energy + water use by 2035
• 45% of City fleet electrified by 2035
• Green Business Certification launched
and expanded annually
For details and updates, visit DublinOhioUSA.gov.
2025 DUBLIN
SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
October 2025
VDUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 2025ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Our deep thanks to the City staff members, local stakeholders, and the community who shared
their perspectives and invested their time to shape this plan.
City Leadership
Dublin City Council
Chris Amorose Groomes - Mayor, Council
Representative At Large
Christina A. Alutto - Vice Mayor, Council Representative
At Large
Cathy De Rosa - Ward 4 Representative
Jane Fox - Ward 2 Representative
Andy Keeler - Council Representative At Large
Amy Kramb - Ward 1 Representative
John Reiner - Ward 3 Representative
Megan O'Callaghan - City Manager
Consultant Team
Asakura Robinson Company
isabelle Asakura - Project Manager
Andrew Knuppel, CFM AiCP - Deputy Project Manager
Kyle Anderson - Planner
EcoDublin Team Members
Mitch Ament, Office of the City Manager
Brian Ashford, Facilities & Fleet Management
Kendel Blake, Office of the City Manager
Tyler Brooks, Recreation Services
Brad Conway, Building Standards
Doug Cordill, Community Events
Michael Darling, Public Service
Kirby Dearth, Economic Development
Eric Dickinson, information Technology
Emily Goliver, Office of the City Manager
Michael Hendershot, Utilities & Stormwater
John Hyatt, Facilities & Fleet Management
Shawn Krawetzki, Parks & Recreation
Madison Kregel, Communications & Marketing
Greg Lattanzi, Police
Taylor Mullinax, Zoning
Meghan Murray, Finance Operations
Barbara Ray, Outreach & Engagement
J.M. Rayburn, Transportation & Mobility
Langdon Sanders, innovation & Analytics
Cara Sheets, innovation & Analytics
Ron Whittington, Human Resources
VDUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN iii OCTOBER 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements ....................................................ii
Table of Contents ......................................................iii
Message from The City Manager ................................1
introduction ..............................................................2
Understand ..........................................................10
Sustainability Framework .........................................12
Planning in Context .................................................22
Greenhouse Gas inventory .......................................26
Engagement ...........................................................32
Goals & Themes ...................................................44
Achieving The Vision ...............................................46
Action Plan ..........................................................72
Decoding the Path to Action .....................................74
Appendices ..........................................................98
Glossary .................................................................99
GHG inventory Methods .........................................103
Engagement Feedback: Survey Data ........................108
Engagement Feedback: Focus Group Businesses ......126
Engagement Feedback: Focus Group Organizations ..137
Engagement Feedback: Community Workshop .........149
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 2025iV
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 1 OCTOBER 2025
MESSAGE FROM
THE CITY MANAGER
Dear Residents,
The City of Dublin aspires to be the most sustainable, connected and resilient
global city of choice. Through exemplary economic, fiscal and environmental
stewardship, we provide world-class, innovative services and amenities that make
Dublin the most desirable and sustainable community.
in furtherance of becoming the most sustainable global city, the City of
Dublin began the process of updating its sustainability framework. The Dublin
Sustainability Framework was adopted by City Council in 2018 after several months
of collaboration among Council, the Community Services Advisory Committee and
City staff members. The Framework allowed us to set measurable objectives and
identify action steps to meet our sustainability goals. We have invested heavily in
sustainability through the installation of LED lighting, the purchase of electric and
CNG vehicles, a robust landfill diversion program and numerous other initiatives.
The Dublin Sustainability Framework has served us well for the last several years
in establishing a foundation for the future of sustainability in Dublin.
in 2022, we began the effort to update the Framework. The EcoDublin team was
assembled to assess the status of current goals, identify ongoing sustainability
efforts and establish goals for the future. The EcoDublin team engaged a third-
party consultant to craft a world-class sustainability plan, informed by international
best practices and standards. This Plan addresses key action areas, giving the City
measurable goals related to modeling sustainable leadership, designing sustainable
communities, supporting the natural environment and achieving zero waste.
i would like to thank City Council, the Community Services Advisory Committee,
the stakeholders involved in developing the Plan and our residents for their
passionate support of sustainability efforts. The City is committed to doing what it
takes to implement this vision and ensure an even greener Dublin for the future.
Thank you,
Megan O’Callaghan
City Manager
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 20252
INTRODUCTION
The City of Dublin is the most
resilient, connected, and
sustainable global city of choice.
Beginning with an initiative to introduce native
plant alternatives at new park development
projects in 2000, the Dublin Sustainability
Plan builds upon 20+ years of the City's
commitment to sustainability. As the City
looks ahead to support the future vision, this
plan provides updated goals and identifies
a series of impactful strategies for action
from community-based recommendations to
municipal opportunities. The plan is intended
to serve as a framework for collective action
for a sustainable Dublin that is as inclusive
and equitable as it is impactful.
Core Message
Being the most sustainable community
means being a hub for diverse businesses
to grow and thrive, while also promoting
sustainable community design that is zero
waste, carbon neutral and supportive of its
natural environment. This Sustainability Plan
identifies four critical areas for action:
Model Sustainable Leadership
The City of Dublin has a history of
successful partnerships and collaborations
that drive sustainable innovations.
Dublin can leverage these to establish
a constellation of diverse sustainable
partners to mobilize support for
sustainable actions.
Design Sustainable Communities
Sustainability practices can have the
greatest impact on development and
the future of the built environment by
improving multi-modal mobility, resiliency,
efficiency, and renewable energy. Strategies
include increasing access to transportation
options, enhancing community resiliency,
improving energy and water efficiency, and
increasing access, generation, and use of
renewable energy.
Support the Natural Environment
Target action in water, ecology, and air.
The City of Dublin aims to establish a
community that is ecologically sound
for both people and wildlife through the
conservation of parks, open areas, rights-
of-way, watersheds, streams, and rivers.
Get to Zero Waste
Move towards a zero waste city that
supports a circular economy and is a
leader in waste management and diversion
through recycling, reuse, food donating,
and food waste composting.
How to Read this Plan
This report is the culmination of the Dublin
Sustainability Plan process to understand the
existing conditions, engage our community,
envision solutions, and collectively impact
Dublin’s future. The Plan is informed
by several aspects of Dublin’s ongoing
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 3 OCTOBER 2025
iNTRODUCTiON
sustainability efforts,
policies, and practices.
The existing conditions
assessment included a site
visit, review of recent and ongoing
planning efforts, a benchmark analysis, and
the development of the City’s first greenhouse
gas emissions inventory that included
community-wide and municipal emissions
data.
Understanding the City’s sustainability
ecosystem also involved public outreach and
engagement. To this end, the Sustainability
Plan engagement effort invited EcoDublin
team members, stakeholders, and the
broader community to share input and ideas
that have shaped the planning process. The
engagement process included a series of
stakeholder interviews, community workshop,
and a community survey.
Building off the "Understand" phase, the
"Envision" phase included updating the
existing goals of the
2018-2022 Sustainability
Framework and identifying
four themes to advance action
and implementation. Summaries of the
updates to the nine (9) original goals include
recent advancements, related planning efforts,
input from the public survey and workshop,
and gaps identified in the benchmark
analysis. The benchmark analysis included
the review of four sustainability plans for
municipalities of similar size and climate.
The recommendations are built around four
themes: Model Sustainable Leadership, Design
Sustainable Communities, Support the Natural
Enviornment and Achieve Zero Waste.
The framework for collective action is laid
out in the final section of this reports. It
includes measurable objectives, priority level,
impact level, and key actors to implement
Sustainable Dublin.
Please go to DublinOhioUSA.gov to find
more ways to get involved.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 20254
THE PATH TO SUSTAINABILITY
Beginning with an initiative to introduce native plant alternatives at new park development projects
in 2000, the City’s commitment to sustainability spans 20 years. With the establishment of the
EcoDublin team in 2016, the City has had several milestones achievements.
2016Pre-2016 2017 2018 2019
• Installed the city’s first
solar-powered pond
aerator.
• City Manager’s Office
requested inventory
of City’s investments
in sustainability and
greening.
• The ECODUBLIN
charter is revised
and adopted as an
official City committee.
EcoDublin is organized
into working groups.
• Sustainability inventory
completed.
• Began planting native
plants in all new park
developments and right-
of-way maintenance
areas as early as 2000.
• Purchased recycling
containers to be paired
with trash receptacles at
all City events in 2008.
• Began installing energy
efficient lighting at City
buildings in 2009.
• Staff introduced topic
of sustainability to
Community Services
Advisory Commission
(CSAC).
• EcoDublin adopted
MORPC’s 2017-2020
Regional Sustainability
Agenda as a template
to form Dublin’s
first Sustainability
Framework.
• City Council adopted the
Sustainability Framework,
at the recommendation
of CSAC.
• Dublin Corporate Area
Special Area Plan added
to 2013 Comprehensive
Plan.
• Phase 2 of the
ongoing Mobility Study
completed.
• The City’s first electric
vehicle charging station
is installed at the Dublin
Community Recreation
Center.
• City Council adopted the
Sustainability Framework,
at the recommendation
of CSAC.
• Dublin Corporate Area
Special Area Plan added
to 2013 Comprehensive
Plan.
• Phase 2 of the
ongoing Mobility Study
completed.
• The City’s first electric
vehicle charging station
is installed at the Dublin
Community Recreation
Center.
• installed a 2,310 SF
green roof at the Dublin
Community Recreation
Center (DCRC) in 2010.
• Opened a compressed
natural gas (CNG)
fueling station the City's
Fleet building in 2012.
• implemented a
Combined Heating and
Power (CHP) System at
the DCRC in 2015.
• Dublin City Council
adopted a resolution
to commit to
Sustainable2050.
• EcoDublin working
groups tasked with
formulating goals
and action items for
the Sustainability
Framework.
• West innovation District
Special Area Plan
updated.
• Phase 1 of the Mobility
Study completed.
• Dublin City Council
adopted Complete
Streets resolution.
• Began conducting water
quality monitoring
evaluations of the City’s
critical waterways.
• Piloted Lime Bike Share
program.
• Refreshed City policy for
vehicle idling & began
placing signs at City
facilities.
• Launched the
Dublin Connector
as an alternative
transportation method
for seniors, individuals
with disabilities, and
employees of Dublin
businesses.
• Opened Ferris-Wright
Park and Earthworks.
• The Dublin irish Festival
hired a contractor to
oversee a sorting center
which included recycling
and compost diversion.
iNTRODUCTiON
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 5 OCTOBER 2025
2020 2021 2022 2023
• Nearly finished
converting City building
lights to LED.
• Added additional shared
use paths, bike loops,
and sidewalks for
increased walkability.
• Launched Dublin Grows
Greener video series
and new Earth Month
events.
• Envision Dublin, the
ongoing effort to
update Dublin's 2013
Comprehensive Plan,
kicked off with multiple
community input
sessions.
• Entered into a contract
with iGS for 100%
renewable energy on all
City accounts.
• Dublin City Council
adopted new Strategic
Framework.
• Public engagement
efforts for Parks &
Recreation Master Plan
update began with the
first public forum.
• A micro-mobility
demonstration pilot
project was approved via
Resolution 18-22 piloting
e-scooters in Downtown
Dublin.
• installed new chillers at
the Dublin Community
Recreation Center.
• Created new bike loops.
• implemented strategies
to encourage sustainable
transportation use-
focused on microtransit,
wayfinding, and vision
zero objectives.
• Completed Phase 3 of
the ongoing Mobility
Study.
• Launched a compost
drop-off location at the
Service Center.
• Adopted Resolution
09-22 to form the
Community inclusion
Advisory Committee.
Adopted a DEi
Framework and a non-
discrimination ordinance.
• Launched a Styrofoam
drop-off location at the
Service Center.
• Dublin’s fleet earned No.
3 on the 100 Best Green
Fleets list in the National
Fleet Management
Association Awards.
• Curbside Management
Study initiated to reduce
vehicle circulation in
dense areas.
• City Council adopted a
new Parks & Recreation
Master Plan.
• City Council adopted
revised language to the
zoning code for the use
of renewable energy
equipment.
• The first autonomous
electric mower was
launched at City Hall.
• Phase 2 of the micro-
mobility demonstration
pilot expanded e-scooter
boundaries citywide.
• The City hired Asakura
Robinson to begin the
update of the Dublin
Sustainability Plan.
• Dynamic signal timing
piloted at three
intersections.
iNTRODUCTiON
2024
• Began design for
the City's first solar
installation at the Dublin
Service Center
• Launched the first-ever
Sustainable Saturday,
diverting nearly 42 tons
of material form the
landfill in one day
• Deployed two large-
scale autonomous
electric mowers at Avery
Park
• Acquired the city'sfirst
fully electric truck and
box truck
• Adopted the Envision
Dublin Community
Plan, which includes the
preservation of green
space and waterways
• Planted a large prairie
field at Ten Kaltenbach
Park
• Expanded Combined trash/recycling
bins to Emerald Fields
• Designated as an offical Runner
Friendly Community, promoting
Dublin's running infrastructure and
recreation programming.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 20256
26
26
13
citywide in 202468
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 7 OCTOBER 2025
26
26
13
citywide in 202468
iNTRODUCTiON
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 20258
A CITY-WIDE EFFORT
The EcoDublin Team
Established in 2016, the EcoDubin team
is comprised of staff members across all
municipal departments.
Mitch Ament, Office of the City Manager
Brian Ashford, Facilities & Fleet Management
Kendel Blake, Office of the City Manager
Tyler Brooks, Recreation Services
Brad Conway, Building Standards
Doug Cordill, Community Events
Michael Darling, Public Service
Kirby Dearth, Economic Development
Eric Dickinson, information Technology
Emily Goliver, Office of the City Manager
Michael Hendershot, Utilities & Stormwater
John Hyatt, Facilities & Fleet Management
Shawn Krawetzki, Parks & Recreation
Madi Kregel, Communications & Marketing
Greg Lattanzi, Police
Taylor Mullinax, Zoning
Meghan Murray, Finance Operations
Barbara Ray, Outreach & Engagement
J.M. Rayburn, Transportation & Mobility
Langdon Sanders, innovation & Analytics
Cara Sheets, innovation & Analytics
Ron Whittington, Human Resources
iNTRODUCTiON
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 9 OCTOBER 2025
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202510
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 11 OCTOBER 2025
UNDERSTAND
SUSTAINABILITY IN
DUBLIN TODAY
Sustainability Framework
2018-2020
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202512
SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORK
in 2017, the City of Dublin committed to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s
Sustainable2050 plan to support sustainability in the Central Ohio region. At the
recommendation of the Community Services Advisory Commission, the City began working on
its first Sustainability Framework, which was developed by Staff and approved by City Council
in September 2018. The Dublin Sustainability Framework was originally set to run through
2020, but was extended to 2021 due to the COViD-19 pandemic.
Dublin Sustainability Framework
Dublin's Sustainability Framework provides effective and
actionable guidance on how to achieve a sustainable
future. The framework is a three-tiered structure, with
overarching goals supported by clear vision statements,
which are further broken into more specific, actionable
goals. The goals are designed to be achievable, such
as adopting a Complete Streets Policy or increasing
pollinator-friendly areas. These goals are then
translated into more granular measures, such as adding
a minimum of five native plant areas annually to open
space and right-of-ways. Further strategies are then
listed under each measure to outline the specific steps
that need to be taken to accomplish the task.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 13 OCTOBER 2025
Framework Progress
Dublin's Sustainability Framework has been updated
every year since its adoption. The following pages
summarize Dublin's progress on achieving its
sustainability goals as of 2022.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
increase local and regional
collaboration and education
opportunities to advance
innovative, sustainable solutions
through GreenSpot membership,
increased exposure, outreach,
and advocacy.
SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS & BUILT ENVIRONMENT
A vision for connected,
integrated, environmentally friendly
neighborhoods and business districts
where people can live, work, and thrive
in a healthy, equitable way. Goals
include complete streets, more
shared use paths, sustainable
development, and energy
conservation.
ENERGY & AIR QUALITY
install renewable energy
sources in City facilities as
well as reducing the City's
emissions and dependence
on non-renewable energy
sources. This goal also
aims to assist residents in
emission reduction.
MOBILITY
Connecting more people
to more places through
improved access to multi-modal
transportation, this area defines
goals to support economic
development, advance
multimodal transportation
options, promote equity,
and focus on future
growth.
ECONOMICS
Create an ecosystem
that encourages and
supports the growth of
environmentally friendly
businesses, buildings, and
technology.
NATURAL RESOURCES
This area focuses on
sustaining the City's wildlife
and natural resources. Goals
include education and public
awareness, as well as improving
wildlife and natural resource
management strategies.
RECYCLING & DIVERSION
This goal aims to improve
the City and community's
waste diversion rate.
CITY OPERATIONS
With the goal of becoming
a zero waste operation,
improvements aim to
optimize efficiency and improve
environmental sensitivity by
reducing paper use, mitigating
idling by city vehicles, and
educating on recycled
materials.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202514Oak Park, ILMOBILITY
• Complete streets
establishment.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION
• Establish energy
goals and preserving
the embodied energy
and heritage.
• For new buildings or
major renovations,
Oak Park is
establishing energy
efficiency reach
codes.
• Establish programs
to support building
decarbonization
and to expand
community
purchasing of
renewable energy. Carmel, INENERGY EFFICIENCY
• Municipal energy
efficiency evaluation
to identify barriers
to existing energy
efficiency programs.
• Establish grant
programs for energy
efficiency.
• Green Building
Policy and Best
Practices Education
for commercial
and municipal
construction.
• Benchmarking
and disclosure
program for both
municipal energy and
commercial energy.
• SolSmart Designation
with solar education
and program
establishment. Bloomington, INMOBILITY
• Bike mobility
infrastructure to
achieve the League
of American Bicyclists
Platinum Rating.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
• Building efficiency for
both residential and
commercial through
certifications,
incentive programs,
and low-interest
loans.Lakewood, OHENERGY EFFICIENCY
• Particular focus
on retrofits and
net zero-centric
objectives:
• incentives-based
net zero building
code.
• Community
coalition to
support net zero
efforts.
• incentives for
efficient building
performance.
• Significant retrofit
assistance for all
buildings with a
“deep retrofit”
program.
• City-led
neighborhood retrofit
demonstration
pilot for efficiency
retrofits.
The City has adopted a Complete Streets
and Smart Streets program into its larger
Vision Zero efforts and has increased its
miles of shared-use paths by 1% since
2018. The City is in the process of updating
its zoning code to encourage sustainable
development and seeking to implement
energy conservation practices. Recently,
City Council adopted revised language to
the zoning code for the use of renewable
energy equipment.
Complete streets policy.
Shared use path miles.
American League of Bicyclists Silver Designation,
2022.
Updated zoning code to encourage sustainable
development practice.
SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS &
THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Benchmark Analysis
Sustainability Framework Updates
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 15 OCTOBER 2025
The City has annually added five native
plant species to its open spaces and streets,
offers water monitoring evaluations, and
increased its overall wildlife education.
Some goals that are still in progress include
wildlife management and increasing resident
participation in community gardens.
Increase "pollinator-friendly areas” with five new
pollinator gardens added.
Management plans for deer, coyote, and skunk.
Three annual major water monitoring
evaluations were completed since 2018.
2023 Parks Master Plan Landscape and Tree
Preservation Manual.
Sustainability Framework Updates
Oak Park, ILHABITAT QUALITY &
CONSERVATION
• Prioritize the use of
native plants.
• increase plant & tree
cover throughout the
City to protect and
enhance biodiversity.
GREEN SPACE CONNECTIVITY
• increase connectivity
and access to parks
and green space.Carmel, INHABITAT QUALITY &
CONSERVATION
• Native & drought
tolerant plants for
landscaping.
• increase in annual
tree planting.
• Rain garden
installations.
• Support
environmental quality
through pursuing a
no gasoline-powered
mowing policy.Bloomington, INHABITAT QUALITY &
CONSERVATION
• Conserve and
enhance 100 acres.
of green space or
habitat by 2023.
• Remove 100 acres
of invasive plants on
public lands by 2023.
• Remove 100 acres
of invasive plants
on private lands by
2023. Lakewood, OHHABITAT QUALITY &
CONSERVATION
• Riparian Areas:
• Provide more
dedicated
wetland and
riparian forest
management.
• New shoreline
stabilization
efforts.
• Protect and expand
the City’s forest
canopy.
• Establish new tree
planting initiatives.
• Explore zoning
strategies to protect
natural spaces.
• Green infrastructure
the City standard.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Benchmark Analysis
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202516Oak Park, ILEMISSIONS & ACCESS
• Shift from personal
vehicles to active
transportation and
transit.
• Pursue strategies to
advance equity in
transportation.
• Launch vehicle
decarbonization
programs.
• Establish emissions
reduction goals
for transportation
systems. Carmel, INEMISSIONS & TRANSIT OPTIONS
• Pursuing commuter
line feasibility study.
• Encourage multi
modal transportation
& walkability
programs.
• Promote EV leasing/
purchasing, and
promote bicycles as
alternative modes of
transportation.
• Establish a municipal
bikeshare program. Bloomington, IN• Reduce commuting
in single occupancy
vehicles (SOV).
• increase the use of
Bloomington’s transit
system by 5% by
2023.
• Walk Friendly
Communities
Platinum level
designation by 2022
and achieve the
League of American
Bicyclists Platinum
rating by 2022.
• Achieve bicycle and
pedestrian fatality
rates of zero by
2023. Lakewood, OH• improve public
transit.
• Expand walking &
cycling infrastructure.
• Car-free or car-light
zones.
• E-scooter & e-bike
rental programs &
incentives.
• New partnership
with Northeast
Ohio Areawide
Coordinating Agency.
• New parking
strategy.
• Fleet transformation
coalition.
• EV charging
infrastructure.
• Educational outreach.
MOBILITY
Benchmark Analysis
Dublin has fulfilled most of its initial
sustainability goals for mobility. Along with
the launch of the City's Mobility Plan, the
City has focused on expanding multi modal,
micro-transit systems. The City of Dublin
launched an e-scooter program as part
of the mobility study. The City continues
to improve walkability and bikeability
throughout Dublin and is actively pursuing
expanded transit options through the West
Dublin Passenger Rail Study and LinkUs.
Through the Envision Dublin Community
Plan, the City is updating the multimodal
thoroughfare plan and mobility plan.
Creating a mobility plan for workforce
development and the business community.
Piloting multiple alternative transportation
projects (bike loops, mobility hub, bike share
and Bird scooter programs).
implementation of 5 transportation options from
mobility study objectives.
Establishment of a continuous program for
promoting equitable access to mobility.
Sustainability Framework Updates
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 17 OCTOBER 2025Oak Park, IL• Oak Park did not
have any specific
community
engagement
strategies in their
climate action plan.Carmel, IN• Public education
programming about
the impacts of
climate change.
• Sustainable business
certification program.
• City of Carmel
sustainability
committee.Bloomington, IN• Bloomington did
not have any
specific community
engagement
strategies in their
climate action plan.Lakewood, OH• Formation of a zero-
emissions building
coalition.
• Community climate
advisory committee.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community engagement on sustainability
initiatives in Dublin have increased in
overall exposure through the creation of an
external advisory group and sustainability
web page and have steadily increased
memberships for GreenSpot since 2018.
increased GreenSpot membership by 50%.
increased exposure of Dublin on sustainability.
Created an external advisory group.
Created a sustainability web page.
Sustainability Framework Updates
Benchmark Analysis
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202518Oak Park, IL• Align community
resource to further
sustainable economic
development.
• Promote sustainable
businesses and
business practices.Carmel, IN• Sustainable business
certification program.
• Public education
on green building
best practices
for commercial
and municipal
construction.
• Green building policy
for commercial
and municipal
construction.Bloomington, IN• Business-centric
programming and
incentives for green
business practices
aimed at lowering
GHG emissions.
• Reducing building
energy use.
• increase the
percentage of
residential and
commercial buildings
using sustainable
building certification
programs and
incentives.
• Reduce commercial
waste. Lakewood, OH• Lakewood does not
have any economic
development specific
programming in their
climate action plan.
Benchmark Analysis
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The City has continuously increased its
green encouragement programs since the
2018 Sustainability Framework. Efforts to
encourage green businesses in the City are
ongoing.
increased green encouragement programs.
Engaged with green companies to increase
awareness and created a green business
roundtable.
Sustainability Framework Updates
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 19 OCTOBER 2025
CITY OPERATIONS
Oak Park, IL• Procurement
of sustainable
materials. Reviewing
and revising the
City Hall Sustainable
Purchasing Policy.
• Expanding to
other facilities with
additional compliance
tracking mechanisms
in 2021.Carmel, IN• implement a
no-idling policy
supported by
technical assistance. Bloomington, IN• Develop an
employee education
plan to facilitate
implementation.
• Reducing municipal
GHG emissions.
• Non-renewable
energy use in City-
owned facilities.
• Reducing non-
renewable fuel use
by the City fleet &
transit system.
• Sustainable
building and green
infrastructure
practice into City
facilities. Lakewood, OH• Developing an annual
carbon budget.
• Developing equity
and climate lenses
for expenditures and
policies.
• Annual GHG and
energy use reporting.
• Transitioning to a
zero-emissions fleet.
• Make sustainability
someone’s job.
Benchmark Analysis
The City has reevaluated and enacted its
policy on mitigating idling by City vehicles.
The City has also reviewed policy regarding
City procurement of recycled materials and
is in the process of having a more paperless
operation.
Administrative Order (AO) 1.13, Dublin
emphasizes recycling throughout its government-
operated and community facilities.
All products used for facility management
are bio-preferred and Green Seal Certified
Chemicals.
The City practices sustainable purchasing
through AO 4.4
Ordinance 50-95 encourages City Staff to
purchase recycled products.
Nearly all City buildings have been converted to
LED lighting.
Through AO 3.15, the City established an anti-
idling policy
• The strategies that are currently in progress are to
transition boards, commissions, and City Council
to become paperless, as well as efforts to educate
Staff on City procurement and purchasing policy
regarding reference for products derived from
recycled materials.
Sustainability Framework Updates
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202520
RECYCLING & DIVERSION
Oak Park, IL• Encourage zero
waste practices.
• Reduce plastics &
packaging waste,
organic waste,
hazardous materials
waste, and building
construction waste.Carmel, IN• Establish a municipal
food waste
composting program
and food composting
pilot programs.
• Backyard compost
bin voucher program.
• increasing recycling
rate and reduce
contamination rates.
• Establish a zero
waste events policy. Bloomington, IN• Divert at least 40%
of the volume of
residential waste
collected by City
sanitation from being
landfilled by 2023.Lakewood, OH• Circular economy
strategy to support
waste & diversion
efforts.
• Municipal organics
collection program.
As of 2023, the City's diversion rate from
the Dublin irish Festival has increased to
47%. The City is also steadily addressing its
overall diversion rates within the community
and throughout its City agencies and has
a current diversion rate that exceeds state
and national averages.
City has successfully increased the Dublin irish Festival
diversion rate from 23% to 47%.
Administrative Order (AO) 1.13, Dublin emphasizes
recycling throughout its government-operated and
community facilities.
The City contracts with GoZero Services to operate a
free compost drop-off location for residents.
Through a partnership with SWACO, the City hosts
drop-off collection events for household hazardous
waste products. SWACO accepts several hard-to-recycle
materials.
Dublin has implemented a comprehensive solid waste
management program.
Ordinance 50-95 encourages City Staff to purchase
recycled products.
Benchmark Analysis
Sustainability Framework Updates
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 21 OCTOBER 2025
ENERGY & AIR QUALITY
Oak Park, IL• Reduce vehicle
emissions:
• Foster a shift
from personal
vehicles to active
transportation
and transit.
• Launch a vehicle
decarbonization
program.
• Establish
emissions
reduction goals
for transportation
systems.
• Provide greater
access to renewable
energy:
• Expand
community
purchasing
of renewable
energy. Carmel, IN• Municipal energy
efficiency evaluation.
• Policy for City EV
and hydrogen fleet
purchasing and
retrofits.Bloomington, IN• Reduce non-
renewable energy
use in City-owned
and operated
facilities by 12% by
2023.
• Reduce non-
renewable City fleet
vehicle fuel use by
5% by 2023.
• Reduce overall
community GHG
emissions by 11
percent by 2023.Lakewood, OH• increase the use of
rooftop and parking
lot solar.
• Development of
community solar
gardens.
• New wind generation
partnerships.
• Pilot project for
offshore wind
generation.
• Renewable energy
cooperatives.
• Opportunities for
household and
neighborhood energy
storage.
• Transition to a zero-
emissions fleet.
The City has actively installed electric car
charging stations and will have completed
25 stations by 2024. Dublin Community
Recreation Center has also undergone several
improvements and retrofitting since 2018. The
City is also still actively pursuing its goals to
provide at least 15% of its facility electricity
from solar energy, as well as achieving 20%
reduction in vehicle emissions.
installed new chillers at the Dublin Community
Recreation Center.
Replaced interior lighting at all City buildings
with LEDs (with the exception of a few lights at
the Development Building).
Providing alternative fueling choices to the public
with 21 new ChargePoint locations.
Sustainability Framework Updates
Benchmark Analysis
TABLE 1 2018 SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
PLAN YEAR SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS & BUILT ENVIRONMENT NATURAL RESOURCESCITY OPERATIONSRECYCLING & DIVERSIONENERGY & AIR QUALITYMOBILITYCOMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTECONOMICSMID-OHIO REGIONAL
PLANNING COMMISSION
Regional Sustainability Agenda 2021
CITY OF DUBLIN
Strategic Framework 2022
CITY OF DUBLIN
DEi Framework 2021
CITY OF DUBLIN
Envision Dublin
CITY OF DUBLIN
Dublin Community Plan 2013
CITY OF DUBLIN
Corporate Area
Special Area Plan 2018
CITY OF DUBLIN
West innovation District
Special Area Plan
2017
CITY OF DUBLIN
Parks & Recreation Master Plan 2023
Ongoing
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202522
2024
PLANNING IN CONTEXT
A number of local and regional planning projects have been completed since the development of
the original Sustainability Framework. Table 1 summarizes areas where recently completed and/
or ongoing planning efforts align with the Framework's original goals. This alignment provides a
foundation for the City to identify opportunities to leverage resources and work collaboratively and
regionally to achieve its sustainability goals.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Dublin Community Task Force | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework | July 2021
REGIONAL SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA 2021–2024
WHO WE ARE
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is Central Ohio’s regional council for more than 70 members comprised of counties, cities, villages, townships, and regional organizations. We take pride in bringing communities of all sizes and interests together to collaborate on best practices and plan for the future of our growing region.
MORPC’S SERVICE AREA
MARION
MORROW
KNOX
LICKING
DELAWARE
FRANKLIN
UNION
LOGAN
MADISON
PICKAWAY
FAIRFIELD
FAYETTE
HOCKING
ROSS
PERRY
SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Sustainability Advisory Committee (SAC) is a top-level committee of MORPC’s board and serves as the voice of sustainability. The SAC weighs in on important sustainability-focused programs and policies that have an impact on air quality, water resources, trails, energy, growth, and planning.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 23 OCTOBER 2025
The MORPC Regional Sustainability Agenda (RSA) provides high-level regional guidance
for a collective effort toward a sustainable mid-Ohio region. The RSA is intended to both
inform MORPC’s sustainability efforts and align cities throughout the region in pursuit of
shared objectives. it’s further worth noting that the RSA is intended to directly connect
with MORPC’s Sustainability2050, which offers technical assistance to cities in the region as
they pursue their own sustainability programming. Aligning City efforts with RSA goals then
allows for easier access to valuable support from MORPC.
in 2020, Dublin City Council established a goal to develop a Dublin 2035 Visionary
Framework. After an extensive planning and public engagement effort, Dublin City
Council adopted a new Strategic Framework July 25, 2022. The values we hold most
dear and the guiding principles we adhere to make it possible for Dublin to be bold in
its vision.
Dublin’s DEi Framework, completed in 2021, represents the culmination of policy
efforts undertaken by the City since 2015 to establish a municipal-level foundation to
ensure Dublin is a City open and welcome to all. The DEi Framework is a key document
for shaping an equity-based approach to sustainability in Dublin, offering valuable
insight into the City’s community demographics and how the City approaches fostering
a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive Dublin. in the context of sustainability, the DEi
framework is integral to shape an equitable approach to sustainability that is tailored to
Dublin's existing communities while fostering greater accessibility and inclusivity for a
growingly diverse population over time.
City of Dublin DEi Framework (2021)
City of Dublin Strategic Framework (2022)
MORPC Regional Sustainability Agenda (2021)
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202524
City of Dublin Comprehensive Plan (2013)
Adopted in 2013, the current Dublin Community Plan contains a substantial narrative
component grounded in well-articulated guidance and recommendations for fostering/
managing future growth. The City is currently in the process of updating the Community
Plan, with the public kick-off taking place in spring of 2023. The Plan contains key planning
components for guiding the City’s development, including future land use, specific area
plans, and thoroughfare plan, which provide critical context of how the City has previously
envisioned the future of Dublin from a spatial lens.
Envision Dublin (2024)
Envision Dublin is the City of Dublin's ongoing effort to update the Community Plan.
The plan will address the topics of housing and neighborhoods, economic development,
commercial and industrial areas, transportation, infrastructure and utilities, parks, open
space, and environmental sustainability. The plan will also establish special area plans for
numerous areas in Dublin. With input from the community and stakeholders, Envision Dublin
is expected to be substantially complete by March 2024.
Robb McCormick Photography
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 25 OCTOBER 2025
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIODIVISION OF PLANNINGDEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT
Dublin Corporate
Area Plan
Special Area Plan (2018)
WEST
INNOVATION
DISTRICT
Community Plan: Special Area Plan Update (2017)
COMMUNITY PLAN
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIODIVISION OF PLANNINGDEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT
ISSUED: OCTOBER 23, 2017
City of Dublin Corporate Area Special Area Plan (2018)
City of Dublin West innovation District (2017)
Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2023)
The Dublin Corporate Area Plan (DCAP), approved by City Council in 2018 and amended in
2022, is a comprehensive plan to revitalize nearly 1,000 acres of traditional corporate office
parks along i-270. These developments were largely built in the 1970s, but contemporary
preferences for office space have shifted significantly since then. Demand has moved away
from more traditional, car-centric office park models and toward more walkable, mixed-use
developments that are accessible by multiple modes of transportation. in response, the City
of Dublin conducted a thorough analysis of the area to plan for the revitalization of these
legacy office parks to make them more attractive to both current and potential future users.
The DCAP provides insight into how the City structures its more traditional planning efforts,
as well as how it approaches redevelopment and challenges related to suburban sprawl.
The West innovation District Community Special Area Plan (WiD) is a plan to develop a
cutting-edge research and innovation district on the western edge of Dublin. it is similar
to the Corporate Area Plan in format and content, but differs in that it focuses on new
development in the WiD area, rather than redevelopment in the Corporate Area. The WiD
is intended to be a driver of economic growth and competitiveness for Dublin and the
surrounding region. The public amenities and sustainability action items are particularly
relevant to sustainability efforts, as they include a focus on sustainable building elements,
renewable energy generation, and public art.
The City of Dublin Parks and Recreation Master Plan is a document that provides an inclusive
framework for planning, acquisition, development, and administration of the parks and
recreation resources, programs and facilities throughout Dublin. The plan aims to prioritize
the maintenance of existing facilities and amenity needs as high priority. Other factors that
were prioritized in the plan include community aspirations, economic impact, sustainability,
cost of development and operations, and potential partnership opportunities.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202526
GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY
MEASURING DUBLIN'S EXISTING EMISSIONS
To better capture Dublin’s baseline performance from the lens of greenhouse gas emissions
production within the City of Dublin, the Sustainability Plan process included the City’s first
greenhouse gas inventory. By tracking greenhouse gas emissions, the City can identify relevant
strategies to reduce or mitigate its relative contributions to the greenhouse effect and climate
change. The City’s greenhouse gas contributions constitute its carbon footprint.
Direct and Indirect Scopes
inventories can be further categorized into direct and
indirect scopes.
Scope 1 emissions include those directly produced
by local actions controlled or owned at the relevant
scale (produced by the local government or by
residents within the locality), such as fuel combustion
from natural gas heating systems or gasoline
vehicles. indirect emissions are included as Scope
2 emissions for purchased energy sources such as
electricity which are emitted elsewhere but consumed
within the local jurisdiction, and Scope 3 emissions
occur upstream or downstream through other
purchased materials or services such as water and
wastewater treatment or end-of-life handling for solid
waste.
Because energy sources produce different mixes of
the six internationally recognized greenhouse gases
which directly impact the climate (Carbon dioxide
([CO2]); Methane ([CH4]); Nitrous oxide ([N2O]);
Hydrofluorocarbons ([HFCs]); Perfluorocarbons
([PFCs]); and Sulfur hexafluoride ([SF6])), overall
emissions are summarized as metric tons of carbon
dioxide equivalents (MT CO2e).
Methods, Scales, and Protocols
The greenhouse gas inventory reviewed 2022 data
and utilized iCLEi's ClearPath tool to calculate
emissions for two tracks: government operations
and the overall community scale. The government
track captures emissions created by local government
operations such as buildings and facilities, vehicle
and transit fleets, and utilities. The community scale
includes all emissions produced within the locality’s
jurisdiction, including energy consumed by residential
and non-residential buildings, transportation, and
water and wastewater treatment processes.
The development of the inventories was guided to be
compliant with established protocols, including the
Local Government Operations Protocol (LGOP) (2010)
and U.S. Community Protocol (USCP).
Please note that as this greenhouse gas inventory was
performed using 2022 data, it does not reflect the
100% renewable energy contract currently in effect.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 27 OCTOBER 2025
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202528
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Dublin’s primary greenhouse gas emissions are produced by its buildings, facilities, and fleet
vehicles. Comparing performance to other localities is difficult due to differences in levels of
service and operational scope. For example, Dublin does not operate a transit fleet, own an
electric utility, or maintain its own water or wastewater treatment or solid waste facilities.
The results of the government operations inventory should be regarded as a tool to identify
opportunities to improve efficiency rather than an exact accounting of Dublin’s impact due to
potential double-counting issues, as electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) fleet vehicle
fueling is not metered separately from facility meters.
Fleet Vehicles
Dublin’s vehicle fleet of over 200 vehicles utilizes
unleaded gasoline, diesel, and compressed natural gas
(CNG) fuels as well as electricity. Fleet Management
Staff provided fuel usage reports for individual assets,
which permitted calculation of greenhouse gas
emissions based on the amount of fuel consumed.
While electric vehicle charging stations are metered
separately, they are billed with the building's electricity
consumption figures in all buildings but the Community
Recreation Center. Thus, the overall building's use
was analyzed for this assessment. Similarly, natural
gas used in the CNG compression system at the Fleet
Management facility is not metered separately.
The 131 gasoline vehicles consumed an estimated
72,189 gallons of unleaded gasoline, traveling 806,624
miles and producing an estimated 636 MT CO2e.
Thirty-two diesel vehicles consumed 12,138 gallons
of diesel fuel and produced an estimated 124 MT
CO2e, and 58 CNG vehicles consumed 25,701 gallons
gasoline equivalent (GGE) of compressed natural gas
and produced an estimated 162 MT CO2e.
About 80% of diesel fuel and about 25% of CNG fuel
consumed powered heavy trucks such as dump trucks
and snowplows. While fuel consumption varies by
vehicle type, one GGE of CNG produced an estimated
0.0059 MT CO2e, lower than 0.0088 MT CO2e per
gallon of gasoline or 0.0102 MT CO2e per gallon of
diesel.
Buildings and Facilities
Facilities Management Staff provided data on
electricity and natural gas usage for City Hall, the
Development Building, the Community Recreation
Center, the Service Center, the Justice Center, and
the Fleet Management facility. The Dublin Community
Recreation Center also includes a combined heat and
power (CHP) system that produces electricity for the
building as well as thermal energy for heating the
building and its pool.
in 2022, Dublin’s buildings consumed an estimated
4,653 MWh of electricity and 27,275 MMBtu of natural
gas, producing an estimated 2,222 MT CO2e from
purchased electricity generation outside the locality
and 1,451 MT CO2e from natural gas combustion
within the locality for a total of 3,672 MT CO2e. The
largest individual contributor is the Dublin Community
Recreation Center, which produced an estimated
1,752 MT CO2e while heating, cooling, and providing
electricity for the building’s over 113,000+ square feet
of space and pools.
Additionally, an estimated 1,275.5 MWh of electricity
was also consumed by Dublin’s 2,176 streetlights,
which contributed to an estimated 608.94 MT CO2e.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 29 OCTOBER 2025
Estimated Government Building Emissions
Estimated Fleet Emissions
3,672 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e)
922 metric tons
of carbon dioxide
equivalent (MT CO2e)
Recreation Center
1,760 MT
113,113 SF
Justice Center
585 MT
78,380 SF
Service Center
496 MT
68,139 SF
Fleet Management
361 MT
32,600 SF
City Hall
327 MT
31,675 SF
Development
144 MT
22,770 SF
Gasoline
636 MT
CNG
162 MT
Diesel
124 MT
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202530
COMMUNITY-SCALE
EMISSIONS
What drives Dublin’s emissions?
Transportation
Transportation emissions were estimated using a
vehicle miles traveled (VMT) method and inputs
from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s
regional transportation modeling program. Modeled
estimates of daily vehicle miles traveled were provided
for passenger vehicles and freight and service trucks
using 2021 data, which is the most recently available.
Assumptions for the mix of fuel type and vehicle type
(e.g., light-duty gasoline vehicle, heavy-duty diesel
truck) were derived from the EPA’s State inventory
Tool’s Mobile Combustion module’s assumptions for
the state of Ohio. Trips included in the model were
integrated trips originating within the community and
with the destination within the community, including
both residents and workers in Dublin.
Annually, passenger vehicles transporting Dublin
residents and workers drive an estimated 605,886,495
miles; roughly 12,286 miles per resident. Freight
vehicles are responsible for an estimated 27,131,545
miles during the same period. Together, transportation
in Dublin is responsible for an estimated 274,094 MT
CO2e, the largest single sector in the inventory.
Non-Residential Energy
Data provided by AEP Ohio and Columbia Gas was
used to estimate energy consumption by both
residential and non-residential customers. The data
considers multifamily apartments as commercial
and therefore, non-residential energy. Commercial
and public electricity customers in Dublin consumed
366,836 MWh of electricity in 2022, resulting in an
estimated 175,125 MT CO2e. Additionally, natural
gas customers consumed about 1,289,172 MMBtu,
producing an estimated 68,567 MT CO2e.
The combined non-residential estimate of 243,692
MT CO2e, the second-largest sector in the community
inventory, highlights the important role of the business
sector in Dublin’s energy consumption patterns.
Dublin’s strong office market and corporate presence
means there is lots of space to heat, cool, and light
proportionate to Dublin’s residential population. There
are about 180 square feet of office space per Dublin
resident, compared to 24 square feet for Greater
Columbus as a whole.
Residential Energy
Residential customers in Dublin consumed 169,348
MWh of electricity and 2,300,597 MMBtu of natural
gas in 2022, resulting in emissions of 80,845 MT CO2e
and 122,361 MT CO2e, respectively. Natural gas played
a more significant role in the residential energy sector
and was responsible for about 60% of residential
emissions, likely due to its use as a heating fuel.
Solid Waste, Water, and Wastewater
While these activities occur outside of Dublin,
landfilling solid waste and treating water and
wastewater produces greenhouse gases. Solid waste
emissions were estimated using Rumpke tonnage
data, and water and wastewater emissions were
estimated by prorating City of Columbus data based
on Dublin's share of plant capacity usage.
How does Dublin compare to other
communities?
Comparing Dublin’s community footprint on a per
capita basis allows for comparison across cities of
different sizes. Carmel, indiana, and Columbus, Ohio,
were selected as comparison communities.
Why were these communities chosen?
These two cities were selected due to their available
inventory data, geographic, and climate similarities.
Carmel is located within a major Midwestern
metropolitan area near indianapolis’ interstate 465
loop, similar to Dublin’s location on interstate 270, and
was reviewed during the planning process. The City
has average of 185 sunny days per year compared
to Dublin's an average of 176 sunny days. While
Columbus is significantly more urbanized than Dublin,
the methods and data sources for the two cities
are nearly identical, providing a comparison of local
consumption patterns. Columbus is also located in
the same climate as Dublin but has an average of 178
sunny days per year.
What were the major differences?
Dublin’s estimated greenhouse gas emissions
were higher, on average than these two cities.
Generally, Dublin residents drive more than the peer
communities, with Columbus’ estimated per capita
passenger VMT of 8,067 miles representing ~34%
fewer vehicle miles than Dublin. While Dublin residents
used less electricity than Carmel residents, they used
more natural gas, likely reflecting differences in home
heating fuel choices between the two areas. Dublin
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 31 OCTOBER 2025
Transportation
274,094 MT CO2e
Non-Residential Energy
243,692 MT CO2e
Residential Energy
203,206 MT CO2e
Solid Waste
4,945 MT CO2e
Water & Wastewater
1,923 MT CO2e
727,860 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e)
227,443 MT
36,270 MT
162,304 MT
68,567 MT
122,361 MT
80,845 MT
Gasoline
Diesel D
G
Dublin's Per Capita Emissions: 14.76 MT CO2e per resident (49,314)
12.56 MT CO2e per resident (99,753)
2.48 MT 1.63 MT3.29 MT 1.39 MT5.56 MT
CITY OF CARMEL, IN
1.49 MT 2.90 MT2.71 MT 0.20 MT5.11 MT
10.54 MT CO2e per
resident (905,839)
4.12 MT5.56 MT
CITY OF COLUMBUS, OH
2.40 MT2.99 MT4.72 MT
4.94 MT
Transportation 5.56
Non-Residential 4.94
Residential Energy 4.12
Solid Waste 0.104
Water/Wastewater 0.039
Estimated 2022 Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Community Scale):
Per Capita Emissions (MT CO2e)How does Dublin compare to other
communities?
residents typically used more residential energy than
Columbus residents, with a higher volume of natural
gas consumption being one of the primary drivers.
Across both peer communities, Dublin’s non-residential
energy usage was significantly higher, likely reflecting
the outsized role of office and corporate campuses in
Dublin’s built environment.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202532
EcoDublin Visioning Meeting
Public Survey
Public Workshop
Focus Group Meetings
Business Survey
Visioning session with EcoDublin
team members and discussions
with key city staff members to
build an understanding of current
City-led sustainability programs
and initiatives.
A one-month survey to gain public
opinion and perspectives on topics
of environmental sustainability.
A 90-minute workshop where
community members gained
insights into the Sustainability
Plan and expressed their opinions.
Participants assessed the current
state of sustainability and ranked
their priorities for sustainability
initiatives.
Multiple focus group meetings
were held to gain valuable
feedback on opportunities to
expand or develop partnerships
from partner organizations,
students, the business
community, and City Council.
A follow-up survey distributed to
the larger business community to
gain insight on opportunities to
expand or develop partnerships.
OVERVIEW
The Sustainability Plan engagement effort invited EcoDublin team members, stakeholders, and
the broader community to share input and ideas that have shaped the planning process. This
section details the engagement process, which included stakeholder interviews, an EcoDublin
visioning workshop, community survey, and community workshop.
ENGAGEMENT
6/23/2023
09/28/2023
12/11/2023
1/9/2023
12/4/2023-
12/22/2023
7/25/2023-
8/25/2023
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 33 OCTOBER 2025
ECODUBLIN VISIONING
MEETINGS
The stakeholder interviews involved a series of
dialogues with various City agencies, such as City
Engineering, Fleet Management, and Parks &
Recreation. The intent of the interviews was to
get a grasp on the state of sustainability initiatives
that are currently being undertaken by the City.
The discussions also asked team members to
provide their insights on strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats to City programs.
WHAT WE HEARD
City Utilities
Stormwater management follows EPA guidelines and
conducts water quality sampling throughout the City.
The Waterways Maintenance Program is an effort to
restore City-owned waterways with:
• Bank Stabilization
• Log Jams
• Riparian habitats
• invasive species removal pilot projects
in the Bridge Street District, Dublin is experimenting
with innovative stormwater management methods
including bioretentions, rain gardens, permeable
pavers, and underground storage.
Transportation Mobility
Micromobility is growing in Dublin, with opportunities
to implement CoGo, a bikeshare program offered
in Columbus, as well as supporting an increase of
e-scooters. The City currently has one park and ride
station with planning efforts to connect to future
Northwest Corridor bus rapid transit lines. The West
Dublin Passenger Rail Study is exploring a potential
location to bring passenger rail to the West innovation
District
Fleet Management
The City has a total of 242 vehicles, including plow
trucks and standard vehicles and an award-winning
green fleet comprised of CNG vehicles, electic vehicles
and hybrid vehicles. Part of the fleet services was
expanded through a $2.5 million grant from 2009 for
a CNG Station, which still services the City today. The
City also has fleet services with the school system, as
well as the Washington Township Fire Department.
Parks & Recreation
Public Service currently has 80 full-time staff and 60
part-time staff helping to upkeep 64+ parks. The
Parks & Recreation Department recently updated the
Parks & Recreation Master Plan, which involved heavy
community engagement, and thus reflects updated
community needs and demographics.
Parks maintenance techniques that have been
successful include diversified plant palettes that are
pollinator-friendly and the usage of fewer chemical
treatments in various management practices. Some
issues the public service crews have encountered
in recent years include inconsistency in rainfall and
warmer winters.
Asset Management and Quality Assurance
City of Dublin residents utilize the GoDublin App to
request City services. City departments have done
assessments of City assets and sidewalks, and
identify areas where maintenance is needed and
areas of priority, such as high traffic rights-of-way and
school areas. Next steps for the City's infrastructure
monitoring system include reviewing data and
identifying frequency of updating City services and/or
infrastructure.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202534
SURVEY FINDINGS
From July 25 to August 25, 2023, Dublin residents received a 22-question survey, distributed
via social media, inquiring about their demographics and perspectives on topics of
environmental sustainability. The survey received a total of 165 responses. The following
section highlights some of the responses to questions asked in the Community Survey. On top
of the survey responses, some of the open-response comments highlighted residents' concerns
regarding the trade-off between development and greenspace preservation, as well as a need
for continuous engagement throughout the planning process.
Sustainability Concerns
Nearly all respondents hold some concerns about
having reliable power (94%), utility costs (91%), and
air pollution (91%).
How concerned are you about the following:
The top four concerns for sustainability that people
identified as "Very Concerned" were:
• Air Pollution (67%)
• Ecodiversity/habitat quality (66%)
• Drinking Water Quality (62%)
• Reliable Power (59%)
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 35 OCTOBER 2025
Sustainability Benefits
Nearly all respondents identified conserving/
preserving natural areas and the reduction of waste
as sustainability benefits that were most important to
their households.
Sustainable cities offer a variety of benefits. What benefits are the most
important to your household? Please check all that apply.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202536
Sustainability Measures
Nearly all respondents were interested in and/
or already taking measures for recycling (98%),
improving their home energy efficiency (93%), and
having high-quality landscaping that improves habitat
quality and biodiversity (92%).
What types of sustainability measures is your household interested in
or is currently undertaking?
The top sustainability measures people responded as
"Already Doing" were:
• Recycling (94%)
• Improving home energy efficiency (67%)
• Reducing water usage through low-flow and water-
efficient fixtures (55%)
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 37 OCTOBER 2025
Sustainable services and sustainability options were
ranked "Extremely" and "Very" important in the
following:
• Overall quality of life (62%)
• Where you live/housing (59%)
• Where you eat (48%)
Sustainable Services
Survey respondents identified sustainable services and
sustainability options that have some level of importance
in deciding their overall quality of life (91%), housing/
where you live (89%), and where you eat (89%).
How important are sustainable services and sustainability options
in deciding the following:
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202538
Sustainability Goals
According to survey responses, the City of Dublin's
sustainability goals that garnered the most level of
importance were recycling and diversion (97%) and
sustainability and the built environment (96%). There
was also high overall rankings for natural resources,
energy and air quality, and community engagement
(95% for each goal).
Rank the City of Dublin's seven (7) sustainability goals according to your
priorities or level of importance in your household.
Respondents were also asked to identify their top two
goals. Based on the responses, the top goals that were
prioritized in their households were:
• Natural Resources (20.5%)
• Sustainability and the Built Environment (20.2%)
• Energy and Air Quality (20.2%)
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 39 OCTOBER 2025
Sustainablity-Related Programs and
Organizations
A majority of respondents and/or their family members
have participated in City waste-related events (72.1%).
Other sustainability-related programs and/or organizations
that have higher levels of participation include nature-
based organizations (37%) and sustainability-related
organizations at work or school (20%).
Do you or a family member participate in sustainability-related
programs and/or organizations? Please check all that apply.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202540
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
The 90-minute Community Workshop for the
Dublin Sustainability Plan took place Sept. 28,
2023. Community members had an opportunity
to learn more about the Sustainability Plan
and partake and provide their input on the
state of sustainability and their prioritization of
sustainability initiatives in Dublin. The following
section outlines the three activities that took
place at the workshop.
Dublin Draw Down
The Dublin Draw Down activity began with a
presentation of the data from the Greenhouse
Gas inventory. Emissions data included municipal
emissions and community emissions. Attendees
then discussed high emissions areas, and identified
and prioritized opportunities to draw down their
contributions to emissions. Attendees used colored
puff balls of varying sizes to indicate their perceived
impact of emissions into each emission type, with the
largest balls representing the largest perceived impact.
WHAT WE HEARD
• Participants indicated solid waste and water as the
top categories in which they are taking action.
• The top two emission categories in Dublin, indicated
by participants were electric and transport, which
aligned with existing emissions data.
WATER USAGE
TRANSPORTATiON USAGE
SOLiD WASTE
ELECTRiCiTY USAGE
Step 1: Gather Carbon
Pom Poms
Step 2: Use Pom Poms
to Rank Emissions
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 41 OCTOBER 2025
The Dublin Market
Diversion Program
Drop Off
Rec Center Green R
o
o
f
The Giving Garden
Darree Fields
Community Garden
DUBLIN SUSTAINAB
I
L
I
T
Y
P
L
A
N
MAPPING SUSTAI
N
A
B
L
E
D
U
B
L
I
N
Where would
you like to walk
/ bike but cannot
currently access?
What points of
interest are in
your walkshed?
Other than work,
what destination
to do you drive to
most frequently?
Where do you
walk/bike?
Drop a pin on the map!
Tape your frequent
walking/cycling
routes!
Use tape or pins to
mark areas with limited access.
Use the walkshed
wheel to explore wh
a
t
’
s
around you!
Resilience Mapping
A map of Dublin showing key destinations, parks,
and natural assets was presented via 36"x48" boards.
Participants used masking tape, pins, and sticky
notes to provide feedback regarding micromobility
and shared-use paths, following a series of guiding
questions.
WHAT WE HEARD
• Top walking and biking destinations people marked
were the Dublin Market/Bridge Park, the Dublin Plaza
Shopping Center, and Coffman Park.
• Participants marked routes that were located north of
U.S. Route 33, which were on or adjacent to existing
trails, as well as on Dublin Road and other local streets
that provide access to some of the pinned destinations.
• Glick Road from Carnoustie Drive. to Dublin
Road, Memorial Drive, Avery-Muirfield Drive, and
connections across Scioto River were identified
as non-existent or difficult from a safety/visibility
standpoint.
• The top three most desired mobility improvements
were:
• Safe crossings
• Tree canopy/shade along paths
• Access to regional trails
Equity in Action
This activity was an exploration of existing
sustainability efforts and potential future programming
within Dublin. Attendees voted on programs they
would like to see expanded and/or improved,
or created in the future. Participants were also
encouraged to write a pledge for future participation in
sustainability efforts.
WHAT WE HEARD
• The top current City programs participants would like
to see improved or expanded were:
• Restoration (12)
• Community diversion programs (10)
• Dublin Community Garden (5)
• Dublin Grows Greener (5)
• The top future programs participants were most
interested in seeing in the City were:
• Native Plants, trees, & seeds (8)
• Renewable energy (8)
• Energy efficiency (5)
COMMUNITY DIVERSION P
R
O
G
R
A
M
S
DUBLIN GROWS GREENER
GREENSPOT
Below are a range of susta
i
n
a
b
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-
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a
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p
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a
m
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offered the City of Dublin
t
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s
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more sustainable home and
c
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.
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3
c
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y
o
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w
o
u
l
d
l
i
k
e
t
o
see expanded or improved
.
Dublin hosts drop-off
collection for compost,
styrofoam, and e-waste.
The City offers the Dublin
Grows Greener series with
guidance on sustainable
living.
VOLUNTEER CLEAN-UPS
DUBLIN COMMUNITY GAR
D
E
N
COMMUNITY MARKETS
RESTORATION
MICROMOBILITY
DID WE MISS ANYTHING?
Each year the City offers
opportunities for volunteer
clean-ups such as Earth
Day.
Dublin offers first-come
first-served community
garden plots at Darree
Fields Park.
The City of Dublin sponsors
The Dublin Market at
Bridge Park to support local
businesses.
Invasive plant removal
and restoration projects
to foster environmental
stewardship.
Dublin has launched
several micromobility
pilots, like the Bird
Scooters and CoGo Bike
Share pilot program.
What other Dublin sustainability
p
r
o
g
r
a
m
s
o
r
a
c
t
i
v
i
t
i
e
s
h
a
v
e
you participated in? Write them
h
e
r
e
:
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
GreenSpot is a
membership- based
program for sustainable
education & recognition.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY
P
L
A
N
CURRENT CITY PROGRA
M
S
RESTORATION VO
L
U
N
T
E
E
R
I
N
G
NATIVE PLANT & S
E
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D
S
A
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S
Below are a range
o
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t
a
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a
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offered by Dublin’
s
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in more sustainable
h
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c
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m
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p
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.
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your dots to rank y
o
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r
t
o
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3
c
h
o
i
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e
s
y
o
u
w
o
u
l
d
b
e
m
o
s
t
likely to participate
i
n
.
Community-based
programs empower
residents to become
environmental steward
s
Native plant programs
& native plant sales
connect residents with
resilient landscapes
HOUSEHOLD SOL
A
R
HOME ENERGY EFF
I
C
I
E
N
C
Y
RAINWATER/GRA
Y
W
A
T
E
R
R
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U
S
E
TREE & NATIVE PL
A
N
T
I
N
G
COMMUNITY MICR
O
G
R
A
N
T
S
GREEN BUSINESS
S
U
P
P
O
R
T
Generate solar energy
at home to reduce
energy cost & carbon
footprint
Energy audits & home
retrofits can improve
energy efficiency &
c
u
t
household costs
Using rain or graywate
r
saves water, reduces
costs, & builds a more
resilient household
Bring trees & native
plants to your home or
neighborhood to improv
e
your environment
Small grants can
empower residents
to make sustainable
community change
Green business
incubators & workforce
training foster innovat
i
o
n
& business developme
n
t
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
DUBLIN SUSTAINA
B
I
L
I
T
Y
P
L
A
N
FUTURE PROGRA
M
S
DID WE MISS AN
Y
T
H
I
N
G
?
What other Dublin sus
t
a
i
n
a
b
i
l
i
t
y
p
r
o
g
r
a
m
s
o
r
a
c
t
i
v
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t
i
e
s
h
a
v
e
you participated in? Wr
i
t
e
t
h
e
m
h
e
r
e
:
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202542
FOCUS GROUP SESSIONS
Following public input, the team identified
four groups to conduct more focused
presentations and to gather additional input
on partnership opportunities. Focus group
sessions were held virtually Dec. 11, 2023
and Jan. 4, 2023.
Business Focus Group and Survey
Participants represented businesses from healthcare,
services, retail/wholesale, finance and energy. The
goal of the meeting was to identify the ways in which
businesses are currently practicing sustainability efforts
and discuss opportunities for the City to support
them. in addition to the business focus group session,
a business survey was also distributed to obtain
additional input from the broader business community.
The combined feedback is summarized below.
WHAT WE HEARD
• The top three ways that businesses support
sustainability include: improving building efficiency,
reducing waste and/or implementing diversion
options, and establishing sustainability goals or plans.
• Barriers to sustainability centered around a lack of
financial incentive/cost of improvements and City
ordinances that limit the ability for businesses to
implement sustainability practices.
• Participants identified carbon emissions and energy
usage as the top two categories for City partnership
and support.
Partner Organizations Focus Group
The second focus group engaged regional partners
including COTA, MORPC, and the Franklin Soil and Water
Conservation District. The aim for the meeting was to
discuss current ways in which the City collaborates with
regional partners and identify other success stories or
lessons learned from other partnerships. The discussions
provided valuable insight about ongoing research,
funding opportunities, and programs.
WHAT WE HEARD
• There are opportunities to connect with partners
about ongoing research in adjacent communities, the
City of Columbus, and regional partners. The Ohio
EPA is currently working on a regional watershed and
systems study.
• City of Columbus is currently involved in several
projects that could be of interest to Dublin for
knowledge/data-sharing, such as the green
infrastructure cost analysis.
• MORPC is currently working with AEP on building
efficiency and installing solar. There is a current effort
with AEP on a case study for smart city installation of
solar panels on a wastewater treatment plant.
• The City has a history of participating in programs
through its partners and can continue to expand its
participation (i.e. rain garden installation rebate with
FSWCD).
• Aligning a sustainability vision with partners'
sustainability goals and objectives (i.e. COTA
sustainability plan looking to roll out annual or
biannual reporting on environmental measures).
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 43 OCTOBER 2025
Schools Focus Group
The third focus group engaged four high school
and five elementary students. The presentation
provided some background about sustainability in
cities and an overview of the Sustainability Plan. The
discussions centered around two primary questions:
How have you learned about sustainability and what
sustainability-related programming would you like to
see in schools.
WHAT WE HEARD
How have you learned about sustainability?
Students had varied experiences learning and
practicing sustainability in different contexts. For
example, one student highlighted her work with a
local nature-based organization where she developed
a bird feeder and window stickers for birds. Others
have been practicing sustainability at home by using
reusable bags, installing energy-efficient lighting,
composting, thrifting, and energy-saving measures,
such as lowering the thermostat. At school, students
are participating in limited gardening activities
such as the indian Run Elementary School garden,
engaging with a butterfly/pollinator garden, and
learning about plants and sustainability in high
school. Many students do not ride their bike to
school due to weather conditions and living too far
away from the school. Additionally, students had
participated in various events, such as Earth Day,
food drives, and event composting.
What opportunities are there for incorporating
sustainability at school?
Students identified a number of opportunities for
sustainability in the schools and the classroom.
• Provide recycling in classrooms
• Create a student advocacy group
• Establish curriculum in gardening
• Create an outdoor sustainability classroom/field trip
to learn about sustainability and stewardship
• Provide composting/recycling in the lunchrooms
• increase food systems knowledge/conduct a
student-led food audit
• implement a shared food bin
City Council
The final set of focus group meetings were small group
sessions with members of City Council. The team began
with a presentation outlining the planning process and
findings which was followed by a discussion period for
feedback in three areas summarized below.
WHAT WE HEARD
A Vision for Future Sustainability
This first set of guiding questions focused on the big
picture vision for sustainability.
• Dublin can be a model for sustainability — whether
locally as a self-sustaining city, regionally, or even
internationally. There is a desire to live up to the
green logo. One opportunity that was discussed was
the Metro Center Revitalization project.
• Balancing recommendations with 3-4 high impact
goals, while also making the action equitable by
addressing a range of solutions from residential to
policy was discussed.
• Other topics included community resilience,
externalities, and zero waste.
Leading the Way as a Zero-Carbon City
The next discussion topic centered around identifying
the biggest opportunities to reduce emissions.
• Members mentioned renewable energy infrastructure,
awareness, and education.
• Leveraging commercial and institutional campuses
to reduce energy consumption or a showcase
demonstration project were other suggestions.
Timing and Impact
The final discussion topic addressed the action plan
and significant partnerships with considerations for
measuring impact and prioritizing action.
• The action plan should be dynamic and account for
timing and impact.
• it should set benchmarks that clarify measurable
objectives for success.
• it needs to align with Envision Dublin, especially as
it relates to future development plans and upcoming
commercial development.
• Dublin can lead the way in partnerships for
sustainability action. Opportunity areas include
business partnerships to attract sustainable
manufacturing, improve energy efficiency and school
partnerships for education and advocacy as well as
demonstration projects.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202544
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 45 OCTOBER 2025
GOALS &
THEMES
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202546
ACHIEVING THE VISION
KEY THEMES
Using the key findings from the updated goals, this Sustainability Plan will support the City’s
vision as the most resilient, connected and sustainable global city of choice by pursuing
sustainability actions in four key themes:
Model Sustainable Leadership
The City of Dublin has a history of successful partnerships and collaborations that
drive sustainable innovations. Dublin can leverage these to establish a constellation of
diverse sustainable partners to mobilize support for sustainable actions.
Design Sustainable Communities
Sustainability practices can have the greatest impact on development and the future
of the built environment by improving multi-modal mobility, resiliency, efficiency,
and renewable energy. Strategies include increasing access to transportation
options, enhancing community resiliency, improving energy and water efficiency, and
increasing access, generation, and use of renewable energy.
Support the Natural Environment
Target action in water, ecology, and air. The City of Dublin aims to establish a
community that is ecologically sound for both people and wildlife through the
conservation of parks, open areas, rights-of-way, watersheds, streams, and rivers.
Achieve Zero waste
Move towards a zero waste city that supports a circular economy and is a leader in
waste management and diversion through recycling, reuse, food donating and food
waste composting.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 47 OCTOBER 2025
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202548
MODEL SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP
The City of Dublin has a history of successful partnerships and
collaborations that drive sustainable innovations. Looking ahead, the City
should leverage partnerships and collaborations towards a constellation of
diverse sustainable partners to mobilize support for sustainable actions.
Key Findings
Amplifying Dublin’s Sustainability Story:
Numerous open-ended survey responses indicated
a desire for more robust outreach and education
to ensure Dublin residents are aware of the City’s
sustainability programming and are well-versed
in relevant processes/procedures, such as what is
recyclable and what is not.
Economic Growth: 79% of survey respondents
indicated that economics was significant to their
sustainability goals. 38% of respondents considered
creating jobs/improving the economy as one of the most
important sustainability benefits to their household.
Support Greener Businesses: Further, when
it comes to the importance of sustainability in
where people conduct business, 66% of survey
responses indicated some degree of significance.
The benchmark analysis also identified opportunities
to practice procurement of sustainable materials,
adding compliance tracking mechanisms, establishing
a sustainable business certification program, and/or
creating a zero-emissions building coalition.
City Programming: Several community workshop
participants were interested in seeing current
community market programming expanded and
expressed strong support for more rebate/incentive-
based future sustainability programming and class-
based or hands-on learning opportunities.
Data Democracy: The City can look to peer cities’
efforts, such as the City of Lakewood which developed
an annual carbon budget and annual GHG and energy
use reporting.
Measuring Success
Increase number of partnerships across all
target categories (by target category)
Increase number of businesses participating
in sustainability programs or initiatives
Increase number of regional programs,
planning efforts, or initiatives Dublin is
involved with
Increase number of residents engaged
through outreach & public education
programming
Increase number of outreach actions taken
across all relevant outreach mechanisms
Increase number of residents, volunteers,
and businesses whose volunteer efforts
relate to sustainability Community Priority
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 49 OCTOBER 2025
OBJECTIVE 1.1
Create a Constellation of
Partners
Increase local and regional
collaboration and education
opportunities to advance innovative,
sustainable solutions.
Community Partners
1. Coordinate with the Community Services Advisory
Committee (CSAC) to identify strategies to expand
partnerships with the Community.
A. Develop a communications plan with the
CSAC focused on outreach and education
programming.
WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY SERVICES
ADVISORY COMMISSION?
The Community Services Advisory Committee
(CSAC) serves as Dublin’s community
sustainability team, with the EcoDublin group
serving as staff's internal advisory committee.
The CSAC includes 7 residents appointment
by City Council and meets the second
Tuesday of each month.
2. Engage with HOA leadership and residents to
guide the development of more sustainability-
supportive bylaws and regulations.
A. Provide technical support when needed to aid
resident conversations about sustainability
objectives and barriers to achieving them by:
• Connect HOAs with available resources for solar-friendly guidelines.
• Offering community engagement opportunities for approved partner organizations to provide technical support for interested residents at events.
3. Create sustainability-focused community volunteering
opportunities to empower residents to be active
participants in City-led sustainability processes.
A. Establish separate sustainability volunteering
section on Dublin’s “Volunteer Service
Opportunities” web page to offer a “one-
stop-shop” for accessing City-led volunteer
opportunities.
B. Work with Dublin non-profits to populate
volunteer opportunities on sustainability
volunteering section to help promote
involvement.
C. Incorporate sustainability specific education
and programing into volunteer recruitment
efforts & events, and leverage opportunities to
provide marketing and engagement for local
sustainability-related businesses.
D. Recruit Sustainability Ambassadors to oversee
sustainable volunteer services for the City.
Case Study
TRAVERS LAKE NEIGHBORHOOD SOLAR
Composed of primarily single family detached
housing, the Travers Lake neighborhood in Ann
Arbor is managed and regulated by the Lake
Travers Community Association. Residents desired
the ability to install solar panels on their homes but
were limited due to HOA regulations that required
written approval from all neighbors within sightlines
of the house intending to install solar.
To address this issue, neighbors formed a Solar
Committee to identify strategies for making
solar more accessible alongside engaging their
community to build awareness and buy-in for
more expanded solar opportunities. This resulted
in adopting new HOA guidance that permits solar
with no approval letters as well as creating simple
standards for the building modifications necessary
to accommodate solar installation. They further
created an annual “Solarize Ann Arbor” event to
promote community participation in expanding
solar installations.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202550
E. Partner with existing Community Sustainability
Leader volunteer programs or create a City-
run program to empower residents to be
educators and build engagement around the
City’s sustainability initiatives.
F. Create a City-staffed sustainability booth at
the Dublin Market at Bridge Park.
G. Add a compost bin to the Giving Garden
and use it as an educational opportunity for
volunteers to learn more about composting.
4. Increase outreach through expanding and
developing new outreach materials to promote
City sustainability programs and incentives.
A. Expand outreach efforts for participation in
sustainability related programming, such
as the native plan and compost bin rebate
program run through the Franklin Soil and
Water Conservation District.
B. Facilitate neighborhood educational outreach
sessions to build awareness and buy-in for
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) at a
residential scale.
C. Create a series of educational materials about
types of “upcycling” materials and upcycling at
home.
Signature Events
5. Use Dublin's signature annual events as a platform
to lead by example and build awareness of City
sustainability efforts.
A. Create a new Sustainability Fair annual (or
seasonal) event that engages and educates
residents on City sustainability programming
alongside providing opportunities for
marketing and engagement for local
sustainability-related businesses.
B. Leverage the Dublin Irish Festival roadmap
developed by the DIF Sustainability Committee
to expand volunteer engagement focused on
waste management for other signature annual
City-led events.
C. Collaborate with the Dublin Arts Council to
create an art installation at a high visibility
City facility, such as the Dublin Community
Recreation Center, to use for education on
sustainability initiatives.
D. Hire a consultant to review the Dublin Irish
Festival’s current sustainability initiatives
and implement recommendations on future
programs, including those that will lower the
carbon footprint and help it become a zero-
waste event (e.g. a 90% diversion rate, per
the Ohio EPA)
Institutional Partners
6. Leverage school partnerships to offer sustainability
programs at schools. This could include the
following:
A. Coordinate with Dublin City Schools (DCS) and
other local K-12 institutions to pilot educational
programs for sustainability in school.
• Establish curriculum in gardening.
• Create an outdoor sustainability classroom/ field trip to learn about sustainability and stewardship (ie trash pick-up at natural area)
• Increase food systems knowledge/conduct a student-led food audit.
B. Encourage student advocacy group and/or
create parent sustainability group to explore
and identify opportunities for sustainability
actions or programs in school.
Case Study
AUSTIN COMMUNITY CLIMATE AMBASSADORS
Identified as a strategy in the Austin Climate Equity Plan and established in
2021, Austin’s Community Climate Ambassador’s program engages residents as
advocates for sustainability in their communities. Participants receive training on
environmental justice, community engagement, and how to support the Climate
Equity Plan’s implementation strategies. In addition to monthly meetings & training
workshops, Ambassadors are responsible for engaging their communities to foster
deeper relationships between neighbors, building more nuanced understandings
of resident perceptions of climate issues, and develop community action projects.
AUSTIN CLIMATE EQUITY PLANAUSTIN CLIMATE EQUITY PLAN
2020-212020-21
Austin Climate Equity Plan
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 51 OCTOBER 2025
7. Discuss increasing the diversion rate in schools.
A. Offer recycling and composting in classrooms
and lunchrooms.
B. Implement a shared food bin at schools to
reduce food waste.
8. Work with local higher education institutions or
research-based institutions.
A. Continue pursuit of green education pipeline
between local K-12 and higher education
institutions.
B. Identify existing university programming aimed
at primary to high school level students and
promote participation by local K-12 institutions.
C. Begin outreach to relevant university
departments and centers to build more
formal relationships to leverage over time for
collaborative sustainability programming.
Business/Private Sector Partners
9. Expand engagement with local businesses on their
sustainability initiatives.
A. Establish a corporate volunteering page with
the implementation of the new volunteer
management system that highlights
sustainable volunteer opportunities. This web
page may also feature successful events (e.g.
litter clean ups, invasive plant removals, native
pollinator plantings) and partnerships with
companies such as Veeva and Safeware.
B. Use the new volunteer management system to
track corporate volunteering participation.
10. Create new opportunities for public private
partnerships through sustainability leadership and
programming.
A. Create an annual carbon drawdown challenge
for local businesses.
B. Develop a formal partnership program
to engage local green businesses related
to solar, building efficiency, or other
sustainability services around incentives,
collective purchasing agreements, and other
mechanisms for improving accessibility to
residential energy efficiency improvements.
C. Continue to partner with sustainability
contractors to reduce waste at community
events.
WHAT IS A CARBON DRAW DOWN?
A Carbon Drawdown Challenge would
be a voluntary program that challenges
businesses to reduce their emissions by a
set percentage, evaluated on an annual
basis. Evaluations are performed by the
participating businesses and help to
support more transparent conversations
about the logistics and O&M challenges
to reducing carbon impacts and
strategies to overcome common barriers.
Non-Profit Organizations
11. Engage with local and regional non-profits to align
City sustainability efforts with ongoing community
programs.
A. Identify existing non-profit organizations
working in the region related to sustainability
(e.g. community gardening, restoration
volunteering) to establish a Dublin-based
sustainability non-profit list.
B. Explore opportunities to collaborate
with Dublin-based non-profits to embed
sustainability outreach & education into non-
profit programming with a focus on youth-
oriented non-profits.
C. Leverage non-profit capacity to expand
opportunities for and access to community
gardening and other food production spaces.
Highlight
In 2023, Ohio State University launched an ambitious
new initiative to integrate sustainability throughout the
University’s system through community engagement
alongside education and research. Spurred by growing
interest in sustainable workforce development and
a growing call for greater emphasis on sustainability
in education, the yearlong planning effort resulted in
the creation of a Sustainability Education and Learning
Committee tasked with overseeing key action steps
identified through the planning process.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202552
Regional Organizations
12. Foster collective impact through regional
collaboration.
A. Work to build strong partnerships with regional
organizations focused on sustainability and
resilience planning.
KEY PARTNERSHIPS:
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District
Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio
Central Ohio Transit Authority
U.S. Green Building Council Ohio
Ohio Sustainable Business Council
Green Columbus
Stratford Ecological Center
Rails to Trails
B. Continue to pursue opportunities to
participate in regional planning efforts
related to sustainability and regional growth
management.
C. Connect with surrounding cities to identify
opportunities for aligned planning efforts and
City developments related to transportation,
parks, trails, and natural space preservation.
OBJECTIVE 1.2
Integrate local planning
contexts
Ensure local planning efforts are
integrating sustainable actions.
Envision Dublin
1. Incorporate sustainable actions into the Envision
Dublin implementation.
A. Incorporate multi-modal transportation
recommendations from Envision Dublin, which
will in turn reduce emissions.
B. Incorporate sustainability objectives and
relevant actions from the Sustainability Plan
into evaluation criteria for reviewing future
draft planning, code, or other regulatory
developments.
Parks and Recreation Master Plan
2. Incorporate sustainable actions into the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan implementation.
A. Emphasize value of open or natural space
investments and programming alongside
planned recreational improvements.
B. Support the long-term objective of utilizing
best practices for parks & open space
development as they relate to sustainability
community education programming.
C. Prioritize neighborhood-park connectivity
through new park acquisitions that would
create more points of access and connection
to existing parks & trails.
EV Infrastructure Comprehensive Plan
3. Prioritize the implementation of planning strategies
and actions that support Dublin's sustainability goals.
A. Adopt the EV Infrastructure Comprehensive
Plan at City Council.
B. Implement recommendations from the EV
Infrastructure Comprehensive Plan.
Future Planning
4. Incorporate sustainability into future planning efforts.
A. Identify opportunities for the EcoDublin team
to be incorporated as a stakeholder in future
planning efforts.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 53 OCTOBER 2025
OBJECTIVE 1.3
Amplify Dublin’s
Sustainability Story
Develop clear and consistent
communications regarding events,
programs, and opportunities for
community participation.
1. Collaborate with the Dublin Arts Council to foster
art that highlights or explores sustainability topics.
A. Pursue grant opportunities for the funding
of an artist residency program that aims to
increase public participation levels.
2. Improve outreach outcomes by incorporating new
engagement tools, increasing outreach frequency,
and streamlining outreach material creation
processes.
A. Perform annual engagement methods review
and survey peer cities for new practices or
strategies that could improve outreach efficacy.
B. Continue promotion across all social media
platforms and explore additional opportunities
for increased promotion.
C. Develop a media toolkit that will include
templates and branding for sustainability
communications on digital and print platforms
to maximize outreach methods.
OBJECTIVE 1.4
Embed Equity into
Sustainability Leadership
Incorporate an equity lens into
sustainability efforts to maximize access
and participation by all Dublin residents.
Equitable Evaluation
1. Establish a process to measure participation levels in
City programs that captures diversity-related metrics.
A. Analyze PACE Program participation annually to
understand diversity of impacts and participation
gaps to inform more targeted outreach.
B. Incorporate a sustainability section in the
annual community survey to establish and track
participation in environmental programs (i.e.
Community Gardens) and waste management
programs (i.e. compost drop-off).
Equitable Access
2. Ensure new City incentive programs related to
sustainability are easily accessible and make
sustainability actions more affordable for all residents.
A. Explore implications and opportunities rental
property owners when designing residential-
oriented programming.
B. Diversify outreach methods to mitigate
potential access barriers, such as limited
internet access or English language fluency, by
using a combination of digital, print, and other
mechanisms, alongside strategic translations.
C. Align sustainability outreach efforts with ongoing
DEI initiatives and objectives to ensure that
sustainability is approachable for all.
KEY DEI OBJECTIVES INCLUDE:
Support leadership development
Facilitate education and awareness
Monitor service delivery
Increase workforce diversity
Support diversity among Dublin businesses
Provide affordable transportation
Highlight
While renters may not be in a position to influence
major building improvements, there are many types
of programs that could benefit renters alongside
homeowners. Programs such as rebates that incentivize
the use of energy efficient appliances or replacing
weatherstripping can improve access to more energy
efficient options for both renters and homeowners.
Dublin can also increase its program impact on renters
by creating outreach materials that focus on the ways
landlords can benefit from sustainability investments,
such as energy efficiency improvement measures.
Having more comfortable units with lower utility costs
for renters can make for better marketing and tenant
retention. Replacing inefficient fixtures in common
areas that property owners maintain can improve renter
experiences while reducing long-term costs and yielding
direct savings for landlords.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202554
OBJECTIVE 1.5
Champion Green Business
Create an ecosystem that encourages
and supports the growth of
environmentally friendly businesses,
buildings, markets, and technology.
Green Business Development
1. Build off the City’s practice of sustainable
purchasing outlined in administrative orders.
A. Pursue a revised AO to expand sustainable
purchasing preference that emphasizes
circular products, such as those that employ
take-back mechanisms or material re-use.
B. Perform annual exploratory reviews of the
region's existing businesses that could provide
products or services that satisfy sustainable
procurement policies.
C. Develop a sustainability clause for City
engineering/construction contracts that require
or incentivize more sustainable services, such
as a requirement for building material recycling
during building demolition.
2. Develop new programs to recognize, reward, and
promote green business practices.
A. Establish a Green Business Leadership
Roundtable comprised of leaders from local
businesses, institutions, DCS, and City officials
to identify, engage, and promote leaders in
sustainable businesses from within Dublin’s
local business community.
B. Create City-provided green business
certifications for local businesses to acknowledge
and reward sustainability improvements.
• Trade businesses that offer efficiency services.
• Retail businesses engaged in recycling, local/sustainable procurement, energy efficiency measures, and other sustainable practices.
• Hospitality businesses engaged in recycling, local procurement, reducing food waste, energy efficiency measures, and other sustainable practices.
• Incorporate a green building recognition component to highlight local best practitioners and create an inventory of green buildings to track progress.
• Incorporate criteria to certify energy efficient rental housing options.
C. Develop a green service provider directory on
the city website drawing from certified local
businesses.
Green Workforce Development
3. Recruit, train, and retain a skilled local government
workforce to implement municipal sustainability
actions.
A. Identify existing positions that will be responsible
for implementing new sustainable practices and
programs across City Departments.
B. Engage with Human Resources to
evaluate current hiring criteria and desired
qualifications for new hires in sustainability
related positions to reflect skill or capacity
needs for Sustainability Plan implementation.
C. Evaluate current Staff skills and knowledge to
identify capacity gaps that could be addressed
through trainings and targeted professional
development.
Case Study
CITY OF AUSTIN GREEN BUSINESS
CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Cities throughout the US have developed their own
Green Business Certification programs to reward
local businesses for engaging in sustainable business
practices. The City of Austin has offered a Green
Business Certification for over 10 years, drawing a
wide range of participating businesses from local
restaurants to national or multi-national corporations
like Dell and Samsung.
This voluntary program evaluates businesses through
a scorecard that covers 7 categories, including water,
energy, and community stewardship. After submitting
a scorecard, City staff visit the business to review
their green business practices and evaluate the
scorecard, after which the business can be awarded
with one of 3 recognition levels – Silver, Gold, and
Platinum – depending on their scorecard results.
The City also offers guidance to help businesses
interested in Green Business Certification navigate
the process.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 55 OCTOBER 2025
4. Explore feasibility of a green business incubator in
collaboration with the existing business community
and local educational institutions.
A. Pursue adaptive-reuse approach to aging
business parks to diversify uses and create more
dynamic, attractive business environments.
B. Leverage the ongoing Metro Center revisioning
process to explore feasibility of guiding Metro
Center Revitalization towards Just Communities
(formerly EcoDistrict) qualifications.
Highlight
WHAT DOES A SUSTAINABLE
WORKFORCE LOOK LIKE? HERE ARE
SOME EXAMPLES:
EV MAINTENANCE: Keeping a fleet of vehicles
in good condition requires a significant amount of
coordination and skill, made more complicated
by electric vehicles that require new, specialized
knowledge. Ensuring that Dublin’s Fleet Management
team are well trained in maintaining EVs will ensure
the City’s fleet continues to be reliable and effective
while creating more capable, knowledgeable staff.
PARK MAINTENANCE: Creating more sustainable,
ecologically regenerative natural spaces requires
new strategies and skills to maintain a high quality
of parks and open space. Training existing park
management and maintenance staff to be more
effective stewards of natural features can help
ensure Dublin’s green spaces are vibrant, healthy,
and beautiful while providing deeper ecological and
resilience-building functions.
Case Study
SEAHOLM ECODISTRICT
The EcoDistrict certification is well suited for the
revitalization of underutilized commercial or industrial
areas, exemplified by the Seaholm EcoDistrict in Austin,
Texas. Formerly host to the City’s Seaholm power plant
and most of the City’s power and water infrastructure,
the 85-acre brownfield site has been redeveloped into
a multi-purpose mixed-use district anchored by the
decommissioned Seaholm building.
While redevelopment efforts had been underway since
2001, in 2014 the City joined the EcoDistricts’ Target
Cities program to guide and strengthen Seaholm
redevelopment efforts. With guidance and training
from the EcoDistrict program, the City and its Seaholm
EcoDistrict Leadership Advisory team have undergone a
radical transformation of the brownfield redevelopment
process, resulting in a visionary new space for
community and commerce.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202556
OBJECTIVE 1.6
Institutionalize the use of
Sustainability Data
Standardize and expand the use of
Sustainability Data throughout City
operations to continually measure and
evaluate Sustainability Plan progress.
Internal Data Management
1. Create a formal data management strategy
and processes through collaboration between
departmental sustainability leads and the
Innovation & Technology department to support
ongoing measurement and evaluation of
sustainability outcomes.
A. Catalogue all data sources related to
Sustainability Plan metrics, including
department and Staff position(s) responsible,
frequency of collection, output format, and any
additional processing required for usability.
B. Establish a process for reporting of Plan
metrics from respective responsible
departments to Staff responsible for managing
public data hub that sets clear expectations
for timely reporting.
C. Develop a data management training series
to build data-use capacity throughout the City
with strategic emphasis on Departments and
Staff related to key data generating operations.
D. Conduct a Greenhouse Gas Inventory every
2-3 years.
Transparent Impact Measurement
2. Create a public sustainability dashboard with up-
to-date progress measures to help communicate
sustainability actions and impact.
A. Identify additional sustainability-related goals,
objectives, and actions in current and future
plans that should be incorporated into or
referenced in the dashboard.
B. Explore technical feasibility of linking to website
pages of sustainability programs or opportunities
from related plan items on the dashboard.
"Communicate actual results and/or
improvements from the programs so
the public can see there is a difference
because of the work being done."
- Community Survey Response
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 57 OCTOBER 2025
Key Findings
De-Carbonize the Built Environment: The
community ranked sustainability and the built
environment in the top three most important areas to
prioritize.
Maximize Energy Efficiency: Dublin has recently
updated most lighting fixtures to LED and is rapidly
maximizing energy efficiency across City facilities.
However, Dublin has an opportunity to focus efforts
on energy efficiency and conservation efforts at the
community scale. Other communities are working to
establish energy goals, energy efficiency certification
programs for residential and commercial uses.
Renewable: The City is leading efforts with 100%
renewable energy at City facilities and has recently
revised zoning code regulations surrounding the use
of renewable energy equipment for solar, including
rules regarding location, materials, and aesthetics
for installation on residential and non-residential
properties. Building off these efforts, the City should
pursue opportunities to establish microgrids and
maximize solar energy generation on commercial
buildings and underutilized areas. The support for
the community is already in place. 67% of survey
respondents indicated that they were interested in
renewable sources for home energy such as solar and
wind. The City is currently working towards achieving
SolSmart Designation and emphasizing education in
solar and renewable energy.
Active Transportation: Dublin has made significant
progress towards expanding access to micro-mobility
and multi-modal transportation options with the
opportunity to continue to reduce emissions from
transportation. Transportation emissions are the
highest category in the community emissions at
274,094 metric tons of CO2 from passenger and
freight traffic. Looking ahead, Dublin can pilot best
practices in multi-modal development that reduces
barriers to active transportation.
DESIGN SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
Dublin is a resilient community that strives to provide the best quality of life
and environment for all residents. The City aims to offer a variety of living,
entertainment and recreational experiences through its neighborhoods and
business districts, which are connected, integrated, environmentally friendly,
and attractive to all.
Measuring Success
Decrease percent annual vehicle miles
traveled (VMT) reduction
Increase number of residents participating in
community programs
Increase number of adaptive reuse
developments
Reduce energy used by residential and
commercial properties by 2% annually to
reach 20% reductions by 2035
Reduce water use by the City, residents, and
local businesses by 2% annually to reach
20% reductions by 2035
Increase percent of fleet composed of EV or
cleaner fuel vehicles by electrifying 45% of
the City's light-duty fleet by 2035
Increase number of charging stations in Dublin
by carrying out the recommendations in
the EV Infrastructure Comprehensive Plan
Increase percent of new construction
participating in green building programs
Community Priority
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202558
OBJECTIVE 2.1
Multi-Modal City
Provide our increasingly diverse
community access to a range of
transportation options, connecting
more people to more places.
Car Alternatives
1. Reduce Single Occupancy Vehicle Commuting.
A. Expand development of sustainable
transportation infrastructure.
B. Expand the capacity of the City's municipal
bikeshare program by increasing the City's
fleet of e-bikes with grant funds.
C. Include carpooling & other alternatives to
single occupancy driving into green business
certification criteria.
D. Implement recommendations related to
EV public education materials & outreach
strategies from the EV Infrastructure
Comprehensive Plan.
Transit
2. Enable Transit-Supportive Places.
A. Incorporate National Association of City
Transportation Officials (NACTO) Green
Transitway guidance such as the use of rain
gardens and other GSI landscape features into
design of future mobility hubs.
B. Identify priority areas for new transit supportive
development to align with future route or service
expansions defined in COTA planning materials.
C. Create opportunities to engage in public/
private partnerships with developers interested
in transit ready developments to shape new
built environments to be ready for future
transit expansion.
D. Encourage transit ridership by installing
canopies and furniture for rider comfort and
cooling, which further contributes to reducing
overall heat island effects.
E. Identify locations for car-free or car-light
zones that can be paired with high density
urban development to create a high-quality
and safe pedestrian environment.
COMMON ELEMENTS OF SUCCESSFUL
TRANSIT SUPPORTIVE DEVELOPMENT FROM
THE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION:
Smaller unit and lot sizes, which increase
density and shorten walking distances.
Wide and inviting sidewalks to encourage
people to get out of their cars.
Local-serving retail shops that draw residents
and patrons from surrounding neighborhoods.
Inclusion of a recognized public place—an
area for outdoor movies, farmers’ markets,
community festivals, and community
interaction.
A development center void of automobiles
and dedicated to pedestrians and community-
building activities.
Support of the local jurisdiction.
Public/private partnerships.
Complete Green Streets
3. Increase active transportation and micro-mobility.
A. Pursue Walk Friendly Community and Gold-
level Bicycle Friendly Community designation.
B. Continue to perform a biennial accessibility
audit of existing walking & cycling
infrastructure to identify any existing
accessibility barriers for redressing.
C. Continue to expand bike maintenance & safe
storage amenities.
4. Foster the development of complete green streets.
A. Initiate a cool corridors program aimed to
reduce heat impacts and improve walking
comfort for pedestrians by prioritizing canopy
additions using the Tree Equity Score and
urban Heat Island Severity.
B. Build on existing Complete Streets efforts
to further incorporate green infrastructure
features to maximize co-benefits, such as
improved stormwater management and
reduced urban heat effects alongside social
and health benefits of increased greenery.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 59 OCTOBER 2025
OBJECTIVE 2.2
Adapted City
Foster greater adaptive capacity
through community resilience building
and adaptive or sustainable building
development.
Community Resilience
1. Empower communities to engage in neighborhood
planning processes focused on disaster resilience
and emergency preparation at the community level.
A. Promote & facilitate neighborhood disaster
resilience planning.
B. Collaborate with local nonprofits to develop
City-led emergency supply program to collect
donations and provide no-cost supplies to lower-
income families.
Adaptive Reuse
2. Foster an adaptive reuse approach to
redevelopment.
A. Assess current processes and identify
potential opportunities to clarify the regulatory
processes, provide centralized information
about funding opportunities, and offer
guidance on best practices.
B. Create new incentives for adaptive reuse that
reduce permitting fees, loosen conformance
requirements, or provide tax rebates/waivers.
C. Explore alternative building requirements for
commercial buildings greater than 3 stories
that offer more flexible future use potential
than stick-frame methods.
New Development
3. Assess what standards could be updated to
incorporate higher standards for building
performance and energy conservation.
A. Review and identify energy efficiency
standards in adopted local and statewide
building codes and standards.
B. Engage plan review staff, local builders,
and developers to understand potential
standard implementation tradeoffs, including
applicability to residential structures.
C. Hire a consultant to review the code to identify
any inconsistencies related to sustainable
development.
Model codes or standards for consideration
may include:
• International Green Construction Code (IgCC)
• ICC 700 National Green Building Standard
• ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1-2017, Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
• ASHRAE Standard 55, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy
• ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2019, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
• ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
D. Encourage the use of rain barrels and cisterns
for water reclamation, consistent with the
Stormwater Management Design Manual.
4. Create a Green Neighborhoods subcommittee
of EcoDublin comprised of staff from key city
divisions with influence on the development
process in collaboration with CSAC.
A. Perform annual review of current best
practices for green development regulations
and construction standards for opportunities
to revise existing standards such as the
Neighborhood Design Standards and
Conservation Design Resolution.
5. Expand and maintain programs that provide
incentives and funding to encourage green
development and sustainable building methods.
A. Increase frequency of outreach and medium
(social media, print, local news) used to
promote existing programs such as PACE.
B. Extend existing sustainability and development
incentives (§ 153.041) to additional zoning
districts where appropriately suited for
intended density bonuses.
6. Incorporate new incentives for new construction
to promote green building or development
certifications, including LEED, SITES, WELL, Green
Globes and Energy Star across all zoning categories.
A. Provide companies access to programs that
encourage building “green” by incorporating
additional internationally recognized programs
such as Green Globes and the EPA-led Energy
Star program.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202560
In Hastings, New Zealand, local energy
provider, Unison, faced the challenge
of designing a replacement facility for
their Windsor Substation Switchroom,
which was soon to be decommissioned.
Repositioning this challenge as an
opportunity, Unison designed a
new Switchroom that would satisfy
infrastructural needs while performing
as a Living Building, one of the highest
standards for energy efficiency and green
building design. The new Switchroom
offers a wide range of environmental
services and efficiency measures,
including native plantings that mimic
the site’s ecological history, rainwater
harvesting, innovative green building
materials such as Cross-Laminated Timber
(CLT), net positive solar generation, and
recycled building materials.
Case Study
UNISON NETWORKS
WINDSOR SUBSTATION
SWITCHROOM,
HASTINGS, NZ
Image courtesy of Unison Networks
In 2022, building energy (electric and
natural gas) accounted for 71% of
emissions while 18% of emissions was
attributed to fleet vehicles.
Dublin’s current electricity contract is
100% renewably sourced.
7. Exemplify green building methods through future
municipal building design and construction.
A Evaluate future municipal new construction
needs to identify a pilot Living Building
Challenge project.
OBJECTIVE 2.3
Efficient City
The City of Dublin can have a positive
impact on reducing emissions to
meet federal air quality standards by
continuing to focus on conserving
energy and transition to renewable and
cleaner energy sources.
Improve Energy Efficiency
1. Achieve carbon neutrality by reducing energy
consumption and emissions to the greatest extent
possible and offsetting remaining emissions
through carbon removal and mitigation strategies.
A. Develop annual energy use reports and
greenhouse gas emissions estimates for City
buildings to monitor progress towards energy
and emissions reductions goals.
B. Hire a consultant to identify opportunities for
energy efficiency improvements in municipal
facilities and develop a facilities action plan that
identifies, prioritizes, and estimates costs for
energy efficiency improvements and retrofits.
C. Work with an outside partner or consultant
to identify and quantify potential carbon
mitigation practices and strategies for
implementation within Dublin city limits, such
as reforestation of city-owned or managed
properties or sequestration.
D. Optimize City building performance by
continuing to install energy efficient
appliances, such as fitting all City restrooms
with energy efficient hand dryers.
2. Reduce energy used by residential and commercial
properties by 2% annually to reach 20%
reductions by 2035.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 61 OCTOBER 2025
A. Increase energy efficiency for existing housing
and rental properties through outreach and
incentive programming.
D. Improve system efficiency over time through
investments in innovative technology, with an
emphasis on smart technologies that enhance
monitoring capabilities.
E. Re-evaluate maintenance processes to identify
opportunities to incorporate additional quality
checks on water infrastructure during routine
maintenance to more efficiently find and
address equipment failures.
• Produce annual progress report to communicate issues identified and solutions implemented to identify common issues and best practices for addressing them over time.
4. Reduce water use by residential & commercial
facilities by 2% annually to reach 20% reductions
by 2035.
A. Establish regular data sharing protocols with
the City of Columbus to monitor water use
by residential and non-residential customers
within Dublin city limits and track progress.
B. Explore feasibility of rebate program for water
efficient appliance purchases.
C. Promote water conservation through native
landscaping and turf conversion.
Success Story
A combined heat and power generator
was installed at the Dublin Community
Recreation Center, which drastically
increases fuel efficiency and decreases
CO2 emissions.
• Explore cost-feasibility of rebate program for energy efficient appliance purchases.
• Develop local business inventory of suppliers for energy efficient appliances and other home goods.
B. Increase energy efficiency for existing
commercial properties through outreach and
incentive programming.
• Establish a program to recognize building owners/management that invests in building efficiency measures.
• Expand and promote energy efficiency-related programming and incentives for commercial property in Bridge Street and ID zoning districts.
C. Explore feasibility of establishing new
finance mechanisms for energy efficiency
improvements.
• Pursue start-up grant funding for a revolving loan fund through the US DOE Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund Capitalization Grant Program.
• Establish a micro-grant program for small businesses and lower-income residents to invest in weatherization, efficient appliances/fixtures, and other home efficiency measures.
Improve Water Efficiency
3. Reduce water use by City buildings & facilities by
2% annually to reach 20% reductions by 2035.
A. Engage Facilities Management to establish
a water use inventory on all City buildings &
facilities to inventory activities that use water
and the types of fixtures or water-related
equipment used.
B. Retrofit all non-water efficient fixtures
throughout all City buildings & facilities with
water-efficient alternatives.
C. Explore opportunities to pilot water re-use
strategies at high-visibility public facilities.
Case Study
WATER CONSERVATION IN GREELEY,
COLORADO
The City of Greeley, Colorado fosters residential water
conservation through a robust conservation program.
Their initiatives encompass components such as free
water audits for residents and businesses that focus on
leak detection and efficient appliance use. Residents
benefit from personalized recommendations and free
low-flow fixtures post-audit. Greeley also calculates rates
utilizing water budgets for single-family homes based
on family size, landscape area, and real-time weather.
Residents that stay within budget pay lower prices,
incentivizing efficient use. Greeley also offers rebates
for indoor water fixtures and lawn retrofits, encouraging
sustainable practices. Community education plays a
crucial role, with extensive outreach through media,
events, and direct interactions, ensuring residents are
informed and engaged in water conservation efforts.
Over 20 years, these efforts have helped to reduce water
use across the City by 20%, with average gallons per
capita per day for residential users dropping from 162
to 100. They maintain steady decreases in residential
water use despite having experienced significant
population growth.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202562
Case Study
ANN ARBOR MUNICIPAL CENTER, ANN
ARBOR, MICHIGAN
In 2010 the City of Ann Arbor was tasked with
renovating its existing City Hall building. Not content
to simply update the building itself, the design
team set out to create a space that is “designed to
raise awareness of water cycles and detain 100%
of stormwater runoff on-site while serving as an
engaging open space complete with public art and
social gathering areas.”
The new site features extensive rain gardens
interwoven with pedestrian bridges, a stormwater
cistern that feeds a bronze fountain in one of
the main plazas, publicly accessible green roofs,
permeable pavers as parking lot surfacing, and more
than 30 native plant species that support overall
system function and a natural aesthetic.
OBJECTIVE 2.4
Renewable City
Increase the use of renewable energy
by the City, residents, and local
businesses.
Electric Vehicles
1. Reduce dirty diesel/standard fuel vehicles from the
City’s light-duty fleet.
A. Electrify 45% of the City's light-duty fleet by
2035.
B. Actualize recommendations from the EV
Infrastructure Comprehensive Plan regarding
replacement of light-duty fleet vehicles and
potential heavy duty electric vehicles as
technology advances.
C. Implement recommendations from the
EV Infrastructure Comprehensive Plan to
create public-private collaborative funding
mechanisms to promote new EV charging
stations in multi-family and commercial
developments.
D. Carry out the EV Infrastructure Comprehensive
Plan's recommended implementation targets
to increase Level 2 and DCFC port availability
2035.
Community Aggregation
2. Revisit the potential for a community aggregation
program.
A. Explore developing a community aggregation
program supported by Ordinance 35-01 through
partnership with a renewable energy provider.
Municipal Solar
3. Increase the use of renewable energy sources at
City facilities.
A. Identify opportunities to further electrify parks
and facilities maintenance equipment.
B. Identify infrastructure needs to increase
electric vehicles and equipment within parks
and facilities maintenance.
C. Assess existing rights-of-way along major City-
maintained corridors and arterials for sites with
sufficient area to support solar installations.
D. Explore cost and maintenance feasibility
of solar surfacing materials for new or
rehabiliated trails.
Residential & Commercial Solar
4. Increase renewable energy generation and storage
for residents & commercial buildings.
A. Evaluate current regulation and explore
opportunities for changes that could increase
access to solar panels.
B. Encourage a group solar purchase program
to help communities organize resources,
access solar providers, and design for multi-
household solar projects.
Image Source: Landscape Performance Series
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 63 OCTOBER 2025
Key Findings
When asked how important existing sustainability
plan goals are, 75% of survey participants considered
Natural Resources extremely or very important.
Prioritize Native Species: There is a desire for
native and/or adapted planting on city facilities as
well as residential and commercial properties. 45% of
survey participants reported using high quality/native
landscaping at their home, with an additional 47%
saying they were interested in doing so.
Think Holistically About Water Management:
21% of participants reported already engaging in
reclaimed or collected water, while an additional 61%
said they were interested in doing so.
Dublin has a Robust Tree Canopy: As a member
and participant of the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City
USA program for over 35 years, the City maintains a
robust forestry program. Dublin conserves a high tree
equity score and has a robust inventory of tree data.
SUPPORT THE NATURAL
ENVIRONMENT
The City of Dublin aims to establish a community that is ecologically sound for
both people and wildlife through the preservation of parks, open areas, rights-
of-way, watersheds, streams, and rivers. We work to safeguard habitats,
convert open areas, parks, and city spaces to include native plants and trees,
build buffer zones along our waterways, and promote biodiversity.
Measuring Success
Increase number of natural area City pilot
projects implemented annually
Increase number of acres of open space that
benefited from invasive removal efforts
Increase number of trees planted annually
Increase number of waterways maintenance
program projects completed annually
Increase tree equity score
Increase number of participants in
Community Backyards program
Increase number of acres of additional open
space acquired or preserved through City
actions
" Always think about Green space!"
"Improve awareness of pollinator friendly gardens vs lawns with herbicides."
"More events at parks to enjoy green space and do things to appreciate nature."
- Community Survey Responses
Community Priority
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202564
OBJECTIVE 3.1
Blue City
Improve the quality of municipal
and natural water resources through
regional collaboration and more robust
water quality programs and regulations.
Water Management
1. Coordinate with regional organizations and utility
providers to expand and deepen Dublin’s water
planning efforts & coordination.
A. Collaborate Dublin’s water management efforts
with regional water adaptation strategies and
planning objectives.
• Maintain continued engagement in regional water planning efforts, such as the Rapid 5 project and Sustaining Scioto.
• Continue to explore adoption of regional water policies & guidance resulting from new planning efforts.
B. Create a One-Water Framework that unifies all
City water-related planning efforts with a holistic
approach to City-wide water management.
2. Incorporate water efficiency strategies such as
stormwater retention and reuse into new municipal
developments and redevelopment projects.
A. Champion a pilot project at a community park
for on-site stormwater retention and reuse that
explores the feasibility of installing underground
storage capacity at new or redeveloped parks.
Water Resource Protection
3. Continue to develop capacities and procedures for
maintaining and improving water quality in critical
natural waterways.
A. Leverage ongoing water quality monitoring
processes to reduce stream impairment.
• Assess water quality monitoring data to identify the most common types of stream impairments found in Dublin streams.
• Develop a toolkit of remediation strategies in collaboration with Ohio EPA, regional colleges and universities, and consultant support.
• Collaborate water quality monitoring efforts with the ongoing Waterways Maintenance Program through the annual Water Quality Action Plan to inform prioritization of waterways initiatives.
B. Collaborate with regional colleges or universities
and/or the Ohio Department of Natural
Resources, with consultant support as necessary,
to create pest and invasive management plans.
• Expand existing Integrated Pest Management planning efforts to guide all municipal pest control efforts.
C. Build on current practices related to
monitoring critical waterways for illegal
discharges, including field observation
protocols and response measures.
D. Add an illegal or suspicious discharge report
option to the GoDublin app.
4. Reduce private contributions to stream impairment
through expanded code enforcement and
community outreach.
A. Regularly review & update erosion control
requirements to reflect current best
management practices.
B. Assess erosion and sediment control
inspection processes to identify areas for
strengthened oversight.
C. Review Section 51.02 of the Development
Code for opportunities to provide more
robust guidance on design and installation
requirements for on-site sewage disposal.
D. Create new outreach materials about best
practices for household sewage treatment
systems maintenance and how to identify
potential contamination issues.
E. Help connect residents to technical assistance
providers related to well-water quality
measuring and septic maintenance.
Nature-Based Solutions and Green
Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI)
5. Deepen City engagement with nature-based
solutions (NBS).
A. Retrofit city-owned stormwater detention
basins to pilot Green Stormwater
Infrastructure (GSI) features alongside public
education components such as interpretive
signage to build awareness of NBS.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 65 OCTOBER 2025
WHAT IS GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE?
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) refers
to a number of nature-based solutions for
managing stormwater by slowing, filtering,
retaining, and absorbing stormwater alongside
material solutions that reduce overall
impervious surface area. Common GSI features
include:
• Bioswales
• Green Roofs
• Constructed Wetlands
• Rainwater Capture
• Permeable Pavers
• Rain Gardens
• Infiltration Planters
While some GSI features such as bioswales
are often large scale in nature, many
features such as raingardens and retention
planters can be easily integrated into
existing municipal landscapes to enhance
stormwater management while providing
high-visibility examples for building public
awareness and buy-in.
B. Continue to expand the use of nature-based
solutions used for the design of City building
beyond GSI to incorporate passive heating/
cooling strategies, such canopy shading or
hedge windbreaks.
6. Establish new community-centered programs to
promote and expand the use of nature-based
solutions.
A. Expand existing Community Backyards
program to include a Rain Garden Cost
Share Program with Franklin Soil and Water
Conservation District.
B. Engage with the Franklin Soil and Water
Conservation District to build off existing
participation in the Community Backyard
program to partner on a Commercial Business
Rebate for implementing NBS improvements.
C. Identify opportunities to incorporate NBS
improvements into existing incentive
programs, such as the Commercial Façade
Improvement Program.
7. Increase resident and neighborhood participation
in City efforts to expand GSI.
A. Expand the existing Stormwater Grant
program available to HOAs to apply to
additional GSI features such as bioswale
medians or raingarden curb cuts.
B. Collaborate with local GSI-related businesses,
such as engineers or landscape designers to
provide technical assistance to neighborhoods
looking to incorporate GSI into their
community stormwater infrastructure.
Highlight
The City of Columbus offers a Columbus
Business Rebate program through
the Community Backyards program
in collaboration with the Franklin
Soil and Water Conservation District.
Businesses and non-profits can receive
a reimbursement of up to $2,500 for
eligible projects such as rainwater
collection systems, native plantings,
permeable pavement, and other green
infrastructure or stormwater retrofits.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202566
OBJECTIVE 3.2
Regenerative City
Protect, preserve, and regenerate
Dublin’s environment throughout the
City, leading by example through City-
led projects and more ecologically-
driven development processes.
Natural Areas
1. Enhance the quality of natural spaces on City-
owned land through pilot projects, future planning,
and coordination of maintenance and management.
A. Explore feasibility for pilot project opportunities
at city facilities, such as new pollinator habitat
plantings or graywater re-use projects.
• Pilot wildlife habitat plantings at city facilities.
• Pilot rainwater capture and graywater re-use projects at City facilities and parks.
B. Support expansion and acquisition of future
natural areas through implementation of the
Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
• Support citizen led efforts outlined in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
• Focus on strategic land acquisition to support expanded open space in accordance with the Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
C. Establish ecological criteria drawing from the
UN Sustainable Development Goals and ICLEI
resources to guide all future planning efforts.
D. Strengthen management and coordination for
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and
maintenance of natural areas.
• Audit current mowing SOPs & identify locations where it is feasible to minimize mowing frequency, such as non-active recreation vegetative features.
E. Create a centralized database of the upper-,
mid-, and understory canopy vegetation.
• Develop internal capacity to measure and evaluate carbon sequestration impacts from City-managed canopies and woodlots (see Appendix for sample methodology).
F. Strengthen ongoing invasives management
efforts by producing an annual invasives
prioritization plan.
2. Improve new development practices regarding the
preservation of existing natural features.
A. Strengthen new or redevelopment
requirements for open space to specify higher
percentages of native and/or adapted plantings
and to prioritize non-turf green space.
• Promote the prioritization of native perennial and annual vegetation in addition to existing Neighborhood Design Guidelines regarding trees and hedgerows.
• Encourage the creation of pocket prairies as an alternative to lawn requirements in both the Neighborhood Design Guidelines and other development code landscape requirements such as § 153.135.
B. Collaborate with local environmental groups
to build capacity for a program to collect
native plants during pre-construction of
new greenfield developments to propagate
for municipal plantings and share through
community programs.
C. Amend soil erosion and sediment control
plan requirements to recommend prioritizing
the maintenance of undisturbed existing
vegetation for more resilient erosion control by
maintaining deeper root systems in place.
D. Establish requirements for new developments
to reuse existing topsoil for new landscape
features where possible.
E. Continue to promote the use of native plants
when reviewing Beautify Your Neighborhood
Grant applications.
Image Source: Landscape Performance Series
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 67 OCTOBER 2025
3. Evaluate city restrictions on landscaping plant
height, plant debris or leaves, and material
aesthetic preferences to remove potential barriers
to residential participation in sustainable practices
A. Identify landscape material requirements
(§ 153.135) that could allow allow for native
planting features. This could include:
• Allowing for native perennial and annual plantings that do not comply with existing size requirements for shrubs and hedges.
• Allow native annuals to exist in lawns.
Air Quality
4. Support ongoing MORPC efforts to assess air
quality with a City focus on the impacts of
roadway emissions.
A. Partner with MORPC to determine appropriate
remediation steps, should the Air Quality
Index indicate a high level of air pollution.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202568
Key Findings
Waste Management is a Central Component
of Sustainability: 83% of survey participants
considered reducing waste as one of the most
important sustainability benefits to their household.
Many Dublin Residents Participate in Some
Form of Waste Management and Diversion: 93%
of participants reported already recycling, while 50%
reported already composting alongside an additional
32% who reported they are interested in doing so.
There is Support for Expanded Waste
Management and Diversion: Workshop participants
enthusiastically supported expanded community
diversion programs, including working to expand
compost collection and creating new recycling
programs.
Improving Waste Management Reduces
Emissions: Solid waste emissions is the fourth largest
category of emissions at the community-scale with
5,145 metric tons CO2e from landfilling and processing.
ACHIEVE ZERO WASTE
The City of Dublin has a long history of leading the way in central Ohio by
providing recycling to our residents free of charge. This recycling program
has evolved over the years to accommodate and encourage increased
recycling and diversion of waste from our landfills. Educational efforts, re-
sizing of recycling bins, community and neighborhood recycling events, and
an e-waste drop-off location are a few of the ways the City has worked to
improve community waste diversion.
Measuring Success
Increase ease of access recycling drop off
locations
Establish baseline and measure quantity of
materials donated (lb)(soft recyclables
and craft materials)
Reuse or recycle at least 50% of
demolition/deconstruction materials
from commercial or multifamily
redevelopment projects (tons)
Decrease municipal solid waste (tons) per
capita annually
Increase diversion rate (tons) per capita to
60% in five years and 80% in ten years
Increase styrofoam diversion rate (bags/
yr) by 50% every three years
Community Priority
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 69 OCTOBER 2025
OBJECTIVE 4.1
Circular City
Reduce overall waste generation and
foster a more sustainably-oriented
economy through cyclical economics,
expanded access to recycling and
composting, and greater connectivity
with local food-related industries.
Circular City
1. Formalize deconstruction and material reuse as
standard operating procedures for redevelopment.
A. Establish a Deconstruction Ordinance that builds
off current city practices for deconstruction in
municipal building projects, extending to all
residential and commercial building projects that
fit any of the following criteria:
• Involves the removal of buildings constructed before 1960 (e.g. San Antonio, TX).
• Has an estimated project budget that exceeds $150,000 (e.g. Oakland, CA).
• Has a development footprint of 10,000 sqft or greater (e.g. Hawthorne, CA).
B. Explore feasibility of utilizing existing or new
municipal building space to develop a building
material reuse center.
2. Foster the development of circular industries
through programming that supports the reuse of
cyclical materials.
A. Identify and engage with organizations to
establish a “Soft Recycling Program.”
B. Collaborate with the DAC to create a craft
material recycling program that accepts
donations of craft goods to repurpose for
community art programs.
C. Establish a list of businesses that will
upcycle different materials in Dublin and the
surrounding area.
3. Prioritize the establishment of circular economy
through food systems.
A. Host a roundtable session with food industry
representatives to identify opportunities
to facilitate more sustainable food system
processes or products (such as packaging,
transportation, waste management).
4. Foster behavioral changes around food waste
through collaboration with local food pantries to
provide food donation programming for residents
and local businesses.
A. Collaborate with local food pantries to
promote food donation collection points at
key City buildings like the Dublin Community
Recreation Center.
B. Create a food donation program to help connect
food-related businesses (including grocers,
restaurants, etc.) with food donation receiving
organizations or businesses.
Case Study
SAN ANTONIO
MATERIAL INNOVATION CENTER
In 2022, the City of San Antonio’s Office of Historic
Preservation Partnered with the Port of San Antonio
to use underutilized historic building space as the
site of a Material Innovation Center (MIC) alongside
their existing Living Heritage Trades Academy. In
complement to the traditional building skills trainings
provided by the Academy, the MIC serves as a
collection and distribution depot for deconstructed
building materials that help provide the raw materials
for both students and local contractors.
Beginning by providing accessible recycled materials
and material recycling, long-term the MIC aims to
foster the development of a robust circular economy
through workforce training, innovative material
solutions, and robust material salvage and recycling
capacity across both the public and private sectors.
Image Source: San Antonio ReUse (sareuse.com)
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202570
5. Mitigate the climate impacts of traditional food
systems by connecting residents and Dublin
businesses with local food producers.
A. Develop partnerships with Visit Dublin, the
Chamber of Commerce, and other relevant
organizations to create opportunities for
agricultural producers from the broader
Dublin area to connect with local food-related
businesses.
Recycling & Diversion
6. Expand community recycling through continued
education and improved accessibility.
A. Explore potential opportunities to increase
commercial recycling programs to provide
recycling access for multifamily residents.
• Work with developers on identifying opportunities to provide adequate space for trash, recycling and food waste in the design of new developments.
B. Pilot an additional styrofoam, e-waste, and
compost drop off location at a central location
in Dublin.
C. Expand e-waste drop-off to one (1) additional
City building to increase accessibility.
D. Continue to engage with the City’s waste hauler
and SWACO to increase recycling education
efforts.
• Collaborate with businesses and community organizations to display materials.
• Leverage community events to provide public outreach on the importance of diversion.
E. Explore feasibility of incorporating an
integration on the City’s recycling webpage to
allow residents to search material by name and
determine the appropriate disposal method.
F. Offer additional recycling bins or a larger size
option at the request of residents to ensure no
recycling ends up in trash bins due to limited
recycling bin capacity.
G. Develop new mechanisms for collecting "hard-
to-recycle" items such as eyeglasses.
H. Partner with SWACO to help residents and the
business community determine appropriate
ways to divert hard-to-recycle materials.
"Education (needs to be repetitive).
How to recycle, how to support the
compost program, how to support
the styrofoam recycling. How do
we enable restaurants, bars, etc to
recycle."
- Community Survey Response
7. Expand residential composting capacity through
partnerships, greater access, and education.
A. Expand the composting program to provide
another drop-off location for increased
accessibility.
B. Develop and promote how-to materials and
support programming to encourage backyard
composting.
C. Engage with local haulers to explore the
feasibility of a partnership for curbside
compost pick-up. The cost would be
determined as part of the feasibility study.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 71 OCTOBER 2025
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202572
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 73 OCTOBER 2025
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202574
ACTION PLAN
DECODING THE PATH TO ACTION
The Action Plan tables on the following pages outline the key strategies and actions that lay
on the path to a more sustainable Dublin. Use the key below to understand how the different
table categories are broken down and what key actors may be involved in each step. An
overview of the implementation plan that lists the goals by implementation timeframe, rather
than in chapter order, can be found on pages 96 and 97.
Legend Leads
OCM =Office of the City Manager
C&M =Communications & Marketing
O&E =Outreach & Engagement
ED =Economic Development
CPD =Community Planning &
Development
T&M =Transportation & Mobility
P&R =Parks & Recreation
HR =Human Resources
I&T =Innovation & Technology
AMQA =Asset Management & Quality
Assurance
Impact
Direct =Results in Lower GHG Emissions
Indirect =Lowers GHG Emissions
from Related Activities
Cost
$=$0 - $49,999
$$=$50,000 - $149,999
$$$=$150,000 - $499,999
$$$$=$500,000+
Timeframe
1 - 3 Years
3 - 7 Years
7+ Years
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 75 OCTOBER 2025
MODEL SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
Community Partners
1.1.1. Coordinate with the Community
Services Advisory Commission (CSAC)
to identify strategies to expand
partnerships with the community.
1.1.1.A. Develop a communications plan
with the CSAC focused on outreach and
education programming.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years OCM
1.1.2. Engage with HOA leadership and
residents to guide the development of
more sustainability-supportive bylaws
and regulations.
1.1.2.A. Provide technical support when
needed to aid resident conversations
about sustainability objectives and barriers
to achieving them.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
CPD
1.1.3 Create sustainability-focused
community volunteering opportunities
to empower residents to be active
participants in City-led sustainability
processes.
1.1.3.A. Establish separate sustainability
volunteering section on Dublin’s
“Volunteer Service Opportunities” web
page to offer a “one-stop-shop” for
accessing City-led volunteer opportunities.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years O&E
1.1.3.B. Work with Dublin non-profits to
populate volunteer opportunities on
sustainability volunteering section to help
promote involvement.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years O&E
1.1.3.C. Incorporate sustainability specific
education and programing into volunteer
recruitment efforts & events, and leverage
opportunities to provide marketing and
engagement for local sustainability-related
businesses.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years O&E
1.1.3.D. Recruit Sustainability
Ambassadors to oversee sustainable
volunteer services for the City.
Indirect $7+ Years O&E
1.1.3.E. Partner with existing Community
Sustainability Leader volunteer programs
or create a City-run program to empower
residents to be educators and build
engagement around the City’s
sustainability initiatives.
Indirect $7+ Years O&E
1.1.3.F. Create a City-staffed sustainability
booth to deploy at the Dublin Market at
Bridge Park.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
1.1.3.G. Add a compost bin to the Giving
Garden and use it as an educational
opportunity for volunteers to learn more
about composting
Indirect $1 - 3 Years O&E
1.1. Create a constellation of partners: Increase local and regional collaboration and education opportunities to
advance innovative, sustainable solutions.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202576
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
1.1.4.A. Expand outreach efforts for
participation in sustainability related
programming, such as the native plant
and compost bin rebate program run
through the Franklin Soil and Water
Conservation District.
Indirect $In Progress C&M
1.1.4.B. Facilitate neighborhood
educational outreach sessions to build
awareness and buy-in for Green
Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) at a
residential scale.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years C&M
1.1.4.C. Create a series of educational
materials about types of “upcycling”
materials and upcycling at home.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years C&M
1.1.5. Use Dublin's signature annual
events as a platform to lead by
example and build awareness of City
sustainability efforts.
1.1.5.A. Create a new Sustainability Fair
annual (or seasonal) event that engages
and educates residents on City
sustainability programming alongside
providing opportunities for marketing and
engagement for local sustainability-related
businesses.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years OCM
1.1.5.B. Leverage the Dublin Irish Festival
roadmap developed by the DIF
Sustainability Committee to expand
volunteer engagement focused on waste
management for other signature annual
City-led events.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Events
1.1.5.C. Collaborate with the Dublin Arts
Council to create an art installation at a
high visibility City facility, such as the
Dublin Community Recreation Center, to
use for education on sustainability
initiatives.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years P&R
1.1.5.D. Hire a consultant to review the
Dublin Irish Festival’s current
sustainability initiatives and implement
recommendations on future programs,
including those that will lower the carbon
footprint and help it become a zero waste
event (e.g. a 90% diversion rate, per the
Ohio EPA)
Direct $$3 - 7 Years Events
1.1.4. Increase outreach through
expanding and developing new
outreach materials to promote City
sustainability programs and incentives.
Signature Events
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 77 OCTOBER 2025
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
1.1.6.A. Coordinate with Dublin City
Schools (DCS) and other local K-12
institutions to pilot educational programs
for sustainability in school.
Indirect $$7+ Years OCM
1.1.6.B. Encourage student advocacy
group and/or create parent sustainability
group to explore and identify opportunities
for sustainability actions or programs in
school.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
1.1.7.A. Offer recycling and composting in
classrooms and lunchrooms. Direct $3 - 7 Years OCM
Public Service
1.1.7.B. Implement a shared food bin at
schools to reduce food waste.Direct $3 - 7 Years OCM
Public Service
1.1.8.A. Continue pursuit of green
education pipeline between local K-12 and
higher education institutions.
Indirect $$7+ Years OCM
1.1.8.B. Identify existing university
programming aimed at primary to high
school level students and promote
participation by K-12 institutions.
Indirect $7+ Years OCM
1.1.8.C. Begin outreach to relevant
university departments and centers to
build more formal relationships to leverage
over time for collaborative sustainability
programming.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
1.1.9.A. Establish a corporate volunteering
page with the implementation of the new
volunteer management system that
highlights sustainable volunteer
opportunities.
Indirect $In Progress O&E
ED
1.1.9.B. Use the new volunteer
management system to track corporate
volunteering participation.
Indirect $In Progress O&E
1.1.10.A. Create an annual carbon
drawdown challenge for local businesses. Direct $3 - 7 Years ED
1.1.10.B. Develop a formal partnership
program to engage local green businesses
related to solar, building efficiency, or
other sustainability services around
mechanisms for improving accessibility to
residential energy efficiency
improvements.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years ED
1.1.10.C. Continue to partner with
sustainability contractors to reduce waste
at community events.
Direct $$7+ Years Events
1.1.8. Work with local higher
education institutions or research-
based institutions.
1.1.7. Discuss increasing the diversion
rate in schools.
Institutional
1.1.6 Leverage school partnerships to
offer sustainability programs at
schools.
1.1.10. Create new opportunities for
public private partnerships through
sustainability leadership and
programming.
1.1.9. Expand engagement with local
businesses on their sustainability
initiatives.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202578
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
1.1.11.A. Identify existing non-profit
organizations working in the region related
to sustainability (e.g. community
gardening, restoration volunteering) to
establish a Dublin-based sustainability
non-profit list.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years O&E
1.1.11.B. Explore opportunities to
collaborate with Dublin-based non-profits
to embed sustainability outreach &
education into non-profit programming
with a focus on youth-oriented non-profits.
Indirect $7+ Years O&E
1.1.11.C. Leverage non-profit capacity to
expand opportunities for and access to
community gardening and other food
production spaces.
Indirect $7+ Years O&E
1.1.12.A. Work to build strong partnerships
with regional organizations focused on
sustainability and resilience.
Indirect $7+ Years OCM
1.1.12.B. Continue to pursue opportunities
to participate in regional planning efforts
related to sustainability and regional
growth management.
Indirect $7+ Years OCM
1.1.12.C. Connect with surrounding cities
to identify new opportunities for aligned
planning efforts and City developments
related to transportation, parks, trails, and
natural space preservation.
Indirect $7+ Years OCM
1.2.1.A. Incorporate multi-modal
transportation recommendations from
Envision Dublin, which will in turn reduce
emissions.
Direct $$7+ Years CPD
1.2.1.B. Incorporate sustainability
objectives and relevant actions from the
Sustainability Plan into evaluation criteria
for reviewing future draft planning, code, or
other regulatory developments.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years CPD
1.1.11. Engage with local and regional
non-profits to align City sustainability
efforts with ongoing community
programs.
Envision Dublin
1.1.12. Foster collective impact
through regional collaboration.
1.2.1. Incorporate sustainable actions
into the Envision Dublin
implementation.
1.2. Integrate in local and regional planning contexts: Ensure local planning efforts are integrating sustainable
actions.
Regional Organizations
Non-Profit Organizations
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 79 OCTOBER 2025
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
1.2.2.A. Emphasize value of open or
natural space investments and
programming alongside planned
recreational improvements.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years P&R
CPD
1.2.2.B. Support the long-term objective of
utilizing best practices for parks & open
space development as they relate to
sustainability community education
programming.
Indirect $$7+ Years P&R
1.2.2.C. Prioritize neighborhood-park
connectivity through new park acquisitions
that would create more points of access
and connection to existing parks & trails.
Indirect $$$7+ Years P&R
1.2.3.A. Adopt the EV Infrastructure
Comprehensive Plan at City Council.Indirect $1 - 3 Years T&M
1.2.3.B. Implement recommendations
from the EV Infrastructure Comprehensive
Plan.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years T&M
1.2.4. Incorporate sustainability into
future planning efforts.
1.2.4.A. Identify opportunities for the
EcoDublin team to be incorporated as a
stakeholder in future planning efforts.
Indirect $In Progress CPD
1.3.1. Collaborate with the Dublin Arts
Council to foster art that highlights or
explores sustainability topics.
1.3.1.A. Pursue grant opportunities for the
funding of an artist residency program that
aims to increase public participation
levels.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years P&R
OCM
1.3.2.A. Perform annual engagement
methods review and survey peer cities for
new practices or strategies that could
improve outreach efficacy.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
1.3.2.B. Continue promotion across all
social media platforms and explore
additional opportunities for increased
promotion.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years C&M
1.3.2.C. Develop a media toolkit that will
include templates and branding for
sustainability communications on digital
and print platforms to maximize outreach
methods.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
1.2.3. Prioritize the implementation of
planning strategies and actions that
support Dublin's sustainability goals.
EV Infrastructure Comprehensive Plan
Future Planning
Parks & Recreation Master Plan
1.3 Amplify Dublin’s Sustainability Story: Develop clear and consistent communications regarding events, programs,
and opportunities for community participation.
1.2.2. Incorporate sustainable actions
into the Parks and Recreation Master
Plan implementation.
1.3.2. Improve outreach outcomes by
incorporating new engagement tools,
increasing outreach frequency, and
streamlining outreach material
creation processes.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202580
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
1.4.1.A. Analyze participation in the PACE
Program annually to understand the
diversity of impacts and identify
participation gaps to inform targeted
outreach.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years ED
1.4.1.B. Incorporate a sustainability
section in the annual community survey to
establish and track participation in
environmental programs and waste
management programs.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
1.4.2.A. Explore implications and
opportunities for rental property owners
when designing residential-oriented
programming.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years OCM
1.4.2.B. Diversify outreach methods to
mitigate potential access barriers, such as
limited internet access or English language
fluency, by using a combination of digital,
print, and other mechanisms, alongside
strategic translations.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years
C&M
O&E
DEI
Committee
1.4.2.C. Align sustainability outreach
efforts with ongoing DEI initiatives and
objectives to ensure that sustainability is
approachable for all.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years
C&M
O&E
DEI
Committee
1.5.1.A. Pursue a revised AO to expand
sustainable purchasing preference that
emphasizes circular products.
Direct $3 - 7 Years OCM
Finance
1.5.1.B. Perform annual exploratory
reviews of the region's existing businesses
that could provide products or services
that satisfy sustainable procurement
policies.
Direct $3 - 7 Years OCM
ED
1.5.1.C. Develop a sustainability clause for
City engineering/construction contracts
that requires or incentivizes more
sustainable services, such as a
requirement for building material recycling
during building demolition.
Direct $1 - 3 Years OCM
Finance
1.5. Champion Green Business: Create an ecosystem that encourages and supports the growth of environmentally
friendly businesses, buildings, markets, and technology.
Green Business Development
1.4. Embed Equity into Sustainability Leadership: Incorporate an equity lens into sustainability efforts to maximize
access and participation by all Dublin residents.
Equitable Evaluation
Equitable Access
1.4.1. Establish a process to measure
participation levels in City programs
that captures diversity-related metrics.
1.4.2. Ensure new City incentive
programs related to sustainability are
easily accessible and make
sustainability actions more affordable
for all residents.
1.5.1. Build off the City’s practice of
sustainable purchasing outlined in
administrative orders.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 81 OCTOBER 2025
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
1.5.2.A. Establish a Green Business
Leadership Roundtable comprised of
leaders from local businesses, institutions,
DCS, and City officials to identify, engage,
and promote leaders in sustainable
businesses from within Dublin’s local
business community.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years OCM
ED
1.5.2.B. Create City-provided green
business certifications for local
businesses to acknowledge and reward
sustainability improvements.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
1.5.2.C. Develop a green service provider
directory on the city website drawing from
certified local businesses.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
1.5.3.A. Identify existing positions that will
be responsible for implementing new
sustainable practices and programs across
city departments.
Indirect $In Progress HR
1.5.3.B. Engage with Human Resources to
evaluate current hiring criteria and desired
qualifications for new hires in
sustainability related positions to reflect
skill or capacity needs for Sustainability
Plan implementation.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years HR
1.5.3.C. Evaluate current Staff skills and
knowledge to identify capacity gaps that
could be addressed through trainings and
targeted professional development.
Indirect $$$3 - 7 Years HR
1.5.4.A. Pursue an adaptive-reuse
approach to aging business parks to
diversify uses and create more dynamic,
attractive business environments.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years CPD
ED
1.5.4.B. Leverage the ongoing Metro
Center revisioning process to explore
feasibility of guiding Metro Center
Revitalization towards Just Communities
(formerly EcoDistrict) qualifications.
Direct $$$$7+ Years CPD
ED
1.5.4. Explore feasibility of a green
business incubator in collaboration
with the existing business community
and local educational institutions.
1.5.3. Recruit, train, and retain a skilled
local government workforce to
implement municipal sustainability
actions.
Green Workforce Development
1.5.2. Develop new programs to
recognize, reward, and promote green
business practices.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202582
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
1.6.1.A. Catalog all data sources related to
Sustainability Plan metrics, including
department and Staff position(s)
responsible, frequency of collection,
output format, and any additional
processing required for usability.
Indirect $$1 - 3 Years OCM
I&T
1.6.1.B. Establish a process for reporting of
Plan metrics from respective responsible
departments to Staff responsible for
managing public data hub that sets clear
expectations for timely reporting.
Indirect $In Progress OCM
I&T
1.6.1.C. Develop a data management
training series to build data-use capacity
throughout the City with strategic
emphasis on Departments and Staff
related to key data generating operations.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years OCM
I&T
1.6.1.D. Conduct a Greenhouse Gas
Inventory every 2-3 years.Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
I&T
1.6.2.A. Identify additional sustainability-
related goals, objectives, and actions in
current and future plans that should be
incorporated into or referenced in the
dashboard.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years
OCM
CPD
C&M
1.6.2.B. Explore technical feasibility of
linking to website pages of sustainability
programs or opportunities from related
plan items on the dashboard.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
1.6.2. Create a public sustainability
dashboard with up-to-date progress
measures to help communicate
sustainability actions and impact.
1.6.1. Create a formal data
management strategy and processes
through collaboration between
departmental sustainability leads and
the Innovation & Technology
department to support ongoing
measurement and evaluation of
sustainability outcomes.
1.6 Institutionalize the use of Sustainability Data: Standardize and expand the use of Sustainability Data throughout
City operations to continually measure and evaluate Sustainability Plan progress.
Internal Data Management
Transparent Impact Measurement
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 83 OCTOBER 2025
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
2.1.1.A. Expand development of
sustainable transportation infrastructure.Direct $$$$7+ Years T&M
2.1.1.B. Expand the capacity of the City’s
municipal bikeshare program by
increasing the City’s fleet of e-bikes with
grant funds.
Direct $$7+ Years T&M
2.1.1.C. Include carpooling & other
alternatives to single occupancy driving
into green business certification criteria.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years T&M
2.1.1.D. Implement recommendations
related to EV public education materials &
outreach strategies from the EV
Infrastructure Comprehensive Plan.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years T&M
2.1.2.A. Incorporate National Association
of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)
Green Transitway Guidance, such as the
use of rain gardens and other GSI
landscape features, into the design of
future mobility hubs.
Direct $$7+ Years T&M
2.1.2.B. Identify priority areas for new
transit supportive development to align
with future route or service expansions
defined in COTA planning materials.
Indirect $In Progress T&M
2.1.2.C. Create opportunities to engage in
public/private partnerships with
developers interested in transit ready
developments to shape new built
environments to be ready for future transit
expansion.
Indirect $$7+ Years CPD
2.1.2.D. Encourage transit ridership by
installing canopies and furniture for rider
comfort and cooling, which further
contributes to reducing overall heat island
effects.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years T&M
2.1.2.E. Identify locations for car-free or
car-light zones that can be paired with high
density urban development to create a high-
quality and safe pedestrian environment.
Direct $3 - 7 Years T&M
2.1. Multi Modal City: Provide our increasingly diverse community access to a range of transportation options.
Connecting more people to more places.
Car Alternatives
Transit
2.1.2. Enable Transit-Supportive
Places.
2.1.1. Reduce Single Occupancy
Vehicle Commuting.
DESIGN SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202584
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
2.1.3.A. Pursue Walk Friendly Community
and Runner Friendly Community
designation.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years T&M
2.1.3.B. Continue to perform a biennial
accessibility audit of existing walking &
cycling infrastructure to identify any
existing accessibility barriers for
redressing.
Indirect $In Progress AMQA
2.1.3.C. Continue to expand bike
maintenance & safe storage amenities.Indirect $$$3 - 7 Years T&M
2.1.4.A. Initiate a cool corridors program
aimed to reduce heat impacts and improve
walking comfort for pedestrians by
prioritizing canopy additions using the Tree
Equity Score and Urban Heat Island
Severity.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years T&M
2.1.4.B. Build on existing Complete Streets
efforts to further incorporate green
infrastructure features to maximize co-
benefits.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years
P&R
Public Service
Engineering
2.2.1.A. Promote & facilitate neighborhood
disaster resilience planning.Indirect $7+ Years Police
2.2.1.B. Collaborate with local nonprofits
to develop City-led emergency supply
program to collect donations and provide
no-cost supplies to lower-income families.
Indirect $7+ Years O&E
Police
2.2.2.A. Assess current processes and
identify potential opportunities to clarify
the regulatory processes, provide
centralized information about funding
opportunities, and offer guidance on best
practices.
Indirect $In Progress CPD
2.2.2.B. Create new incentives for adaptive
reuse.Indirect $$3 - 7 Years CPD
ED
2.2.2.C. Explore alternative building
requirements for commercial buildings
greater than 3 stories that offer more
flexible future use potential than stick-
frame methods.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years CPD
Community Resilience
Adaptive Reuse
2.2.1. Empower communities to
engage in neighborhood planning
processes focused on disaster
resilience and emergency preparation
at the community level.
Complete Green Streets
2.2. Adapted City: Foster greater adaptive capacity through community resilience building and adaptive or sustainable
building development
2.1.4. Foster the development of
complete green streets.
2.1.3. Increase active transportation
and micro-mobility.
2.2.2. Foster an adaptive reuse
approach to redevelopment.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 85 OCTOBER 2025
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
2.2.3.A. Review and identify energy
efficiency standards in adopted local and
statewide building codes and standards.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years CPD
2.2.3.B. Engage plan review staff, local
builders, and developers to understand
potential standard implementation
tradeoffs, including applicability to
residential structures.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years CPD
2.2.3.C. Hire a consultant to review the
code to identify any inconsistencies
related to sustainable development.
Indirect $$1 - 3 Years CPD
2.2.3.D. Encourage the use of rain barrels
and cisterns for water reclamation,
consistent with the Stormwater
Management Design Manual.
Indirect $$1 - 3 Years CPD
2.2.4. Create a Green Neighborhoods
subcommittee of EcoDublin
comprised of staff from key city
divisions with influence on the
development process in collaboration
with CSAC.
2.2.4.A. Perform annual review of current
best practices for green development
regulations and construction standards for
opportunities to revise existing standards.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years CPD
2.2.5.A. Increase frequency of outreach
and medium (social media, print, local
news) used to promote existing programs
such as PACE.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years CPI
ED
2.2.5.B. Extend existing sustainability and
development incentives (§ 153.041) to
additional zoning districts where
appropriately suited for intended density
bonuses.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years CPD
ED
2.2.6 Incorporate new incentives for
new construction that promote green
building or development certifications,
including provisions for LEED, SITES,
WELL, Green Globes and Energy Star
across all zoning categories.
2.2.6.A. Provide companies access to
programs that encourage building “green”
by incorporating additional internationally
recognized programs.
Direct $3 - 7 Years CPD
ED
2.2.7. Exemplify green building
methods through future municipal
building design and construction.
2.2.7.A. Evaluate future municipal new
construction needs to identify a pilot Living
Building Challenge project.
Direct $$$$7+ Years CPD
Facilities
New Development
2.2.5. Expand and maintain programs
that provide incentives and funding to
encourage green development and
sustainable building methods.
2.2.3. Assess what standards could be
updated to incorporate higher
standards for building performance
and energy conservation.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202586
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
2.3.1.A. Develop annual energy use reports
and greenhouse gas emissions estimates
for City buildings to monitor progress
towards energy and emissions reductions
goals.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Facilities
I&T
2.3.1.B. Hire a consultant to identify
opportunities for energy efficiency
improvements in municipal facilities and
develop a facilities action plan that
identifies, prioritizes, and estimates costs
for energy efficiency improvements and
retrofits.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years Facilities
2.3.1.C. Work with an outside partner or
consultant to identify and quantify
potential carbon mitigation practices and
strategies for implementation within
Dublin city limits.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years OCM
2.3.1.D. Optimize City building
performance by continuing to install
energy efficient appliances, such as fitting
all City restrooms with energy efficient
hand dryers.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years OCM
2.3.2.A. Increase energy efficiency for
existing housing and rental properties
through outreach and incentive
programming.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years OCM
2.3.2.B. Increase energy efficiency for
existing commercial properties through
outreach and incentive programming.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years OCM
ED
2.3.2.C. Explore feasibility of establishing
new finance mechanisms for energy
efficiency improvements.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years OCM
ED
2.3. Efficient City: Reduce overall energy and water use through investment into efficiency measures for City,
residential, and commercial buildings.
2.3.2. Reduce energy used by
residential and commercial properties
by 2% annually to reach 20%
reductions by 2035.
2.3.1. Achieve carbon neutrality by
reducing energy consumption and
emissions to the greatest extent
possible and offsetting remaining
emissions through carbon removal
and mitigation strategies.
Energy Efficiency
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 87 OCTOBER 2025
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
2.3.3.A. Engage Facilities Management to
establish a water use inventory on all City
buildings & facilities to inventory activities
that use water and the types of fixtures or
water-related equipment used.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Facilities
2.3.3.B. Retrofit all non-water efficient
fixtures throughout all City buildings &
facilities with water-efficient alternatives.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years Facilities
2.3.3.C. Explore opportunities to pilot
water re-use strategies at high-visibility
public facilities.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years Facilities
2.3.3.D. Improve system efficiency over
time through investments in innovative
technology, with an emphasis on smart
technologies that enhance monitoring
capabilities.
Direct $$$7+ Years Facilities
2.3.3.E. Re-evaluate maintenance
processes to identify opportunities to
incorporate additional quality checks on
water infrastructure during routine
maintenance to more efficiently find and
address equipment failures.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Facilities
2.3.4.A. Establish regular data sharing
protocols with the City of Columbus to
monitor water use by residential and non-
residential customers within Dublin city
limits and track progress.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Engineering
2.3.4.B. Explore feasibility of rebate
program for water efficient appliance
purchases.
Indirect $$1 - 3 Years OCM
Finance
2.3.4.C. Promote water conservation
through native landscaping and turf
conversion.
Direct $In Progress C&M
CPD
Water Efficiency
2.3.4. Reduce water use by residential
& commercial facilities by 2% annually
to reach 20% reductions by 2035.
2.3.3. Reduce water use by City
buildings & facilities by 2% annually to
reach 20% reductions by 2035.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202588
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
2.4.1.A. Electrify 45% of the City's light-
duty fleet by 2035.Direct $$$$In Progress Fleet
2.4.1.B. Actualize recommendations from
the EV Infrastructure Comprehensive Plan
regarding replacement of light-duty fleet
vehicles and potential heavy duty electric
vehicles as technology advances.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Fleet
2.4.1.C. Implement recommendations
from the EV Infrastructure Comprehensive
Plan to create public-private collaborative
funding mechanisms to promote new EV
charging stations in multi-family and
commercial developments.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years T&M
2.4.1.D. Carry out the EV Infrastructure
Comprehensive Plan's recommended
implementation targets to increase Level
2 and DCFC port availability by 2035.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years T&M
2.4.2. Revisit the potential for a
community aggregation program.
2.4.1.1 Explore developing a community
aggregation program supported by
Ordinance 35-01 through partnership with
a renewable energy provider.
Direct $3 - 7 Years OCM
2.4.3.A. Identify opportunities to further
electrify parks and facilities maintenance
equipment.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years P&R
2.4.3.B. Identify infrastructure needs to
increase electric vehicles and equipment
within parks and facilities maintenance.
Indirect $$$3 - 7 Years P&R
Facilities
2.4.3.C. Assess existing rights-of-way
along major City-maintained corridors and
arterials for sites with sufficient area to
implement solar installations.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years P&R
2.4.3.D. Explore cost and maintenance
feasibility of solar surfacing materials for
new or rehabilitated trails.
Direct $$7+ Years P&R
2.4 Renewable City: Increase the use of renewable energy by the City, residents, and local businesses.
Electric Vehicles
Municipal Solar
Community Aggregation
2.4.3. Increase the use of renewable
energy sources at City facilities.
2.4.1. Reduce dirty diesel/standard
fuel vehicles from the City’s light-
duty fleet.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 89 OCTOBER 2025
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
2.4.4.A. Ealuate current regulation and
explore opportunities for changes that
could increase access to solar panels. Direct $In Progress CPD
2.4.4.B. Encourage a group solar purchase
program to help communities organize
resources, access solar providers, and
design for multi-household solar projects.
Direct $3 - 7 Years OCM
CPD
Residential & Commercial Solar
2.4.4. Increase renewable energy
generation and storage for residents &
commercial buildings.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202590
SUPPORT THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
3.1.1.A. Collaborate Dublin’s water
management efforts with regional water
adaptation strategies and planning
objectives.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Engineering
3.1.1.B. Create a One-Water Framework
that unifies all City water-related planning
efforts within a holistic approach to City-
wide water management.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Engineering
3.1.2. Incorporate water efficiency
strategies such as stormwater
retention and reuse into new municipal
developments and redevelopment
projects.
3.1.2.A. Champion a pilot project at a
community park for on-site stormwater
retention and reuse that explores the
feasibility of installing underground storage
capacity at new or redeveloped parks.
Direct $$$$3 - 7 Years Engineering
P&R
3.1.3.A. Leverage ongoing water quality
monitoring processes to reduce stream
impairment.
Indirect $$1 - 3 Years O&E
Engineering
3.1.3.B. Collaborate with regional colleges
or universities and/or the Ohio Department
of Natural Resources, with consultant
support as necessary, to create pest and
invasive management plans.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years Public Service
3.1.3.C. Build on current practices related
to monitoring critical waterways for illegal
discharges, including field observation
protocols and response measures.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Engineering
Public Service
3.1.3.D. Add an illegal or suspicious
discharge report option to the GoDublin
app.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years AMQA
3.1.3. Continue to develop capacities
and procedures for maintaining and
improving water quality in critical
natural waterways.
3.1.1. Coordinate with regional
organizations and utility providers
to expand and deepen Dublin’s
water planning efforts &
coordination.
3.1 Blue City: Improve the quality of municipal and natural water resources through regional collaboration and more
robust water quality programs and regulations.
Water Management
Water Resource Protection
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 91 OCTOBER 2025
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
3.1.4.A. Regularly review & update erosion
control requirements to reflect current
best management practices.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Engineering
3.1.4.B. Assess erosion and sediment
control inspection processes to identify
areas for strengthened oversight.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Engineering
3.1.4.C. Review Section 51.02 of the
Development Code for opportunities to
provide more robust guidance on design
and installation requirements for on-site
sewage disposal.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Engineering
3.1.4.D. Create new outreach materials
about best practices for household sewage
treatment systems maintenance and how
to identify potential contamination issues.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
Engineering
3.1.4.E. Help connect residents to
technical assistance providers related to
well-water quality measuring and septic
maintenance.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years Engineering
3.1.5.A. Retrofit city-owned stormwater
detention basins to pilot Green Stormwater
Infrastructure (GSI) features alongside
public education components such as
interpretive signage to build awareness of
NBS.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years P&R
Engineering
3.1.5.B. Continue to expand the use of
nature-based solutions used for the design
of City building beyond GSI to incorporate
passive heating/cooling strategies, such
canopy shading or hedge windbreaks.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years Facilities
Engineering
3.1.6.A. Expand existing Community
Backyards program to include a Rain
Garden Cost Share Program.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Engineering
3.1.6.B. Engage with the Franklin Soil and
Water Conservation District to build off
existing Community Backyard program to
partner on a Commercial Business Rebate.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years O&E
Engineering
3.1.6.C. Identify opportunities to
incorporate NBS improvements into
existing incentive programs.
Indirect $$1 - 3 Years ED
3.1.6. Establish new community-
centered programs to promote and
expand the use of nature-based
solutions.
3.1.5. Deepen City engagement with
nature-based solutions (NBS).
3.1.4. Reduce private contributions to
stream impairment through expanded
code enforcement and community
outreach.
Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) + Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI)
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202592
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
3.1.7.A. Expand the existing Stormwater
Grant program available to HOAs to apply
to additional GSI features.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Engineering
3.1.7.B. Collaborate with local GSI-related
businesses, such as engineers or
landscape designers to provide technical
assistance to neighborhoods looking to
incorporate GSI into their community
stormwater infrastructure.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Engineering
3.2.1.A. Explore feasibility for pilot project
opportunities at city facilities, such as new
pollinator habitat plantings or graywater re-
use projects.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years Facilities
Public Service
3.2.1.B. Support expansion and acquisition
of future natural areas through
implementation of the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years P&R
3.2.1.C. Establish ecological criteria
drawing from the UN Sustainable
Development Goals and ICLEI resources to
guide all future planning efforts.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years CPD
3.2.1.D. Strengthen management and
coordination for Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs) and maintenance of
natural areas.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years Public Service
3.2.1.E. Create a centralized database of
the upper-, mid-, and understory canopy
vegetation.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years Public Service
I&T
3.2.1.F. Strengthen ongoing invasives
management efforts by producing an
annual invasives prioritization plan.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Public Service
3.2.1. Enhance the quality of natural
spaces on City-owned land through
pilot projects, future planning, and
coordination of maintenance and
management.
3.1.7. Increase resident and
neighborhood participation in City
efforts to expand GSI.
Natural Areas
3.2 Regenerative City: Protect, preserve, and regenerate Dublin’s environment throughout the City, leading by
example through City-led projects and more ecologically-driven development processes.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 93 OCTOBER 2025
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
3.2.2.A. Strengthen new or redevelopment
requirements for open space to specify
higher percentages of native and/or
adapted plantings and to prioritize non-turf
green space.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years CPD
3.2.2.B. Collaborate with local
environmental groups to build capacity for
a program to collect native plants during
pre-construction of new greenfield
developments to propagate for municipal
plantings and share through community
programs.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years
O&E
CPD
P&R
3.2.2.C. Amend soil erosion and sediment
control plan requirements to recommend
prioritizing the maintenance of
undisturbed existing vegetation for more
resilient erosion control by maintaining
deeper root systems in place.
Direct $3 - 7 Years Engineering
3.2.2.D. Establish requirements for new
developments to reuse existing topsoil for
new landscape features where possible.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years CPD
3.2.2.E. Continue to promote the use of
native plants when reviewing Beautify Your
Neighborhood Grant applications.
Indirect $In Progress CPD
3.2.3. Evaluate city restrictions on
landscaping plant height, plant debris
or leaves, and material aesthetic
preferences to remove potential
barriers.
3.2.3.A. Identify landscape material
requirements (§ 153.135) that could allow
for more native planting features.
Direct $3 - 7 Years CPD
3.2.4. Support ongoing MORPC efforts
to assess air quality with a City focus
on the impacts of roadway emissions.
3.2.4.A. Partner with MORPC to determine
appropriate remediation steps, should the
Air Quality Index indicate a high level of air
pollution.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years T&M
Air Quality
3.2.2. Improve new development
practices regarding the preservation of
existing natural features.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202594
ACHIEVE ZERO WASTE
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
4.1.1.A. Establish Deconstruction
Ordinance that builds off current city
practices for deconstruction in municipal
building projects.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years CPD
4.1.1.B. Explore feasibility of utilizing
existing or new municipal building space to
develop a building material reuse center.
Direct $$$7+ Years CPD
Public Service
4.1.2.A. Identify and engage with
organizations to establish a “Soft Recycling
Program.”
Direct $3 - 7 Years Public Service
4.1.2.B. Collaborate with the DAC to create
a craft material recycling program that
accepts donations of craft goods to
repurpose for community art programs.
Direct $1 - 3 Years Public Service
OCM
4.1.2.C. Establish a list of businesses that
will upcycle different materials in Dublin
and the surrounding area.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years OCM
4.1.3. Prioritize the establishment of
circular economy through food
systems.
4.1.3.A. Host a roundtable session with
food industry representatives to identify
opportunities to facilitate more
sustainable food system processes or
products.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
ED
4.1.4.A. Collaborate with local food
pantries to promote food donation
collection points at key City buildings like
the Dublin Community Recreation Center.
Indirect $In Progress C&M
4.1.4.B. Create a food donation program to
help connect food-related businesses
(including grocers, restaurants, etc.) with
food donation receiving organizations or
businesses.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years O&E
OCM
4.1 Circular City: Reduce overall waste generation and foster a more sustainably-oriented economy through cyclical
economics, expanded access to recycling and composting, and greater connectivity with local food-related industries.
Circular Economy
4.1.1. Formalize deconstruction
and material reuse as standard
operating procedures for
redevelopment processes.
4.1.4. Foster behavioral changes
around food waste through
collaboration with local food pantries
to provide food donation programming
for residents and local businesses.
4.1.2. Foster the development of
circular industries through
programming that supports the reuse
of cyclical materials.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 95 OCTOBER 2025
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
4.1.5. Mitigate the climate impacts of
traditional food systems by connecting
residents and Dublin businesses with
local food producers.
4.1.5.A. Develop partnerships with Visit
Dublin, the Chamber of Commerce, and
other relevant organizations to create
opportunities for agricultural producers
from the broader Dublin area to connect
with local food-related businesses.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years ED
OCM
4.1.6.A. Explore potential opportunities to
increase commercial recycling programs
to provide recycling access for multifamily
residents.
Direct $1 - 3 Years
OCM
Public Service
CPD
4.1.6.B. Pilot an additional styrofoam, e-
waste, & composting drop off location at a
central location in Dublin.
Direct $1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.6.C. Expand e-waste drop-off to at
least one (1) additional City buildings to
increase accessibility.
Direct $1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.6.D. Continue to engage with the City’s
waste hauler and SWACO to increase
recycling education efforts.
Indirect $In Progress Public Service
C&M
4.1.6.E. Explore feasibility of incorporating
an integration on the City’s recycling
webpage to allow residents to search
material by name and determine the
appropriate disposal method.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
Public Service
4.1.6.F. Offer additional recycling bins or a
larger size option at the request of
residents.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.6.H. Partner with SWACO to help
residents and the business community
determine appropriate ways to divert hard-
to-recycle materials.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.7.A. Expand the composting program
to provide another drop-off location for
increased accessibility.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.7.B. Develop and promote how-to
materials and support programming to
encourage backyard composting.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Public Service
C&M
4.1.7.C. Engage with local haulers to
explore the feasibility of a partnership for
curbside compost pick-up. The cost would
be determined as part of the feasibility
study.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Public Service
Recycling & Diversion
4.1.7. Expand residential composting
capacity through partnerships, greater
access, and education.
4.1.6. Expand community recycling
through continued education and
improved accessibility.
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
4.1.5. Mitigate the climate impacts of
traditional food systems by connecting
residents and Dublin businesses with
local food producers.
4.1.5.A. Develop partnerships with Visit
Dublin, the Chamber of Commerce, and
other relevant organizations to create
opportunities for agricultural producers
from the broader Dublin area to connect
with local food-related businesses.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years ED
OCM
4.1.6.A. Explore potential opportunities to
increase commercial recycling programs
to provide recycling access for multifamily
residents.
Direct $1 - 3 Years
OCM
Public Service
CPD
4.1.6.B. Pilot an additional styrofoam, e-
waste, & composting drop off location at a
central location in Dublin.
Direct $1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.6.C. Expand e-waste drop-off to at
least one (1) additional City buildings to
increase accessibility.
Direct $1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.6.D. Continue to engage with the City’s
waste hauler and SWACO to increase
recycling education efforts.
Indirect $In Progress Public Service
C&M
4.1.6.E. Explore feasibility of incorporating
an integration on the City’s recycling
webpage to allow residents to search
material by name and determine the
appropriate disposal method.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
Public Service
4.1.6.F. Offer additional recycling bins or a
larger size option at the request of
residents.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.6.H. Partner with SWACO to help
residents and the business community
determine appropriate ways to divert hard-
to-recycle materials.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.7.A. Expand the composting program
to provide another drop-off location for
increased accessibility.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.7.B. Develop and promote how-to
materials and support programming to
encourage backyard composting.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Public Service
C&M
4.1.7.C. Engage with local haulers to
explore the feasibility of a partnership for
curbside compost pick-up. The cost would
be determined as part of the feasibility
study.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Public Service
Recycling & Diversion
4.1.7. Expand residential composting
capacity through partnerships, greater
access, and education.
4.1.6. Expand community recycling
through continued education and
improved accessibility.
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
4.1.5. Mitigate the climate impacts of
traditional food systems by connecting
residents and Dublin businesses with
local food producers.
4.1.5.A. Develop partnerships with Visit
Dublin, the Chamber of Commerce, and
other relevant organizations to create
opportunities for agricultural producers
from the broader Dublin area to connect
with local food-related businesses.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years ED
OCM
4.1.6.A. Explore potential opportunities to
increase commercial recycling programs
to provide recycling access for multifamily
residents.
Direct $1 - 3 Years
OCM
Public Service
CPD
4.1.6.B. Pilot an additional styrofoam, e-
waste, & composting drop off location at a
central location in Dublin.
Direct $1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.6.C. Expand e-waste drop-off to at
least one (1) additional City buildings to
increase accessibility.
Direct $1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.6.D. Continue to engage with the City’s
waste hauler and SWACO to increase
recycling education efforts.
Indirect $In Progress Public Service
C&M
4.1.6.E. Explore feasibility of incorporating
an integration on the City’s recycling
webpage to allow residents to search
material by name and determine the
appropriate disposal method.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
Public Service
4.1.6.F. Offer additional recycling bins or a
larger size option at the request of
residents.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.6.H. Partner with SWACO to help
residents and the business community
determine appropriate ways to divert hard-
to-recycle materials.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.7.A. Expand the composting program
to provide another drop-off location for
increased accessibility.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.7.B. Develop and promote how-to
materials and support programming to
encourage backyard composting.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Public Service
C&M
4.1.7.C. Engage with local haulers to
explore the feasibility of a partnership for
curbside compost pick-up. The cost would
be determined as part of the feasibility
study.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Public Service
Recycling & Diversion
4.1.7. Expand residential composting
capacity through partnerships, greater
access, and education.
4.1.6. Expand community recycling
through continued education and
improved accessibility.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202596
IN-PROGRESS
Model Sustainable Leadership
1.1.4 Promote City sustainability programs and incentives
1.1.9 Engage local businesses on sustainability initiatives
1.5.3 Recruit, train, and retain green workforce
1.6.1 Create data management strategy and processes
Design Sustainable Communities
2.1.2 Enable Transit-Supportive Places
2.1.3 Increase active transportation and micro-mobility
2.2.2 Foster adaptive reuse approach to redevelopment
2.3.4 Reduce residential and commercial water use
2.4.1 Reduce dirty diesel/standard fuel vehicles from the City's light-
duty fleet
2.4.4 Increase renewable energy generation and storage for residential
and commercial buildings
Support the Natural Environment
3.2.2 Improve new development practices in preservation of existing
natural features
Achieve Zero Waste
4.1.4 Collaborate with local food pantries for food donation
4.1.6 Expand community recycling
SHORT 1-3 YEARS
Model Sustainable Leadership
1.1.1 Coordinate with CSAC for community partnerships
1.1.3 Create sustainability focused community volunteering opportunities
1.1.10 Create public private partnerships through leadership and
programming
1.1.11 Engage non-profits to align efforts with ongoing programs
1.2.3 Prioritize implementation of planning strategies and actions to
support sustainability goals
1.3.2 Improve outreach and engagement
1.4.1 Ensure equitable evaluation and participation in City programs
1.4.2 Ensure equitable access to incentive programs and sustainability
actions.
1.5.1 Build off sustainable purchasing outlined in administrative orders.
1.5.2 Promote green business practices
1.6.1 Create data management strategy and processes
1.6.2 Create sustainability dashboard
Design Sustainable Communities
2.1.1 Reduce single occupancy vehicle commuting
2.2.3 Assess and update building performance and energy conservation
standards
2.2.4 Create a Green Neighborhoods subcommittee of EcoDublin
2.3.1 Reduce energy consumptions and emissions for carbon neutrality
2.3.3 Reduce water use by City buildings and facilities
2.3.4 Reduce residential and commercial water use
2.4.1 Reduce dirty diesel/standard fuel vehicles from the City's light-duty
fleet
2.4.3 Increase use of renewable energy sources at City facilities
Support the Natural Environment
3.1.3 Develop capacities and procedures for maintaining and improving
water quality in critical natural waterways
3.1.4 Reduce private contributions to stream impairment
3.1.6 Establish community centered programs to promote nature-based
solutions
3.1.7 Increase resident and neighborhood participation in City efforts to
expand GSI
3.2.1 Enhance quality of natural spaces on City-owned land
3.2.2 Improve new development practices in preservation of existing
natural features
Achieve Zero Waste
4.1.2 Foster development of circular industries
4.1.4 Collaborate with local food pantries for food donation
4.1.6 Expand community recycling
4.1.7 Expand residential composting capacity
OVERVIEW OF IMPLEMENTATION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 97 OCTOBER 2025
LONG 7+ YEARS
Model Sustainable Leadership
1.1.3 Create sustainability focused community volunteering
opportunities
1.1.6 Offer sustainability programs at schools
1.1.8 Work with local higher education institutions
1.1.10 Create public private partnerships through leadership and
programming
1.1.11 Engage non-profits to align efforts with ongoing programs
1.1.12 Work with regional organizations
1.2.1 Incorporate in Envision Dublin implementation
1.2.2 Incorporate in PRMP implementation
1.5.4 Explore feasibility of green business incubator
Design Sustainable Communities
2.1.1 Reduce single occupancy vehicle commuting
2.1.2 Enable Transit-Supportive Places
2.2.1 Pursue community level disaster resilience and emergency
preparation planning
2.2.7 Exemplify green building methods through future municipal
building design and construction
2.3.3 Reduce water use by City buildings and facilities
2.4.3 Increase use of renewable energy sources at City facilities
Achieve Zero Waste
4.1.1 Formalize deconstruction and material reuse for
redevelopment
MEDIUM 3-7 YEARS
Model Sustainable Leadership
1.1.2 Guide development of more sustainability-supportive bylaws and regulations
1.1.3 Create sustainability focused community volunteering opportunities
1.1.4 Promote City sustainability programs and incentives
1.1.5 Use signature annual events to lead by example and build awareness
1.1.6 Offer sustainability programs at schools
1.1.7 Discuss increasing the diversion rate in schools
1.1.8 Work with local higher education institutions
1.1.10 Create public private partnerships through leadership and programming
1.2.1 Incorporate in Envision Dublin implementation
1.2.2 Incorporate in PRMP implementation
1.2.3 Prioritize implementation of planning strategies and actions to support
sustainability goals
1.3.1 Collaborate with DAC to foster art
1.3.2 Improve outreach and engagement
1.4.2 Ensure equitable access to incentive programs and sustainability actions
1.5.1 Build off sustatinable purchasing outlined in administrative orders
1.5.2 Promote green business practices
1.5.3 Recruit, train, and retain green workforce
1.5.4 Explore feasibility of green business incubator
1.6.1 Create data management strategy and processes
Design Sustainable Communities
2.1.1 Reduce single occupancy vehicle commuting
2.1.2 Enable Transit-Supportive Places
2.1.3 Increase active transportation and micro-mobility
2.1.4 Foster development of complete green streets
2.2.2 Foster adaptive reuse approach to redevelopment
2.2.5 Expand and maintain green development program incentives and funding
2.2.6 Create new incentives for promoting green building or development certifications
2.3.1 Reduce energy consumptions and emissions for carbon neutrality
2.3.2 Reduce residential and commercial energy
2.3.3 Reduce water use by City buildings and facilities
2.3.4 Reduce residential and commercial water use
2.4.1 Reduce dirty diesel/standard fuel vehicles from the City's light-duty fleet
2.4.2 Revisit potential for community aggregation program
2.4.3 Increase use of renewable energy sources at City facilities
2.4.4 Increase renewable energy generation and storage for residential and commercial
buildings
Support the Natural Environment
3.1.1 Expand and deepen Dublin's water planning efforts and coordination
3.1.2 Incorporate water efficiency strategies into new municipal developments and
redevelopment projects
3.1.3 Develop capacities and procedures for maintaining and improving water quality in
critical natural waterways
3.1.4 Reduce private contributions to stream impairment
3.1.5 Deepen City engagement with nature-based solutions
3.2.1 Enhance quality of natural spaces on City-owned land
3.2.2 Improve new development practices in preservation of existing natural features
3.2.3 Remove City barriers for native planting features
3.2.4 Support MORPC efforts to assess air quality
Achieve Zero Waste
4.1.1 Formalize deconstruction and material reuse for redevelopment
4.1.2 Foster development of circular industries
4.1.3 Prioritize establishment of circular economy through food systems
4.1.5 Connect residents and businesses with local food producers
4.1.7 Expand residential composting capacity
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 202598
GLOSSARY
BIOSWALES
Bioswales are shallow, vegetated channels that slow
down and infiltrate storm water runoff. Bioswales use
an engineered soil sub-base made of topsoil, sand
and compost. The vegetation and rocks in the trench
reduce the velocity of the runoff and filter suspended
sediments from the water. Bioswales are best suited
along roadways and parking lots and sometimes
act as pre-treatment devices for other storm water
management practices.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP)
A capital improvement plan is a dynamic community
planning and fiscal management tool used to
coordinate the location, timing, and financing of capital
improvements over a multi-year period. It is critically
important and one of the major responsibilities for a
government entity.
COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION (CSAC)
The Community Services Advisory Commission (CSAC)
serves as Dublin’s community sustainability team,
with the EcoDublin group serving as staff's internal
advisory committee. The CSAC includes 7 residents
appointment by City Council and meets the second
Tuesday of each month.
COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG)
Compressed natural gas is a fuel which can be used
in place of gasoline, diesel fuel and propane. CNG
combustion burns cleaner than the fuels mentioned
above.
CREEK RESTORATION
Creek restoration is the process of uncovering and
restoring natural rivers or creeks that were modified
by development. Restored creek beds provide a
natural path that slows runoff and removes pollutants
from the water. Creek restoration uses plants and
vegetation to help absorb and control the flow of
runoff. Creek restoration is best suited for waterways
that experience major flooding in rain events and or
adjacent to large developments.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION (DEI)
Values that help create fairer, more accessible
workplaces for all. By acting on DEI values,
organizations can support individuals of different
ethnicities, religions, abilities, races, sexual
orientations, gender, political perspectives, and
backgrounds, resulting in more inclusive workplaces.
Diversity – The presence of different and multiple
characteristics that make up individual and collective
identities, including race, gender, age, religion, sexual
orientation, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic
status, language, and physical ability.
Equity – The process of identifying and removing
the barriers that create disparities in the access to
resources and means, and the achievement of fair
treatment and equal opportunities to thrive. See also
equality.
Inclusion – Is creating environments in which any
individual or group can be and feel welcomed,
respected, supported and valued to participate fully.
DUBLIN ARTS COUNCIL (DAC)
DAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supported
in part by the City of Dublin’s hotel/motel tax. Their
mission is to engage the community, cultivate creativity,
and foster life-long learning through the arts.
DUBLIN CITY SCHOOLS (DCS)
Dublin City Schools (DCS) is the 9th largest district
in the State of Ohio. The boundaries of the district
encompass 47 square miles and include parts of
Dublin, Columbus, Hilliard, and Upper Arlington.
Dublin City Schools works to continuously improve
its practices and provide students with world-class
instruction and a well-rounded education.
DUBLIN COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER (DCRC)
The Dublin Community Recreation Center is home
to state-of-the-art facilities that provide value,
convenience, flexibility, and professional, personalized
service. It is committed to providing quality recreation
programs and facilities for the Dublin community.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 99 OCTOBER 2025
DUBLIN IRISH FESTIVAL (DIF)
Dublin Irish Festival is an annual music and cultural
festival held in Dublin.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV)
A vehicle that can be powered by an electric motor that
draws electricity from a battery and is capable of being
charged from an external source. An EV includes both
a vehicle that can only be powered by an electric motor
that draws electricity from a battery (all-electric vehicle)
and a vehicle that can be powered by an electric motor
that draws electricity from a battery and by an internal
combustion engine (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle).
FRANKLIN SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (FSWCD)
Soil and water conservation districts are subdivisions
of the state, organized under ORC 940, and
conterminous with county boundaries. Franklin
Soil and Water Conservation District’ s mission is
to promote responsible land use decisions for the
conservation, protection and improvement of soil
and water resources by providing information and
assistance through effective partnering, technical
guidance and education.
GASOLINE GALLON EQUIVALENT (GGE)
Gallon of Gasoline Equivalent is the typical way CNG is
sold at public fueling stations and the typical way that
CNG tanks are rated.
GREEN ROOFS
A green roof is covered in vegetation that helps reduce
the amount of storm water runoff from the top of a
building or structure. Green roofs generally consist of
multiple layers, including a waterproof membrane, an
insulation layer, growing media and vegetation. The
layers retain storm water, which eventually evaporates
from the plants or growing media or it gradually trickles
down, reducing the demand on storm drainage during
rain events. Green roofs are best suited for areas where
open space or other BMPs are not suitable.
GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE (GSI)
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) is a suite of
“systems and practices that restore and maintain
natural hydrologic processes in order to reduce the
volume and water quality impacts of stormwater
runoff.” Riparian buffers, green roofs, bioswales,
cisterns, permeable pavements and constructed
wetlands are all examples of GSI
HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR
CONDITIONING (HVAC)
The main parts of an HVAC system are a heating,
a ventilation, and an air-conditioning unit(s).
Furthermore, modern systems include an air filtration
and cleaning element as well.
ICLEI LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR SUSTAINABILITY
ICLEI is a global network of local and regional
governments committed to sustainable urban
development that influences sustainability policy and
drives local action for low emissions, nature-based,
equitable, resilient and circular development.
MID-OHIO REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION (MORPC)
MORPC is an association of cities, villages, townships,
counties and regional organizations serving Central
Ohio. The organization brings communities of all sizes
and interests together to collaborate on best practices
and plan for the future growth of Central Ohio. MORPC
does this through a variety of programs, services,
projects and initiatives – all with the goal of improving
the lives of residents and making Central Ohio stand
out on the world stage.
MID STORY CANOPY
Intermediate canopy layer, including trees below the
overstory and above the understory layer.
NATURE BASED SOLUTION
Nature-based Solutions are actions to protect,
conserve, restore, and sustainably use and manage
ecosystems. These solutions addresses social,
economic and environmental challenges in a way
that simultaneously benefits human well-being and
biodiversity. In other words, they are interventions
that use nature and the natural functions of healthy
ecosystems to tackle major challenges like climate
change, disaster risk reduction, food and water
security, biodiversity loss, and human health.
OHIO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (OEPA)
The Ohio EPA protects the environment and public
health by ensuring compliance with environmental
laws and encouraging environmental stewardship.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 2025100
ONE WATER FRAMEWORK
A transformative way of viewing, valuing, and
managing water. The One Water approach manages
all water—whether from the tap, a stream, a storm,
an aquifer, or a sewer—in a collaborative, integrated,
inclusive, and holistic manner.
OPEN SPACE
Open space is an area of land set aside during the
development process for public or private use, or
as open space and may include forests, stream
buffers, floodplains and wetlands. Little maintenance
is required and the spaces provide storm water
management benefits. These spaces reduce the
amount of impervious surface in developments which
helps retain runoff and lower the amount of pollutants
entering the waterways. Open space is best suited in
or around areas with dense development.
PERMEABLE PAVEMENTS
Alternatives to concrete and asphalt, permeable
pavements allow rainfall to pass through and infiltrate
into the ground below. Permeable pavement includes
pervious concrete, porous asphalt, interlocking
concrete pavers and grid pavers. Storm water moves
through the surface of the pavement into a storage
layer below and then slowly seeps into the soil. This
technique is best suited for pavement areas with
low speeds like parking lots and sidewalks. Planter
boxes are rectangular, enclosed spaces generally
implemented below the line of pavement. Openings
in the vertical walls allow storm water to gradually
run from the impervious surface into the planter box.
Storm water temporarily pools in the box and slowly
infiltrates through layers of vegetation, soil and gravel
into the ground. Planter boxes are suited to urban
areas where space is limited.
PROPERTY ASSESSED GREEN ENERGY (PACE)
PACE is an innovative financing structure for improving
buildings through energy efficiency and alternative
energy projects. Established in Ohio in 2009 as a
form of energy special improvement districts (ESID)
for energy projects under Ohio Revised Code (ORC)
1710. The Columbus-Franklin County Finance
Authority administers PACE financing for Central Ohio
businesses, non-profits and local governments.
RAIN GARDENS
Rain gardens are vegetated depressions that collect and
treat storm water. The runoff flows downhill into the
basin, where it collects into a pool. Over time, the runoff
seeps into the soil where some of it is used by the plants.
The vegetation in rain gardens is generally native to
the area to encourage infiltration and biofiltration. Rain
gardens are best suited for small areas of land, like a
residential yard or a parking lot barrier.
RETENTION PONDS
Retention ponds hold water from storm events for
extended periods of time, controlling the amount of
storm water runoff. These ponds hold permanent
bodies of water, which slows runoff and allows
sediments and pollutants to settle to the bottom.
Underground pipes connect storm drains to retention
ponds where small amounts of water are released
gradually. Retention ponds are best suited for large
areas where water can be diverted and recharge
ground water as needed.
SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY OF CENTRAL OHIO (SWACO)
The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO)
serves Franklin County and neighboring areas with
solutions for solid waste.
STREET TREES
Common in urban areas, street trees reduce runoff by
collecting rainfall from streets, sidewalks and parking
areas. Storm water runoff is captured and stored in the
roots and leaves and then released to the atmosphere
through evapotranspiration. Tree roots and fallen leaves
also improve runoff infiltration in the soil. Street trees
slow and store runoff which decreases flooding and
erosion. Additional benefits of street trees are shade for
pedestrians and aesthetics. Street trees are best suited
along roadways, sidewalks, or parking areas.
UNDERGROUND STORAGE
Underground storage holds storm water runoff during
peak flows. Rain water runs into an underground
storage chamber. Once the chamber is filled, the runoff
is either slowly discharged into an underdrain or directly
into the groundwater. Underground storage slows the
runoff and reduces the demand placed on storm water
drains during large rain events. The chambers also
reduce the chance of flooding and combined sewer
overflow. Underground storage is best suited for areas
that cannot accommodate water retention facilities.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 101 OCTOBER 2025
UNDERSTORY
Lowermost canopy layer including seedlings, saplings
and other small trees.
URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTOR’S
NETWORK (USDN)
The USDN is a peer-to-peer network of local government
professionals from cities across the United States and
Canada dedicated to creating a healthier environment.
URBAN TREE CANOPY
The layer of tree leaves, branches, and stems from all
publicly and privately owned deciduous and coniferous
trees, forests, and understory within urban settlement
areas, which provide measurable coverage of the ground.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 2025102
OVERVIEW
This Greenhouse Gas Inventory attempts to measure
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions created by City of
Dublin operations and residents and workers within
Dublin. By tracking greenhouse gas emissions, the City
can identify strategy relevant strategies to reduce or
mitigate its relative contributions to the greenhouse
effect and climate change. The City’s greenhouse gas
contributions constitute its carbon footprint.
The greenhouse gas inventory reviewed 2022 data and
utilized ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability’s
ClearPath tool to calculate emissions for two tracks:
government operations and the overall community
scale. The government operations track captures
emissions created by local government operations
such as buildings and facilities, vehicle and transit
fleets, and utilities. The community scale includes all
emissions produced within the locality’s jurisdiction,
including energy consumed by residential and non-
residential buildings, transportation, and water and
wastewater treatment processes.
The development of the inventories was guided to be
compliant with established protocols, including the
Local Government Operations Protocol (LGOP) (2010)
and US Community Protocol (USCP).
Because energy sources produce different mixes
of the six internationally recognized greenhouse
gases which directly impact the climate (Carbon
dioxide (CO2); Methane (CH4); Nitrous oxide (N2O);
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs); Perfluorocarbons (PFCs);
and Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)), overall emissions
are summarized as metric tons of carbon dioxide
equivalents (MT CO2e).
ASSUMPTIONS
EPA eGRID 2021 emissions factors for the RFC West
(RFCW) subregion loaded into ClearPath were used to
estimate emissions from grid electricity consumption.
ClearPath-provided national default emissions factors
were used for natural gas combustion, vehicle fuel
economy, and landfilling.
2022 data was used for all modeled/measured
variables within the City of Dublin. 2021 data was only
used as a basis for factors and assumptions.
GOVERNMENT
OPERATIONS
The two sectors included in the Government
Operations inventory are Buildings and Facilities and
Fleet Vehicles.
Buildings and Facilities
City staff provided electricity and natural gas billing
records for six buildings: City Hall, the Development
Building / Old City Hall, the Fleet Management facility,
the Justice Center, the Recreation Center, and the
Service Center. Square footages and general operating
hours were provided for context and assessing
building performance. Information on grid electricity
and natural gas consumption by City buildings and
facilities is provided in Table GHG-1 and GHG-2.
Fleet Vehicles
City staff provided a detailed summary of annual
mileage and fuel usage for each vehicle within the
city's fleet. These vehicles were grouped by their
respective fuel and type (passenger vehicle, light
truck, heavy truck) for input into ClearPath. Fleet
vehicle mileage breakouts are provided in Table GHG-
3. Electric vehicle fueling is captured in grid electricity
at buildings and facilities.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 103 OCTOBER 2025
GHG INVENTORY METHODS
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 2025104
COMMUNITY SCALE
Sectors evaluated included Residential Energy,
Commercial Energy, Transportation & Mobile Sources,
Solid Waste, and Water & Wastewater. Industrial
Energy is included in Commercial Energy, as industrial
customers were not distinguished from commercial
customers in data provided.
Residential Energy and Commercial
Energy
Grid electricity consumption data provided by AEP
Ohio and natural gas consumption data provided by
Columbia Gas were used to estimate residential energy
consumption. While other providers may be present
within Dublin, these two providers are assumed to be
the primary providers of residential energy in Dublin.
Commercial grid electricity information from AEP
Ohio includes both commercial and public customers.
Industrial customers were not provided separately and
are assumed to be included in commercial customers.
Information on grid electricity and natural gas
consumption by residential customers is provided
in Table GHG-4, and commercial customer usage is
provided in Table GHG-5.
Transportation & Mobile Sources
Modeled VMT for 2022 was provided by MORPC
staff for Passenger Vehicles and Freight and Service
Trucks and all integrated trips originating within the
community and all integrated trips with the destination
within the community. To reduce potential double-
counting, values were divided by 2 to bring them more
in line with regional estimates.
Next, passenger and freight vehicles were broken
out into gasoline and diesel vehicles. Mileage was
allocated to vehicle types based on statewide VMT
by vehicle type from 2019 and 2020 that were
derived from the EPA’s State Inventory Tool’s Mobile
Combustion Module, version 2023.2.
Estimates are provided in Table GHG-6.
Solid Waste
Tonnage estimates for a variety of waste types
were provided by City staff. Only landfilled trash
tonnage (municipal solid waste) was included in
this calculation, as other waste types (e.g. leaves,
yard waste, recycling) included in the estimates are
diverted from landfills. Process emissions assuming
diesel vehicles were also generated based on the
tonnage of landfilled waste. Estimates are provided in
Table GHG-7 and Table GHG-8.
Water & Wastewater
Dublin does not provide water or wastewater
treatment services: these services are provided
for most Dublin residents by the City of Columbus
Department of Public Utilities (Columbus DPU). It is
not possible to estimate Dublin's use of individual
treatment facilities due to interconnections in the
water and wastewater systems and a lack of metering
for wastewater flows. In order to ensure consistency
across regional greenhouse gas inventories and
minimize potential error with treatment plant
calculations, the City of Columbus’ 2021 Greenhouse
Gas Inventory prepared by MORPC was used as the
basis for these estimates.
Annualized finished drinking water consumption
data for customers in Dublin was provided by
Columbus DPU, and a 2022 engineering estimate for
the "average daily contributory flow" from Dublin's
contracted wastewater service area as used as the
basis for estimating wastewater use. These records
were annualized and converted to MGY (millions of
gallons per year) for comparability. These estimates
of Dublin's water and wastewater use were divided by
the total treatment volumes published in Columbus
DPU's 2022 Annual Report to approximate the
percentage of emissions incurred by Columbus DPU
facilities that could be attributed to Dublin residents.
Estimates are provided in Table GHG-9.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 105 OCTOBER 2025
BUILDING INPUT UNIT SQUARE
FOOTAGE
OPERATING
HOURS MT CO2 E
City Hall 644,640 kWh 31,675 9 308
Development / Old
City Hall 301,680 kWh 22,770 9 144
Fleet Management 332,960 kWh 32,600 9 159
Justice Building 895,200 kWh 78,380 24 427
Recreation Center 1,654,200 kWh 113,113 15 790
Service Center 824,880 kWh 68,139 9 394
BUILDING INPUT UNIT SQUARE
FOOTAGE
OPERATING
HOURS MT CO2 E
City Hall 361 MMBtu 31,675 9 19
Fleet Management 3,794 MMBtu 32,600 9 202
Justice Building 2,960 MMBtu 78,380 24 157
Recreation Center 1,824 MMBtu 113,113 15 970
Service Center 1,917 MMBtu 68,139 9 102
VEHICLE
TYPE INPUT UNIT PERCENT
BIOFUEL
ANNUAL
MILES
TRAVELED
(VMT)
% MILES
PASSENGER
VEHICLE
% MILES
LIGHT
TRUCK
% MILES
HEAVY
TRUCK
MT
CO2E
CNG 25,701
gallons
gasoline
equivalent
10% 245,922 1.80%88.80%9.30%161.75
Diesel 12,138 gallons 10% 75,112 0%37.50%62.50%124
Unleaded 72,189 gallons N/A 806,204 11.90%83.40%4.60%636.46
TABLE GHG-1. GRID ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION IN CITY BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
TABLE GHG-2. NATURAL GAS CONSUMPTION IN CITY BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
TABLE GHG-3. FUEL CONSUMPTION AND MILEAGE FOR FLEET VEHICLES
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 2025106
CATEGORY INPUT UNIT MT CO2E SOURCE
Residential Grid Electricity Use 169,347,817 kWh 80,845 AEP Ohio
Residential Natural Gas Use 2,300,597 MMBtu 122,361 Columbia Gas
TABLE GHG-4. ENERGY CONSUMPTION BY RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS
CATEGORY INPUT UNIT MT CO2E SOURCE
Commercial Customer Grid
Electricity Use 339,979,875 kWh 162,304 AEP Ohio
Public Grid Electricity Use 26,856,660 kWh 12,821 AEP Ohio
Non-Residential Natural Gas
Use 1,289,172 MMBtu 68,567 Columbia Gas
CATEGORY INPUT UNIT %
MOTORCYCLES
%
PASSENGER
VEHICLES
% LIGHT
TRUCKS
% HEAVY
TRUCKS MT CO2 E
Passenger -
Gasoline 598,080,691 miles 0.7 75.6 23.7 0 227,443
Passenger -
Diesel 7,805,804 miles 0 27.57 72.43 0 4,043
Freight -
Gasoline 3,843,374 miles 0 0 0 100 6,338
Freight -
Diesel 23,288,171 miles 0 0 0 100 36,270
TABLE GHG-5. ENERGY CONSUMPTION BY NON-RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS
TABLE GHG-6. VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 107 OCTOBER 2025
TABLE GHG-7. LANDFILLED WASTE
TABLE GHG-8. LANDFILLING PROCESS EMISSIONS
TABLE GHG-9. WATER AND WASTEWATER CONSUMPTION/EMISSIONS
WASTE TYPE INPUT UNIT
METHANE
COLLECTION
SCENARIO
LANDFILL
MOISTURE
CONTENT
MT CO2 E
Mixed Municipal
Solid Waste 11,648 tons typical national average 4,945
WASTE TYPE INPUT UNIT FUEL TYPE MT CO2E
Annual mass of solid waste processed 11,648 tons diesel 4,945
CATEGORY INPUT UNIT SOURCE
DUBLIN 2022 WATER/WASTEWATER USAGE
Dublin Drinking Water Consumption 1,557 MGY Columbus DPU
Dublin Estimated Wastewater Production 1,254 MGY
Columbus DPU /
2022 General Engineering Report Table
2-1 (Black and Veatch)
COLUMBUS 2022 WATER/WASTEWATER PRODUCTION
Columbus DPU Finished Drinking Water
Production 53,000 MGY Columbus DPU 2022 Annual Report
Columbus DPU Wastewater Treated 70,000 MGY Columbus DPU 2022 Annual Report
CITY OF DUBLIN ESTIMATED PERCENT USE OF COLUMBUS PRODUCTION CAPACITY
Use of Columbus Water 2.94%%calculated
Use of Columbus Wastewater 1.79%%calculated
Average 2.36%%calculated
ESTIMATED WATER/WASTEWATER EMISSIONS
Columbus Water/Wastewater Sector
Emissions 81,300 MT CO2e City of Columbus 2021 Greenhouse Gas
Inventory
Estimated Dublin Emissions in 2022 1,923 MT CO2e calculated
Project Repor t12 December 2022 - 27 August 2023Tell Dublin
Dublin Sustainabilit y Plan
Highlights
TOTAL VISITS
651
MAX VISITORS PER
DAY
173
NEW
REGISTRATI
ONS
12
ENGAGED
VISITORS
164
INFORMED
VISITORS
344
AWARE
VISITORS
559
Aware Participants 559
Aware Actions Performed Participants
Visited a Project or Tool Page 559
Informed Participants 344
Informed Actions Performed Participants
Viewed a video 0
Viewed a photo 0
Downloaded a document 36
Visited the Key Dates page 0
Visited an FAQ list Page 0
Visited Instagram Page 0
Visited Multiple Project Pages 179
Contributed to a tool (engaged)164
Engaged Participants 164
Engaged Actions Performed
Registered Unverified Anonymous
Contributed on Forums 0 0 0
Participated in Surveys 10 0 154
Contributed to Newsfeeds 0 0 0
Participated in Quick Polls 0 0 0
Posted on Guestbooks 0 0 0
Contributed to Stories 0 0 0
Asked Questions 0 0 0
Placed Pins on Places 0 0 0
Contributed to Ideas 0 0 0
Visitors Summar y
Pageviews Visitors
24 Jul '23 7 Aug '23 21 Aug '23
200
400
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 2025108
ENGAGEMENT FEEDBACK
SURVEY DATA
Tool Type
Engagement Tool Name Tool Status Visitors
Registered Unverified Anonymous
Contributors
Survey Tool Dublin Sustainability Plan Survey Published 330 10 0 154
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
ENGAGEMENT TOOLS SUMMARY
0
FORUM TOPICS
1
SURVEYS
0
NEWS FEEDS
0
QUICK POLLS
0
GUEST BOOKS
0
STORIES
0
Q&A S
0
PLACES
Page 2 of 19
Widget Type
Engagement Tool Name Visitors Views/Downloads
Document Dublin Sustainability Framework Update: May 2, 2023 36 40
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
INFORMATION WIDGET SUMMARY
1
DOCUMENTS
0
PHOTOS
0
VIDEOS
0
FAQS
0
KEY DATES
Page 3 of 19
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 109 OCTOBER 2025
Visitors 330 Contributors 164 CONTRIBUTIONS 165
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
ENGAGEMENT TOOL: SURVEY TOOL
Dublin Sustainability Plan Sur vey
How concerned are you about the following:
Very Concerned
Somewhat Concerned
Not Concerned
Question options
50 100 150 200
Extreme heat
Drought / water supply /
flooding
Drinking water quality
Air pollution
Reliable power
Ecodiversity / habitat
quality
Access to parks and
open space
Car dependency / lack
of multi-modal transit ...
Utility costs
Food security / healthy
food access
Disaster preparedness
and resiliency
24
26
20
13
10
19
21
31
14
28
24
46
53
43
41
58
37
53
59
70
61
68
95
86
102
111
97
109
91
75
81
76
73
Page 4 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Likert Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 2025110
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
Sustainable cities offer a variety of benefits. What benefits are the most important to
your household? Please check all th...
Conserving / preserving natural areas Reduce waste Create jobs / improve economy
Improving physical and mental health and well-being Saving money on energy bills
Question options
50
100
150
200
89
114
63
137
148
Page 5 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 111 OCTOBER 2025
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
There are several ways to practice sustainability in the household. What types of
measures is your household interested in ...
Already doing
Interested
Not Interested
Question options
50 100 150 200
Energy for my home
provided by renewable
sour...
Improving home energy
efficiency (eg energy
s...
Recycling
Composting
Driving fuel and energy
efficient vehicles (e...
Walking / Biking /
Taking transit instead of
...
Reducing household
water usage through
low fl...
Reducing household
water usage by using
fixtu...
High quality
landscaping and
backyards that i...
Using reclaimed water
or collected water
thro...
35
11
3
29
30
29
21
35
13
28
110
43
7
54
87
98
53
48
78
102
20
111
155
82
48
38
91
82
74
35
Page 6 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Likert Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 2025112
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
How important are sustainable services and sustainability options in deciding the
following:
Extremely Important
Very Important
Important
Somewhat Important
Not Important
Not Relevant
Question options
50 100 150 200
Overall quality of life
Where you live /
housing
Where you do business
Where you eat
How you commute
8
6
16
7
19
7
11
19
11
12
16
12
21
28
22
31
39
41
40
43
47
56
36
52
42
56
41
32
27
27
Page 7 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Likert Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 113 OCTOBER 2025
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
In 2018, the City of Dublin initiated a Sustainability Framework establishing seven (7)
goals for improving sustainability ...
Extremely Important
Very Important
Important
Somewhat Important
Not Important
Not Relevant
Question options
50 100 150 200
Sustainability and the
built environment
Natural resources
City operations
Recycling and diversion
Community
engagement
Energy & air quality
Mobility
Economics
5
2
3
1
3
1
6
7
7
5
8
5
6
7
7
7
18
7
22
11
24
11
20
20
36
28
43
24
43
21
43
46
49
50
53
44
40
47
45
46
50
73
36
80
49
78
44
39
Page 8 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Likert Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 2025114
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
Of these goals, what are the two most important areas to prioritize?
Economics Mobility Energy & air quality Community engagement Recycling and diversion
City operations Natural resources Sustainability and the built environment
Question options
20
40
60
80
65 66
20
45
17
65
21 23
Page 9 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 115 OCTOBER 2025
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
Community Engagement is an essential part of the City’s sustainability plan. Do you
or a family member participate in susta...
I / We do not participate in sustainability-related organizations
Participated in household hazardous waste, document destruction, drug takeback or Styrofoam collection events hosted by the City of
Dublin
Contain GreenSpot membership Sustainability-related organizations at work / school
Contain a Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat
Registered plot at the City’s Community Gardens at Darree Fields Park and / or outside of the City’s Development building at Coffman
Park
Nature-based organizations
Question options
50
100
150
61
3
16
33
14
119
31
Page 10 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 2025116
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
Do you live in Dublin?
157 (95.2%)
157 (95.2%)
8 (4.8%)
8 (4.8%)
No Yes
Question options
Page 11 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Dropdown Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 117 OCTOBER 2025
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
How many years have you lived in Dublin?
Over 10 years 5 to 10 years 1 to 5 years Less than 1 year
Question options
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
3
21
30
102
Page 12 of 19
Optional question (155 response(s), 10 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 2025118
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
What is your housing status?
Other (please specify)Houseless Living with family or friends Leaseholder / renter Homeowner
Question options
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
153
8
2 1 2
Page 13 of 19
Optional question (165 response(s), 0 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 119 OCTOBER 2025
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
Do you work in Dublin?
67 (40.6%)
67 (40.6%)
98 (59.4%)
98 (59.4%)
No Yes
Question options
Page 14 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Dropdown Question
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Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
Do you own a business in Dublin?
16 (9.7%)
16 (9.7%)
149 (90.3%)
149 (90.3%)
No Yes
Question options
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Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Dropdown Question
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Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
What is your employment status?
Other (please specify)Student Retired Disabled Unemployed Employed Part Time
Employed Full Time
Question options
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
91
17
1
3
46
1
6
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Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Checkbox Question
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Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
What is your income?
Prefer not to answer $150,000 or more $100,000 - $124,999 $75,000 - $99,999 $50,000 - $74,999
Under $50,000
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
11
16
11
29
54
45
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Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 123 OCTOBER 2025
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
What is your gender?
Prefer not to answer Non-binary Female Male
Question options
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
57
99
1
8
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Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Checkbox Question
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Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
What is your race / ethnicity? (Check all that apply)
5 (3.0%)
5 (3.0%)
3 (1.8%)
3 (1.8%)
135 (81.8%)
135 (81.8%)
19 (11.5%)
19 (11.5%)3 (1.8%)
3 (1.8%)
Other (please specify)Prefer not to answer White Black or African American Asian or Asian Indian
Question options
Page 19 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Radio Button Question
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ENGAGEMENT FEEDBACK
FOCUS GROUP FEEDBACK - BUSINESS PARTNERS
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ENGAGEMENT FEEDBACK
FOCUS GROUP FEEDBACK - ORGANIZATION PARTNERS
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ENGAGEMENT FEEDBACK
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
Summary of Community Workshop
On September 28th, 2023, the Dublin Sustainability Plan consultant team invited community members to
the Community Recreation Center for a Community Workshop. The 90-minute workshop, hosted from
6:00pm – 7:30pm, included an introductory presentation and three (3) activities designed to invoke
reflections on sustainability and collect feedback on sustainability-related community priorities. Thirteen
(13) community members were in attendance.
The workshop’s activity session gave community members an opportunity for hands-on learning,
capturing their input on Dublin’s existing sustainability conditions and its possible future through three
activities:
• Dublin Draw Down – Presentation of Dublin Greenhouse Gas Inventory data to build an
understanding of Dublin’s greenhouse gas emissions, including a comparison to nearby
Colombus for reference. Attendees then discussed high emissions areas and identified and
prioritized opportunities to draw down their contributions to emissions. Attendees used colored
puff balls of varying sizes to indicate their perceived impact of emission into each emission type,
with the largest ball representing the largest perceived impact.
o Activity Results:
▪ The largest ball was worth 4 points, the medium sized ball was worth 3 points,
the small ball was worth 2 points.
▪ Colored balls indicated individual efforts to reduce emissions. Results suggest
that Solid Waste and Water are the top categories where participants are taking
action to reduce carbon emissions.
▪ The top two emissions categories indicated by participants were Electric and
Transport, which aligned with existing data.
▪ The table below shows the counts of the gray puff balls and the colored puff
balls.
Category Ranked Score Gray Puff Ball Count Ranked Individual
Emission Efforts
Colored Puff Ball
Count
Electric 55 • 8 large balls
• 7 medium
balls
• 1 small ball
3 20 colored puff
balls
Transport 46 • 5 large balls
• 6 medium
balls
• 4 small balls
4 15 colored puff
balls
Solid Waste 34 • 3 large balls
• 4 medium
balls
• 5 small balls
1 22 colored puff
balls
Water 13 • 0 large balls
• 1 medium ball
• 5 small balls
2 21 extra small
balls
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN OCTOBER 2025150
• Resilience Mapping – Maps of various climate and environmental conditions throughout Dublin
presented via 36’x48’ boards, allowing participants to provide feedback regarding micromobility
and shared-use paths following a series of guiding questions.
o Activity Results:
▪ Top walking and biking destinations were Dublin Market, the Dublin Plaza
Shopping Center, and Coffman Park.
▪ Participants added green tape on routes located north of US Route 33. The
marked routes were on or adjacent to existing trails, as well as on Dublin Road
and other local streets that provide access to some of the pinned destinations.
▪ Some areas that were taped in red as areas without current access include Glick
Road, Memorial Drive, Muirfield Drive, and connections across Scioto River.
▪ The table below shows participants’ votes for the three most important things to
improve for shared-use paths by number of votes.
• Other write-in comments expressed interest in safe access to paths
during winter months, use of native plants, short-cuts to places of
interest, mixed-use development, bike parking, and other suggestions to
the City.
Improvement Type Vote Count
Safe Crossings 11 (7 Votes indicating 1st Priority)
Tree Canopy/Shade Along Paths 7 (4 Votes indicating 1st Priority)
Access to Regional Trails 6
Comfort Amenities 5 (1 Vote indicating 1st Priority)
Wider Paths 3
Lighting 2
Access to Regional Transt (COTA) 2
Public Art Installations 1
Fitness/Recreation Equipment 0
Themed Routes 0
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 151 OCTOBER 2025
• Equity in Action – An exploration of existing sustainability efforts and potential future
programming through poster boards enabling attendees to vote on programs they would like to
see expanded or created. Participants were also encouraged to write a pledge for future
participation in sustainability efforts.
o Activity Results:
▪ Current City Programs – The table below shows the count of votes for improving
or expanding each current sustainability-related program offered by the city.
Current City Program Vote Counts
Restoration 12
Community Diversion Programs 10
Dublin Community Garden 5
Dublin Grows Greener 5
Community Markets 4
Micromobility 2
Greenspot 0
• Other current programs or activities that participants have participated
in include Election sign recycling and volunteer programs.
• Suggestions added to this board include encouraging more meadows
and edible planting, improving Styrofoam recycling, and meat-free
Mondays.
▪ Future City Programs – The table below shows the count of votes for programs
participants were most interested in seeing int the City.
Program Vote Counts Additional Comments
Native Plants, Trees, &
Seeds
8 Codify the meaning and use of
preserve and reserve; Training
citizens to replace grass with native
plants between street and sidewalks
Renewable Energy 8
Energy Efficiency 5 Adding solar panels on city buildings,
heat pumps for new constructions,
no more gas lamps in the Historic
District
Community Programs 3
Green Business 3
Water Reuse 1 Ensure City code requires only non-
invasive plantings for new builds.
▪ Participants indicated that classes/hands-on learning (6 votes) would be the
most beneficial to them, followed by rebates/financial incentives (5 votes) and
at-home consultations (3 votes).
Images
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To: Members of Dublin City Council
From: Megan D. O’Callaghan, P.E., City Manager
Date: August 19, 2025
Initiated By: Michael E. Barker, Deputy City Manager
Emily Goliver, Operations Administrator – Sustainability
Re: Dublin Sustainability Plan Final Report
Background
At the September 24, 2018, meeting of City Council, Council adopted the 2018 – 2020 Dublin
Sustainability Framework. The Framework was an internally composed document that provided
goals to create a sustainable, healthy resilient future for Dublin. The Framework was set to be
completed in 2020 but was extended to 2021 due to the pandemic putting a hold on many of the
initiatives. Of the 35 goals, 31 were substantially completed. The Framework can be found at this
link, for reference.
In July 2022, Council adopted the Dublin Strategic Framework which set forth the City’s vision of
being the most sustainable, connected and resilient global city of choice. Given the importance of
sustainability in achieving Council’s goal, after administering a request for proposals, Staff selected
Asakura Robinson (AR) to complete an updated Dublin Sustainability Plan. Asakura Robinson is a
planning, urban design and landscape architecture firm located in Texas. The organization was
founded in 2004 and has since worked on countless award-winning projects, including the Cedar
Rapids Community Climate Action Plan. Asakura Robinson focuses on actionable metrics to guide
communities in implementing a plan.
Asakura Robinson and City Staff worked closely on this project, which kicked off on May 1, 2023
and involved three phases: Understand the Community, Envision Change and Act with Intention.
As part of the development of this Plan, AR conducted an inventory of existing conditions,
reviewed existing planning efforts, interviewed stakeholders, analyzed the results of a community
survey, oversaw a community workshop, traveled to Dublin and met numerous times with Houseal
Lavigne to align the Plan with the Envision Dublin Community Plan development process.
Representatives from every City department were involved in bi-weekly coordination calls with AR
throughout the development of the Plan. In addition to aligning the Plan with Dublin’s existing
plans, including the Strategic Framework, Envision Dublin, Special Area Plans, Parks and
Recreation Master Plan and DEI Framework, AR also reviewed the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning
Commission’s (MORPC) Regional Sustainability Agenda to align the City’s efforts with regional
sustainability goals.
City Council reviewed the draft Dublin Sustainability Plan at the June 3, 2024 meeting. At this
meeting, Staff and the consultant team presented the draft Plan, including the results of the
greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and the Plan’s four themes: Model Sustainable Leadership,
Design Sustainable Communities, Support the Natural Environment and Achieve Zero-Waste. The
materials from that meeting are provided for reference. Council provided feedback on the following
discussion topics:
1. What is Council’s feedback regarding the strategies and actions outlined in the draft Dublin
0BOffice of the City Manager
1B5555 Perimeter Drive • Dublin, OH 43017
2BPhone: 614.410.4400 Memo
Memo re. Dublin Sustainability Plan Final Report
August 19, 2025
Page 2 of 4
Sustainability Plan?
2. Is there anything not included in the Plan that Council would like it to address?
3. Is Council supportive of referring the implementation of the Dublin Sustainability Plan to
the Community Services Advisory Commission for their feedback, with recommendations
made back to the Council for action?
Council Feedback: There should be a recommendation that the City create an ordinance requiring
a cistern outside of every new residential building.
The City of Dublin’s Stormwater Management Design Manual Chapter 5 addresses Stormwater
Control Measures. Rain barrels are approved for stormwater storage per Guidance 2. These are
above-ground prefabricated storage receptacles with an automatic overflow diversion system to
collect and store stormwater that would otherwise be routed into a storm drain. The City has
experience with the practice of using underground storage. Emerald Parkway Phase 8 included
installing underground stormwater detention facilities to slowly release runoff instead of building a
retention basin that would reduce developable land along the corridor.
The Dublin Sustainability Plan addresses these stormwater control measures in several ways.
Action 3.1.2.A recommends “Champion a pilot project at a community park for on-site stormwater
retention and reuse that explores the feasibility of installing underground storage capacity at new
or redeveloped parks.”
Strategy 3.1.6 recommends “Establish new community-centered programs to promote and expand
the use of nature-based solutions”, which includes the expansion of the City’s existing partnership
with Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District. Finally, Action 1.1.4.A states, “Expand outreach
efforts for participation in sustainability-related programming, such as the native plant and
compost bin rebate programs through Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District.”
The City will continue to leverage its partnership with Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District
(FSWCD) to provide ample opportunities for residents to install rain barrels at their homes.
To implement the existing policy that encourages this, and to tie the Dublin Sustainability Plan into
the Stormwater Management Design Manual, action 2.2.3.D has been added to the Plan with the
recommendation “Encourage the use of rain barrels and cisterns for water reclamation, consistent
with the Stormwater Management Design Manual.” The City promotes these approved uses
through the review process for new development projects and annually during Stormwater
Awareness Week and periodically throughout the year to ensure residents are aware of the
opportunity to receive a rebate through the partnership FSWCD.
Council Feedback: The City should encourage or require builders to incorporate green building
standards, such as a green roof.
The future of the built environment is critical to achieving sustainability goals. This includes
improving multi-modal mobility, resiliency, efficiency and renewable energy. Theme 2: Design
Sustainable Communities addresses the sustainability practices that can impact development the
most. Specifically, Objective 2.2 “Adapted City” provides recommendations related to sustainable
building development. Strategy 2.2.6 states, “Incorporate new incentives for new construction to
promote green building or development certifications, including LEED, SITES, WELL, Green Globes
and Energy Star across all zoning categories.” Installing a green roof is certainly a factor in
Memo re. Dublin Sustainability Plan Final Report
August 19, 2025
Page 3 of 4
achieving these certifications.
Action 3.1.6.C makes specific recommendations regarding green roofs, which states, “Identify
opportunities to incorporate Nature-Based Solutions improvements into existing incentive
programs, such as the Commercial Façade Improvement Program.” Green roofs are a common
Nature-Based Solution to Green Stormwater Infrastructure and are an approved use for
stormwater control measures, per the Stormwater Management Design Manual Guidance 11. Most
recently, the City installed a green roof as part of the Riverside Crossing Park pavilion to reduce
the impervious surface and filter rainfall.
Additional discussions regarding green roofs are ongoing after an initial conversation at the May
20, 2025, Community Development Committee meeting.
Council Feedback: The Plan is long and very technical. It would be helpful to simplify the
recommendations into the three things that will have the most impact.
The attached Executive Summary document was created to highlight a few of the most impactful
initiatives from within the Plan. It is important that the Plan itself be comprehensive and include as
much detail as possible to provide Staff with a comprehensive roadmap for implementing the “big
ideas” that the Plan provides. It’s the guide to how objectives, strategies and actions can be
accomplished and provides examples of how they’ve been achieved in other cities.
Council Feedback: The plan includes several items that the City is already implementing, such as
micro-mobility.
The City is currently working towards accomplishing many items in the Plan. These are reflected in
the “Overview of Implementation” on pages 96 and 97 of the Plan. These items further the
objectives that the Plan outlines. Dublin has made significant progress towards expanding access
to micromobility and multi-modal transportation options and has an opportunity to continue
reducing transportation emissions. Transportation emissions are the highest category of
community emissions, according to the Greenhouse Gas Inventory. Expanding multi-modal
options, reducing barriers to alternative transportation and enabling transit-supportive places will
help Dublin address this objective.
Council Feedback: Any building over three stories should be a slab building rather than a stick
building.
The Strategic Framework establishes Dublin as a resilient city. Objective 2.2, “Adapted City,”
addresses adaptive reuse and new developments. Slab buildings make it easy to repurpose a
building to meet a community’s changing needs, furthering the City’s resiliency goals.
Action 2.2.2.C was added to advance adaptive reuse opportunities. It states, “Explore alternative
building requirements for commercial buildings greater than three stories that offer more flexible
future use potential than stick-frame methods.”
Council Feedback: Developers should be required to redistribute the topsoil over the clay when
their project is finished.
Objective 3.2 “Regenerative City” provides strategies and actions to protect, preserve, and
Memo re. Dublin Sustainability Plan Final Report
August 19, 2025
Page 4 of 4
regenerate Dublin’s environment throughout the City, leading by example through City-led projects
and more ecologically driven development processes. Repurposing topsoil reduces project waste
and preserves nutrient-rich resources.
Action 3.2.2.D was added to further improve new development practices regarding the
preservation of existing natural features. It states, “Establish requirements for new developments
to reuse existing topsoil for new landscape features where possible.”
Additional Changes to the Final Plan
In addition to the edits listed above, the plan also underwent grammatical changes. Staff also
added information from 2024 to the Plan to ensure that the version adopted is most up-to-date
with the current state of sustainability in Dublin. Additionally, the language surrounding the EV
Infrastructure Comprehensive Plan was updated to align with the amendments made since it was
reviewed by City Council in 2024. Finally, the goal for community events was edited to clarify that
the intent is for events to become zero-waste.
Next Steps/Implementation
Staff members have already begun identifying ways to implement the Sustainability Plan. The 2025
Operating Budget includes funding in the Office of the City Manager, Solid Waste and Planning for
projects informed by the Dublin Sustainability Plan.
Upon the Plan's adoption, Staff will present the Objectives and Strategies to CSAC. The
implementation of portions of the Plan can be presented to CSAC for feedback, with
recommendations made to City Council for action. The EcoDublin team, comprised of
representatives from each City department, will provide an internal oversight of the Plan's
implementation.
Recommendation
Staff is seeking feedback from City Council regarding the following questions:
1. Does Council have feedback or questions about the Dublin Sustainability Plan Executive
Summary?
2. Does Council have feedback or questions regarding the Dublin Sustainability Plan?
3. Is Council supportive of the next steps/implementation plan that Staff has identified?
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN FINAL REPORT
August 25, 2025
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
Sustainable Connected Resilient
Economic
Fiscal
Environmental
Services
Democracy
Mobility
Infrastructure
Land Use
Physical
Mental
Safety
Social
Vision: Dublin, Ohio is the Most Sustainable, Connected and Resilient Global City of Choice
•City Council adopted the 2018 – 2020 Sustainability Framework at the Sept.
24, 2025, meeting•Of the 35 goals, 31 were substantially completed•The Dublin Sustainability Plan was reviewed at the June 3, 2024, City
Council meeting. Council provided feedback on the following discussion
topics:
•What is Council’s feedback regarding the strategies and actions outlined in the draft Dublin
Sustainability Plan? •Is there anything not included in the Plan that Council would like it to address? •Is Council supportive of referring the implementation of the Dublin Sustainability Plan to the
Community Services Advisory Commission for their feedback, with recommendations made
back to the Council for action?•Staff and the consultant worked to update the Plan based on Council’s
feedback
BACKGROUND
PROJECT TIMELINE & ENGAGEMENT
May 1, 2023:
Project kick-
off
June 22 & 23, 2023:
Asakura Robinson visit.
Stakeholder
interviews with
Rumpke,
internal staff
and an
EcoDublin
team visioning
session
July 25 – August 25, 2023:
Community survey
Sept. 28, 2023: Community
workshop
Dec. 11, 2023:
Focus group
meetings with
City Council, businesses,
partner
organization
and Dublin City School
students
Dec. 4 – 22, 2023:
Business
community
survey
Feb. 9, 2024: Initial
review by the
full Senior
Leadership
team
Feb. 28, 2024: Final review by the
full Senior
Leadership
team
June 3, 2024: City
Council
review
June 2024 – June 2025:
Internal
review
Aug. 25, 2025:
Presented the
updated Plan
to City
Council
•Added action 2.2.3.D: “Encourage the
use of rain barrels and cisterns for
water reclamation, consistent with the
Stormwater Management Design
Manual”•The City can increase education and
awareness of rain barrels•Chapter 5 of the City of Dublin’s
Stormwater Management Design
Manual lists rain barrels as an approved
stormwater storage use.•Action 3.2.1.A – an opportunity for the
City to pilot a project at a community
park for underground on-site
stormwater retention and reuse.
Council Feedback: There should be a recommendation that the City
create an ordinance requiring a cistern outside of every new
residential building.
•Ongoing conversations regarding code amendments after an initial discussion at the Community Development Committee•Guidance 11 of the Stormwater Management Design Manual lists green roofs as an approved use for stormwater control measures•Strategy 2.2.6 recommends incentivizing green building or development certifications (such as LEED buildings), of which green roofs can be included in the certification standards•Action 3.1.6.C - Identify opportunities to incorporate Nature-Based Solutions improvements into existing incentive programs, such as the Commercial Façade Improvement Program.
Council Feedback: The City should encourage or require builders to
incorporate green building standards, such as a green roof.
•The Executive Summary was
developed to highlight a few of the
most impactful initiatives from the
Plan
Council Feedback: The Plan is long and very technical. It would be
helpful to simplify the recommendations into the three things that
will have the most impact.
•The “In Progress” section of the
Overview of Implementation lists
items that the City is already
implementing, including active
transportation and micro-
mobility
Council Feedback: The plan includes several items that the City is
already implementing, such as micro-mobility.
•Added action 2.2.2.C – Explore alternative building requirements for
commercial buildings greater than three stories that offer more
flexible future use potential than stick-frame methods
Council Feedback: Any building over three stories should be a slab
building rather than a stick building.
Council Feedback: Developers should be required to redistribute the
topsoil over the clay when their project is finished.
•Added action 3.2.2.D – Establish requirements for new
developments to reuse existing topsoil for new landscape features
where possible
Additional Changes to the Final Plan
•Grammatical edits•Added information from 2024 to
ensure that the final plan is up-to-
date with the current state of
sustainability in Dublin•Amended language surrounding
the EV Infrastructure
Comprehensive Plan to align with
changes to the plan since it was
reviewed at a Council Work
Session in 2024•Adjusted a goal about community
events to clarify the intent to
establish events as zero-waste.
•Continue identifying ways to implement the Plan using 2025
Operating Budget funds.
•Funding currently exists in the Office of the City Manager, Solid Waste
and Planning budgets for projects identified in the Dublin
Sustainability Plan
•Present the Objectives & Strategies to CSAC for feedback
•The EcoDublin Team will provide oversight of the Plan’s
implementation
Next Steps/Implementation
Staff is seeking feedback from City Council regarding the following
questions:
1.Does Council have feedback or questions about the Dublin
Sustainability Plan Executive Summary?
2.Does Council have feedback or questions regarding the Dublin
Sustainability Plan?
3.Is Council supportive of the next steps/implementation plan that
Staff has identified?
RECOMMENDATION
VDUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 1 JUNE 2025
In July 2022, Dublin City Council adopted the Dublin
Strategic Framework which set forth the City’s vision
of being the most sustainable global city of choice.
Building off this vision, the Dublin Sustainability Plan
presents a roadmap for the goals, objectives and
framework for collective action to work towards a
Sustainable Dublin that is as inclusive and equitable
as it is impactful. This executive summary highlights a
few of the most impactful initiatives designed to drive
measurable progress.
Core Message
This Sustainability Plan identifies four critical areas for
action:
Model Sustainable Leadership:
The City of Dublin can lead the way with
sustainable leadership through strategic
partnerships and effective communication to drive
sustainable innovations and mobilize support for
sustainable actions.
Design Sustainable Communities:
Address development and the future of the
built environment through multi-modal mobility,
resiliency, efficiency, and renewable energy.
Support the Natural Environment:
Target sustainable action in water, ecology, and
air in support of conserving parks, open areas,
rights-of-way, watersheds, streams, and rivers.
Achieve Zero Waste:
Move towards a zero-waste city that supports
a circular economy and is a leader in waste
management and diversion.
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability refers to the practice of maintaining a
balanced approach to meet the needs of today without
depleting resources, causing environmental harm,
or compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.1 While there are many ways to
approach it, being the most sustainable global city of
choice means acting as a hub for diverse businesses
to grow and thrive, while promoting green community
design that is zero waste, carbon neutral and
supportive of its natural environment.
Partner and Community Engagement
The engagement effort invited EcoDublin team members,
stakeholders and the broader community. Engagement
to date has included:
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4 groups / 25 participants
1 workshop / 13 participants
1 month / 165+ responses
1 meeting / 22 members
Focus Groups
Public Workshop
Community Survey
EcoDublin Visioning Meeting
What Makes Dublin Sustainable Today?
Miles of shared use paths
150
on the 100 best green fleets in the 2022 NFMA
#3
Community diversion rate through partnership with Rumpke Waste & Recycling
47%
fixtures across City buildings converted to LED
400+
Renewable energy used at City facilities
100%
Trees planted Citywide in 2023
1,800+
Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitats through partnership with NWF
300
Hours donated from corporate service groups in 2023
414
Drop-off for styrofoam recycling and medications.
24/7Community composting program with grant funding through partnership with SWACO
1
2
3
4
1 Brundtland, G. (1987). Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our
Common Future. United Nations General Assembly document A/42/427
VDUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 20252
Increase business and resident participation in sustainability programs or initiatives.
• Reduce internal City energy and water use by 2% annually to reach 20% reduction by 2035
• Electrify 45% of the City’s light duty fleet by 2035
• Increase the overall diversion rate to 60% in five years and 80% in ten years
• Establish a “Green Business Certification” and increase the number of certified businesses annually
ACHIEVE ZERO WASTE
High-Impact Strategies Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.
The Road Ahead
Now is the time for bold action. Dublin has already
demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability through
a range of impactful initiatives currently in motion. The City is
leading by example, actively advancing the recommendations
outlined in its ambitious Sustainability Plan. The Dublin
Sustainability Plan advances the goals previously adopted by
City Council in 2018. This Plan serves as a strategic blueprint
for achieving both immediate and long-term goals, structured
around impact, priority and cost-effectiveness. The themes,
objectives and actions below offer a snapshot of the broader
plan, highlighting a few of the critical focus areas it addresses.
Dublin will foster a thriving circular economy.
Objective: Expand community recycling and diversion through
continued education and improved accessibility.
Become a leader in natural resource regeneration.
Objective: Improve new development practices regarding the
preservation of existing natural features.
Become carbon neutral by 2035.
Objective: Assess what standards could be updated to identify
opportunities to improve sustainable development practices.
Approach sustainable leadership with an inclusive lens.
Objective: Use Dublin’s signature annual events as a platform to lead by
example and build awareness of City sustainability efforts.
MODEL SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP
DESIGN SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
SUPPORT THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
ACTION
Adopt code revisions and a
stormwater management plan that
eliminate inconsistencies related
to sustainable development.
Model best practices related to
sustainable development
ACTION
Adopt revised neighborhood
guidelines for trees and
hedgerows.
Amend soil erosion and sediment
control plans to preserve
vegetation.
ACTION
Evaluate and identify ways to
increase access to diversion
opportunities through piloting an
additional compost drop-off.
Explore the feasibility of providing
recycling to multifamily residents.
ACTION
Establish City events, including
the Dublin Irish Festival as zero-
waste events.
1
2
3
4
Measuring Success
Sustainable
Neighborhoods &
Built Environment
Natural Resources
City Operations
Recycling & Diversion
Energy &
Air Quality
Mobility
Community
Engagement
Economics
2018 Sustainability Goals
VDUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 3 JUNE 2025
MODEL SUSTAINABLE
LEADERSHIP
Approach sustainable
leadership with an
inclusive lens.
DESIGN SUSTAINABLE
COMMUNITIES
Become carbon neutral
by 2035.
SUPPORT THE NATURAL
ENVIRONMENT
Become a leader in natural
resources regeneration.
ACHIEVE
ZERO WASTE
Dublin will foster a thriving
circular economy.IN PROGRESS(Now)Promote City programs and
incentives
Establish sustainability data
reporting responsibilities
Improve water efficiency
Reduce dirty diesel /
standard fuel vehicles from
City fleet
Support transit, micro-
mobility, and active
transportation
Increase renewable energy
generation and storage
Support adaptive reuse
Improve development
practices in preservation
and use of native plants
Expand community
recycling
Reduce food waste by
partnering with local food
pantries
SHORT TERM (1-3 years)Create volunteer programs
Establish partnerships
Embed equity into
sustainable leadership
Create public sustainability
dashboard
Enhance community
resilience
Establish sustainable
building development
Pilot action at specific sites
Expand community-
centered nature-based
solutions
Increase styrofoam
diversion rate by 50%
Decrease municipal solid
waste
MEDIUM TERM (3-7 years)Work with Dublin Schools
and Dublin Arts Council
Champion green business
Integrate with local
planning contexts
Increase energy efficiency
Reduce water use
Increase green streets and
cool corridors
Improve water
management
Create a One Water
Framework plan
Increase diversion rate to
60% in year 5
Increase styrofoam
diversion rate by 50%
every 3 years
Support circular food
systems
Establish “Soft Recycling
Program”LONG TERM(7+ years)Partner with Institutions,
non-profits, and regional
organizations
Achieve carbon neutrality
Pilot green building
methods
Expand sustainable
transportation infrastructure
Steward regenerative
systems
Create a building material
reuse center
How Can I Get Involved?
Every day is greener in Dublin thanks to the support of many residents who are already taking action.
• Here are a few ways you can get involved:
• Share this plan with others
• Practice zero waste at home
• Switch to LED bulbs and water-saving shower heads and faucets
• Participate in City led events like Sustainable Saturday
• Choose to bike, walk or carpool
Visit DublinOhioUSA.gov to get involved.
1 2 3 4
Overview of Implementation
The Overview of Implementation provides a snapshot of the Action Plan, highlighting the main strategies, actions, and
their associated timelines.
2025 DUBLIN
SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
June 2025
VDUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Our deep thanks to the City staff members, local stakeholders, and the community who shared
their perspectives and invested their time to shape this plan.
City Leadership
Dublin City Council
Chris Amorose Groomes - Mayor, Council
Representative At Large
Christina A. Alutto - Vice Mayor, Council Representative
At Large
Cathy De Rosa - Ward 4 Representative
Jane Fox - Ward 2 Representative
Andy Keeler - Council Representative At Large
Amy Kramb - Ward 1 Representative
John Reiner - Ward 3 Representative
Megan O'Callaghan - City Manager
Consultant Team
Asakura Robinson Company
isabelle Asakura - Project Manager
Andrew Knuppel, CFM AiCP - Deputy Project Manager
Kyle Anderson - Planner
EcoDublin Team Members
Mitch Ament, Office of the City Manager
Brian Ashford, Facilities & Fleet Management
Kendel Blake, Office of the City Manager
Tyler Brooks, Recreation Services
Brad Conway, Building Standards
Doug Cordill, Community Events
Michael Darling, Public Service
Kirby Dearth, Economic Development
Eric Dickinson, information Technology
Emily Goliver, Office of the City Manager
Michael Hendershot, Utilities & Stormwater
John Hyatt, Facilities & Fleet Management
Shawn Krawetzki, Parks & Recreation
Madison Kregel, Communications & Marketing
Greg Lattanzi, Police
Taylor Mullinax, Zoning
Meghan Murray, Finance Operations
Barbara Ray, Outreach & Engagement
J.M. Rayburn, Transportation & Mobility
Langdon Sanders, innovation & Analytics
Cara Sheets, innovation & Analytics
Ron Whittington, Human Resources
VDUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN iii JUNE 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements ....................................................ii
Table of Contents ......................................................iii
Message from The City Manager ................................1
introduction ..............................................................2
Understand ..........................................................10
Sustainability Framework .........................................12
Planning in Context .................................................22
Greenhouse Gas inventory .......................................26
Engagement ...........................................................32
Goals & Themes ...................................................44
Achieving The Vision ...............................................46
Action Plan ..........................................................72
Decoding the Path to Action .....................................74
Appendices ..........................................................98
Glossary .................................................................99
GHG inventory Methods .........................................103
Engagement Feedback: Survey Data ........................108
Engagement Feedback: Focus Group Businesses ......126
Engagement Feedback: Focus Group Organizations ..137
Engagement Feedback: Community Workshop .........149
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025iV
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 1 JUNE 2025
MESSAGE FROM
THE CITY MANAGER
Dear Residents,
The City of Dublin aspires to be the most sustainable, connected and resilient
global city of choice. Through exemplary economic, fiscal and environmental
stewardship, we provide world-class, innovative services and amenities that make
Dublin the most desirable and sustainable community.
in furtherance of becoming the most sustainable global city, the City of
Dublin began the process of updating its sustainability framework. The Dublin
Sustainability Framework was adopted by City Council in 2018 after several months
of collaboration among Council, the Community Services Advisory Committee and
City staff members. The Framework allowed us to set measurable objectives and
identify action steps to meet our sustainability goals. We have invested heavily in
sustainability through the installation of LED lighting, the purchase of electric and
CNG vehicles, a robust landfill diversion program and numerous other initiatives.
The Dublin Sustainability Framework has served us well for the last several years
in establishing a foundation for the future of sustainability in Dublin.
in 2022, we began the effort to update the Framework. The EcoDublin team was
assembled to assess the status of current goals, identify ongoing sustainability
efforts and establish goals for the future. The EcoDublin team engaged a third-
party consultant to craft a world-class sustainability plan, informed by international
best practices and standards. This Plan addresses key action areas, giving the City
measurable goals related to modeling sustainable leadership, designing sustainable
communities, supporting the natural environment and achieving zero waste.
i would like to thank City Council, the Community Services Advisory Committee,
the stakeholders involved in developing the Plan and our residents for their
passionate support of sustainability efforts. The City is committed to doing what it
takes to implement this vision and ensure an even greener Dublin for the future.
Thank you,
Megan O’Callaghan
City Manager
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 20252
INTRODUCTION
The City of Dublin is the most
resilient, connected, and
sustainable global city of choice.
Beginning with an initiative to introduce native
plant alternatives at new park development
projects in 2000, the Dublin Sustainability
Plan builds upon 20+ years of the City's
commitment to sustainability. As the City
looks ahead to support the future vision, this
plan provides updated goals and identifies
a series of impactful strategies for action
from community-based recommendations to
municipal opportunities. The plan is intended
to serve as a framework for collective action
for a sustainable Dublin that is as inclusive
and equitable as it is impactful.
Core Message
Being the most sustainable community
means being a hub for diverse businesses
to grow and thrive, while also promoting
sustainable community design that is zero
waste, carbon neutral and supportive of its
natural environment. This Sustainability Plan
identifies four critical areas for action:
Model Sustainable Leadership
The City of Dublin has a history of
successful partnerships and collaborations
that drive sustainable innovations.
Dublin can leverage these to establish
a constellation of diverse sustainable
partners to mobilize support for
sustainable actions.
Design Sustainable Communities
Sustainability practices can have the
greatest impact on development and
the future of the built environment by
improving multi-modal mobility, resiliency,
efficiency, and renewable energy. Strategies
include increasing access to transportation
options, enhancing community resiliency,
improving energy and water efficiency, and
increasing access, generation, and use of
renewable energy.
Support the Natural Environment
Target action in water, ecology, and air.
The City of Dublin aims to establish a
community that is ecologically sound
for both people and wildlife through the
conservation of parks, open areas, rights-
of-way, watersheds, streams, and rivers.
Get to Zero Waste
Move towards a zero waste city that
supports a circular economy and is a
leader in waste management and diversion
through recycling, reuse, food donating,
and food waste composting.
How to Read this Plan
This report is the culmination of the Dublin
Sustainability Plan process to understand the
existing conditions, engage our community,
envision solutions, and collectively impact
Dublin’s future. The Plan is informed
by several aspects of Dublin’s ongoing
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 3 JUNE 2025
iNTRODUCTiON
sustainability efforts,
policies, and practices.
The existing conditions
assessment included a site
visit, review of recent and ongoing
planning efforts, a benchmark analysis, and
the development of the City’s first greenhouse
gas emissions inventory that included
community-wide and municipal emissions
data.
Understanding the City’s sustainability
ecosystem also involved public outreach and
engagement. To this end, the Sustainability
Plan engagement effort invited EcoDublin
team members, stakeholders, and the
broader community to share input and ideas
that have shaped the planning process. The
engagement process included a series of
stakeholder interviews, community workshop,
and a community survey.
Building off the "Understand" phase, the
"Envision" phase included updating the
existing goals of the
2018-2022 Sustainability
Framework and identifying
four themes to advance action
and implementation. Summaries of the
updates to the nine (9) original goals include
recent advancements, related planning efforts,
input from the public survey and workshop,
and gaps identified in the benchmark
analysis. The benchmark analysis included
the review of four sustainability plans for
municipalities of similar size and climate.
The recommendations are built around four
themes: Model Sustainable Leadership, Design
Sustainable Communities, Support the Natural
Enviornment and Achieve Zero Waste.
The framework for collective action is laid
out in the final section of this reports. It
includes measurable objectives, priority level,
impact level, and key actors to implement
Sustainable Dublin.
Please go to DublinOhioUSA.gov to find
more ways to get involved.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 20254
THE PATH TO SUSTAINABILITY
Beginning with an initiative to introduce native plant alternatives at new park development projects
in 2000, the City’s commitment to sustainability spans 20 years. With the establishment of the
EcoDublin team in 2016, the City has had several milestones achievements.
2016Pre-2016 2017 2018 2019
• Installed the city’s first
solar-powered pond
aerator.
• City Manager’s Office
requested inventory
of City’s investments
in sustainability and
greening.
• The ECODUBLIN
charter is revised
and adopted as an
official City committee.
EcoDublin is organized
into working groups.
• Sustainability inventory
completed.
• Began planting native
plants in all new park
developments and right-
of-way maintenance
areas as early as 2000.
• Purchased recycling
containers to be paired
with trash receptacles at
all City events in 2008.
• Began installing energy
efficient lighting at City
buildings in 2009.
• Staff introduced topic
of sustainability to
Community Services
Advisory Commission
(CSAC).
• EcoDublin adopted
MORPC’s 2017-2020
Regional Sustainability
Agenda as a template
to form Dublin’s
first Sustainability
Framework.
• City Council adopted the
Sustainability Framework,
at the recommendation
of CSAC.
• Dublin Corporate Area
Special Area Plan added
to 2013 Comprehensive
Plan.
• Phase 2 of the
ongoing Mobility Study
completed.
• The City’s first electric
vehicle charging station
is installed at the Dublin
Community Recreation
Center.
• City Council adopted the
Sustainability Framework,
at the recommendation
of CSAC.
• Dublin Corporate Area
Special Area Plan added
to 2013 Comprehensive
Plan.
• Phase 2 of the
ongoing Mobility Study
completed.
• The City’s first electric
vehicle charging station
is installed at the Dublin
Community Recreation
Center.
• installed a 2,310 SF
green roof at the Dublin
Community Recreation
Center (DCRC) in 2010.
• Opened a compressed
natural gas (CNG)
fueling station the City's
Fleet building in 2012.
• implemented a
Combined Heating and
Power (CHP) System at
the DCRC in 2015.
• Dublin City Council
adopted a resolution
to commit to
Sustainable2050.
• EcoDublin working
groups tasked with
formulating goals
and action items for
the Sustainability
Framework.
• West innovation District
Special Area Plan
updated.
• Phase 1 of the Mobility
Study completed.
• Dublin City Council
adopted Complete
Streets resolution.
• Began conducting water
quality monitoring
evaluations of the City’s
critical waterways.
• Piloted Lime Bike Share
program.
• Refreshed City policy for
vehicle idling & began
placing signs at City
facilities.
• Launched the
Dublin Connector
as an alternative
transportation method
for seniors, individuals
with disabilities, and
employees of Dublin
businesses.
• Opened Ferris-Wright
Park and Earthworks.
• The Dublin irish Festival
hired a contractor to
oversee a sorting center
which included recycling
and compost diversion.
iNTRODUCTiON
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 5 JUNE 2025
2020 2021 2022 2023
• Nearly finished
converting City building
lights to LED.
• Added additional shared
use paths, bike loops,
and sidewalks for
increased walkability.
• Launched Dublin Grows
Greener video series
and new Earth Month
events.
• Envision Dublin, the
ongoing effort to
update Dublin's 2013
Comprehensive Plan,
kicked off with multiple
community input
sessions.
• Entered into a contract
with iGS for 100%
renewable energy on all
City accounts.
• Dublin City Council
adopted new Strategic
Framework.
• Public engagement
efforts for Parks &
Recreation Master Plan
update began with the
first public forum.
• A micro-mobility
demonstration pilot
project was approved via
Resolution 18-22 piloting
e-scooters in Downtown
Dublin.
• installed new chillers at
the Dublin Community
Recreation Center.
• Created new bike loops.
• implemented strategies
to encourage sustainable
transportation use-
focused on microtransit,
wayfinding, and vision
zero objectives.
• Completed Phase 3 of
the ongoing Mobility
Study.
• Launched a compost
drop-off location at the
Service Center.
• Adopted Resolution
09-22 to form the
Community inclusion
Advisory Committee.
Adopted a DEi
Framework and a non-
discrimination ordinance.
• Launched a Styrofoam
drop-off location at the
Service Center.
• Dublin’s fleet earned No.
3 on the 100 Best Green
Fleets list in the National
Fleet Management
Association Awards.
• Curbside Management
Study initiated to reduce
vehicle circulation in
dense areas.
• City Council adopted a
new Parks & Recreation
Master Plan.
• City Council adopted
revised language to the
zoning code for the use
of renewable energy
equipment.
• The first autonomous
electric mower was
launched at City Hall.
• Phase 2 of the micro-
mobility demonstration
pilot expanded e-scooter
boundaries citywide.
• The City hired Asakura
Robinson to begin the
update of the Dublin
Sustainability Plan.
• Dynamic signal timing
piloted at three
intersections.
iNTRODUCTiON
2024
• Began design for
the City's first solar
installation at the Dublin
Service Center
• Launched the first-ever
Sustainable Saturday,
diverting nearly 42 tons
of material form the
landfill in one day
• Deployed two large-
scale autonomous
electric mowers at Avery
Park
• Acquired the city'sfirst
fully electric truck and
box truck
• Adopted the Envision
Dublin Community
Plan, which includes the
preservation of green
space and waterways
• Planted a large prairie
field at Ten Kaltenbach
Park
• Expanded Combined trash/recycling
bins to Emerald Fields
• Designated as an offical Runner
Friendly Community, promoting
Dublin's running infrastructure and
recreation programming.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 20256
26
26
13
citywide in 202468
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 7 JUNE 2025
26
26
13
citywide in 202468
iNTRODUCTiON
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 20258
A CITY-WIDE EFFORT
The EcoDublin Team
Established in 2016, the EcoDubin team
is comprised of staff members across all
municipal departments.
Mitch Ament, Office of the City Manager
Brian Ashford, Facilities & Fleet Management
Kendel Blake, Office of the City Manager
Tyler Brooks, Recreation Services
Brad Conway, Building Standards
Doug Cordill, Community Events
Michael Darling, Public Service
Kirby Dearth, Economic Development
Eric Dickinson, information Technology
Emily Goliver, Office of the City Manager
Michael Hendershot, Utilities & Stormwater
John Hyatt, Facilities & Fleet Management
Shawn Krawetzki, Parks & Recreation
Madi Kregel, Communications & Marketing
Greg Lattanzi, Police
Taylor Mullinax, Zoning
Meghan Murray, Finance Operations
Barbara Ray, Outreach & Engagement
J.M. Rayburn, Transportation & Mobility
Langdon Sanders, innovation & Analytics
Cara Sheets, innovation & Analytics
Ron Whittington, Human Resources
iNTRODUCTiON
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 9 JUNE 2025
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202510
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 11 JUNE 2025
UNDERSTAND
SUSTAINABILITY IN
DUBLIN TODAY
Sustainability Framework
2018-2020
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202512
SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORK
in 2017, the City of Dublin committed to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s
Sustainable2050 plan to support sustainability in the Central Ohio region. At the
recommendation of the Community Services Advisory Commission, the City began working on
its first Sustainability Framework, which was developed by Staff and approved by City Council
in September 2018. The Dublin Sustainability Framework was originally set to run through
2020, but was extended to 2021 due to the COViD-19 pandemic.
Dublin Sustainability Framework
Dublin's Sustainability Framework provides effective and
actionable guidance on how to achieve a sustainable
future. The framework is a three-tiered structure, with
overarching goals supported by clear vision statements,
which are further broken into more specific, actionable
goals. The goals are designed to be achievable, such
as adopting a Complete Streets Policy or increasing
pollinator-friendly areas. These goals are then
translated into more granular measures, such as adding
a minimum of five native plant areas annually to open
space and right-of-ways. Further strategies are then
listed under each measure to outline the specific steps
that need to be taken to accomplish the task.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 13 JUNE 2025
Framework Progress
Dublin's Sustainability Framework has been updated
every year since its adoption. The following pages
summarize Dublin's progress on achieving its
sustainability goals as of 2022.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
increase local and regional
collaboration and education
opportunities to advance
innovative, sustainable solutions
through GreenSpot membership,
increased exposure, outreach,
and advocacy.
SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS & BUILT ENVIRONMENT
A vision for connected,
integrated, environmentally friendly
neighborhoods and business districts
where people can live, work, and thrive
in a healthy, equitable way. Goals
include complete streets, more
shared use paths, sustainable
development, and energy
conservation.
ENERGY & AIR QUALITY
install renewable energy
sources in City facilities as
well as reducing the City's
emissions and dependence
on non-renewable energy
sources. This goal also
aims to assist residents in
emission reduction.
MOBILITY
Connecting more people
to more places through
improved access to multi-modal
transportation, this area defines
goals to support economic
development, advance
multimodal transportation
options, promote equity,
and focus on future
growth.
ECONOMICS
Create an ecosystem
that encourages and
supports the growth of
environmentally friendly
businesses, buildings, and
technology.
NATURAL RESOURCES
This area focuses on
sustaining the City's wildlife
and natural resources. Goals
include education and public
awareness, as well as improving
wildlife and natural resource
management strategies.
RECYCLING & DIVERSION
This goal aims to improve
the City and community's
waste diversion rate.
CITY OPERATIONS
With the goal of becoming
a zero waste operation,
improvements aim to
optimize efficiency and improve
environmental sensitivity by
reducing paper use, mitigating
idling by city vehicles, and
educating on recycled
materials.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202514Oak Park, ILMOBILITY
• Complete streets
establishment.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION
• Establish energy
goals and preserving
the embodied energy
and heritage.
• For new buildings or
major renovations,
Oak Park is
establishing energy
efficiency reach
codes.
• Establish programs
to support building
decarbonization
and to expand
community
purchasing of
renewable energy. Carmel, INENERGY EFFICIENCY
• Municipal energy
efficiency evaluation
to identify barriers
to existing energy
efficiency programs.
• Establish grant
programs for energy
efficiency.
• Green Building
Policy and Best
Practices Education
for commercial
and municipal
construction.
• Benchmarking
and disclosure
program for both
municipal energy and
commercial energy.
• SolSmart Designation
with solar education
and program
establishment. Bloomington, INMOBILITY
• Bike mobility
infrastructure to
achieve the League
of American Bicyclists
Platinum Rating.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
• Building efficiency for
both residential and
commercial through
certifications,
incentive programs,
and low-interest
loans.Lakewood, OHENERGY EFFICIENCY
• Particular focus
on retrofits and
net zero-centric
objectives:
• incentives-based
net zero building
code.
• Community
coalition to
support net zero
efforts.
• incentives for
efficient building
performance.
• Significant retrofit
assistance for all
buildings with a
“deep retrofit”
program.
• City-led
neighborhood retrofit
demonstration
pilot for efficiency
retrofits.
The City has adopted a Complete Streets
and Smart Streets program into its larger
Vision Zero efforts and has increased its
miles of shared-use paths by 1% since
2018. The City is in the process of updating
its zoning code to encourage sustainable
development and seeking to implement
energy conservation practices. Recently,
City Council adopted revised language to
the zoning code for the use of renewable
energy equipment.
Complete streets policy.
Shared use path miles.
American League of Bicyclists Silver Designation,
2022.
Updated zoning code to encourage sustainable
development practice.
SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS &
THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Benchmark Analysis
Sustainability Framework Updates
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 15 JUNE 2025
The City has annually added five native
plant species to its open spaces and streets,
offers water monitoring evaluations, and
increased its overall wildlife education.
Some goals that are still in progress include
wildlife management and increasing resident
participation in community gardens.
Increase "pollinator-friendly areas” with five new
pollinator gardens added.
Management plans for deer, coyote, and skunk.
Three annual major water monitoring
evaluations were completed since 2018.
2023 Parks Master Plan Landscape and Tree
Preservation Manual.
Sustainability Framework Updates
Oak Park, ILHABITAT QUALITY &
CONSERVATION
• Prioritize the use of
native plants.
• increase plant & tree
cover throughout the
City to protect and
enhance biodiversity.
GREEN SPACE CONNECTIVITY
• increase connectivity
and access to parks
and green space.Carmel, INHABITAT QUALITY &
CONSERVATION
• Native & drought
tolerant plants for
landscaping.
• increase in annual
tree planting.
• Rain garden
installations.
• Support
environmental quality
through pursuing a
no gasoline-powered
mowing policy.Bloomington, INHABITAT QUALITY &
CONSERVATION
• Conserve and
enhance 100 acres.
of green space or
habitat by 2023.
• Remove 100 acres
of invasive plants on
public lands by 2023.
• Remove 100 acres
of invasive plants
on private lands by
2023. Lakewood, OHHABITAT QUALITY &
CONSERVATION
• Riparian Areas:
• Provide more
dedicated
wetland and
riparian forest
management.
• New shoreline
stabilization
efforts.
• Protect and expand
the City’s forest
canopy.
• Establish new tree
planting initiatives.
• Explore zoning
strategies to protect
natural spaces.
• Green infrastructure
the City standard.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Benchmark Analysis
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202516Oak Park, ILEMISSIONS & ACCESS
• Shift from personal
vehicles to active
transportation and
transit.
• Pursue strategies to
advance equity in
transportation.
• Launch vehicle
decarbonization
programs.
• Establish emissions
reduction goals
for transportation
systems. Carmel, INEMISSIONS & TRANSIT OPTIONS
• Pursuing commuter
line feasibility study.
• Encourage multi
modal transportation
& walkability
programs.
• Promote EV leasing/
purchasing, and
promote bicycles as
alternative modes of
transportation.
• Establish a municipal
bikeshare program. Bloomington, IN• Reduce commuting
in single occupancy
vehicles (SOV).
• increase the use of
Bloomington’s transit
system by 5% by
2023.
• Walk Friendly
Communities
Platinum level
designation by 2022
and achieve the
League of American
Bicyclists Platinum
rating by 2022.
• Achieve bicycle and
pedestrian fatality
rates of zero by
2023. Lakewood, OH• improve public
transit.
• Expand walking &
cycling infrastructure.
• Car-free or car-light
zones.
• E-scooter & e-bike
rental programs &
incentives.
• New partnership
with Northeast
Ohio Areawide
Coordinating Agency.
• New parking
strategy.
• Fleet transformation
coalition.
• EV charging
infrastructure.
• Educational outreach.
MOBILITY
Benchmark Analysis
Dublin has fulfilled most of its initial
sustainability goals for mobility. Along with
the launch of the City's Mobility Plan, the
City has focused on expanding multi modal,
micro-transit systems. The City of Dublin
launched an e-scooter program as part
of the mobility study. The City continues
to improve walkability and bikeability
throughout Dublin and is actively pursuing
expanded transit options through the West
Dublin Passenger Rail Study and LinkUs.
Through the Envision Dublin Community
Plan, the City is updating the multimodal
thoroughfare plan and mobility plan.
Creating a mobility plan for workforce
development and the business community.
Piloting multiple alternative transportation
projects (bike loops, mobility hub, bike share
and Bird scooter programs).
implementation of 5 transportation options from
mobility study objectives.
Establishment of a continuous program for
promoting equitable access to mobility.
Sustainability Framework Updates
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 17 JUNE 2025Oak Park, IL• Oak Park did not
have any specific
community
engagement
strategies in their
climate action plan.Carmel, IN• Public education
programming about
the impacts of
climate change.
• Sustainable business
certification program.
• City of Carmel
sustainability
committee.Bloomington, IN• Bloomington did
not have any
specific community
engagement
strategies in their
climate action plan.Lakewood, OH• Formation of a zero-
emissions building
coalition.
• Community climate
advisory committee.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community engagement on sustainability
initiatives in Dublin have increased in
overall exposure through the creation of an
external advisory group and sustainability
web page and have steadily increased
memberships for GreenSpot since 2018.
increased GreenSpot membership by 50%.
increased exposure of Dublin on sustainability.
Created an external advisory group.
Created a sustainability web page.
Sustainability Framework Updates
Benchmark Analysis
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202518Oak Park, IL• Align community
resource to further
sustainable economic
development.
• Promote sustainable
businesses and
business practices.Carmel, IN• Sustainable business
certification program.
• Public education
on green building
best practices
for commercial
and municipal
construction.
• Green building policy
for commercial
and municipal
construction.Bloomington, IN• Business-centric
programming and
incentives for green
business practices
aimed at lowering
GHG emissions.
• Reducing building
energy use.
• increase the
percentage of
residential and
commercial buildings
using sustainable
building certification
programs and
incentives.
• Reduce commercial
waste. Lakewood, OH• Lakewood does not
have any economic
development specific
programming in their
climate action plan.
Benchmark Analysis
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The City has continuously increased its
green encouragement programs since the
2018 Sustainability Framework. Efforts to
encourage green businesses in the City are
ongoing.
increased green encouragement programs.
Engaged with green companies to increase
awareness and created a green business
roundtable.
Sustainability Framework Updates
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 19 JUNE 2025
CITY OPERATIONS
Oak Park, IL• Procurement
of sustainable
materials. Reviewing
and revising the
City Hall Sustainable
Purchasing Policy.
• Expanding to
other facilities with
additional compliance
tracking mechanisms
in 2021.Carmel, IN• implement a
no-idling policy
supported by
technical assistance. Bloomington, IN• Develop an
employee education
plan to facilitate
implementation.
• Reducing municipal
GHG emissions.
• Non-renewable
energy use in City-
owned facilities.
• Reducing non-
renewable fuel use
by the City fleet &
transit system.
• Sustainable
building and green
infrastructure
practice into City
facilities. Lakewood, OH• Developing an annual
carbon budget.
• Developing equity
and climate lenses
for expenditures and
policies.
• Annual GHG and
energy use reporting.
• Transitioning to a
zero-emissions fleet.
• Make sustainability
someone’s job.
Benchmark Analysis
The City has reevaluated and enacted its
policy on mitigating idling by City vehicles.
The City has also reviewed policy regarding
City procurement of recycled materials and
is in the process of having a more paperless
operation.
Administrative Order (AO) 1.13, Dublin
emphasizes recycling throughout its government-
operated and community facilities.
All products used for facility management
are bio-preferred and Green Seal Certified
Chemicals.
The City practices sustainable purchasing
through AO 4.4
Ordinance 50-95 encourages City Staff to
purchase recycled products.
Nearly all City buildings have been converted to
LED lighting.
Through AO 3.15, the City established an anti-
idling policy
• The strategies that are currently in progress are to
transition boards, commissions, and City Council
to become paperless, as well as efforts to educate
Staff on City procurement and purchasing policy
regarding reference for products derived from
recycled materials.
Sustainability Framework Updates
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202520
RECYCLING & DIVERSION
Oak Park, IL• Encourage zero
waste practices.
• Reduce plastics &
packaging waste,
organic waste,
hazardous materials
waste, and building
construction waste.Carmel, IN• Establish a municipal
food waste
composting program
and food composting
pilot programs.
• Backyard compost
bin voucher program.
• increasing recycling
rate and reduce
contamination rates.
• Establish a zero
waste events policy. Bloomington, IN• Divert at least 40%
of the volume of
residential waste
collected by City
sanitation from being
landfilled by 2023.Lakewood, OH• Circular economy
strategy to support
waste & diversion
efforts.
• Municipal organics
collection program.
As of 2023, the City's diversion rate from
the Dublin irish Festival has increased to
47%. The City is also steadily addressing its
overall diversion rates within the community
and throughout its City agencies and has
a current diversion rate that exceeds state
and national averages.
City has successfully increased the Dublin irish Festival
diversion rate from 23% to 47%.
Administrative Order (AO) 1.13, Dublin emphasizes
recycling throughout its government-operated and
community facilities.
The City contracts with GoZero Services to operate a
free compost drop-off location for residents.
Through a partnership with SWACO, the City hosts
drop-off collection events for household hazardous
waste products. SWACO accepts several hard-to-recycle
materials.
Dublin has implemented a comprehensive solid waste
management program.
Ordinance 50-95 encourages City Staff to purchase
recycled products.
Benchmark Analysis
Sustainability Framework Updates
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 21 JUNE 2025
ENERGY & AIR QUALITY
Oak Park, IL• Reduce vehicle
emissions:
• Foster a shift
from personal
vehicles to active
transportation
and transit.
• Launch a vehicle
decarbonization
program.
• Establish
emissions
reduction goals
for transportation
systems.
• Provide greater
access to renewable
energy:
• Expand
community
purchasing
of renewable
energy. Carmel, IN• Municipal energy
efficiency evaluation.
• Policy for City EV
and hydrogen fleet
purchasing and
retrofits.Bloomington, IN• Reduce non-
renewable energy
use in City-owned
and operated
facilities by 12% by
2023.
• Reduce non-
renewable City fleet
vehicle fuel use by
5% by 2023.
• Reduce overall
community GHG
emissions by 11
percent by 2023.Lakewood, OH• increase the use of
rooftop and parking
lot solar.
• Development of
community solar
gardens.
• New wind generation
partnerships.
• Pilot project for
offshore wind
generation.
• Renewable energy
cooperatives.
• Opportunities for
household and
neighborhood energy
storage.
• Transition to a zero-
emissions fleet.
The City has actively installed electric car
charging stations and will have completed
25 stations by 2024. Dublin Community
Recreation Center has also undergone several
improvements and retrofitting since 2018. The
City is also still actively pursuing its goals to
provide at least 15% of its facility electricity
from solar energy, as well as achieving 20%
reduction in vehicle emissions.
installed new chillers at the Dublin Community
Recreation Center.
Replaced interior lighting at all City buildings
with LEDs (with the exception of a few lights at
the Development Building).
Providing alternative fueling choices to the public
with 21 new ChargePoint locations.
Sustainability Framework Updates
Benchmark Analysis
TABLE 1 2018 SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
PLAN YEAR SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS & BUILT ENVIRONMENT NATURAL RESOURCESCITY OPERATIONSRECYCLING & DIVERSIONENERGY & AIR QUALITYMOBILITYCOMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTECONOMICSMID-OHIO REGIONAL
PLANNING COMMISSION
Regional Sustainability Agenda 2021
CITY OF DUBLIN
Strategic Framework 2022
CITY OF DUBLIN
DEi Framework 2021
CITY OF DUBLIN
Envision Dublin
CITY OF DUBLIN
Dublin Community Plan 2013
CITY OF DUBLIN
Corporate Area
Special Area Plan 2018
CITY OF DUBLIN
West innovation District
Special Area Plan
2017
CITY OF DUBLIN
Parks & Recreation Master Plan 2023
Ongoing
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202522
2024
PLANNING IN CONTEXT
A number of local and regional planning projects have been completed since the development of
the original Sustainability Framework. Table 1 summarizes areas where recently completed and/
or ongoing planning efforts align with the Framework's original goals. This alignment provides a
foundation for the City to identify opportunities to leverage resources and work collaboratively and
regionally to achieve its sustainability goals.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Dublin Community Task Force | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework | July 2021
REGIONAL SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA 2021–2024
WHO WE ARE
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is Central Ohio’s regional council for more than 70 members comprised of counties, cities, villages, townships, and regional organizations. We take pride in bringing communities of all sizes and interests together to collaborate on best practices and plan for the future of our growing region.
MORPC’S SERVICE AREA
MARION
MORROW
KNOX
LICKING
DELAWARE
FRANKLIN
UNION
LOGAN
MADISON
PICKAWAY
FAIRFIELD
FAYETTE
HOCKING
ROSS
PERRY
SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Sustainability Advisory Committee (SAC) is a top-level committee of MORPC’s board and serves as the voice of sustainability. The SAC weighs in on important sustainability-focused programs and policies that have an impact on air quality, water resources, trails, energy, growth, and planning.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 23 JUNE 2025
The MORPC Regional Sustainability Agenda (RSA) provides high-level regional guidance
for a collective effort toward a sustainable mid-Ohio region. The RSA is intended to both
inform MORPC’s sustainability efforts and align cities throughout the region in pursuit of
shared objectives. it’s further worth noting that the RSA is intended to directly connect
with MORPC’s Sustainability2050, which offers technical assistance to cities in the region as
they pursue their own sustainability programming. Aligning City efforts with RSA goals then
allows for easier access to valuable support from MORPC.
in 2020, Dublin City Council established a goal to develop a Dublin 2035 Visionary
Framework. After an extensive planning and public engagement effort, Dublin City
Council adopted a new Strategic Framework July 25, 2022. The values we hold most
dear and the guiding principles we adhere to make it possible for Dublin to be bold in
its vision.
Dublin’s DEi Framework, completed in 2021, represents the culmination of policy
efforts undertaken by the City since 2015 to establish a municipal-level foundation to
ensure Dublin is a City open and welcome to all. The DEi Framework is a key document
for shaping an equity-based approach to sustainability in Dublin, offering valuable
insight into the City’s community demographics and how the City approaches fostering
a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive Dublin. in the context of sustainability, the DEi
framework is integral to shape an equitable approach to sustainability that is tailored to
Dublin's existing communities while fostering greater accessibility and inclusivity for a
growingly diverse population over time.
City of Dublin DEi Framework (2021)
City of Dublin Strategic Framework (2022)
MORPC Regional Sustainability Agenda (2021)
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202524
City of Dublin Comprehensive Plan (2013)
Adopted in 2013, the current Dublin Community Plan contains a substantial narrative
component grounded in well-articulated guidance and recommendations for fostering/
managing future growth. The City is currently in the process of updating the Community
Plan, with the public kick-off taking place in spring of 2023. The Plan contains key planning
components for guiding the City’s development, including future land use, specific area
plans, and thoroughfare plan, which provide critical context of how the City has previously
envisioned the future of Dublin from a spatial lens.
Envision Dublin (2024)
Envision Dublin is the City of Dublin's ongoing effort to update the Community Plan.
The plan will address the topics of housing and neighborhoods, economic development,
commercial and industrial areas, transportation, infrastructure and utilities, parks, open
space, and environmental sustainability. The plan will also establish special area plans for
numerous areas in Dublin. With input from the community and stakeholders, Envision Dublin
is expected to be substantially complete by March 2024.
Robb McCormick Photography
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 25 JUNE 2025
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIODIVISION OF PLANNINGDEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT
Dublin Corporate
Area Plan
Special Area Plan (2018)
WEST
INNOVATION
DISTRICT
Community Plan: Special Area Plan Update (2017)
COMMUNITY PLAN
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIODIVISION OF PLANNINGDEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT
ISSUED: OCTOBER 23, 2017
City of Dublin Corporate Area Special Area Plan (2018)
City of Dublin West innovation District (2017)
Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2023)
The Dublin Corporate Area Plan (DCAP), approved by City Council in 2018 and amended in
2022, is a comprehensive plan to revitalize nearly 1,000 acres of traditional corporate office
parks along i-270. These developments were largely built in the 1970s, but contemporary
preferences for office space have shifted significantly since then. Demand has moved away
from more traditional, car-centric office park models and toward more walkable, mixed-use
developments that are accessible by multiple modes of transportation. in response, the City
of Dublin conducted a thorough analysis of the area to plan for the revitalization of these
legacy office parks to make them more attractive to both current and potential future users.
The DCAP provides insight into how the City structures its more traditional planning efforts,
as well as how it approaches redevelopment and challenges related to suburban sprawl.
The West innovation District Community Special Area Plan (WiD) is a plan to develop a
cutting-edge research and innovation district on the western edge of Dublin. it is similar
to the Corporate Area Plan in format and content, but differs in that it focuses on new
development in the WiD area, rather than redevelopment in the Corporate Area. The WiD
is intended to be a driver of economic growth and competitiveness for Dublin and the
surrounding region. The public amenities and sustainability action items are particularly
relevant to sustainability efforts, as they include a focus on sustainable building elements,
renewable energy generation, and public art.
The City of Dublin Parks and Recreation Master Plan is a document that provides an inclusive
framework for planning, acquisition, development, and administration of the parks and
recreation resources, programs and facilities throughout Dublin. The plan aims to prioritize
the maintenance of existing facilities and amenity needs as high priority. Other factors that
were prioritized in the plan include community aspirations, economic impact, sustainability,
cost of development and operations, and potential partnership opportunities.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202526
GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY
MEASURING DUBLIN'S EXISTING EMISSIONS
To better capture Dublin’s baseline performance from the lens of greenhouse gas emissions
production within the City of Dublin, the Sustainability Plan process included the City’s first
greenhouse gas inventory. By tracking greenhouse gas emissions, the City can identify relevant
strategies to reduce or mitigate its relative contributions to the greenhouse effect and climate
change. The City’s greenhouse gas contributions constitute its carbon footprint.
Direct and Indirect Scopes
inventories can be further categorized into direct and
indirect scopes.
Scope 1 emissions include those directly produced
by local actions controlled or owned at the relevant
scale (produced by the local government or by
residents within the locality), such as fuel combustion
from natural gas heating systems or gasoline
vehicles. indirect emissions are included as Scope
2 emissions for purchased energy sources such as
electricity which are emitted elsewhere but consumed
within the local jurisdiction, and Scope 3 emissions
occur upstream or downstream through other
purchased materials or services such as water and
wastewater treatment or end-of-life handling for solid
waste.
Because energy sources produce different mixes of
the six internationally recognized greenhouse gases
which directly impact the climate (Carbon dioxide
([CO2]); Methane ([CH4]); Nitrous oxide ([N2O]);
Hydrofluorocarbons ([HFCs]); Perfluorocarbons
([PFCs]); and Sulfur hexafluoride ([SF6])), overall
emissions are summarized as metric tons of carbon
dioxide equivalents (MT CO2e).
Methods, Scales, and Protocols
The greenhouse gas inventory reviewed 2022 data
and utilized iCLEi's ClearPath tool to calculate
emissions for two tracks: government operations
and the overall community scale. The government
track captures emissions created by local government
operations such as buildings and facilities, vehicle
and transit fleets, and utilities. The community scale
includes all emissions produced within the locality’s
jurisdiction, including energy consumed by residential
and non-residential buildings, transportation, and
water and wastewater treatment processes.
The development of the inventories was guided to be
compliant with established protocols, including the
Local Government Operations Protocol (LGOP) (2010)
and U.S. Community Protocol (USCP).
Please note that as this greenhouse gas inventory was
performed using 2022 data, it does not reflect the
100% renewable energy contract currently in effect.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 27 JUNE 2025
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202528
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Dublin’s primary greenhouse gas emissions are produced by its buildings, facilities, and fleet
vehicles. Comparing performance to other localities is difficult due to differences in levels of
service and operational scope. For example, Dublin does not operate a transit fleet, own an
electric utility, or maintain its own water or wastewater treatment or solid waste facilities.
The results of the government operations inventory should be regarded as a tool to identify
opportunities to improve efficiency rather than an exact accounting of Dublin’s impact due to
potential double-counting issues, as electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) fleet vehicle
fueling is not metered separately from facility meters.
Fleet Vehicles
Dublin’s vehicle fleet of over 200 vehicles utilizes
unleaded gasoline, diesel, and compressed natural gas
(CNG) fuels as well as electricity. Fleet Management
Staff provided fuel usage reports for individual assets,
which permitted calculation of greenhouse gas
emissions based on the amount of fuel consumed.
While electric vehicle charging stations are metered
separately, they are billed with the building's electricity
consumption figures in all buildings but the Community
Recreation Center. Thus, the overall building's use
was analyzed for this assessment. Similarly, natural
gas used in the CNG compression system at the Fleet
Management facility is not metered separately.
The 131 gasoline vehicles consumed an estimated
72,189 gallons of unleaded gasoline, traveling 806,624
miles and producing an estimated 636 MT CO2e.
Thirty-two diesel vehicles consumed 12,138 gallons
of diesel fuel and produced an estimated 124 MT
CO2e, and 58 CNG vehicles consumed 25,701 gallons
gasoline equivalent (GGE) of compressed natural gas
and produced an estimated 162 MT CO2e.
About 80% of diesel fuel and about 25% of CNG fuel
consumed powered heavy trucks such as dump trucks
and snowplows. While fuel consumption varies by
vehicle type, one GGE of CNG produced an estimated
0.0059 MT CO2e, lower than 0.0088 MT CO2e per
gallon of gasoline or 0.0102 MT CO2e per gallon of
diesel.
Buildings and Facilities
Facilities Management Staff provided data on
electricity and natural gas usage for City Hall, the
Development Building, the Community Recreation
Center, the Service Center, the Justice Center, and
the Fleet Management facility. The Dublin Community
Recreation Center also includes a combined heat and
power (CHP) system that produces electricity for the
building as well as thermal energy for heating the
building and its pool.
in 2022, Dublin’s buildings consumed an estimated
4,653 MWh of electricity and 27,275 MMBtu of natural
gas, producing an estimated 2,222 MT CO2e from
purchased electricity generation outside the locality
and 1,451 MT CO2e from natural gas combustion
within the locality for a total of 3,672 MT CO2e. The
largest individual contributor is the Dublin Community
Recreation Center, which produced an estimated
1,752 MT CO2e while heating, cooling, and providing
electricity for the building’s over 113,000+ square feet
of space and pools.
Additionally, an estimated 1,275.5 MWh of electricity
was also consumed by Dublin’s 2,176 streetlights,
which contributed to an estimated 608.94 MT CO2e.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 29 JUNE 2025
Estimated Government Building Emissions
Estimated Fleet Emissions
3,672 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e)
922 metric tons
of carbon dioxide
equivalent (MT CO2e)
Recreation Center
1,760 MT
113,113 SF
Justice Center
585 MT
78,380 SF
Service Center
496 MT
68,139 SF
Fleet Management
361 MT
32,600 SF
City Hall
327 MT
31,675 SF
Development
144 MT
22,770 SF
Gasoline
636 MT
CNG
162 MT
Diesel
124 MT
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202530
COMMUNITY-SCALE
EMISSIONS
What drives Dublin’s emissions?
Transportation
Transportation emissions were estimated using a
vehicle miles traveled (VMT) method and inputs
from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s
regional transportation modeling program. Modeled
estimates of daily vehicle miles traveled were provided
for passenger vehicles and freight and service trucks
using 2021 data, which is the most recently available.
Assumptions for the mix of fuel type and vehicle type
(e.g., light-duty gasoline vehicle, heavy-duty diesel
truck) were derived from the EPA’s State inventory
Tool’s Mobile Combustion module’s assumptions for
the state of Ohio. Trips included in the model were
integrated trips originating within the community and
with the destination within the community, including
both residents and workers in Dublin.
Annually, passenger vehicles transporting Dublin
residents and workers drive an estimated 605,886,495
miles; roughly 12,286 miles per resident. Freight
vehicles are responsible for an estimated 27,131,545
miles during the same period. Together, transportation
in Dublin is responsible for an estimated 274,094 MT
CO2e, the largest single sector in the inventory.
Non-Residential Energy
Data provided by AEP Ohio and Columbia Gas was
used to estimate energy consumption by both
residential and non-residential customers. The data
considers multifamily apartments as commercial
and therefore, non-residential energy. Commercial
and public electricity customers in Dublin consumed
366,836 MWh of electricity in 2022, resulting in an
estimated 175,125 MT CO2e. Additionally, natural
gas customers consumed about 1,289,172 MMBtu,
producing an estimated 68,567 MT CO2e.
The combined non-residential estimate of 243,692
MT CO2e, the second-largest sector in the community
inventory, highlights the important role of the business
sector in Dublin’s energy consumption patterns.
Dublin’s strong office market and corporate presence
means there is lots of space to heat, cool, and light
proportionate to Dublin’s residential population. There
are about 180 square feet of office space per Dublin
resident, compared to 24 square feet for Greater
Columbus as a whole.
Residential Energy
Residential customers in Dublin consumed 169,348
MWh of electricity and 2,300,597 MMBtu of natural
gas in 2022, resulting in emissions of 80,845 MT CO2e
and 122,361 MT CO2e, respectively. Natural gas played
a more significant role in the residential energy sector
and was responsible for about 60% of residential
emissions, likely due to its use as a heating fuel.
Solid Waste, Water, and Wastewater
While these activities occur outside of Dublin,
landfilling solid waste and treating water and
wastewater produces greenhouse gases. Solid waste
emissions were estimated using Rumpke tonnage
data, and water and wastewater emissions were
estimated by prorating City of Columbus data based
on Dublin's share of plant capacity usage.
How does Dublin compare to other
communities?
Comparing Dublin’s community footprint on a per
capita basis allows for comparison across cities of
different sizes. Carmel, indiana, and Columbus, Ohio,
were selected as comparison communities.
Why were these communities chosen?
These two cities were selected due to their available
inventory data, geographic, and climate similarities.
Carmel is located within a major Midwestern
metropolitan area near indianapolis’ interstate 465
loop, similar to Dublin’s location on interstate 270, and
was reviewed during the planning process. The City
has average of 185 sunny days per year compared
to Dublin's an average of 176 sunny days. While
Columbus is significantly more urbanized than Dublin,
the methods and data sources for the two cities
are nearly identical, providing a comparison of local
consumption patterns. Columbus is also located in
the same climate as Dublin but has an average of 178
sunny days per year.
What were the major differences?
Dublin’s estimated greenhouse gas emissions
were higher, on average than these two cities.
Generally, Dublin residents drive more than the peer
communities, with Columbus’ estimated per capita
passenger VMT of 8,067 miles representing ~34%
fewer vehicle miles than Dublin. While Dublin residents
used less electricity than Carmel residents, they used
more natural gas, likely reflecting differences in home
heating fuel choices between the two areas. Dublin
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 31 JUNE 2025
Transportation
274,094 MT CO2e
Non-Residential Energy
243,692 MT CO2e
Residential Energy
203,206 MT CO2e
Solid Waste
4,945 MT CO2e
Water & Wastewater
1,923 MT CO2e
727,860 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e)
227,443 MT
36,270 MT
162,304 MT
68,567 MT
122,361 MT
80,845 MT
Gasoline
Diesel D
G
Dublin's Per Capita Emissions: 14.76 MT CO2e per resident (49,314)
12.56 MT CO2e per resident (99,753)
2.48 MT 1.63 MT3.29 MT 1.39 MT5.56 MT
CITY OF CARMEL, IN
1.49 MT 2.90 MT2.71 MT 0.20 MT5.11 MT
10.54 MT CO2e per
resident (905,839)
4.12 MT5.56 MT
CITY OF COLUMBUS, OH
2.40 MT2.99 MT4.72 MT
4.94 MT
Transportation 5.56
Non-Residential 4.94
Residential Energy 4.12
Solid Waste 0.104
Water/Wastewater 0.039
Estimated 2022 Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Community Scale):
Per Capita Emissions (MT CO2e)How does Dublin compare to other
communities?
residents typically used more residential energy than
Columbus residents, with a higher volume of natural
gas consumption being one of the primary drivers.
Across both peer communities, Dublin’s non-residential
energy usage was significantly higher, likely reflecting
the outsized role of office and corporate campuses in
Dublin’s built environment.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202532
EcoDublin Visioning Meeting
Public Survey
Public Workshop
Focus Group Meetings
Business Survey
Visioning session with EcoDublin
team members and discussions
with key city staff members to
build an understanding of current
City-led sustainability programs
and initiatives.
A one-month survey to gain public
opinion and perspectives on topics
of environmental sustainability.
A 90-minute workshop where
community members gained
insights into the Sustainability
Plan and expressed their opinions.
Participants assessed the current
state of sustainability and ranked
their priorities for sustainability
initiatives.
Multiple focus group meetings
were held to gain valuable
feedback on opportunities to
expand or develop partnerships
from partner organizations,
students, the business
community, and City Council.
A follow-up survey distributed to
the larger business community to
gain insight on opportunities to
expand or develop partnerships.
OVERVIEW
The Sustainability Plan engagement effort invited EcoDublin team members, stakeholders, and
the broader community to share input and ideas that have shaped the planning process. This
section details the engagement process, which included stakeholder interviews, an EcoDublin
visioning workshop, community survey, and community workshop.
ENGAGEMENT
6/23/2023
09/28/2023
12/11/2023
1/9/2023
12/4/2023-
12/22/2023
7/25/2023-
8/25/2023
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 33 JUNE 2025
ECODUBLIN VISIONING
MEETINGS
The stakeholder interviews involved a series of
dialogues with various City agencies, such as City
Engineering, Fleet Management, and Parks &
Recreation. The intent of the interviews was to
get a grasp on the state of sustainability initiatives
that are currently being undertaken by the City.
The discussions also asked team members to
provide their insights on strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats to City programs.
WHAT WE HEARD
City Utilities
Stormwater management follows EPA guidelines and
conducts water quality sampling throughout the City.
The Waterways Maintenance Program is an effort to
restore City-owned waterways with:
• Bank Stabilization
• Log Jams
• Riparian habitats
• invasive species removal pilot projects
in the Bridge Street District, Dublin is experimenting
with innovative stormwater management methods
including bioretentions, rain gardens, permeable
pavers, and underground storage.
Transportation Mobility
Micromobility is growing in Dublin, with opportunities
to implement CoGo, a bikeshare program offered
in Columbus, as well as supporting an increase of
e-scooters. The City currently has one park and ride
station with planning efforts to connect to future
Northwest Corridor bus rapid transit lines. The West
Dublin Passenger Rail Study is exploring a potential
location to bring passenger rail to the West innovation
District
Fleet Management
The City has a total of 242 vehicles, including plow
trucks and standard vehicles and an award-winning
green fleet comprised of CNG vehicles, electic vehicles
and hybrid vehicles. Part of the fleet services was
expanded through a $2.5 million grant from 2009 for
a CNG Station, which still services the City today. The
City also has fleet services with the school system, as
well as the Washington Township Fire Department.
Parks & Recreation
Public Service currently has 80 full-time staff and 60
part-time staff helping to upkeep 64+ parks. The
Parks & Recreation Department recently updated the
Parks & Recreation Master Plan, which involved heavy
community engagement, and thus reflects updated
community needs and demographics.
Parks maintenance techniques that have been
successful include diversified plant palettes that are
pollinator-friendly and the usage of fewer chemical
treatments in various management practices. Some
issues the public service crews have encountered
in recent years include inconsistency in rainfall and
warmer winters.
Asset Management and Quality Assurance
City of Dublin residents utilize the GoDublin App to
request City services. City departments have done
assessments of City assets and sidewalks, and
identify areas where maintenance is needed and
areas of priority, such as high traffic rights-of-way and
school areas. Next steps for the City's infrastructure
monitoring system include reviewing data and
identifying frequency of updating City services and/or
infrastructure.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202534
SURVEY FINDINGS
From July 25 to August 25, 2023, Dublin residents received a 22-question survey, distributed
via social media, inquiring about their demographics and perspectives on topics of
environmental sustainability. The survey received a total of 165 responses. The following
section highlights some of the responses to questions asked in the Community Survey. On top
of the survey responses, some of the open-response comments highlighted residents' concerns
regarding the trade-off between development and greenspace preservation, as well as a need
for continuous engagement throughout the planning process.
Sustainability Concerns
Nearly all respondents hold some concerns about
having reliable power (94%), utility costs (91%), and
air pollution (91%).
How concerned are you about the following:
The top four concerns for sustainability that people
identified as "Very Concerned" were:
• Air Pollution (67%)
• Ecodiversity/habitat quality (66%)
• Drinking Water Quality (62%)
• Reliable Power (59%)
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 35 JUNE 2025
Sustainability Benefits
Nearly all respondents identified conserving/
preserving natural areas and the reduction of waste
as sustainability benefits that were most important to
their households.
Sustainable cities offer a variety of benefits. What benefits are the most
important to your household? Please check all that apply.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202536
Sustainability Measures
Nearly all respondents were interested in and/
or already taking measures for recycling (98%),
improving their home energy efficiency (93%), and
having high-quality landscaping that improves habitat
quality and biodiversity (92%).
What types of sustainability measures is your household interested in
or is currently undertaking?
The top sustainability measures people responded as
"Already Doing" were:
• Recycling (94%)
• Improving home energy efficiency (67%)
• Reducing water usage through low-flow and water-
efficient fixtures (55%)
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 37 JUNE 2025
Sustainable services and sustainability options were
ranked "Extremely" and "Very" important in the
following:
• Overall quality of life (62%)
• Where you live/housing (59%)
• Where you eat (48%)
Sustainable Services
Survey respondents identified sustainable services and
sustainability options that have some level of importance
in deciding their overall quality of life (91%), housing/
where you live (89%), and where you eat (89%).
How important are sustainable services and sustainability options
in deciding the following:
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202538
Sustainability Goals
According to survey responses, the City of Dublin's
sustainability goals that garnered the most level of
importance were recycling and diversion (97%) and
sustainability and the built environment (96%). There
was also high overall rankings for natural resources,
energy and air quality, and community engagement
(95% for each goal).
Rank the City of Dublin's seven (7) sustainability goals according to your
priorities or level of importance in your household.
Respondents were also asked to identify their top two
goals. Based on the responses, the top goals that were
prioritized in their households were:
• Natural Resources (20.5%)
• Sustainability and the Built Environment (20.2%)
• Energy and Air Quality (20.2%)
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 39 JUNE 2025
Sustainablity-Related Programs and
Organizations
A majority of respondents and/or their family members
have participated in City waste-related events (72.1%).
Other sustainability-related programs and/or organizations
that have higher levels of participation include nature-
based organizations (37%) and sustainability-related
organizations at work or school (20%).
Do you or a family member participate in sustainability-related
programs and/or organizations? Please check all that apply.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202540
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
The 90-minute Community Workshop for the
Dublin Sustainability Plan took place Sept. 28,
2023. Community members had an opportunity
to learn more about the Sustainability Plan
and partake and provide their input on the
state of sustainability and their prioritization of
sustainability initiatives in Dublin. The following
section outlines the three activities that took
place at the workshop.
Dublin Draw Down
The Dublin Draw Down activity began with a
presentation of the data from the Greenhouse
Gas inventory. Emissions data included municipal
emissions and community emissions. Attendees
then discussed high emissions areas, and identified
and prioritized opportunities to draw down their
contributions to emissions. Attendees used colored
puff balls of varying sizes to indicate their perceived
impact of emissions into each emission type, with the
largest balls representing the largest perceived impact.
WHAT WE HEARD
• Participants indicated solid waste and water as the
top categories in which they are taking action.
• The top two emission categories in Dublin, indicated
by participants were electric and transport, which
aligned with existing emissions data.
WATER USAGE
TRANSPORTATiON USAGE
SOLiD WASTE
ELECTRiCiTY USAGE
Step 1: Gather Carbon
Pom Poms
Step 2: Use Pom Poms
to Rank Emissions
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 41 JUNE 2025
The Dublin Market
Diversion Program
Drop Off
Rec Center Green R
o
o
f
The Giving Garden
Darree Fields
Community Garden
DUBLIN SUSTAINAB
I
L
I
T
Y
P
L
A
N
MAPPING SUSTAI
N
A
B
L
E
D
U
B
L
I
N
Where would
you like to walk
/ bike but cannot
currently access?
What points of
interest are in
your walkshed?
Other than work,
what destination
to do you drive to
most frequently?
Where do you
walk/bike?
Drop a pin on the map!
Tape your frequent
walking/cycling
routes!
Use tape or pins to
mark areas with limited access.
Use the walkshed
wheel to explore wh
a
t
’
s
around you!
Resilience Mapping
A map of Dublin showing key destinations, parks,
and natural assets was presented via 36"x48" boards.
Participants used masking tape, pins, and sticky
notes to provide feedback regarding micromobility
and shared-use paths, following a series of guiding
questions.
WHAT WE HEARD
• Top walking and biking destinations people marked
were the Dublin Market/Bridge Park, the Dublin Plaza
Shopping Center, and Coffman Park.
• Participants marked routes that were located north of
U.S. Route 33, which were on or adjacent to existing
trails, as well as on Dublin Road and other local streets
that provide access to some of the pinned destinations.
• Glick Road from Carnoustie Drive. to Dublin
Road, Memorial Drive, Avery-Muirfield Drive, and
connections across Scioto River were identified
as non-existent or difficult from a safety/visibility
standpoint.
• The top three most desired mobility improvements
were:
• Safe crossings
• Tree canopy/shade along paths
• Access to regional trails
Equity in Action
This activity was an exploration of existing
sustainability efforts and potential future programming
within Dublin. Attendees voted on programs they
would like to see expanded and/or improved,
or created in the future. Participants were also
encouraged to write a pledge for future participation in
sustainability efforts.
WHAT WE HEARD
• The top current City programs participants would like
to see improved or expanded were:
• Restoration (12)
• Community diversion programs (10)
• Dublin Community Garden (5)
• Dublin Grows Greener (5)
• The top future programs participants were most
interested in seeing in the City were:
• Native Plants, trees, & seeds (8)
• Renewable energy (8)
• Energy efficiency (5)
COMMUNITY DIVERSION P
R
O
G
R
A
M
S
DUBLIN GROWS GREENER
GREENSPOT
Below are a range of susta
i
n
a
b
i
l
i
t
y
-
r
e
l
a
t
e
d
p
r
o
g
r
a
m
s
offered the City of Dublin
t
o
h
e
l
p
r
e
s
i
d
e
n
t
s
e
n
g
a
g
e
i
n
more sustainable home and
c
o
m
m
u
n
i
t
y
p
r
a
c
t
i
c
e
s
.
U
s
e
your dots to rank your top
3
c
h
o
i
c
e
s
y
o
u
w
o
u
l
d
l
i
k
e
t
o
see expanded or improved
.
Dublin hosts drop-off
collection for compost,
styrofoam, and e-waste.
The City offers the Dublin
Grows Greener series with
guidance on sustainable
living.
VOLUNTEER CLEAN-UPS
DUBLIN COMMUNITY GAR
D
E
N
COMMUNITY MARKETS
RESTORATION
MICROMOBILITY
DID WE MISS ANYTHING?
Each year the City offers
opportunities for volunteer
clean-ups such as Earth
Day.
Dublin offers first-come
first-served community
garden plots at Darree
Fields Park.
The City of Dublin sponsors
The Dublin Market at
Bridge Park to support local
businesses.
Invasive plant removal
and restoration projects
to foster environmental
stewardship.
Dublin has launched
several micromobility
pilots, like the Bird
Scooters and CoGo Bike
Share pilot program.
What other Dublin sustainability
p
r
o
g
r
a
m
s
o
r
a
c
t
i
v
i
t
i
e
s
h
a
v
e
you participated in? Write them
h
e
r
e
:
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
GreenSpot is a
membership- based
program for sustainable
education & recognition.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY
P
L
A
N
CURRENT CITY PROGRA
M
S
RESTORATION VO
L
U
N
T
E
E
R
I
N
G
NATIVE PLANT & S
E
E
D
S
A
L
E
S
Below are a range
o
f
s
u
s
t
a
i
n
a
b
i
l
i
t
y
-
r
e
l
a
t
e
d
p
r
o
g
r
a
m
s
offered by Dublin’
s
p
e
e
r
c
i
t
i
e
s
t
o
h
e
l
p
r
e
s
i
d
e
n
t
s
e
n
g
a
g
e
in more sustainable
h
o
m
e
a
n
d
c
o
m
m
u
n
i
t
y
p
r
a
c
t
i
c
e
s
.
U
s
e
your dots to rank y
o
u
r
t
o
p
3
c
h
o
i
c
e
s
y
o
u
w
o
u
l
d
b
e
m
o
s
t
likely to participate
i
n
.
Community-based
programs empower
residents to become
environmental steward
s
Native plant programs
& native plant sales
connect residents with
resilient landscapes
HOUSEHOLD SOL
A
R
HOME ENERGY EFF
I
C
I
E
N
C
Y
RAINWATER/GRA
Y
W
A
T
E
R
R
E
U
S
E
TREE & NATIVE PL
A
N
T
I
N
G
COMMUNITY MICR
O
G
R
A
N
T
S
GREEN BUSINESS
S
U
P
P
O
R
T
Generate solar energy
at home to reduce
energy cost & carbon
footprint
Energy audits & home
retrofits can improve
energy efficiency &
c
u
t
household costs
Using rain or graywate
r
saves water, reduces
costs, & builds a more
resilient household
Bring trees & native
plants to your home or
neighborhood to improv
e
your environment
Small grants can
empower residents
to make sustainable
community change
Green business
incubators & workforce
training foster innovat
i
o
n
& business developme
n
t
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
DUBLIN SUSTAINA
B
I
L
I
T
Y
P
L
A
N
FUTURE PROGRA
M
S
DID WE MISS AN
Y
T
H
I
N
G
?
What other Dublin sus
t
a
i
n
a
b
i
l
i
t
y
p
r
o
g
r
a
m
s
o
r
a
c
t
i
v
i
t
i
e
s
h
a
v
e
you participated in? Wr
i
t
e
t
h
e
m
h
e
r
e
:
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202542
FOCUS GROUP SESSIONS
Following public input, the team identified
four groups to conduct more focused
presentations and to gather additional input
on partnership opportunities. Focus group
sessions were held virtually Dec. 11, 2023
and Jan. 4, 2023.
Business Focus Group and Survey
Participants represented businesses from healthcare,
services, retail/wholesale, finance and energy. The
goal of the meeting was to identify the ways in which
businesses are currently practicing sustainability efforts
and discuss opportunities for the City to support
them. in addition to the business focus group session,
a business survey was also distributed to obtain
additional input from the broader business community.
The combined feedback is summarized below.
WHAT WE HEARD
• The top three ways that businesses support
sustainability include: improving building efficiency,
reducing waste and/or implementing diversion
options, and establishing sustainability goals or plans.
• Barriers to sustainability centered around a lack of
financial incentive/cost of improvements and City
ordinances that limit the ability for businesses to
implement sustainability practices.
• Participants identified carbon emissions and energy
usage as the top two categories for City partnership
and support.
Partner Organizations Focus Group
The second focus group engaged regional partners
including COTA, MORPC, and the Franklin Soil and Water
Conservation District. The aim for the meeting was to
discuss current ways in which the City collaborates with
regional partners and identify other success stories or
lessons learned from other partnerships. The discussions
provided valuable insight about ongoing research,
funding opportunities, and programs.
WHAT WE HEARD
• There are opportunities to connect with partners
about ongoing research in adjacent communities, the
City of Columbus, and regional partners. The Ohio
EPA is currently working on a regional watershed and
systems study.
• City of Columbus is currently involved in several
projects that could be of interest to Dublin for
knowledge/data-sharing, such as the green
infrastructure cost analysis.
• MORPC is currently working with AEP on building
efficiency and installing solar. There is a current effort
with AEP on a case study for smart city installation of
solar panels on a wastewater treatment plant.
• The City has a history of participating in programs
through its partners and can continue to expand its
participation (i.e. rain garden installation rebate with
FSWCD).
• Aligning a sustainability vision with partners'
sustainability goals and objectives (i.e. COTA
sustainability plan looking to roll out annual or
biannual reporting on environmental measures).
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 43 JUNE 2025
Schools Focus Group
The third focus group engaged four high school
and five elementary students. The presentation
provided some background about sustainability in
cities and an overview of the Sustainability Plan. The
discussions centered around two primary questions:
How have you learned about sustainability and what
sustainability-related programming would you like to
see in schools.
WHAT WE HEARD
How have you learned about sustainability?
Students had varied experiences learning and
practicing sustainability in different contexts. For
example, one student highlighted her work with a
local nature-based organization where she developed
a bird feeder and window stickers for birds. Others
have been practicing sustainability at home by using
reusable bags, installing energy-efficient lighting,
composting, thrifting, and energy-saving measures,
such as lowering the thermostat. At school, students
are participating in limited gardening activities
such as the indian Run Elementary School garden,
engaging with a butterfly/pollinator garden, and
learning about plants and sustainability in high
school. Many students do not ride their bike to
school due to weather conditions and living too far
away from the school. Additionally, students had
participated in various events, such as Earth Day,
food drives, and event composting.
What opportunities are there for incorporating
sustainability at school?
Students identified a number of opportunities for
sustainability in the schools and the classroom.
• Provide recycling in classrooms
• Create a student advocacy group
• Establish curriculum in gardening
• Create an outdoor sustainability classroom/field trip
to learn about sustainability and stewardship
• Provide composting/recycling in the lunchrooms
• increase food systems knowledge/conduct a
student-led food audit
• implement a shared food bin
City Council
The final set of focus group meetings were small group
sessions with members of City Council. The team began
with a presentation outlining the planning process and
findings which was followed by a discussion period for
feedback in three areas summarized below.
WHAT WE HEARD
A Vision for Future Sustainability
This first set of guiding questions focused on the big
picture vision for sustainability.
• Dublin can be a model for sustainability — whether
locally as a self-sustaining city, regionally, or even
internationally. There is a desire to live up to the
green logo. One opportunity that was discussed was
the Metro Center Revitalization project.
• Balancing recommendations with 3-4 high impact
goals, while also making the action equitable by
addressing a range of solutions from residential to
policy was discussed.
• Other topics included community resilience,
externalities, and zero waste.
Leading the Way as a Zero-Carbon City
The next discussion topic centered around identifying
the biggest opportunities to reduce emissions.
• Members mentioned renewable energy infrastructure,
awareness, and education.
• Leveraging commercial and institutional campuses
to reduce energy consumption or a showcase
demonstration project were other suggestions.
Timing and Impact
The final discussion topic addressed the action plan
and significant partnerships with considerations for
measuring impact and prioritizing action.
• The action plan should be dynamic and account for
timing and impact.
• it should set benchmarks that clarify measurable
objectives for success.
• it needs to align with Envision Dublin, especially as
it relates to future development plans and upcoming
commercial development.
• Dublin can lead the way in partnerships for
sustainability action. Opportunity areas include
business partnerships to attract sustainable
manufacturing, improve energy efficiency and school
partnerships for education and advocacy as well as
demonstration projects.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202544
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 45 JUNE 2025
GOALS &
THEMES
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202546
ACHIEVING THE VISION
KEY THEMES
Using the key findings from the updated goals, this Sustainability Plan will support the City’s
vision as the most resilient, connected and sustainable global city of choice by pursuing
sustainability actions in four key themes:
Model Sustainable Leadership
The City of Dublin has a history of successful partnerships and collaborations that
drive sustainable innovations. Dublin can leverage these to establish a constellation of
diverse sustainable partners to mobilize support for sustainable actions.
Design Sustainable Communities
Sustainability practices can have the greatest impact on development and the future
of the built environment by improving multi-modal mobility, resiliency, efficiency,
and renewable energy. Strategies include increasing access to transportation
options, enhancing community resiliency, improving energy and water efficiency, and
increasing access, generation, and use of renewable energy.
Support the Natural Environment
Target action in water, ecology, and air. The City of Dublin aims to establish a
community that is ecologically sound for both people and wildlife through the
conservation of parks, open areas, rights-of-way, watersheds, streams, and rivers.
Achieve Zero waste
Move towards a zero waste city that supports a circular economy and is a leader in
waste management and diversion through recycling, reuse, food donating and food
waste composting.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 47 JUNE 2025
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202548
MODEL SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP
The City of Dublin has a history of successful partnerships and
collaborations that drive sustainable innovations. Looking ahead, the City
should leverage partnerships and collaborations towards a constellation of
diverse sustainable partners to mobilize support for sustainable actions.
Key Findings
Amplifying Dublin’s Sustainability Story:
Numerous open-ended survey responses indicated
a desire for more robust outreach and education
to ensure Dublin residents are aware of the City’s
sustainability programming and are well-versed
in relevant processes/procedures, such as what is
recyclable and what is not.
Economic Growth: 79% of survey respondents
indicated that economics was significant to their
sustainability goals. 38% of respondents considered
creating jobs/improving the economy as one of the most
important sustainability benefits to their household.
Support Greener Businesses: Further, when
it comes to the importance of sustainability in
where people conduct business, 66% of survey
responses indicated some degree of significance.
The benchmark analysis also identified opportunities
to practice procurement of sustainable materials,
adding compliance tracking mechanisms, establishing
a sustainable business certification program, and/or
creating a zero-emissions building coalition.
City Programming: Several community workshop
participants were interested in seeing current
community market programming expanded and
expressed strong support for more rebate/incentive-
based future sustainability programming and class-
based or hands-on learning opportunities.
Data Democracy: The City can look to peer cities’
efforts, such as the City of Lakewood which developed
an annual carbon budget and annual GHG and energy
use reporting.
Measuring Success
Increase number of partnerships across all
target categories (by target category)
Increase number of businesses participating
in sustainability programs or initiatives
Increase number of regional programs,
planning efforts, or initiatives Dublin is
involved with
Increase number of residents engaged
through outreach & public education
programming
Increase number of outreach actions taken
across all relevant outreach mechanisms
Increase number of residents, volunteers,
and businesses whose volunteer efforts
relate to sustainability Community Priority
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 49 JUNE 2025
OBJECTIVE 1.1
Create a Constellation of
Partners
Increase local and regional
collaboration and education
opportunities to advance innovative,
sustainable solutions.
Community Partners
1. Coordinate with the Community Services Advisory
Committee (CSAC) to identify strategies to expand
partnerships with the Community.
A. Develop a communications plan with the
CSAC focused on outreach and education
programming.
WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY SERVICES
ADVISORY COMMISSION?
The Community Services Advisory Committee
(CSAC) serves as Dublin’s community
sustainability team, with the EcoDublin group
serving as staff's internal advisory committee.
The CSAC includes 7 residents appointment
by City Council and meets the second
Tuesday of each month.
2. Engage with HOA leadership and residents to
guide the development of more sustainability-
supportive bylaws and regulations.
A. Provide technical support when needed to aid
resident conversations about sustainability
objectives and barriers to achieving them by:
• Connect HOAs with available resources for solar-friendly guidelines.
• Offering community engagement opportunities for approved partner organizations to provide technical support for interested residents at events.
3. Create sustainability-focused community volunteering
opportunities to empower residents to be active
participants in City-led sustainability processes.
A. Establish separate sustainability volunteering
section on Dublin’s “Volunteer Service
Opportunities” web page to offer a “one-
stop-shop” for accessing City-led volunteer
opportunities.
B. Work with Dublin non-profits to populate
volunteer opportunities on sustainability
volunteering section to help promote
involvement.
C. Incorporate sustainability specific education
and programing into volunteer recruitment
efforts & events, and leverage opportunities to
provide marketing and engagement for local
sustainability-related businesses.
D. Recruit Sustainability Ambassadors to oversee
sustainable volunteer services for the City.
Case Study
TRAVERS LAKE NEIGHBORHOOD SOLAR
Composed of primarily single family detached
housing, the Travers Lake neighborhood in Ann
Arbor is managed and regulated by the Lake
Travers Community Association. Residents desired
the ability to install solar panels on their homes but
were limited due to HOA regulations that required
written approval from all neighbors within sightlines
of the house intending to install solar.
To address this issue, neighbors formed a Solar
Committee to identify strategies for making
solar more accessible alongside engaging their
community to build awareness and buy-in for
more expanded solar opportunities. This resulted
in adopting new HOA guidance that permits solar
with no approval letters as well as creating simple
standards for the building modifications necessary
to accommodate solar installation. They further
created an annual “Solarize Ann Arbor” event to
promote community participation in expanding
solar installations.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202550
E. Partner with existing Community Sustainability
Leader volunteer programs or create a City-
run program to empower residents to be
educators and build engagement around the
City’s sustainability initiatives.
F. Create a City-staffed sustainability booth at
the Dublin Market at Bridge Park.
G. Add a compost bin to the Giving Garden
and use it as an educational opportunity for
volunteers to learn more about composting.
4. Increase outreach through expanding and
developing new outreach materials to promote
City sustainability programs and incentives.
A. Expand outreach efforts for participation in
sustainability related programming, such
as the native plan and compost bin rebate
program run through the Franklin Soil and
Water Conservation District.
B. Facilitate neighborhood educational outreach
sessions to build awareness and buy-in for
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) at a
residential scale.
C. Create a series of educational materials about
types of “upcycling” materials and upcycling at
home.
Signature Events
5. Use Dublin's signature annual events as a platform
to lead by example and build awareness of City
sustainability efforts.
A. Create a new Sustainability Fair annual (or
seasonal) event that engages and educates
residents on City sustainability programming
alongside providing opportunities for
marketing and engagement for local
sustainability-related businesses.
B. Leverage the Dublin Irish Festival roadmap
developed by the DIF Sustainability Committee
to expand volunteer engagement focused on
waste management for other signature annual
City-led events.
C. Collaborate with the Dublin Arts Council to
create an art installation at a high visibility
City facility, such as the Dublin Community
Recreation Center, to use for education on
sustainability initiatives.
D. Hire a consultant to review the Dublin Irish
Festival’s current sustainability initiatives and
make recommendations on future programs,
including those that will lower the carbon
footprint and help it become a zero-waste
event (e.g. a 90% diversion rate, per the Ohio
EPA)
Institutional Partners
6. Leverage school partnerships to offer sustainability
programs at schools. This could include the
following:
A. Coordinate with Dublin City Schools (DCS) and
other local K-12 institutions to pilot educational
programs for sustainability in school.
• Establish curriculum in gardening.
• Create an outdoor sustainability classroom/ field trip to learn about sustainability and stewardship (ie trash pick-up at natural area)
• Increase food systems knowledge/conduct a student-led food audit.
B. Encourage student advocacy group and/or
create parent sustainability group to explore
and identify opportunities for sustainability
actions or programs in school.
Case Study
AUSTIN COMMUNITY CLIMATE AMBASSADORS
Identified as a strategy in the Austin Climate Equity Plan and established in
2021, Austin’s Community Climate Ambassador’s program engages residents as
advocates for sustainability in their communities. Participants receive training on
environmental justice, community engagement, and how to support the Climate
Equity Plan’s implementation strategies. In addition to monthly meetings & training
workshops, Ambassadors are responsible for engaging their communities to foster
deeper relationships between neighbors, building more nuanced understandings
of resident perceptions of climate issues, and develop community action projects.
AUSTIN CLIMATE EQUITY PLANAUSTIN CLIMATE EQUITY PLAN
2020-212020-21
Austin Climate Equity Plan
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 51 JUNE 2025
7. Discuss increasing the diversion rate in schools.
A. Offer recycling and composting in classrooms
and lunchrooms.
B. Implement a shared food bin at schools to
reduce food waste.
8. Work with local higher education institutions or
research-based institutions.
A. Continue pursuit of green education pipeline
between local K-12 and higher education
institutions.
B. Identify existing university programming aimed
at primary to high school level students and
promote participation by local K-12 institutions.
C. Begin outreach to relevant university
departments and centers to build more
formal relationships to leverage over time for
collaborative sustainability programming.
Business/Private Sector Partners
9. Expand engagement with local businesses on their
sustainability initiatives.
A. Establish a corporate volunteering page with
the implementation of the new volunteer
management system that highlights
sustainable volunteer opportunities. This web
page may also feature successful events (e.g.
litter clean ups, invasive plant removals, native
pollinator plantings) and partnerships with
companies such as Veeva and Safeware.
B. Use the new volunteer management system to
track corporate volunteering participation.
10. Create new opportunities for public private
partnerships through sustainability leadership and
programming.
A. Create an annual carbon drawdown challenge
for local businesses.
B. Develop a formal partnership program
to engage local green businesses related
to solar, building efficiency, or other
sustainability services around incentives,
collective purchasing agreements, and other
mechanisms for improving accessibility to
residential energy efficiency improvements.
C. Continue to partner with sustainability
contractors to reduce waste at community
events.
WHAT IS A CARBON DRAW DOWN?
A Carbon Drawdown Challenge would
be a voluntary program that challenges
businesses to reduce their emissions by a
set percentage, evaluated on an annual
basis. Evaluations are performed by the
participating businesses and help to
support more transparent conversations
about the logistics and O&M challenges
to reducing carbon impacts and
strategies to overcome common barriers.
Non-Profit Organizations
11. Engage with local and regional non-profits to align
City sustainability efforts with ongoing community
programs.
A. Identify existing non-profit organizations
working in the region related to sustainability
(e.g. community gardening, restoration
volunteering) to establish a Dublin-based
sustainability non-profit list.
B. Explore opportunities to collaborate
with Dublin-based non-profits to embed
sustainability outreach & education into non-
profit programming with a focus on youth-
oriented non-profits.
C. Leverage non-profit capacity to expand
opportunities for and access to community
gardening and other food production spaces.
Highlight
In 2023, Ohio State University launched an ambitious
new initiative to integrate sustainability throughout the
University’s system through community engagement
alongside education and research. Spurred by growing
interest in sustainable workforce development and
a growing call for greater emphasis on sustainability
in education, the yearlong planning effort resulted in
the creation of a Sustainability Education and Learning
Committee tasked with overseeing key action steps
identified through the planning process.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202552
Regional Organizations
12. Foster collective impact through regional
collaboration.
A. Work to build strong partnerships with regional
organizations focused on sustainability and
resilience planning.
KEY PARTNERSHIPS:
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District
Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio
Central Ohio Transit Authority
U.S. Green Building Council Ohio
Ohio Sustainable Business Council
Green Columbus
Stratford Ecological Center
Rails to Trails
B. Continue to pursue opportunities to
participate in regional planning efforts
related to sustainability and regional growth
management.
C. Connect with surrounding cities to identify
opportunities for aligned planning efforts and
City developments related to transportation,
parks, trails, and natural space preservation.
OBJECTIVE 1.2
Integrate local planning
contexts
Ensure local planning efforts are
integrating sustainable actions.
Envision Dublin
1. Incorporate sustainable actions into the Envision
Dublin implementation.
A. Incorporate multi-modal transportation
recommendations from Envision Dublin, which
will in turn reduce emissions.
B. Incorporate sustainability objectives and
relevant actions from the Sustainability Plan
into evaluation criteria for reviewing future
draft planning, code, or other regulatory
developments.
Parks and Recreation Master Plan
2. Incorporate sustainable actions into the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan implementation.
A. Emphasize value of open or natural space
investments and programming alongside
planned recreational improvements.
B. Support the long-term objective of utilizing
best practices for parks & open space
development as they relate to sustainability
community education programming.
C. Prioritize neighborhood-park connectivity
through new park acquisitions that would
create more points of access and connection
to existing parks & trails.
EV Infrastructure Comprehensive Plan
3. Prioritize the implementation of planning strategies
and actions that support Dublin's sustainability goals.
A. Adopt the EV Infrastructure Comprehensive
Plan at City Council.
B. Implement recommendations from the EV
Infrastructure Comprehensive Plan.
Future Planning
4. Incorporate sustainability into future planning efforts.
A. Identify opportunities for the EcoDublin team
to be incorporated as a stakeholder in future
planning efforts.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 53 JUNE 2025
OBJECTIVE 1.3
Amplify Dublin’s
Sustainability Story
Develop clear and consistent
communications regarding events,
programs, and opportunities for
community participation.
1. Collaborate with the Dublin Arts Council to foster
art that highlights or explores sustainability topics.
A. Pursue grant opportunities for the funding
of an artist residency program that aims to
increase public participation levels.
2. Improve outreach outcomes by incorporating new
engagement tools, increasing outreach frequency,
and streamlining outreach material creation
processes.
A. Perform annual engagement methods review
and survey peer cities for new practices or
strategies that could improve outreach efficacy.
B. Continue promotion across all social media
platforms and explore additional opportunities
for increased promotion.
C. Develop a media toolkit that will include
templates and branding for sustainability
communications on digital and print platforms
to maximize outreach methods.
OBJECTIVE 1.4
Embed Equity into
Sustainability Leadership
Incorporate an equity lens into
sustainability efforts to maximize access
and participation by all Dublin residents.
Equitable Evaluation
1. Establish a process to measure participation levels in
City programs that captures diversity-related metrics.
A. Analyze PACE Program participation annually to
understand diversity of impacts and participation
gaps to inform more targeted outreach.
B. Incorporate a sustainability section in the
annual community survey to establish and track
participation in environmental programs (i.e.
Community Gardens) and waste management
programs (i.e. compost drop-off).
Equitable Access
2. Ensure new City incentive programs related to
sustainability are easily accessible and make
sustainability actions more affordable for all residents.
A. Explore implications and opportunities rental
property owners when designing residential-
oriented programming.
B. Diversify outreach methods to mitigate
potential access barriers, such as limited
internet access or English language fluency, by
using a combination of digital, print, and other
mechanisms, alongside strategic translations.
C. Align sustainability outreach efforts with ongoing
DEI initiatives and objectives to ensure that
sustainability is approachable for all.
KEY DEI OBJECTIVES INCLUDE:
Support leadership development
Facilitate education and awareness
Monitor service delivery
Increase workforce diversity
Support diversity among Dublin businesses
Provide affordable transportation
Highlight
While renters may not be in a position to influence
major building improvements, there are many types
of programs that could benefit renters alongside
homeowners. Programs such as rebates that incentivize
the use of energy efficient appliances or replacing
weatherstripping can improve access to more energy
efficient options for both renters and homeowners.
Dublin can also increase its program impact on renters
by creating outreach materials that focus on the ways
landlords can benefit from sustainability investments,
such as energy efficiency improvement measures.
Having more comfortable units with lower utility costs
for renters can make for better marketing and tenant
retention. Replacing inefficient fixtures in common
areas that property owners maintain can improve renter
experiences while reducing long-term costs and yielding
direct savings for landlords.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202554
OBJECTIVE 1.5
Champion Green Business
Create an ecosystem that encourages
and supports the growth of
environmentally friendly businesses,
buildings, markets, and technology.
Green Business Development
1. Build off the City’s practice of sustainable
purchasing outlined in administrative orders.
A. Pursue a revised AO to expand sustainable
purchasing preference that emphasizes
circular products, such as those that employ
take-back mechanisms or material re-use.
B. Perform annual exploratory reviews of the
region's existing businesses that could provide
products or services that satisfy sustainable
procurement policies.
C. Develop a sustainability clause for City
engineering/construction contracts that require
or incentivize more sustainable services, such
as a requirement for building material recycling
during building demolition.
2. Develop new programs to recognize, reward, and
promote green business practices.
A. Establish a Green Business Leadership
Roundtable comprised of leaders from local
businesses, institutions, DCS, and City officials
to identify, engage, and promote leaders in
sustainable businesses from within Dublin’s
local business community.
B. Create City-provided green business
certifications for local businesses to acknowledge
and reward sustainability improvements.
• Trade businesses that offer efficiency services.
• Retail businesses engaged in recycling, local/sustainable procurement, energy efficiency measures, and other sustainable practices.
• Hospitality businesses engaged in recycling, local procurement, reducing food waste, energy efficiency measures, and other sustainable practices.
• Incorporate a green building recognition component to highlight local best practitioners and create an inventory of green buildings to track progress.
• Incorporate criteria to certify energy efficient rental housing options.
C. Develop a green service provider directory on
the city website drawing from certified local
businesses.
Green Workforce Development
3. Recruit, train, and retain a skilled local government
workforce to implement municipal sustainability
actions.
A. Identify existing positions that will be responsible
for implementing new sustainable practices and
programs across City Departments.
B. Engage with Human Resources to
evaluate current hiring criteria and desired
qualifications for new hires in sustainability
related positions to reflect skill or capacity
needs for Sustainability Plan implementation.
C. Evaluate current Staff skills and knowledge to
identify capacity gaps that could be addressed
through trainings and targeted professional
development.
Case Study
CITY OF AUSTIN GREEN BUSINESS
CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Cities throughout the US have developed their own
Green Business Certification programs to reward
local businesses for engaging in sustainable business
practices. The City of Austin has offered a Green
Business Certification for over 10 years, drawing a
wide range of participating businesses from local
restaurants to national or multi-national corporations
like Dell and Samsung.
This voluntary program evaluates businesses through
a scorecard that covers 7 categories, including water,
energy, and community stewardship. After submitting
a scorecard, City staff visit the business to review
their green business practices and evaluate the
scorecard, after which the business can be awarded
with one of 3 recognition levels – Silver, Gold, and
Platinum – depending on their scorecard results.
The City also offers guidance to help businesses
interested in Green Business Certification navigate
the process.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 55 JUNE 2025
4. Explore feasibility of a green business incubator in
collaboration with the existing business community
and local educational institutions.
A. Pursue adaptive-reuse approach to aging
business parks to diversify uses and create more
dynamic, attractive business environments.
B. Leverage the ongoing Metro Center revisioning
process to explore feasibility of guiding Metro
Center Revitalization towards Just Communities
(formerly EcoDistrict) qualifications.
Highlight
WHAT DOES A SUSTAINABLE
WORKFORCE LOOK LIKE? HERE ARE
SOME EXAMPLES:
EV MAINTENANCE: Keeping a fleet of vehicles
in good condition requires a significant amount of
coordination and skill, made more complicated
by electric vehicles that require new, specialized
knowledge. Ensuring that Dublin’s Fleet Management
team are well trained in maintaining EVs will ensure
the City’s fleet continues to be reliable and effective
while creating more capable, knowledgeable staff.
PARK MAINTENANCE: Creating more sustainable,
ecologically regenerative natural spaces requires
new strategies and skills to maintain a high quality
of parks and open space. Training existing park
management and maintenance staff to be more
effective stewards of natural features can help
ensure Dublin’s green spaces are vibrant, healthy,
and beautiful while providing deeper ecological and
resilience-building functions.
Case Study
SEAHOLM ECODISTRICT
The EcoDistrict certification is well suited for the
revitalization of underutilized commercial or industrial
areas, exemplified by the Seaholm EcoDistrict in Austin,
Texas. Formerly host to the City’s Seaholm power plant
and most of the City’s power and water infrastructure,
the 85-acre brownfield site has been redeveloped into
a multi-purpose mixed-use district anchored by the
decommissioned Seaholm building.
While redevelopment efforts had been underway since
2001, in 2014 the City joined the EcoDistricts’ Target
Cities program to guide and strengthen Seaholm
redevelopment efforts. With guidance and training
from the EcoDistrict program, the City and its Seaholm
EcoDistrict Leadership Advisory team have undergone a
radical transformation of the brownfield redevelopment
process, resulting in a visionary new space for
community and commerce.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202556
OBJECTIVE 1.6
Institutionalize the use of
Sustainability Data
Standardize and expand the use of
Sustainability Data throughout City
operations to continually measure and
evaluate Sustainability Plan progress.
Internal Data Management
1. Create a formal data management strategy
and processes through collaboration between
departmental sustainability leads and the
Innovation & Technology department to support
ongoing measurement and evaluation of
sustainability outcomes.
A. Catalogue all data sources related to
Sustainability Plan metrics, including
department and Staff position(s) responsible,
frequency of collection, output format, and any
additional processing required for usability.
B. Establish a process for reporting of Plan
metrics from respective responsible
departments to Staff responsible for managing
public data hub that sets clear expectations
for timely reporting.
C. Develop a data management training series
to build data-use capacity throughout the City
with strategic emphasis on Departments and
Staff related to key data generating operations.
D. Conduct a Greenhouse Gas Inventory every
2-3 years.
Transparent Impact Measurement
2. Create a public sustainability dashboard with up-
to-date progress measures to help communicate
sustainability actions and impact.
A. Identify additional sustainability-related goals,
objectives, and actions in current and future
plans that should be incorporated into or
referenced in the dashboard.
B. Explore technical feasibility of linking to website
pages of sustainability programs or opportunities
from related plan items on the dashboard.
"Communicate actual results and/or
improvements from the programs so
the public can see there is a difference
because of the work being done."
- Community Survey Response
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 57 JUNE 2025
Key Findings
De-Carbonize the Built Environment: The
community ranked sustainability and the built
environment in the top three most important areas to
prioritize.
Maximize Energy Efficiency: Dublin has recently
updated most lighting fixtures to LED and is rapidly
maximizing energy efficiency across City facilities.
However, Dublin has an opportunity to focus efforts
on energy efficiency and conservation efforts at the
community scale. Other communities are working to
establish energy goals, energy efficiency certification
programs for residential and commercial uses.
Renewable: The City is leading efforts with 100%
renewable energy at City facilities and has recently
revised zoning code regulations surrounding the use
of renewable energy equipment for solar, including
rules regarding location, materials, and aesthetics
for installation on residential and non-residential
properties. Building off these efforts, the City should
pursue opportunities to establish microgrids and
maximize solar energy generation on commercial
buildings and underutilized areas. The support for
the community is already in place. 67% of survey
respondents indicated that they were interested in
renewable sources for home energy such as solar and
wind. The City is currently working towards achieving
SolSmart Designation and emphasizing education in
solar and renewable energy.
Active Transportation: Dublin has made significant
progress towards expanding access to micro-mobility
and multi-modal transportation options with the
opportunity to continue to reduce emissions from
transportation. Transportation emissions are the
highest category in the community emissions at
274,094 metric tons of CO2 from passenger and
freight traffic. Looking ahead, Dublin can pilot best
practices in multi-modal development that reduces
barriers to active transportation.
DESIGN SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
Dublin is a resilient community that strives to provide the best quality of life
and environment for all residents. The City aims to offer a variety of living,
entertainment and recreational experiences through its neighborhoods and
business districts, which are connected, integrated, environmentally friendly,
and attractive to all.
Measuring Success
Decrease percent annual vehicle miles
traveled (VMT) reduction
Increase number of residents participating in
community programs
Increase number of adaptive reuse
developments
Reduce energy used by residential and
commercial properties by 2% annually to
reach 20% reductions by 2035
Reduce water use by the City, residents, and
local businesses by 2% annually to reach
20% reductions by 2035
Increase percent of fleet composed of EV or
cleaner fuel vehicles by electrifying 45% of
the City's light-duty fleet by 2035
Increase number of charging stations in Dublin
by carrying out the recommendations in
the EV Infrastructure Comprehensive Plan
Increase percent of new construction
participating in green building programs
Community Priority
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202558
OBJECTIVE 2.1
Multi-Modal City
Provide our increasingly diverse
community access to a range of
transportation options, connecting
more people to more places.
Car Alternatives
1. Reduce Single Occupancy Vehicle Commuting.
A. Expand development of sustainable
transportation infrastructure.
B. Expand the capacity of the City's municipal
bikeshare program by increasing the City's
fleet of e-bikes with grant funds.
C. Include carpooling & other alternatives to
single occupancy driving into green business
certification criteria.
D. Implement recommendations related to
EV public education materials & outreach
strategies from the EV Infrastructure
Comprehensive Plan.
Transit
2. Enable Transit-Supportive Places.
A. Incorporate National Association of City
Transportation Officials (NACTO) Green
Transitway guidance such as the use of rain
gardens and other GSI landscape features into
design of future mobility hubs.
B. Identify priority areas for new transit supportive
development to align with future route or service
expansions defined in COTA planning materials.
C. Create opportunities to engage in public/
private partnerships with developers interested
in transit ready developments to shape new
built environments to be ready for future
transit expansion.
D. Encourage transit ridership by installing
canopies and furniture for rider comfort and
cooling, which further contributes to reducing
overall heat island effects.
E. Identify locations for car-free or car-light
zones that can be paired with high density
urban development to create a high-quality
and safe pedestrian environment.
COMMON ELEMENTS OF SUCCESSFUL
TRANSIT SUPPORTIVE DEVELOPMENT FROM
THE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION:
Smaller unit and lot sizes, which increase
density and shorten walking distances.
Wide and inviting sidewalks to encourage
people to get out of their cars.
Local-serving retail shops that draw residents
and patrons from surrounding neighborhoods.
Inclusion of a recognized public place—an
area for outdoor movies, farmers’ markets,
community festivals, and community
interaction.
A development center void of automobiles
and dedicated to pedestrians and community-
building activities.
Support of the local jurisdiction.
Public/private partnerships.
Complete Green Streets
3. Increase active transportation and micro-mobility.
A. Pursue Walk Friendly Community and Gold-
level Bicycle Friendly Community designation.
B. Continue to perform a biennial accessibility
audit of existing walking & cycling
infrastructure to identify any existing
accessibility barriers for redressing.
C. Continue to expand bike maintenance & safe
storage amenities.
4. Foster the development of complete green streets.
A. Initiate a cool corridors program aimed to
reduce heat impacts and improve walking
comfort for pedestrians by prioritizing canopy
additions using the Tree Equity Score and
urban Heat Island Severity.
B. Build on existing Complete Streets efforts
to further incorporate green infrastructure
features to maximize co-benefits, such as
improved stormwater management and
reduced urban heat effects alongside social
and health benefits of increased greenery.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 59 JUNE 2025
OBJECTIVE 2.2
Adapted City
Foster greater adaptive capacity
through community resilience building
and adaptive or sustainable building
development.
Community Resilience
1. Empower communities to engage in neighborhood
planning processes focused on disaster resilience
and emergency preparation at the community level.
A. Promote & facilitate neighborhood disaster
resilience planning.
B. Collaborate with local nonprofits to develop
City-led emergency supply program to collect
donations and provide no-cost supplies to lower-
income families.
Adaptive Reuse
2. Foster an adaptive reuse approach to
redevelopment.
A. Assess current processes and identify
potential opportunities to clarify the regulatory
processes, provide centralized information
about funding opportunities, and offer
guidance on best practices.
B. Create new incentives for adaptive reuse that
reduce permitting fees, loosen conformance
requirements, or provide tax rebates/waivers.
C. Explore alternative building requirements for
commercial buildings greater than 3 stories
that offer more flexible future use potential
than stick-frame methods.
New Development
3. Assess what standards could be updated to
incorporate higher standards for building
performance and energy conservation.
A. Review and identify energy efficiency
standards in adopted local and statewide
building codes and standards.
B. Engage plan review staff, local builders,
and developers to understand potential
standard implementation tradeoffs, including
applicability to residential structures.
C. Hire a consultant to review the code to identify
any inconsistencies related to sustainable
development.
Model codes or standards for consideration
may include:
• International Green Construction Code (IgCC)
• ICC 700 National Green Building Standard
• ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1-2017, Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
• ASHRAE Standard 55, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy
• ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2019, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
• ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
D. Encourage the use of rain barrels and cisterns
for water reclamation, consistent with the
Stormwater Management Design Manual.
4. Create a Green Neighborhoods subcommittee
of EcoDublin comprised of staff from key city
divisions with influence on the development
process in collaboration with CSAC.
A. Perform annual review of current best
practices for green development regulations
and construction standards for opportunities
to revise existing standards such as the
Neighborhood Design Standards and
Conservation Design Resolution.
5. Expand and maintain programs that provide
incentives and funding to encourage green
development and sustainable building methods.
A. Increase frequency of outreach and medium
(social media, print, local news) used to
promote existing programs such as PACE.
B. Extend existing sustainability and development
incentives (§ 153.041) to additional zoning
districts where appropriately suited for
intended density bonuses.
6. Incorporate new incentives for new construction
to promote green building or development
certifications, including LEED, SITES, WELL, Green
Globes and Energy Star across all zoning categories.
A. Provide companies access to programs that
encourage building “green” by incorporating
additional internationally recognized programs
such as Green Globes and the EPA-led Energy
Star program.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202560
In Hastings, New Zealand, local energy
provider, Unison, faced the challenge
of designing a replacement facility for
their Windsor Substation Switchroom,
which was soon to be decommissioned.
Repositioning this challenge as an
opportunity, Unison designed a
new Switchroom that would satisfy
infrastructural needs while performing
as a Living Building, one of the highest
standards for energy efficiency and green
building design. The new Switchroom
offers a wide range of environmental
services and efficiency measures,
including native plantings that mimic
the site’s ecological history, rainwater
harvesting, innovative green building
materials such as Cross-Laminated Timber
(CLT), net positive solar generation, and
recycled building materials.
Case Study
UNISON NETWORKS
WINDSOR SUBSTATION
SWITCHROOM,
HASTINGS, NZ
Image courtesy of Unison Networks
In 2022, building energy (electric and
natural gas) accounted for 71% of
emissions while 18% of emissions was
attributed to fleet vehicles.
Dublin’s current electricity contract is
100% renewably sourced.
7. Exemplify green building methods through future
municipal building design and construction.
A Evaluate future municipal new construction
needs to identify a pilot Living Building
Challenge project.
OBJECTIVE 2.3
Efficient City
The City of Dublin can have a positive
impact on reducing emissions to
meet federal air quality standards by
continuing to focus on conserving
energy and transition to renewable and
cleaner energy sources.
Improve Energy Efficiency
1. Achieve carbon neutrality by reducing energy
consumption and emissions to the greatest extent
possible and offsetting remaining emissions
through carbon removal and mitigation strategies.
A. Develop annual energy use reports and
greenhouse gas emissions estimates for City
buildings to monitor progress towards energy
and emissions reductions goals.
B. Hire a consultant to identify opportunities for
energy efficiency improvements in municipal
facilities and develop a facilities action plan that
identifies, prioritizes, and estimates costs for
energy efficiency improvements and retrofits.
C. Work with an outside partner or consultant
to identify and quantify potential carbon
mitigation practices and strategies for
implementation within Dublin city limits, such
as reforestation of city-owned or managed
properties or sequestration.
D. Optimize City building performance by
continuing to install energy efficient
appliances, such as fitting all City restrooms
with energy efficient hand dryers.
2. Reduce energy used by residential and commercial
properties by 2% annually to reach 20%
reductions by 2035.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 61 JUNE 2025
A. Increase energy efficiency for existing housing
and rental properties through outreach and
incentive programming.
D. Improve system efficiency over time through
investments in innovative technology, with an
emphasis on smart technologies that enhance
monitoring capabilities.
E. Re-evaluate maintenance processes to identify
opportunities to incorporate additional quality
checks on water infrastructure during routine
maintenance to more efficiently find and
address equipment failures.
• Produce annual progress report to communicate issues identified and solutions implemented to identify common issues and best practices for addressing them over time.
4. Reduce water use by residential & commercial
facilities by 2% annually to reach 20% reductions
by 2035.
A. Establish regular data sharing protocols with
the City of Columbus to monitor water use
by residential and non-residential customers
within Dublin city limits and track progress.
B. Explore feasibility of rebate program for water
efficient appliance purchases.
C. Promote water conservation through native
landscaping and turf conversion.
Success Story
A combined heat and power generator
was installed at the Dublin Community
Recreation Center, which drastically
increases fuel efficiency and decreases
CO2 emissions.
• Explore cost-feasibility of rebate program for energy efficient appliance purchases.
• Develop local business inventory of suppliers for energy efficient appliances and other home goods.
B. Increase energy efficiency for existing
commercial properties through outreach and
incentive programming.
• Establish a program to recognize building owners/management that invests in building efficiency measures.
• Expand and promote energy efficiency-related programming and incentives for commercial property in Bridge Street and ID zoning districts.
C. Explore feasibility of establishing new
finance mechanisms for energy efficiency
improvements.
• Pursue start-up grant funding for a revolving loan fund through the US DOE Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund Capitalization Grant Program.
• Establish a micro-grant program for small businesses and lower-income residents to invest in weatherization, efficient appliances/fixtures, and other home efficiency measures.
Improve Water Efficiency
3. Reduce water use by City buildings & facilities by
2% annually to reach 20% reductions by 2035.
A. Engage Facilities Management to establish
a water use inventory on all City buildings &
facilities to inventory activities that use water
and the types of fixtures or water-related
equipment used.
B. Retrofit all non-water efficient fixtures
throughout all City buildings & facilities with
water-efficient alternatives.
C. Explore opportunities to pilot water re-use
strategies at high-visibility public facilities.
Case Study
WATER CONSERVATION IN GREELEY,
COLORADO
The City of Greeley, Colorado fosters residential water
conservation through a robust conservation program.
Their initiatives encompass components such as free
water audits for residents and businesses that focus on
leak detection and efficient appliance use. Residents
benefit from personalized recommendations and free
low-flow fixtures post-audit. Greeley also calculates rates
utilizing water budgets for single-family homes based
on family size, landscape area, and real-time weather.
Residents that stay within budget pay lower prices,
incentivizing efficient use. Greeley also offers rebates
for indoor water fixtures and lawn retrofits, encouraging
sustainable practices. Community education plays a
crucial role, with extensive outreach through media,
events, and direct interactions, ensuring residents are
informed and engaged in water conservation efforts.
Over 20 years, these efforts have helped to reduce water
use across the City by 20%, with average gallons per
capita per day for residential users dropping from 162
to 100. They maintain steady decreases in residential
water use despite having experienced significant
population growth.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202562
Case Study
ANN ARBOR MUNICIPAL CENTER, ANN
ARBOR, MICHIGAN
In 2010 the City of Ann Arbor was tasked with
renovating its existing City Hall building. Not content
to simply update the building itself, the design
team set out to create a space that is “designed to
raise awareness of water cycles and detain 100%
of stormwater runoff on-site while serving as an
engaging open space complete with public art and
social gathering areas.”
The new site features extensive rain gardens
interwoven with pedestrian bridges, a stormwater
cistern that feeds a bronze fountain in one of
the main plazas, publicly accessible green roofs,
permeable pavers as parking lot surfacing, and more
than 30 native plant species that support overall
system function and a natural aesthetic.
OBJECTIVE 2.4
Renewable City
Increase the use of renewable energy
by the City, residents, and local
businesses.
Electric Vehicles
1. Reduce dirty diesel/standard fuel vehicles from the
City’s light-duty fleet.
A. Electrify 45% of the City's light-duty fleet by
2035.
B. Actualize recommendations from the EV
Infrastructure Comprehensive Plan regarding
replacement of light-duty fleet vehicles and
potential heavy duty electric vehicles as
technology advances.
C. Implement recommendations from the
EV Infrastructure Comprehensive Plan to
create public-private collaborative funding
mechanisms to promote new EV charging
stations in multi-family and commercial
developments.
D. Carry out the EV Infrastructure Comprehensive
Plan's recommended implementation targets
to increase Level 2 and DCFC port availability
2035.
Community Aggregation
2. Revisit the potential for a community aggregation
program.
A. Explore developing a community aggregation
program supported by Ordinance 35-01 through
partnership with a renewable energy provider.
Municipal Solar
3. Increase the use of renewable energy sources at
City facilities.
A. Identify opportunities to further electrify parks
and facilities maintenance equipment.
B. Identify infrastructure needs to increase
electric vehicles and equipment within parks
and facilities maintenance.
C. Assess existing rights-of-way along major City-
maintained corridors and arterials for sites with
sufficient area to support solar installations.
D. Explore cost and maintenance feasibility
of solar surfacing materials for new or
rehabiliated trails.
Residential & Commercial Solar
4. Increase renewable energy generation and storage
for residents & commercial buildings.
A. Evaluate current regulation and explore
opportunities for changes that could increase
access to solar panels.
B. Encourage a group solar purchase program
to help communities organize resources,
access solar providers, and design for multi-
household solar projects.
Image Source: Landscape Performance Series
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 63 JUNE 2025
Key Findings
When asked how important existing sustainability
plan goals are, 75% of survey participants considered
Natural Resources extremely or very important.
Prioritize Native Species: There is a desire for
native and/or adapted planting on city facilities as
well as residential and commercial properties. 45% of
survey participants reported using high quality/native
landscaping at their home, with an additional 47%
saying they were interested in doing so.
Think Holistically About Water Management:
21% of participants reported already engaging in
reclaimed or collected water, while an additional 61%
said they were interested in doing so.
Dublin has a Robust Tree Canopy: As a member
and participant of the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City
USA program for over 35 years, the City maintains a
robust forestry program. Dublin conserves a high tree
equity score and has a robust inventory of tree data.
SUPPORT THE NATURAL
ENVIRONMENT
The City of Dublin aims to establish a community that is ecologically sound for
both people and wildlife through the preservation of parks, open areas, rights-
of-way, watersheds, streams, and rivers. We work to safeguard habitats,
convert open areas, parks, and city spaces to include native plants and trees,
build buffer zones along our waterways, and promote biodiversity.
Measuring Success
Increase number of natural area City pilot
projects implemented annually
Increase number of acres of open space that
benefited from invasive removal efforts
Increase number of trees planted annually
Increase number of waterways maintenance
program projects completed annually
Increase tree equity score
Increase number of participants in
Community Backyards program
Increase number of acres of additional open
space acquired or preserved through City
actions
" Always think about Green space!"
"Improve awareness of pollinator friendly gardens vs lawns with herbicides."
"More events at parks to enjoy green space and do things to appreciate nature."
- Community Survey Responses
Community Priority
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202564
OBJECTIVE 3.1
Blue City
Improve the quality of municipal
and natural water resources through
regional collaboration and more robust
water quality programs and regulations.
Water Management
1. Coordinate with regional organizations and utility
providers to expand and deepen Dublin’s water
planning efforts & coordination.
A. Collaborate Dublin’s water management efforts
with regional water adaptation strategies and
planning objectives.
• Maintain continued engagement in regional water planning efforts, such as the Rapid 5 project and Sustaining Scioto.
• Continue to explore adoption of regional water policies & guidance resulting from new planning efforts.
B. Create a One-Water Framework that unifies all
City water-related planning efforts with a holistic
approach to City-wide water management.
2. Incorporate water efficiency strategies such as
stormwater retention and reuse into new municipal
developments and redevelopment projects.
A. Champion a pilot project at a community park
for on-site stormwater retention and reuse that
explores the feasibility of installing underground
storage capacity at new or redeveloped parks.
Water Resource Protection
3. Continue to develop capacities and procedures for
maintaining and improving water quality in critical
natural waterways.
A. Leverage ongoing water quality monitoring
processes to reduce stream impairment.
• Assess water quality monitoring data to identify the most common types of stream impairments found in Dublin streams.
• Develop a toolkit of remediation strategies in collaboration with Ohio EPA, regional colleges and universities, and consultant support.
• Collaborate water quality monitoring efforts with the ongoing Waterways Maintenance Program through the annual Water Quality Action Plan to inform prioritization of waterways initiatives.
B. Collaborate with regional colleges or universities
and/or the Ohio Department of Natural
Resources, with consultant support as necessary,
to create pest and invasive management plans.
• Expand existing Integrated Pest Management planning efforts to guide all municipal pest control efforts.
C. Build on current practices related to
monitoring critical waterways for illegal
discharges, including field observation
protocols and response measures.
D. Add an illegal or suspicious discharge report
option to the GoDublin app.
4. Reduce private contributions to stream impairment
through expanded code enforcement and
community outreach.
A. Regularly review & update erosion control
requirements to reflect current best
management practices.
B. Assess erosion and sediment control
inspection processes to identify areas for
strengthened oversight.
C. Review Section 51.02 of the Development
Code for opportunities to provide more
robust guidance on design and installation
requirements for on-site sewage disposal.
D. Create new outreach materials about best
practices for household sewage treatment
systems maintenance and how to identify
potential contamination issues.
E. Help connect residents to technical assistance
providers related to well-water quality
measuring and septic maintenance.
Nature-Based Solutions and Green
Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI)
5. Deepen City engagement with nature-based
solutions (NBS).
A. Retrofit city-owned stormwater detention
basins to pilot Green Stormwater
Infrastructure (GSI) features alongside public
education components such as interpretive
signage to build awareness of NBS.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 65 JUNE 2025
WHAT IS GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE?
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) refers
to a number of nature-based solutions for
managing stormwater by slowing, filtering,
retaining, and absorbing stormwater alongside
material solutions that reduce overall
impervious surface area. Common GSI features
include:
• Bioswales
• Green Roofs
• Constructed Wetlands
• Rainwater Capture
• Permeable Pavers
• Rain Gardens
• Infiltration Planters
While some GSI features such as bioswales
are often large scale in nature, many
features such as raingardens and retention
planters can be easily integrated into
existing municipal landscapes to enhance
stormwater management while providing
high-visibility examples for building public
awareness and buy-in.
B. Continue to expand the use of nature-based
solutions used for the design of City building
beyond GSI to incorporate passive heating/
cooling strategies, such canopy shading or
hedge windbreaks.
6. Establish new community-centered programs to
promote and expand the use of nature-based
solutions.
A. Expand existing Community Backyards
program to include a Rain Garden Cost
Share Program with Franklin Soil and Water
Conservation District.
B. Engage with the Franklin Soil and Water
Conservation District to build off existing
participation in the Community Backyard
program to partner on a Commercial Business
Rebate for implementing NBS improvements.
C. Identify opportunities to incorporate NBS
improvements into existing incentive
programs, such as the Commercial Façade
Improvement Program.
7. Increase resident and neighborhood participation
in City efforts to expand GSI.
A. Expand the existing Stormwater Grant
program available to HOAs to apply to
additional GSI features such as bioswale
medians or raingarden curb cuts.
B. Collaborate with local GSI-related businesses,
such as engineers or landscape designers to
provide technical assistance to neighborhoods
looking to incorporate GSI into their
community stormwater infrastructure.
Highlight
The City of Columbus offers a Columbus
Business Rebate program through
the Community Backyards program
in collaboration with the Franklin
Soil and Water Conservation District.
Businesses and non-profits can receive
a reimbursement of up to $2,500 for
eligible projects such as rainwater
collection systems, native plantings,
permeable pavement, and other green
infrastructure or stormwater retrofits.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202566
OBJECTIVE 3.2
Regenerative City
Protect, preserve, and regenerate
Dublin’s environment throughout the
City, leading by example through City-
led projects and more ecologically-
driven development processes.
Natural Areas
1. Enhance the quality of natural spaces on City-
owned land through pilot projects, future planning,
and coordination of maintenance and management.
A. Explore feasibility for pilot project opportunities
at city facilities, such as new pollinator habitat
plantings or graywater re-use projects.
• Pilot wildlife habitat plantings at city facilities.
• Pilot rainwater capture and graywater re-use projects at City facilities and parks.
B. Support expansion and acquisition of future
natural areas through implementation of the
Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
• Support citizen led efforts outlined in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
• Focus on strategic land acquisition to support expanded open space in accordance with the Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
C. Establish ecological criteria drawing from the
UN Sustainable Development Goals and ICLEI
resources to guide all future planning efforts.
D. Strengthen management and coordination for
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and
maintenance of natural areas.
• Audit current mowing SOPs & identify locations where it is feasible to minimize mowing frequency, such as non-active recreation vegetative features.
E. Create a centralized database of the upper-,
mid-, and understory canopy vegetation.
• Develop internal capacity to measure and evaluate carbon sequestration impacts from City-managed canopies and woodlots (see Appendix for sample methodology).
F. Strengthen ongoing invasives management
efforts by producing an annual invasives
prioritization plan.
2. Improve new development practices regarding the
preservation of existing natural features.
A. Strengthen new or redevelopment
requirements for open space to specify higher
percentages of native and/or adapted plantings
and to prioritize non-turf green space.
• Promote the prioritization of native perennial and annual vegetation in addition to existing Neighborhood Design Guidelines regarding trees and hedgerows.
• Encourage the creation of pocket prairies as an alternative to lawn requirements in both the Neighborhood Design Guidelines and other development code landscape requirements such as § 153.135.
B. Collaborate with local environmental groups
to build capacity for a program to collect
native plants during pre-construction of
new greenfield developments to propagate
for municipal plantings and share through
community programs.
C. Amend soil erosion and sediment control
plan requirements to recommend prioritizing
the maintenance of undisturbed existing
vegetation for more resilient erosion control by
maintaining deeper root systems in place.
D. Establish requirements for new developments
to reuse existing topsoil for new landscape
features where possible.
E. Continue to promote the use of native plants
when reviewing Beautify Your Neighborhood
Grant applications.
Image Source: Landscape Performance Series
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 67 JUNE 2025
3. Evaluate city restrictions on landscaping plant
height, plant debris or leaves, and material
aesthetic preferences to remove potential barriers
to residential participation in sustainable practices
A. Identify landscape material requirements
(§ 153.135) that could allow allow for native
planting features. This could include:
• Allowing for native perennial and annual plantings that do not comply with existing size requirements for shrubs and hedges.
• Allow native annuals to exist in lawns.
Air Quality
4. Support ongoing MORPC efforts to assess air
quality with a City focus on the impacts of
roadway emissions.
A. Partner with MORPC to determine appropriate
remediation steps, should the Air Quality
Index indicate a high level of air pollution.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202568
Key Findings
Waste Management is a Central Component
of Sustainability: 83% of survey participants
considered reducing waste as one of the most
important sustainability benefits to their household.
Many Dublin Residents Participate in Some
Form of Waste Management and Diversion: 93%
of participants reported already recycling, while 50%
reported already composting alongside an additional
32% who reported they are interested in doing so.
There is Support for Expanded Waste
Management and Diversion: Workshop participants
enthusiastically supported expanded community
diversion programs, including working to expand
compost collection and creating new recycling
programs.
Improving Waste Management Reduces
Emissions: Solid waste emissions is the fourth largest
category of emissions at the community-scale with
5,145 metric tons CO2e from landfilling and processing.
ACHIEVE ZERO WASTE
The City of Dublin has a long history of leading the way in central Ohio by
providing recycling to our residents free of charge. This recycling program
has evolved over the years to accommodate and encourage increased
recycling and diversion of waste from our landfills. Educational efforts, re-
sizing of recycling bins, community and neighborhood recycling events, and
an e-waste drop-off location are a few of the ways the City has worked to
improve community waste diversion.
Measuring Success
Increase ease of access recycling drop off
locations
Establish baseline and measure quantity of
materials donated (lb)(soft recyclables
and craft materials)
Reuse or recycle at least 50% of
demolition/deconstruction materials
from commercial or multifamily
redevelopment projects (tons)
Decrease municipal solid waste (tons) per
capita annually
Increase diversion rate (tons) per capita to
60% in five years and 80% in ten years
Increase styrofoam diversion rate (bags/
yr) by 50% every three years
Community Priority
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 69 JUNE 2025
OBJECTIVE 4.1
Circular City
Reduce overall waste generation and
foster a more sustainably-oriented
economy through cyclical economics,
expanded access to recycling and
composting, and greater connectivity
with local food-related industries.
Circular City
1. Formalize deconstruction and material reuse as
standard operating procedures for redevelopment.
A. Establish a Deconstruction Ordinance that builds
off current city practices for deconstruction in
municipal building projects, extending to all
residential and commercial building projects that
fit any of the following criteria:
• Involves the removal of buildings constructed before 1960 (e.g. San Antonio, TX).
• Has an estimated project budget that exceeds $150,000 (e.g. Oakland, CA).
• Has a development footprint of 10,000 sqft or greater (e.g. Hawthorne, CA).
B. Explore feasibility of utilizing existing or new
municipal building space to develop a building
material reuse center.
2. Foster the development of circular industries
through programming that supports the reuse of
cyclical materials.
A. Identify and engage with organizations to
establish a “Soft Recycling Program.”
B. Collaborate with the DAC to create a craft
material recycling program that accepts
donations of craft goods to repurpose for
community art programs.
C. Establish a list of businesses that will
upcycle different materials in Dublin and the
surrounding area.
3. Prioritize the establishment of circular economy
through food systems.
A. Host a roundtable session with food industry
representatives to identify opportunities
to facilitate more sustainable food system
processes or products (such as packaging,
transportation, waste management).
4. Foster behavioral changes around food waste
through collaboration with local food pantries to
provide food donation programming for residents
and local businesses.
A. Collaborate with local food pantries to
promote food donation collection points at
key City buildings like the Dublin Community
Recreation Center.
B. Create a food donation program to help connect
food-related businesses (including grocers,
restaurants, etc.) with food donation receiving
organizations or businesses.
Case Study
SAN ANTONIO
MATERIAL INNOVATION CENTER
In 2022, the City of San Antonio’s Office of Historic
Preservation Partnered with the Port of San Antonio
to use underutilized historic building space as the
site of a Material Innovation Center (MIC) alongside
their existing Living Heritage Trades Academy. In
complement to the traditional building skills trainings
provided by the Academy, the MIC serves as a
collection and distribution depot for deconstructed
building materials that help provide the raw materials
for both students and local contractors.
Beginning by providing accessible recycled materials
and material recycling, long-term the MIC aims to
foster the development of a robust circular economy
through workforce training, innovative material
solutions, and robust material salvage and recycling
capacity across both the public and private sectors.
Image Source: San Antonio ReUse (sareuse.com)
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202570
5. Mitigate the climate impacts of traditional food
systems by connecting residents and Dublin
businesses with local food producers.
A. Develop partnerships with Visit Dublin, the
Chamber of Commerce, and other relevant
organizations to create opportunities for
agricultural producers from the broader
Dublin area to connect with local food-related
businesses.
Recycling & Diversion
6. Expand community recycling through continued
education and improved accessibility.
A. Explore potential opportunities to increase
commercial recycling programs to provide
recycling access for multifamily residents.
• Work with developers on identifying opportunities to provide adequate space for trash, recycling and food waste in the design of new developments.
B. Pilot an additional styrofoam, e-waste, and
compost drop off location at a central location
in Dublin.
C. Expand e-waste drop-off to one (1) additional
City building to increase accessibility.
D. Continue to engage with the City’s waste hauler
and SWACO to increase recycling education
efforts.
• Collaborate with businesses and community organizations to display materials.
• Leverage community events to provide public outreach on the importance of diversion.
E. Explore feasibility of incorporating an
integration on the City’s recycling webpage to
allow residents to search material by name and
determine the appropriate disposal method.
F. Offer additional recycling bins or a larger size
option at the request of residents to ensure no
recycling ends up in trash bins due to limited
recycling bin capacity.
G. Develop new mechanisms for collecting "hard-
to-recycle" items such as eyeglasses.
H. Partner with SWACO to help residents and the
business community determine appropriate
ways to divert hard-to-recycle materials.
"Education (needs to be repetitive).
How to recycle, how to support the
compost program, how to support
the styrofoam recycling. How do
we enable restaurants, bars, etc to
recycle."
- Community Survey Response
7. Expand residential composting capacity through
partnerships, greater access, and education.
A. Expand the composting program to provide
another drop-off location for increased
accessibility.
B. Develop and promote how-to materials and
support programming to encourage backyard
composting.
C. Engage with local haulers to explore the
feasibility of a partnership for curbside
compost pick-up. The cost would be
determined as part of the feasibility study.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 71 JUNE 2025
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202572
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 73 JUNE 2025
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202574
ACTION PLAN
DECODING THE PATH TO ACTION
The Action Plan tables on the following pages outline the key strategies and actions that lay
on the path to a more sustainable Dublin. Use the key below to understand how the different
table categories are broken down and what key actors may be involved in each step. An
overview of the implementation plan that lists the goals by implementation timeframe, rather
than in chapter order, can be found on pages 96 and 97.
Legend Leads
OCM =Office of the City Manager
C&M =Communications & Marketing
O&E =Outreach & Engagement
ED =Economic Development
CPD =Community Planning &
Development
T&M =Transportation & Mobility
P&R =Parks & Recreation
HR =Human Resources
I&T =Innovation & Technology
AMQA =Asset Management & Quality
Assurance
Impact
Direct =Results in Lower GHG Emissions
Indirect =Lowers GHG Emissions
from Related Activities
Cost
$=$0 - $49,999
$$=$50,000 - $149,999
$$$=$150,000 - $499,999
$$$$=$500,000+
Timeframe
1 - 3 Years
3 - 7 Years
7+ Years
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 75 JUNE 2025
MODEL SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
Community Partners
1.1.1. Coordinate with the Community
Services Advisory Commission (CSAC)
to identify strategies to expand
partnerships with the community.
1.1.1.A. Develop a communications plan
with the CSAC focused on outreach and
education programming.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years OCM
1.1.2. Engage with HOA leadership and
residents to guide the development of
more sustainability-supportive bylaws
and regulations.
1.1.2.A. Provide technical support when
needed to aid resident conversations
about sustainability objectives and barriers
to achieving them.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
CPD
1.1.3 Create sustainability-focused
community volunteering opportunities
to empower residents to be active
participants in City-led sustainability
processes.
1.1.3.A. Establish separate sustainability
volunteering section on Dublin’s
“Volunteer Service Opportunities” web
page to offer a “one-stop-shop” for
accessing City-led volunteer opportunities.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years O&E
1.1.3.B. Work with Dublin non-profits to
populate volunteer opportunities on
sustainability volunteering section to help
promote involvement.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years O&E
1.1.3.C. Incorporate sustainability specific
education and programing into volunteer
recruitment efforts & events, and leverage
opportunities to provide marketing and
engagement for local sustainability-related
businesses.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years O&E
1.1.3.D. Recruit Sustainability
Ambassadors to oversee sustainable
volunteer services for the City.
Indirect $7+ Years O&E
1.1.3.E. Partner with existing Community
Sustainability Leader volunteer programs
or create a City-run program to empower
residents to be educators and build
engagement around the City’s
sustainability initiatives.
Indirect $7+ Years O&E
1.1.3.F. Create a City-staffed sustainability
booth to deploy at the Dublin Market at
Bridge Park.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
1.1.3.G. Add a compost bin to the Giving
Garden and use it as an educational
opportunity for volunteers to learn more
about composting
Indirect $1 - 3 Years O&E
1.1. Create a constellation of partners: Increase local and regional collaboration and education opportunities to
advance innovative, sustainable solutions.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202576
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
1.1.4.A. Expand outreach efforts for
participation in sustainability related
programming, such as the native plant
and compost bin rebate program run
through the Franklin Soil and Water
Conservation District.
Indirect $In Progress C&M
1.1.4.B. Facilitate neighborhood
educational outreach sessions to build
awareness and buy-in for Green
Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) at a
residential scale.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years C&M
1.1.4.C. Create a series of educational
materials about types of “upcycling”
materials and upcycling at home.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years C&M
1.1.5. Use Dublin's signature annual
events as a platform to lead by
example and build awareness of City
sustainability efforts.
1.1.5.A. Create a new Sustainability Fair
annual (or seasonal) event that engages
and educates residents on City
sustainability programming alongside
providing opportunities for marketing and
engagement for local sustainability-related
businesses.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years OCM
1.1.5.B. Leverage the Dublin Irish Festival
roadmap developed by the DIF
Sustainability Committee to expand
volunteer engagement focused on waste
management for other signature annual
City-led events.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Events
1.1.5.C. Collaborate with the Dublin Arts
Council to create an art installation at a
high visibility City facility, such as the
Dublin Community Recreation Center, to
use for education on sustainability
initiatives.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years P&R
1.1.5.D. Hire a consultant to review the
Dublin Irish Festival’s current sustainability
initiatives and make recommendations on
future programs, including those that will
lower the carbon footprint and help it
become a zero waste event (e.g. a 90%
diversion rate, per the Ohio EPA)
Direct $$
3 - 7 Years Events
1.1.4. Increase outreach through
expanding and developing new
outreach materials to promote City
sustainability programs and incentives.
Signature Events
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 77 JUNE 2025
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
1.1.6.A. Coordinate with Dublin City
Schools (DCS) and other local K-12
institutions to pilot educational programs
for sustainability in school.
Indirect $$7+ Years OCM
1.1.6.B. Encourage student advocacy
group and/or create parent sustainability
group to explore and identify opportunities
for sustainability actions or programs in
school.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
1.1.7.A. Offer recycling and composting in
classrooms and lunchrooms. Direct $3 - 7 Years OCM
Public Service
1.1.7.B. Implement a shared food bin at
schools to reduce food waste.Direct $3 - 7 Years OCM
Public Service
1.1.8.A. Continue pursuit of green
education pipeline between local K-12 and
higher education institutions.
Indirect $$7+ Years OCM
1.1.8.B. Identify existing university
programming aimed at primary to high
school level students and promote
participation by K-12 institutions.
Indirect $7+ Years OCM
1.1.8.C. Begin outreach to relevant
university departments and centers to
build more formal relationships to leverage
over time for collaborative sustainability
programming.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
1.1.9.A. Establish a corporate volunteering
page with the implementation of the new
volunteer management system that
highlights sustainable volunteer
opportunities.
Indirect $In Progress O&E
ED
1.1.9.B. Use the new volunteer
management system to track corporate
volunteering participation.
Indirect $In Progress O&E
1.1.10.A. Create an annual carbon
drawdown challenge for local businesses. Direct $3 - 7 Years ED
1.1.10.B. Develop a formal partnership
program to engage local green businesses
related to solar, building efficiency, or
other sustainability services around
mechanisms for improving accessibility to
residential energy efficiency
improvements.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years ED
1.1.10.C. Continue to partner with
sustainability contractors to reduce waste
at community events.
Direct $$7+ Years Events
1.1.8. Work with local higher
education institutions or research-
based institutions.
1.1.7. Discuss increasing the diversion
rate in schools.
Institutional
1.1.6 Leverage school partnerships to
offer sustainability programs at
schools.
1.1.10. Create new opportunities for
public private partnerships through
sustainability leadership and
programming.
1.1.9. Expand engagement with local
businesses on their sustainability
initiatives.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202578
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
1.1.11.A. Identify existing non-profit
organizations working in the region related
to sustainability (e.g. community
gardening, restoration volunteering) to
establish a Dublin-based sustainability
non-profit list.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years O&E
1.1.11.B. Explore opportunities to
collaborate with Dublin-based non-profits
to embed sustainability outreach &
education into non-profit programming
with a focus on youth-oriented non-profits.
Indirect $7+ Years O&E
1.1.11.C. Leverage non-profit capacity to
expand opportunities for and access to
community gardening and other food
production spaces.
Indirect $7+ Years O&E
1.1.12.A. Work to build strong partnerships
with regional organizations focused on
sustainability and resilience.
Indirect $7+ Years OCM
1.1.12.B. Continue to pursue opportunities
to participate in regional planning efforts
related to sustainability and regional
growth management.
Indirect $7+ Years OCM
1.1.12.C. Connect with surrounding cities
to identify new opportunities for aligned
planning efforts and City developments
related to transportation, parks, trails, and
natural space preservation.
Indirect $7+ Years OCM
1.2.1.A. Incorporate multi-modal
transportation recommendations from
Envision Dublin, which will in turn reduce
emissions.
Direct $$7+ Years CPD
1.2.1.B. Incorporate sustainability
objectives and relevant actions from the
Sustainability Plan into evaluation criteria
for reviewing future draft planning, code, or
other regulatory developments.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years CPD
1.1.11. Engage with local and regional
non-profits to align City sustainability
efforts with ongoing community
programs.
Envision Dublin
1.1.12. Foster collective impact
through regional collaboration.
1.2.1. Incorporate sustainable actions
into the Envision Dublin
implementation.
1.2. Integrate in local and regional planning contexts: Ensure local planning efforts are integrating sustainable
actions.
Regional Organizations
Non-Profit Organizations
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 79 JUNE 2025
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
1.2.2.A. Emphasize value of open or
natural space investments and
programming alongside planned
recreational improvements.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years P&R
CPD
1.2.2.B. Support the long-term objective of
utilizing best practices for parks & open
space development as they relate to
sustainability community education
programming.
Indirect $$7+ Years P&R
1.2.2.C. Prioritize neighborhood-park
connectivity through new park acquisitions
that would create more points of access
and connection to existing parks & trails.
Indirect $$$7+ Years P&R
1.2.3.A. Adopt the EV Infrastructure
Comprehensive Plan at City Council.Indirect $1 - 3 Years T&M
1.2.3.B. Implement recommendations
from the EV Infrastructure Comprehensive
Plan.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years T&M
1.2.4. Incorporate sustainability into
future planning efforts.
1.2.4.A. Identify opportunities for the
EcoDublin team to be incorporated as a
stakeholder in future planning efforts.
Indirect $In Progress CPD
1.3.1. Collaborate with the Dublin Arts
Council to foster art that highlights or
explores sustainability topics.
1.3.1.A. Pursue grant opportunities for the
funding of an artist residency program that
aims to increase public participation
levels.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years P&R
OCM
1.3.2.A. Perform annual engagement
methods review and survey peer cities for
new practices or strategies that could
improve outreach efficacy.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
1.3.2.B. Continue promotion across all
social media platforms and explore
additional opportunities for increased
promotion.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years C&M
1.3.2.C. Develop a media toolkit that will
include templates and branding for
sustainability communications on digital
and print platforms to maximize outreach
methods.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
1.2.3. Prioritize the implementation of
planning strategies and actions that
support Dublin's sustainability goals.
EV Infrastructure Comprehensive Plan
Future Planning
Parks & Recreation Master Plan
1.3 Amplify Dublin’s Sustainability Story: Develop clear and consistent communications regarding events, programs,
and opportunities for community participation.
1.2.2. Incorporate sustainable actions
into the Parks and Recreation Master
Plan implementation.
1.3.2. Improve outreach outcomes by
incorporating new engagement tools,
increasing outreach frequency, and
streamlining outreach material
creation processes.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202580
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
1.4.1.A. Analyze participation in the PACE
Program annually to understand the
diversity of impacts and identify
participation gaps to inform targeted
outreach.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years ED
1.4.1.B. Incorporate a sustainability
section in the annual community survey to
establish and track participation in
environmental programs and waste
management programs.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
1.4.2.A. Explore implications and
opportunities for rental property owners
when designing residential-oriented
programming.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years OCM
1.4.2.B. Diversify outreach methods to
mitigate potential access barriers, such as
limited internet access or English language
fluency, by using a combination of digital,
print, and other mechanisms, alongside
strategic translations.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years
C&M
O&E
DEI
Committee
1.4.2.C. Align sustainability outreach
efforts with ongoing DEI initiatives and
objectives to ensure that sustainability is
approachable for all.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years
C&M
O&E
DEI
Committee
1.5.1.A. Pursue a revised AO to expand
sustainable purchasing preference that
emphasizes circular products.
Direct $3 - 7 Years OCM
Finance
1.5.1.B. Perform annual exploratory
reviews of the region's existing businesses
that could provide products or services
that satisfy sustainable procurement
policies.
Direct $3 - 7 Years OCM
ED
1.5.1.C. Develop a sustainability clause for
City engineering/construction contracts
that requires or incentivizes more
sustainable services, such as a
requirement for building material recycling
during building demolition.
Direct $1 - 3 Years OCM
Finance
1.5. Champion Green Business: Create an ecosystem that encourages and supports the growth of environmentally
friendly businesses, buildings, markets, and technology.
Green Business Development
1.4. Embed Equity into Sustainability Leadership: Incorporate an equity lens into sustainability efforts to maximize
access and participation by all Dublin residents.
Equitable Evaluation
Equitable Access
1.4.1. Establish a process to measure
participation levels in City programs
that captures diversity-related metrics.
1.4.2. Ensure new City incentive
programs related to sustainability are
easily accessible and make
sustainability actions more affordable
for all residents.
1.5.1. Build off the City’s practice of
sustainable purchasing outlined in
administrative orders.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 81 JUNE 2025
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
1.5.2.A. Establish a Green Business
Leadership Roundtable comprised of
leaders from local businesses, institutions,
DCS, and City officials to identify, engage,
and promote leaders in sustainable
businesses from within Dublin’s local
business community.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years OCM
ED
1.5.2.B. Create City-provided green
business certifications for local
businesses to acknowledge and reward
sustainability improvements.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
1.5.2.C. Develop a green service provider
directory on the city website drawing from
certified local businesses.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
1.5.3.A. Identify existing positions that will
be responsible for implementing new
sustainable practices and programs across
city departments.
Indirect $In Progress HR
1.5.3.B. Engage with Human Resources to
evaluate current hiring criteria and desired
qualifications for new hires in
sustainability related positions to reflect
skill or capacity needs for Sustainability
Plan implementation.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years HR
1.5.3.C. Evaluate current Staff skills and
knowledge to identify capacity gaps that
could be addressed through trainings and
targeted professional development.
Indirect $$$3 - 7 Years HR
1.5.4.A. Pursue an adaptive-reuse
approach to aging business parks to
diversify uses and create more dynamic,
attractive business environments.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years CPD
ED
1.5.4.B. Leverage the ongoing Metro
Center revisioning process to explore
feasibility of guiding Metro Center
Revitalization towards Just Communities
(formerly EcoDistrict) qualifications.
Direct $$$$7+ Years CPD
ED
1.5.4. Explore feasibility of a green
business incubator in collaboration
with the existing business community
and local educational institutions.
1.5.3. Recruit, train, and retain a skilled
local government workforce to
implement municipal sustainability
actions.
Green Workforce Development
1.5.2. Develop new programs to
recognize, reward, and promote green
business practices.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202582
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
1.6.1.A. Catalog all data sources related to
Sustainability Plan metrics, including
department and Staff position(s)
responsible, frequency of collection,
output format, and any additional
processing required for usability.
Indirect $$1 - 3 Years OCM
I&T
1.6.1.B. Establish a process for reporting of
Plan metrics from respective responsible
departments to Staff responsible for
managing public data hub that sets clear
expectations for timely reporting.
Indirect $In Progress OCM
I&T
1.6.1.C. Develop a data management
training series to build data-use capacity
throughout the City with strategic
emphasis on Departments and Staff
related to key data generating operations.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years OCM
I&T
1.6.1.D. Conduct a Greenhouse Gas
Inventory every 2-3 years.Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
I&T
1.6.2.A. Identify additional sustainability-
related goals, objectives, and actions in
current and future plans that should be
incorporated into or referenced in the
dashboard.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years
OCM
CPD
C&M
1.6.2.B. Explore technical feasibility of
linking to website pages of sustainability
programs or opportunities from related
plan items on the dashboard.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
1.6.2. Create a public sustainability
dashboard with up-to-date progress
measures to help communicate
sustainability actions and impact.
1.6.1. Create a formal data
management strategy and processes
through collaboration between
departmental sustainability leads and
the Innovation & Technology
department to support ongoing
measurement and evaluation of
sustainability outcomes.
1.6 Institutionalize the use of Sustainability Data: Standardize and expand the use of Sustainability Data throughout
City operations to continually measure and evaluate Sustainability Plan progress.
Internal Data Management
Transparent Impact Measurement
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 83 JUNE 2025
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
2.1.1.A. Expand development of
sustainable transportation infrastructure.Direct $$$$7+ Years T&M
2.1.1.B. Expand the capacity of the City’s
municipal bikeshare program by
increasing the City’s fleet of e-bikes with
grant funds.
Direct $$7+ Years T&M
2.1.1.C. Include carpooling & other
alternatives to single occupancy driving
into green business certification criteria.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years T&M
2.1.1.D. Implement recommendations
related to EV public education materials &
outreach strategies from the EV
Infrastructure Comprehensive Plan.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years T&M
2.1.2.A. Incorporate National Association
of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)
Green Transitway Guidance, such as the
use of rain gardens and other GSI
landscape features, into the design of
future mobility hubs.
Direct $$7+ Years T&M
2.1.2.B. Identify priority areas for new
transit supportive development to align
with future route or service expansions
defined in COTA planning materials.
Indirect $In Progress T&M
2.1.2.C. Create opportunities to engage in
public/private partnerships with
developers interested in transit ready
developments to shape new built
environments to be ready for future transit
expansion.
Indirect $$7+ Years CPD
2.1.2.D. Encourage transit ridership by
installing canopies and furniture for rider
comfort and cooling, which further
contributes to reducing overall heat island
effects.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years T&M
2.1.2.E. Identify locations for car-free or
car-light zones that can be paired with high
density urban development to create a high-
quality and safe pedestrian environment.
Direct $3 - 7 Years T&M
2.1. Multi Modal City: Provide our increasingly diverse community access to a range of transportation options.
Connecting more people to more places.
Car Alternatives
Transit
2.1.2. Enable Transit-Supportive
Places.
2.1.1. Reduce Single Occupancy
Vehicle Commuting.
DESIGN SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202584
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
2.1.3.A. Pursue Walk Friendly Community
and Runner Friendly Community
designation.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years T&M
2.1.3.B. Continue to perform a biennial
accessibility audit of existing walking &
cycling infrastructure to identify any
existing accessibility barriers for
redressing.
Indirect $In Progress AMQA
2.1.3.C. Continue to expand bike
maintenance & safe storage amenities.Indirect $$$3 - 7 Years T&M
2.1.4.A. Initiate a cool corridors program
aimed to reduce heat impacts and improve
walking comfort for pedestrians by
prioritizing canopy additions using the Tree
Equity Score and Urban Heat Island
Severity.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years T&M
2.1.4.B. Build on existing Complete Streets
efforts to further incorporate green
infrastructure features to maximize co-
benefits.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years
P&R
Public Service
Engineering
2.2.1.A. Promote & facilitate neighborhood
disaster resilience planning.Indirect $7+ Years Police
2.2.1.B. Collaborate with local nonprofits
to develop City-led emergency supply
program to collect donations and provide
no-cost supplies to lower-income families.
Indirect $7+ Years O&E
Police
2.2.2.A. Assess current processes and
identify potential opportunities to clarify
the regulatory processes, provide
centralized information about funding
opportunities, and offer guidance on best
practices.
Indirect $In Progress CPD
2.2.2.B. Create new incentives for adaptive
reuse.Indirect $$3 - 7 Years CPD
ED
2.2.2.C. Explore alternative building
requirements for commercial buildings
greater than 3 stories that offer more
flexible future use potential than stick-
frame methods.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years CPD
Community Resilience
Adaptive Reuse
2.2.1. Empower communities to
engage in neighborhood planning
processes focused on disaster
resilience and emergency preparation
at the community level.
Complete Green Streets
2.2. Adapted City: Foster greater adaptive capacity through community resilience building and adaptive or sustainable
building development
2.1.4. Foster the development of
complete green streets.
2.1.3. Increase active transportation
and micro-mobility.
2.2.2. Foster an adaptive reuse
approach to redevelopment.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 85 JUNE 2025
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
2.2.3.A. Review and identify energy
efficiency standards in adopted local and
statewide building codes and standards.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years CPD
2.2.3.B. Engage plan review staff, local
builders, and developers to understand
potential standard implementation
tradeoffs, including applicability to
residential structures.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years CPD
2.2.3.C. Hire a consultant to review the
code to identify any inconsistencies
related to sustainable development.
Indirect $$1 - 3 Years CPD
2.2.3.D. Encourage the use of rain barrels
and cisterns for water reclamation,
consistent with the Stormwater
Management Design Manual.
Indirect $$1 - 3 Years CPD
2.2.4. Create a Green Neighborhoods
subcommittee of EcoDublin
comprised of staff from key city
divisions with influence on the
development process in collaboration
with CSAC.
2.2.4.A. Perform annual review of current
best practices for green development
regulations and construction standards for
opportunities to revise existing standards.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years CPD
2.2.5.A. Increase frequency of outreach
and medium (social media, print, local
news) used to promote existing programs
such as PACE.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years CPI
ED
2.2.5.B. Extend existing sustainability and
development incentives (§ 153.041) to
additional zoning districts where
appropriately suited for intended density
bonuses.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years CPD
ED
2.2.6 Incorporate new incentives for
new construction that promote green
building or development certifications,
including provisions for LEED, SITES,
WELL, Green Globes and Energy Star
across all zoning categories.
2.2.6.A. Provide companies access to
programs that encourage building “green”
by incorporating additional internationally
recognized programs.
Direct $3 - 7 Years CPD
ED
2.2.7. Exemplify green building
methods through future municipal
building design and construction.
2.2.7.A. Evaluate future municipal new
construction needs to identify a pilot Living
Building Challenge project.
Direct $$$$7+ Years CPD
Facilities
New Development
2.2.5. Expand and maintain programs
that provide incentives and funding to
encourage green development and
sustainable building methods.
2.2.3. Assess what standards could be
updated to incorporate higher
standards for building performance
and energy conservation.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202586
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
2.3.1.A. Develop annual energy use reports
and greenhouse gas emissions estimates
for City buildings to monitor progress
towards energy and emissions reductions
goals.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Facilities
I&T
2.3.1.B. Hire a consultant to identify
opportunities for energy efficiency
improvements in municipal facilities and
develop a facilities action plan that
identifies, prioritizes, and estimates costs
for energy efficiency improvements and
retrofits.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years Facilities
2.3.1.C. Work with an outside partner or
consultant to identify and quantify
potential carbon mitigation practices and
strategies for implementation within
Dublin city limits.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years OCM
2.3.1.D. Optimize City building
performance by continuing to install
energy efficient appliances, such as fitting
all City restrooms with energy efficient
hand dryers.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years OCM
2.3.2.A. Increase energy efficiency for
existing housing and rental properties
through outreach and incentive
programming.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years OCM
2.3.2.B. Increase energy efficiency for
existing commercial properties through
outreach and incentive programming.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years OCM
ED
2.3.2.C. Explore feasibility of establishing
new finance mechanisms for energy
efficiency improvements.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years OCM
ED
2.3. Efficient City: Reduce overall energy and water use through investment into efficiency measures for City,
residential, and commercial buildings.
2.3.2. Reduce energy used by
residential and commercial properties
by 2% annually to reach 20%
reductions by 2035.
2.3.1. Achieve carbon neutrality by
reducing energy consumption and
emissions to the greatest extent
possible and offsetting remaining
emissions through carbon removal
and mitigation strategies.
Energy Efficiency
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 87 JUNE 2025
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
2.3.3.A. Engage Facilities Management to
establish a water use inventory on all City
buildings & facilities to inventory activities
that use water and the types of fixtures or
water-related equipment used.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Facilities
2.3.3.B. Retrofit all non-water efficient
fixtures throughout all City buildings &
facilities with water-efficient alternatives.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years Facilities
2.3.3.C. Explore opportunities to pilot
water re-use strategies at high-visibility
public facilities.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years Facilities
2.3.3.D. Improve system efficiency over
time through investments in innovative
technology, with an emphasis on smart
technologies that enhance monitoring
capabilities.
Direct $$$7+ Years Facilities
2.3.3.E. Re-evaluate maintenance
processes to identify opportunities to
incorporate additional quality checks on
water infrastructure during routine
maintenance to more efficiently find and
address equipment failures.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Facilities
2.3.4.A. Establish regular data sharing
protocols with the City of Columbus to
monitor water use by residential and non-
residential customers within Dublin city
limits and track progress.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Engineering
2.3.4.B. Explore feasibility of rebate
program for water efficient appliance
purchases.
Indirect $$1 - 3 Years OCM
Finance
2.3.4.C. Promote water conservation
through native landscaping and turf
conversion.
Direct $In Progress C&M
CPD
Water Efficiency
2.3.4. Reduce water use by residential
& commercial facilities by 2% annually
to reach 20% reductions by 2035.
2.3.3. Reduce water use by City
buildings & facilities by 2% annually to
reach 20% reductions by 2035.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202588
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
2.4.1.A. Electrify 45% of the City's light-
duty fleet by 2035.Direct $$$$In Progress Fleet
2.4.1.B. Actualize recommendations from
the EV Infrastructure Comprehensive Plan
regarding replacement of light-duty fleet
vehicles and potential heavy duty electric
vehicles as technology advances.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Fleet
2.4.1.C. Implement recommendations
from the EV Infrastructure Comprehensive
Plan to create public-private collaborative
funding mechanisms to promote new EV
charging stations in multi-family and
commercial developments.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years T&M
2.4.1.D. Carry out the EV Infrastructure
Comprehensive Plan's recommended
implementation targets to increase Level
2 and DCFC port availability by 2035.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years T&M
2.4.2. Revisit the potential for a
community aggregation program.
2.4.1.1 Explore developing a community
aggregation program supported by
Ordinance 35-01 through partnership with
a renewable energy provider.
Direct $3 - 7 Years OCM
2.4.3.A. Identify opportunities to further
electrify parks and facilities maintenance
equipment.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years P&R
2.4.3.B. Identify infrastructure needs to
increase electric vehicles and equipment
within parks and facilities maintenance.
Indirect $$$3 - 7 Years P&R
Facilities
2.4.3.C. Assess existing rights-of-way
along major City-maintained corridors and
arterials for sites with sufficient area to
implement solar installations.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years P&R
2.4.3.D. Explore cost and maintenance
feasibility of solar surfacing materials for
new or rehabilitated trails.
Direct $$7+ Years P&R
2.4 Renewable City: Increase the use of renewable energy by the City, residents, and local businesses.
Electric Vehicles
Municipal Solar
Community Aggregation
2.4.3. Increase the use of renewable
energy sources at City facilities.
2.4.1. Reduce dirty diesel/standard
fuel vehicles from the City’s light-
duty fleet.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 89 JUNE 2025
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
2.4.4.A. Ealuate current regulation and
explore opportunities for changes that
could increase access to solar panels. Direct $In Progress CPD
2.4.4.B. Encourage a group solar purchase
program to help communities organize
resources, access solar providers, and
design for multi-household solar projects.
Direct $3 - 7 Years OCM
CPD
Residential & Commercial Solar
2.4.4. Increase renewable energy
generation and storage for residents &
commercial buildings.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202590
SUPPORT THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
3.1.1.A. Collaborate Dublin’s water
management efforts with regional water
adaptation strategies and planning
objectives.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Engineering
3.1.1.B. Create a One-Water Framework
that unifies all City water-related planning
efforts within a holistic approach to City-
wide water management.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Engineering
3.1.2. Incorporate water efficiency
strategies such as stormwater
retention and reuse into new municipal
developments and redevelopment
projects.
3.1.2.A. Champion a pilot project at a
community park for on-site stormwater
retention and reuse that explores the
feasibility of installing underground storage
capacity at new or redeveloped parks.
Direct $$$$3 - 7 Years Engineering
P&R
3.1.3.A. Leverage ongoing water quality
monitoring processes to reduce stream
impairment.
Indirect $$1 - 3 Years O&E
Engineering
3.1.3.B. Collaborate with regional colleges
or universities and/or the Ohio Department
of Natural Resources, with consultant
support as necessary, to create pest and
invasive management plans.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years Public Service
3.1.3.C. Build on current practices related
to monitoring critical waterways for illegal
discharges, including field observation
protocols and response measures.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Engineering
Public Service
3.1.3.D. Add an illegal or suspicious
discharge report option to the GoDublin
app.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years AMQA
3.1.3. Continue to develop capacities
and procedures for maintaining and
improving water quality in critical
natural waterways.
3.1.1. Coordinate with regional
organizations and utility providers
to expand and deepen Dublin’s
water planning efforts &
coordination.
3.1 Blue City: Improve the quality of municipal and natural water resources through regional collaboration and more
robust water quality programs and regulations.
Water Management
Water Resource Protection
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 91 JUNE 2025
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
3.1.4.A. Regularly review & update erosion
control requirements to reflect current
best management practices.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Engineering
3.1.4.B. Assess erosion and sediment
control inspection processes to identify
areas for strengthened oversight.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Engineering
3.1.4.C. Review Section 51.02 of the
Development Code for opportunities to
provide more robust guidance on design
and installation requirements for on-site
sewage disposal.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Engineering
3.1.4.D. Create new outreach materials
about best practices for household sewage
treatment systems maintenance and how
to identify potential contamination issues.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
Engineering
3.1.4.E. Help connect residents to
technical assistance providers related to
well-water quality measuring and septic
maintenance.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years Engineering
3.1.5.A. Retrofit city-owned stormwater
detention basins to pilot Green Stormwater
Infrastructure (GSI) features alongside
public education components such as
interpretive signage to build awareness of
NBS.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years P&R
Engineering
3.1.5.B. Continue to expand the use of
nature-based solutions used for the design
of City building beyond GSI to incorporate
passive heating/cooling strategies, such
canopy shading or hedge windbreaks.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years Facilities
Engineering
3.1.6.A. Expand existing Community
Backyards program to include a Rain
Garden Cost Share Program.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Engineering
3.1.6.B. Engage with the Franklin Soil and
Water Conservation District to build off
existing Community Backyard program to
partner on a Commercial Business Rebate.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years O&E
Engineering
3.1.6.C. Identify opportunities to
incorporate NBS improvements into
existing incentive programs.
Indirect $$1 - 3 Years ED
3.1.6. Establish new community-
centered programs to promote and
expand the use of nature-based
solutions.
3.1.5. Deepen City engagement with
nature-based solutions (NBS).
3.1.4. Reduce private contributions to
stream impairment through expanded
code enforcement and community
outreach.
Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) + Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI)
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202592
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
3.1.7.A. Expand the existing Stormwater
Grant program available to HOAs to apply
to additional GSI features.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Engineering
3.1.7.B. Collaborate with local GSI-related
businesses, such as engineers or
landscape designers to provide technical
assistance to neighborhoods looking to
incorporate GSI into their community
stormwater infrastructure.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Engineering
3.2.1.A. Explore feasibility for pilot project
opportunities at city facilities, such as new
pollinator habitat plantings or graywater re-
use projects.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years Facilities
Public Service
3.2.1.B. Support expansion and acquisition
of future natural areas through
implementation of the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years P&R
3.2.1.C. Establish ecological criteria
drawing from the UN Sustainable
Development Goals and ICLEI resources to
guide all future planning efforts.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years CPD
3.2.1.D. Strengthen management and
coordination for Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs) and maintenance of
natural areas.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years Public Service
3.2.1.E. Create a centralized database of
the upper-, mid-, and understory canopy
vegetation.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years Public Service
I&T
3.2.1.F. Strengthen ongoing invasives
management efforts by producing an
annual invasives prioritization plan.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Public Service
3.2.1. Enhance the quality of natural
spaces on City-owned land through
pilot projects, future planning, and
coordination of maintenance and
management.
3.1.7. Increase resident and
neighborhood participation in City
efforts to expand GSI.
Natural Areas
3.2 Regenerative City: Protect, preserve, and regenerate Dublin’s environment throughout the City, leading by
example through City-led projects and more ecologically-driven development processes.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 93 JUNE 2025
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
3.2.2.A. Strengthen new or redevelopment
requirements for open space to specify
higher percentages of native and/or
adapted plantings and to prioritize non-turf
green space.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years CPD
3.2.2.B. Collaborate with local
environmental groups to build capacity for
a program to collect native plants during
pre-construction of new greenfield
developments to propagate for municipal
plantings and share through community
programs.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years
O&E
CPD
P&R
3.2.2.C. Amend soil erosion and sediment
control plan requirements to recommend
prioritizing the maintenance of
undisturbed existing vegetation for more
resilient erosion control by maintaining
deeper root systems in place.
Direct $3 - 7 Years Engineering
3.2.2.D. Establish requirements for new
developments to reuse existing topsoil for
new landscape features where possible.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years CPD
3.2.2.E. Continue to promote the use of
native plants when reviewing Beautify Your
Neighborhood Grant applications.
Indirect $In Progress CPD
3.2.3. Evaluate city restrictions on
landscaping plant height, plant debris
or leaves, and material aesthetic
preferences to remove potential
barriers.
3.2.3.A. Identify landscape material
requirements (§ 153.135) that could allow
for more native planting features.
Direct $3 - 7 Years CPD
3.2.4. Support ongoing MORPC efforts
to assess air quality with a City focus
on the impacts of roadway emissions.
3.2.4.A. Partner with MORPC to determine
appropriate remediation steps, should the
Air Quality Index indicate a high level of air
pollution.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years T&M
Air Quality
3.2.2. Improve new development
practices regarding the preservation of
existing natural features.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202594
ACHIEVE ZERO WASTE
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
4.1.1.A. Establish Deconstruction
Ordinance that builds off current city
practices for deconstruction in municipal
building projects.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years CPD
4.1.1.B. Explore feasibility of utilizing
existing or new municipal building space to
develop a building material reuse center.
Direct $$$7+ Years CPD
Public Service
4.1.2.A. Identify and engage with
organizations to establish a “Soft Recycling
Program.”
Direct $3 - 7 Years Public Service
4.1.2.B. Collaborate with the DAC to create
a craft material recycling program that
accepts donations of craft goods to
repurpose for community art programs.
Direct $1 - 3 Years Public Service
OCM
4.1.2.C. Establish a list of businesses that
will upcycle different materials in Dublin
and the surrounding area.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years OCM
4.1.3. Prioritize the establishment of
circular economy through food
systems.
4.1.3.A. Host a roundtable session with
food industry representatives to identify
opportunities to facilitate more
sustainable food system processes or
products.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
ED
4.1.4.A. Collaborate with local food
pantries to promote food donation
collection points at key City buildings like
the Dublin Community Recreation Center.
Indirect $In Progress C&M
4.1.4.B. Create a food donation program to
help connect food-related businesses
(including grocers, restaurants, etc.) with
food donation receiving organizations or
businesses.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years O&E
OCM
4.1 Circular City: Reduce overall waste generation and foster a more sustainably-oriented economy through cyclical
economics, expanded access to recycling and composting, and greater connectivity with local food-related industries.
Circular Economy
4.1.1. Formalize deconstruction
and material reuse as standard
operating procedures for
redevelopment processes.
4.1.4. Foster behavioral changes
around food waste through
collaboration with local food pantries
to provide food donation programming
for residents and local businesses.
4.1.2. Foster the development of
circular industries through
programming that supports the reuse
of cyclical materials.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 95 JUNE 2025
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
4.1.5. Mitigate the climate impacts of
traditional food systems by connecting
residents and Dublin businesses with
local food producers.
4.1.5.A. Develop partnerships with Visit
Dublin, the Chamber of Commerce, and
other relevant organizations to create
opportunities for agricultural producers
from the broader Dublin area to connect
with local food-related businesses.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years ED
OCM
4.1.6.A. Explore potential opportunities to
increase commercial recycling programs
to provide recycling access for multifamily
residents.
Direct $1 - 3 Years
OCM
Public Service
CPD
4.1.6.B. Pilot an additional styrofoam, e-
waste, & composting drop off location at a
central location in Dublin.
Direct $1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.6.C. Expand e-waste drop-off to at
least one (1) additional City buildings to
increase accessibility.
Direct $1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.6.D. Continue to engage with the City’s
waste hauler and SWACO to increase
recycling education efforts.
Indirect $In Progress Public Service
C&M
4.1.6.E. Explore feasibility of incorporating
an integration on the City’s recycling
webpage to allow residents to search
material by name and determine the
appropriate disposal method.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
Public Service
4.1.6.F. Offer additional recycling bins or a
larger size option at the request of
residents.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.6.H. Partner with SWACO to help
residents and the business community
determine appropriate ways to divert hard-
to-recycle materials.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.7.A. Expand the composting program
to provide another drop-off location for
increased accessibility.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.7.B. Develop and promote how-to
materials and support programming to
encourage backyard composting.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Public Service
C&M
4.1.7.C. Engage with local haulers to
explore the feasibility of a partnership for
curbside compost pick-up. The cost would
be determined as part of the feasibility
study.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Public Service
Recycling & Diversion
4.1.7. Expand residential composting
capacity through partnerships, greater
access, and education.
4.1.6. Expand community recycling
through continued education and
improved accessibility.
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
4.1.5. Mitigate the climate impacts of
traditional food systems by connecting
residents and Dublin businesses with
local food producers.
4.1.5.A. Develop partnerships with Visit
Dublin, the Chamber of Commerce, and
other relevant organizations to create
opportunities for agricultural producers
from the broader Dublin area to connect
with local food-related businesses.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years ED
OCM
4.1.6.A. Explore potential opportunities to
increase commercial recycling programs
to provide recycling access for multifamily
residents.
Direct $1 - 3 Years
OCM
Public Service
CPD
4.1.6.B. Pilot an additional styrofoam, e-
waste, & composting drop off location at a
central location in Dublin.
Direct $1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.6.C. Expand e-waste drop-off to at
least one (1) additional City buildings to
increase accessibility.
Direct $1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.6.D. Continue to engage with the City’s
waste hauler and SWACO to increase
recycling education efforts.
Indirect $In Progress Public Service
C&M
4.1.6.E. Explore feasibility of incorporating
an integration on the City’s recycling
webpage to allow residents to search
material by name and determine the
appropriate disposal method.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
Public Service
4.1.6.F. Offer additional recycling bins or a
larger size option at the request of
residents.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.6.H. Partner with SWACO to help
residents and the business community
determine appropriate ways to divert hard-
to-recycle materials.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.7.A. Expand the composting program
to provide another drop-off location for
increased accessibility.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.7.B. Develop and promote how-to
materials and support programming to
encourage backyard composting.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Public Service
C&M
4.1.7.C. Engage with local haulers to
explore the feasibility of a partnership for
curbside compost pick-up. The cost would
be determined as part of the feasibility
study.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Public Service
Recycling & Diversion
4.1.7. Expand residential composting
capacity through partnerships, greater
access, and education.
4.1.6. Expand community recycling
through continued education and
improved accessibility.
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
4.1.5. Mitigate the climate impacts of
traditional food systems by connecting
residents and Dublin businesses with
local food producers.
4.1.5.A. Develop partnerships with Visit
Dublin, the Chamber of Commerce, and
other relevant organizations to create
opportunities for agricultural producers
from the broader Dublin area to connect
with local food-related businesses.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years ED
OCM
4.1.6.A. Explore potential opportunities to
increase commercial recycling programs
to provide recycling access for multifamily
residents.
Direct $1 - 3 Years
OCM
Public Service
CPD
4.1.6.B. Pilot an additional styrofoam, e-
waste, & composting drop off location at a
central location in Dublin.
Direct $1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.6.C. Expand e-waste drop-off to at
least one (1) additional City buildings to
increase accessibility.
Direct $1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.6.D. Continue to engage with the City’s
waste hauler and SWACO to increase
recycling education efforts.
Indirect $In Progress Public Service
C&M
4.1.6.E. Explore feasibility of incorporating
an integration on the City’s recycling
webpage to allow residents to search
material by name and determine the
appropriate disposal method.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
Public Service
4.1.6.F. Offer additional recycling bins or a
larger size option at the request of
residents.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.6.H. Partner with SWACO to help
residents and the business community
determine appropriate ways to divert hard-
to-recycle materials.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.7.A. Expand the composting program
to provide another drop-off location for
increased accessibility.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.7.B. Develop and promote how-to
materials and support programming to
encourage backyard composting.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Public Service
C&M
4.1.7.C. Engage with local haulers to
explore the feasibility of a partnership for
curbside compost pick-up. The cost would
be determined as part of the feasibility
study.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Public Service
Recycling & Diversion
4.1.7. Expand residential composting
capacity through partnerships, greater
access, and education.
4.1.6. Expand community recycling
through continued education and
improved accessibility.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202596
IN-PROGRESS
Model Sustainable Leadership
1.1.4 Promote City sustainability programs and incentives
1.1.9 Engage local businesses on sustainability initiatives
1.5.3 Recruit, train, and retain green workforce
1.6.1 Create data management strategy and processes
Design Sustainable Communities
2.1.2 Enable Transit-Supportive Places
2.1.3 Increase active transportation and micro-mobility
2.2.2 Foster adaptive reuse approach to redevelopment
2.3.4 Reduce residential and commercial water use
2.4.1 Reduce dirty diesel/standard fuel vehicles from the City's light-
duty fleet
2.4.4 Increase renewable energy generation and storage for residential
and commercial buildings
Support the Natural Environment
3.2.2 Improve new development practices in preservation of existing
natural features
Achieve Zero Waste
4.1.4 Collaborate with local food pantries for food donation
4.1.6 Expand community recycling
SHORT 1-3 YEARS
Model Sustainable Leadership
1.1.1 Coordinate with CSAC for community partnerships
1.1.3 Create sustainability focused community volunteering opportunities
1.1.10 Create public private partnerships through leadership and
programming
1.1.11 Engage non-profits to align efforts with ongoing programs
1.2.3 Prioritize implementation of planning strategies and actions to
support sustainability goals
1.3.2 Improve outreach and engagement
1.4.1 Ensure equitable evaluation and participation in City programs
1.4.2 Ensure equitable access to incentive programs and sustainability
actions.
1.5.1 Build off sustainable purchasing outlined in administrative orders.
1.5.2 Promote green business practices
1.6.1 Create data management strategy and processes
1.6.2 Create sustainability dashboard
Design Sustainable Communities
2.1.1 Reduce single occupancy vehicle commuting
2.2.3 Assess and update building performance and energy conservation
standards
2.2.4 Create a Green Neighborhoods subcommittee of EcoDublin
2.3.1 Reduce energy consumptions and emissions for carbon neutrality
2.3.3 Reduce water use by City buildings and facilities
2.3.4 Reduce residential and commercial water use
2.4.1 Reduce dirty diesel/standard fuel vehicles from the City's light-duty
fleet
2.4.3 Increase use of renewable energy sources at City facilities
Support the Natural Environment
3.1.3 Develop capacities and procedures for maintaining and improving
water quality in critical natural waterways
3.1.4 Reduce private contributions to stream impairment
3.1.6 Establish community centered programs to promote nature-based
solutions
3.1.7 Increase resident and neighborhood participation in City efforts to
expand GSI
3.2.1 Enhance quality of natural spaces on City-owned land
3.2.2 Improve new development practices in preservation of existing
natural features
Achieve Zero Waste
4.1.2 Foster development of circular industries
4.1.4 Collaborate with local food pantries for food donation
4.1.6 Expand community recycling
4.1.7 Expand residential composting capacity
OVERVIEW OF IMPLEMENTATION
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 97 JUNE 2025
LONG 7+ YEARS
Model Sustainable Leadership
1.1.3 Create sustainability focused community volunteering
opportunities
1.1.6 Offer sustainability programs at schools
1.1.8 Work with local higher education institutions
1.1.10 Create public private partnerships through leadership and
programming
1.1.11 Engage non-profits to align efforts with ongoing programs
1.1.12 Work with regional organizations
1.2.1 Incorporate in Envision Dublin implementation
1.2.2 Incorporate in PRMP implementation
1.5.4 Explore feasibility of green business incubator
Design Sustainable Communities
2.1.1 Reduce single occupancy vehicle commuting
2.1.2 Enable Transit-Supportive Places
2.2.1 Pursue community level disaster resilience and emergency
preparation planning
2.2.7 Exemplify green building methods through future municipal
building design and construction
2.3.3 Reduce water use by City buildings and facilities
2.4.3 Increase use of renewable energy sources at City facilities
Achieve Zero Waste
4.1.1 Formalize deconstruction and material reuse for
redevelopment
MEDIUM 3-7 YEARS
Model Sustainable Leadership
1.1.2 Guide development of more sustainability-supportive bylaws and regulations
1.1.3 Create sustainability focused community volunteering opportunities
1.1.4 Promote City sustainability programs and incentives
1.1.5 Use signature annual events to lead by example and build awareness
1.1.6 Offer sustainability programs at schools
1.1.7 Discuss increasing the diversion rate in schools
1.1.8 Work with local higher education institutions
1.1.10 Create public private partnerships through leadership and programming
1.2.1 Incorporate in Envision Dublin implementation
1.2.2 Incorporate in PRMP implementation
1.2.3 Prioritize implementation of planning strategies and actions to support
sustainability goals
1.3.1 Collaborate with DAC to foster art
1.3.2 Improve outreach and engagement
1.4.2 Ensure equitable access to incentive programs and sustainability actions
1.5.1 Build off sustatinable purchasing outlined in administrative orders
1.5.2 Promote green business practices
1.5.3 Recruit, train, and retain green workforce
1.5.4 Explore feasibility of green business incubator
1.6.1 Create data management strategy and processes
Design Sustainable Communities
2.1.1 Reduce single occupancy vehicle commuting
2.1.2 Enable Transit-Supportive Places
2.1.3 Increase active transportation and micro-mobility
2.1.4 Foster development of complete green streets
2.2.2 Foster adaptive reuse approach to redevelopment
2.2.5 Expand and maintain green development program incentives and funding
2.2.6 Create new incentives for promoting green building or development certifications
2.3.1 Reduce energy consumptions and emissions for carbon neutrality
2.3.2 Reduce residential and commercial energy
2.3.3 Reduce water use by City buildings and facilities
2.3.4 Reduce residential and commercial water use
2.4.1 Reduce dirty diesel/standard fuel vehicles from the City's light-duty fleet
2.4.2 Revisit potential for community aggregation program
2.4.3 Increase use of renewable energy sources at City facilities
2.4.4 Increase renewable energy generation and storage for residential and commercial
buildings
Support the Natural Environment
3.1.1 Expand and deepen Dublin's water planning efforts and coordination
3.1.2 Incorporate water efficiency strategies into new municipal developments and
redevelopment projects
3.1.3 Develop capacities and procedures for maintaining and improving water quality in
critical natural waterways
3.1.4 Reduce private contributions to stream impairment
3.1.5 Deepen City engagement with nature-based solutions
3.2.1 Enhance quality of natural spaces on City-owned land
3.2.2 Improve new development practices in preservation of existing natural features
3.2.3 Remove City barriers for native planting features
3.2.4 Support MORPC efforts to assess air quality
Achieve Zero Waste
4.1.1 Formalize deconstruction and material reuse for redevelopment
4.1.2 Foster development of circular industries
4.1.3 Prioritize establishment of circular economy through food systems
4.1.5 Connect residents and businesses with local food producers
4.1.7 Expand residential composting capacity
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 202598
GLOSSARY
BIOSWALES
Bioswales are shallow, vegetated channels that slow
down and infiltrate storm water runoff. Bioswales use
an engineered soil sub-base made of topsoil, sand
and compost. The vegetation and rocks in the trench
reduce the velocity of the runoff and filter suspended
sediments from the water. Bioswales are best suited
along roadways and parking lots and sometimes
act as pre-treatment devices for other storm water
management practices.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP)
A capital improvement plan is a dynamic community
planning and fiscal management tool used to
coordinate the location, timing, and financing of capital
improvements over a multi-year period. It is critically
important and one of the major responsibilities for a
government entity.
COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION (CSAC)
The Community Services Advisory Commission (CSAC)
serves as Dublin’s community sustainability team,
with the EcoDublin group serving as staff's internal
advisory committee. The CSAC includes 7 residents
appointment by City Council and meets the second
Tuesday of each month.
COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG)
Compressed natural gas is a fuel which can be used
in place of gasoline, diesel fuel and propane. CNG
combustion burns cleaner than the fuels mentioned
above.
CREEK RESTORATION
Creek restoration is the process of uncovering and
restoring natural rivers or creeks that were modified
by development. Restored creek beds provide a
natural path that slows runoff and removes pollutants
from the water. Creek restoration uses plants and
vegetation to help absorb and control the flow of
runoff. Creek restoration is best suited for waterways
that experience major flooding in rain events and or
adjacent to large developments.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION (DEI)
Values that help create fairer, more accessible
workplaces for all. By acting on DEI values,
organizations can support individuals of different
ethnicities, religions, abilities, races, sexual
orientations, gender, political perspectives, and
backgrounds, resulting in more inclusive workplaces.
Diversity – The presence of different and multiple
characteristics that make up individual and collective
identities, including race, gender, age, religion, sexual
orientation, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic
status, language, and physical ability.
Equity – The process of identifying and removing
the barriers that create disparities in the access to
resources and means, and the achievement of fair
treatment and equal opportunities to thrive. See also
equality.
Inclusion – Is creating environments in which any
individual or group can be and feel welcomed,
respected, supported and valued to participate fully.
DUBLIN ARTS COUNCIL (DAC)
DAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supported
in part by the City of Dublin’s hotel/motel tax. Their
mission is to engage the community, cultivate creativity,
and foster life-long learning through the arts.
DUBLIN CITY SCHOOLS (DCS)
Dublin City Schools (DCS) is the 9th largest district
in the State of Ohio. The boundaries of the district
encompass 47 square miles and include parts of
Dublin, Columbus, Hilliard, and Upper Arlington.
Dublin City Schools works to continuously improve
its practices and provide students with world-class
instruction and a well-rounded education.
DUBLIN COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER (DCRC)
The Dublin Community Recreation Center is home
to state-of-the-art facilities that provide value,
convenience, flexibility, and professional, personalized
service. It is committed to providing quality recreation
programs and facilities for the Dublin community.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 99 JUNE 2025
DUBLIN IRISH FESTIVAL (DIF)
Dublin Irish Festival is an annual music and cultural
festival held in Dublin.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV)
A vehicle that can be powered by an electric motor that
draws electricity from a battery and is capable of being
charged from an external source. An EV includes both
a vehicle that can only be powered by an electric motor
that draws electricity from a battery (all-electric vehicle)
and a vehicle that can be powered by an electric motor
that draws electricity from a battery and by an internal
combustion engine (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle).
FRANKLIN SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (FSWCD)
Soil and water conservation districts are subdivisions
of the state, organized under ORC 940, and
conterminous with county boundaries. Franklin
Soil and Water Conservation District’ s mission is
to promote responsible land use decisions for the
conservation, protection and improvement of soil
and water resources by providing information and
assistance through effective partnering, technical
guidance and education.
GASOLINE GALLON EQUIVALENT (GGE)
Gallon of Gasoline Equivalent is the typical way CNG is
sold at public fueling stations and the typical way that
CNG tanks are rated.
GREEN ROOFS
A green roof is covered in vegetation that helps reduce
the amount of storm water runoff from the top of a
building or structure. Green roofs generally consist of
multiple layers, including a waterproof membrane, an
insulation layer, growing media and vegetation. The
layers retain storm water, which eventually evaporates
from the plants or growing media or it gradually trickles
down, reducing the demand on storm drainage during
rain events. Green roofs are best suited for areas where
open space or other BMPs are not suitable.
GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE (GSI)
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) is a suite of
“systems and practices that restore and maintain
natural hydrologic processes in order to reduce the
volume and water quality impacts of stormwater
runoff.” Riparian buffers, green roofs, bioswales,
cisterns, permeable pavements and constructed
wetlands are all examples of GSI
HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR
CONDITIONING (HVAC)
The main parts of an HVAC system are a heating,
a ventilation, and an air-conditioning unit(s).
Furthermore, modern systems include an air filtration
and cleaning element as well.
ICLEI LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR SUSTAINABILITY
ICLEI is a global network of local and regional
governments committed to sustainable urban
development that influences sustainability policy and
drives local action for low emissions, nature-based,
equitable, resilient and circular development.
MID-OHIO REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION (MORPC)
MORPC is an association of cities, villages, townships,
counties and regional organizations serving Central
Ohio. The organization brings communities of all sizes
and interests together to collaborate on best practices
and plan for the future growth of Central Ohio. MORPC
does this through a variety of programs, services,
projects and initiatives – all with the goal of improving
the lives of residents and making Central Ohio stand
out on the world stage.
MID STORY CANOPY
Intermediate canopy layer, including trees below the
overstory and above the understory layer.
NATURE BASED SOLUTION
Nature-based Solutions are actions to protect,
conserve, restore, and sustainably use and manage
ecosystems. These solutions addresses social,
economic and environmental challenges in a way
that simultaneously benefits human well-being and
biodiversity. In other words, they are interventions
that use nature and the natural functions of healthy
ecosystems to tackle major challenges like climate
change, disaster risk reduction, food and water
security, biodiversity loss, and human health.
OHIO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (OEPA)
The Ohio EPA protects the environment and public
health by ensuring compliance with environmental
laws and encouraging environmental stewardship.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025100
ONE WATER FRAMEWORK
A transformative way of viewing, valuing, and
managing water. The One Water approach manages
all water—whether from the tap, a stream, a storm,
an aquifer, or a sewer—in a collaborative, integrated,
inclusive, and holistic manner.
OPEN SPACE
Open space is an area of land set aside during the
development process for public or private use, or
as open space and may include forests, stream
buffers, floodplains and wetlands. Little maintenance
is required and the spaces provide storm water
management benefits. These spaces reduce the
amount of impervious surface in developments which
helps retain runoff and lower the amount of pollutants
entering the waterways. Open space is best suited in
or around areas with dense development.
PERMEABLE PAVEMENTS
Alternatives to concrete and asphalt, permeable
pavements allow rainfall to pass through and infiltrate
into the ground below. Permeable pavement includes
pervious concrete, porous asphalt, interlocking
concrete pavers and grid pavers. Storm water moves
through the surface of the pavement into a storage
layer below and then slowly seeps into the soil. This
technique is best suited for pavement areas with
low speeds like parking lots and sidewalks. Planter
boxes are rectangular, enclosed spaces generally
implemented below the line of pavement. Openings
in the vertical walls allow storm water to gradually
run from the impervious surface into the planter box.
Storm water temporarily pools in the box and slowly
infiltrates through layers of vegetation, soil and gravel
into the ground. Planter boxes are suited to urban
areas where space is limited.
PROPERTY ASSESSED GREEN ENERGY (PACE)
PACE is an innovative financing structure for improving
buildings through energy efficiency and alternative
energy projects. Established in Ohio in 2009 as a
form of energy special improvement districts (ESID)
for energy projects under Ohio Revised Code (ORC)
1710. The Columbus-Franklin County Finance
Authority administers PACE financing for Central Ohio
businesses, non-profits and local governments.
RAIN GARDENS
Rain gardens are vegetated depressions that collect and
treat storm water. The runoff flows downhill into the
basin, where it collects into a pool. Over time, the runoff
seeps into the soil where some of it is used by the plants.
The vegetation in rain gardens is generally native to
the area to encourage infiltration and biofiltration. Rain
gardens are best suited for small areas of land, like a
residential yard or a parking lot barrier.
RETENTION PONDS
Retention ponds hold water from storm events for
extended periods of time, controlling the amount of
storm water runoff. These ponds hold permanent
bodies of water, which slows runoff and allows
sediments and pollutants to settle to the bottom.
Underground pipes connect storm drains to retention
ponds where small amounts of water are released
gradually. Retention ponds are best suited for large
areas where water can be diverted and recharge
ground water as needed.
SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY OF CENTRAL OHIO (SWACO)
The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO)
serves Franklin County and neighboring areas with
solutions for solid waste.
STREET TREES
Common in urban areas, street trees reduce runoff by
collecting rainfall from streets, sidewalks and parking
areas. Storm water runoff is captured and stored in the
roots and leaves and then released to the atmosphere
through evapotranspiration. Tree roots and fallen leaves
also improve runoff infiltration in the soil. Street trees
slow and store runoff which decreases flooding and
erosion. Additional benefits of street trees are shade for
pedestrians and aesthetics. Street trees are best suited
along roadways, sidewalks, or parking areas.
UNDERGROUND STORAGE
Underground storage holds storm water runoff during
peak flows. Rain water runs into an underground
storage chamber. Once the chamber is filled, the runoff
is either slowly discharged into an underdrain or directly
into the groundwater. Underground storage slows the
runoff and reduces the demand placed on storm water
drains during large rain events. The chambers also
reduce the chance of flooding and combined sewer
overflow. Underground storage is best suited for areas
that cannot accommodate water retention facilities.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 101 JUNE 2025
UNDERSTORY
Lowermost canopy layer including seedlings, saplings
and other small trees.
URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTOR’S
NETWORK (USDN)
The USDN is a peer-to-peer network of local government
professionals from cities across the United States and
Canada dedicated to creating a healthier environment.
URBAN TREE CANOPY
The layer of tree leaves, branches, and stems from all
publicly and privately owned deciduous and coniferous
trees, forests, and understory within urban settlement
areas, which provide measurable coverage of the ground.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025102
OVERVIEW
This Greenhouse Gas Inventory attempts to measure
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions created by City of
Dublin operations and residents and workers within
Dublin. By tracking greenhouse gas emissions, the City
can identify strategy relevant strategies to reduce or
mitigate its relative contributions to the greenhouse
effect and climate change. The City’s greenhouse gas
contributions constitute its carbon footprint.
The greenhouse gas inventory reviewed 2022 data and
utilized ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability’s
ClearPath tool to calculate emissions for two tracks:
government operations and the overall community
scale. The government operations track captures
emissions created by local government operations
such as buildings and facilities, vehicle and transit
fleets, and utilities. The community scale includes all
emissions produced within the locality’s jurisdiction,
including energy consumed by residential and non-
residential buildings, transportation, and water and
wastewater treatment processes.
The development of the inventories was guided to be
compliant with established protocols, including the
Local Government Operations Protocol (LGOP) (2010)
and US Community Protocol (USCP).
Because energy sources produce different mixes
of the six internationally recognized greenhouse
gases which directly impact the climate (Carbon
dioxide (CO2); Methane (CH4); Nitrous oxide (N2O);
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs); Perfluorocarbons (PFCs);
and Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)), overall emissions
are summarized as metric tons of carbon dioxide
equivalents (MT CO2e).
ASSUMPTIONS
EPA eGRID 2021 emissions factors for the RFC West
(RFCW) subregion loaded into ClearPath were used to
estimate emissions from grid electricity consumption.
ClearPath-provided national default emissions factors
were used for natural gas combustion, vehicle fuel
economy, and landfilling.
2022 data was used for all modeled/measured
variables within the City of Dublin. 2021 data was only
used as a basis for factors and assumptions.
GOVERNMENT
OPERATIONS
The two sectors included in the Government
Operations inventory are Buildings and Facilities and
Fleet Vehicles.
Buildings and Facilities
City staff provided electricity and natural gas billing
records for six buildings: City Hall, the Development
Building / Old City Hall, the Fleet Management facility,
the Justice Center, the Recreation Center, and the
Service Center. Square footages and general operating
hours were provided for context and assessing
building performance. Information on grid electricity
and natural gas consumption by City buildings and
facilities is provided in Table GHG-1 and GHG-2.
Fleet Vehicles
City staff provided a detailed summary of annual
mileage and fuel usage for each vehicle within the
city's fleet. These vehicles were grouped by their
respective fuel and type (passenger vehicle, light
truck, heavy truck) for input into ClearPath. Fleet
vehicle mileage breakouts are provided in Table GHG-
3. Electric vehicle fueling is captured in grid electricity
at buildings and facilities.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 103 JUNE 2025
GHG INVENTORY METHODS
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025104
COMMUNITY SCALE
Sectors evaluated included Residential Energy,
Commercial Energy, Transportation & Mobile Sources,
Solid Waste, and Water & Wastewater. Industrial
Energy is included in Commercial Energy, as industrial
customers were not distinguished from commercial
customers in data provided.
Residential Energy and Commercial
Energy
Grid electricity consumption data provided by AEP
Ohio and natural gas consumption data provided by
Columbia Gas were used to estimate residential energy
consumption. While other providers may be present
within Dublin, these two providers are assumed to be
the primary providers of residential energy in Dublin.
Commercial grid electricity information from AEP
Ohio includes both commercial and public customers.
Industrial customers were not provided separately and
are assumed to be included in commercial customers.
Information on grid electricity and natural gas
consumption by residential customers is provided
in Table GHG-4, and commercial customer usage is
provided in Table GHG-5.
Transportation & Mobile Sources
Modeled VMT for 2022 was provided by MORPC
staff for Passenger Vehicles and Freight and Service
Trucks and all integrated trips originating within the
community and all integrated trips with the destination
within the community. To reduce potential double-
counting, values were divided by 2 to bring them more
in line with regional estimates.
Next, passenger and freight vehicles were broken
out into gasoline and diesel vehicles. Mileage was
allocated to vehicle types based on statewide VMT
by vehicle type from 2019 and 2020 that were
derived from the EPA’s State Inventory Tool’s Mobile
Combustion Module, version 2023.2.
Estimates are provided in Table GHG-6.
Solid Waste
Tonnage estimates for a variety of waste types
were provided by City staff. Only landfilled trash
tonnage (municipal solid waste) was included in
this calculation, as other waste types (e.g. leaves,
yard waste, recycling) included in the estimates are
diverted from landfills. Process emissions assuming
diesel vehicles were also generated based on the
tonnage of landfilled waste. Estimates are provided in
Table GHG-7 and Table GHG-8.
Water & Wastewater
Dublin does not provide water or wastewater
treatment services: these services are provided
for most Dublin residents by the City of Columbus
Department of Public Utilities (Columbus DPU). It is
not possible to estimate Dublin's use of individual
treatment facilities due to interconnections in the
water and wastewater systems and a lack of metering
for wastewater flows. In order to ensure consistency
across regional greenhouse gas inventories and
minimize potential error with treatment plant
calculations, the City of Columbus’ 2021 Greenhouse
Gas Inventory prepared by MORPC was used as the
basis for these estimates.
Annualized finished drinking water consumption
data for customers in Dublin was provided by
Columbus DPU, and a 2022 engineering estimate for
the "average daily contributory flow" from Dublin's
contracted wastewater service area as used as the
basis for estimating wastewater use. These records
were annualized and converted to MGY (millions of
gallons per year) for comparability. These estimates
of Dublin's water and wastewater use were divided by
the total treatment volumes published in Columbus
DPU's 2022 Annual Report to approximate the
percentage of emissions incurred by Columbus DPU
facilities that could be attributed to Dublin residents.
Estimates are provided in Table GHG-9.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 105 JUNE 2025
BUILDING INPUT UNIT SQUARE
FOOTAGE
OPERATING
HOURS MT CO2 E
City Hall 644,640 kWh 31,675 9 308
Development / Old
City Hall 301,680 kWh 22,770 9 144
Fleet Management 332,960 kWh 32,600 9 159
Justice Building 895,200 kWh 78,380 24 427
Recreation Center 1,654,200 kWh 113,113 15 790
Service Center 824,880 kWh 68,139 9 394
BUILDING INPUT UNIT SQUARE
FOOTAGE
OPERATING
HOURS MT CO2 E
City Hall 361 MMBtu 31,675 9 19
Fleet Management 3,794 MMBtu 32,600 9 202
Justice Building 2,960 MMBtu 78,380 24 157
Recreation Center 1,824 MMBtu 113,113 15 970
Service Center 1,917 MMBtu 68,139 9 102
VEHICLE
TYPE INPUT UNIT PERCENT
BIOFUEL
ANNUAL
MILES
TRAVELED
(VMT)
% MILES
PASSENGER
VEHICLE
% MILES
LIGHT
TRUCK
% MILES
HEAVY
TRUCK
MT
CO2E
CNG 25,701
gallons
gasoline
equivalent
10% 245,922 1.80%88.80%9.30%161.75
Diesel 12,138 gallons 10% 75,112 0%37.50%62.50%124
Unleaded 72,189 gallons N/A 806,204 11.90%83.40%4.60%636.46
TABLE GHG-1. GRID ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION IN CITY BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
TABLE GHG-2. NATURAL GAS CONSUMPTION IN CITY BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
TABLE GHG-3. FUEL CONSUMPTION AND MILEAGE FOR FLEET VEHICLES
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025106
CATEGORY INPUT UNIT MT CO2E SOURCE
Residential Grid Electricity Use 169,347,817 kWh 80,845 AEP Ohio
Residential Natural Gas Use 2,300,597 MMBtu 122,361 Columbia Gas
TABLE GHG-4. ENERGY CONSUMPTION BY RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS
CATEGORY INPUT UNIT MT CO2E SOURCE
Commercial Customer Grid
Electricity Use 339,979,875 kWh 162,304 AEP Ohio
Public Grid Electricity Use 26,856,660 kWh 12,821 AEP Ohio
Non-Residential Natural Gas
Use 1,289,172 MMBtu 68,567 Columbia Gas
CATEGORY INPUT UNIT %
MOTORCYCLES
%
PASSENGER
VEHICLES
% LIGHT
TRUCKS
% HEAVY
TRUCKS MT CO2 E
Passenger -
Gasoline 598,080,691 miles 0.7 75.6 23.7 0 227,443
Passenger -
Diesel 7,805,804 miles 0 27.57 72.43 0 4,043
Freight -
Gasoline 3,843,374 miles 0 0 0 100 6,338
Freight -
Diesel 23,288,171 miles 0 0 0 100 36,270
TABLE GHG-5. ENERGY CONSUMPTION BY NON-RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS
TABLE GHG-6. VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 107 JUNE 2025
TABLE GHG-7. LANDFILLED WASTE
TABLE GHG-8. LANDFILLING PROCESS EMISSIONS
TABLE GHG-9. WATER AND WASTEWATER CONSUMPTION/EMISSIONS
WASTE TYPE INPUT UNIT
METHANE
COLLECTION
SCENARIO
LANDFILL
MOISTURE
CONTENT
MT CO2 E
Mixed Municipal
Solid Waste 11,648 tons typical national average 4,945
WASTE TYPE INPUT UNIT FUEL TYPE MT CO2E
Annual mass of solid waste processed 11,648 tons diesel 4,945
CATEGORY INPUT UNIT SOURCE
DUBLIN 2022 WATER/WASTEWATER USAGE
Dublin Drinking Water Consumption 1,557 MGY Columbus DPU
Dublin Estimated Wastewater Production 1,254 MGY
Columbus DPU /
2022 General Engineering Report Table
2-1 (Black and Veatch)
COLUMBUS 2022 WATER/WASTEWATER PRODUCTION
Columbus DPU Finished Drinking Water
Production 53,000 MGY Columbus DPU 2022 Annual Report
Columbus DPU Wastewater Treated 70,000 MGY Columbus DPU 2022 Annual Report
CITY OF DUBLIN ESTIMATED PERCENT USE OF COLUMBUS PRODUCTION CAPACITY
Use of Columbus Water 2.94%%calculated
Use of Columbus Wastewater 1.79%%calculated
Average 2.36%%calculated
ESTIMATED WATER/WASTEWATER EMISSIONS
Columbus Water/Wastewater Sector
Emissions 81,300 MT CO2e City of Columbus 2021 Greenhouse Gas
Inventory
Estimated Dublin Emissions in 2022 1,923 MT CO2e calculated
Project Report12 December 2022 - 27 August 2023Tell Dublin
Dublin Sustainability Plan
Highlights
TOTAL VISITS
651
MAX VISITORS PER
DAY
173
NEW
REGISTRATI
ONS
12
ENGAGED
VISITORS
164
INFORMED
VISITORS
344
AWARE
VISITORS
559
Aware Participants 559
Aware Actions Performed Participants
Visited a Project or Tool Page 559
Informed Participants 344
Informed Actions Performed Participants
Viewed a video 0
Viewed a photo 0
Downloaded a document 36
Visited the Key Dates page 0
Visited an FAQ list Page 0
Visited Instagram Page 0
Visited Multiple Project Pages 179
Contributed to a tool (engaged)164
Engaged Participants 164
Engaged Actions Performed
Registered Unverified Anonymous
Contributed on Forums 0 0 0
Participated in Surveys 10 0 154
Contributed to Newsfeeds 0 0 0
Participated in Quick Polls 0 0 0
Posted on Guestbooks 0 0 0
Contributed to Stories 0 0 0
Asked Questions 0 0 0
Placed Pins on Places 0 0 0
Contributed to Ideas 0 0 0
Visitors Summary
Pageviews Visitors
24 Jul '23 7 Aug '23 21 Aug '23
200
400
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025108
ENGAGEMENT FEEDBACK
SURVEY DATA
Tool Type
Engagement Tool Name Tool Status Visitors
Registered Unverified Anonymous
Contributors
Survey Tool Dublin Sustainability Plan Survey Published 330 10 0 154
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
ENGAGEMENT TOOLS SUMMARY
0
FORUM TOPICS
1
SURVEYS
0
NEWS FEEDS
0
QUICK POLLS
0
GUEST BOOKS
0
STORIES
0
Q&A S
0
PLACES
Page 2 of 19
Widget Type
Engagement Tool Name Visitors Views/Downloads
Document Dublin Sustainability Framework Update: May 2, 2023 36 40
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
INFORMATION WIDGET SUMMARY
1
DOCUMENTS
0
PHOTOS
0
VIDEOS
0
FAQS
0
KEY DATES
Page 3 of 19
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 109 JUNE 2025
Visitors 330 Contributors 164 CONTRIBUTIONS 165
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
ENGAGEMENT TOOL: SURVEY TOOL
Dublin Sustainability Plan Survey
How concerned are you about the following:
Very Concerned
Somewhat Concerned
Not Concerned
Question options
50 100 150 200
Extreme heat
Drought / water supply /
flooding
Drinking water quality
Air pollution
Reliable power
Ecodiversity / habitat
quality
Access to parks and
open space
Car dependency / lack
of multi-modal transit ...
Utility costs
Food security / healthy
food access
Disaster preparedness
and resiliency
24
26
20
13
10
19
21
31
14
28
24
46
53
43
41
58
37
53
59
70
61
68
95
86
102
111
97
109
91
75
81
76
73
Page 4 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Likert Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025110
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
Sustainable cities offer a variety of benefits. What benefits are the most important to
your household? Please check all th...
Conserving / preserving natural areas Reduce waste Create jobs / improve economy
Improving physical and mental health and well-being Saving money on energy bills
Question options
50
100
150
200
89
114
63
137
148
Page 5 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 111 JUNE 2025
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
There are several ways to practice sustainability in the household. What types of
measures is your household interested in ...
Already doing
Interested
Not Interested
Question options
50 100 150 200
Energy for my home
provided by renewable
sour...
Improving home energy
efficiency (eg energy
s...
Recycling
Composting
Driving fuel and energy
efficient vehicles (e...
Walking / Biking /
Taking transit instead of
...
Reducing household
water usage through
low fl...
Reducing household
water usage by using
fixtu...
High quality
landscaping and
backyards that i...
Using reclaimed water
or collected water
thro...
35
11
3
29
30
29
21
35
13
28
110
43
7
54
87
98
53
48
78
102
20
111
155
82
48
38
91
82
74
35
Page 6 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Likert Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025112
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
How important are sustainable services and sustainability options in deciding the
following:
Extremely Important
Very Important
Important
Somewhat Important
Not Important
Not Relevant
Question options
50 100 150 200
Overall quality of life
Where you live /
housing
Where you do business
Where you eat
How you commute
8
6
16
7
19
7
11
19
11
12
16
12
21
28
22
31
39
41
40
43
47
56
36
52
42
56
41
32
27
27
Page 7 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Likert Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 113 JUNE 2025
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
In 2018, the City of Dublin initiated a Sustainability Framework establishing seven (7)
goals for improving sustainability ...
Extremely Important
Very Important
Important
Somewhat Important
Not Important
Not Relevant
Question options
50 100 150 200
Sustainability and the
built environment
Natural resources
City operations
Recycling and diversion
Community
engagement
Energy & air quality
Mobility
Economics
5
2
3
1
3
1
6
7
7
5
8
5
6
7
7
7
18
7
22
11
24
11
20
20
36
28
43
24
43
21
43
46
49
50
53
44
40
47
45
46
50
73
36
80
49
78
44
39
Page 8 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Likert Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025114
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
Of these goals, what are the two most important areas to prioritize?
Economics Mobility Energy & air quality Community engagement Recycling and diversion
City operations Natural resources Sustainability and the built environment
Question options
20
40
60
80
65 66
20
45
17
65
21 23
Page 9 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 115 JUNE 2025
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
Community Engagement is an essential part of the City’s sustainability plan. Do you
or a family member participate in susta...
I / We do not participate in sustainability-related organizations
Participated in household hazardous waste, document destruction, drug takeback or Styrofoam collection events hosted by the City of
Dublin
Contain GreenSpot membership Sustainability-related organizations at work / school
Contain a Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat
Registered plot at the City’s Community Gardens at Darree Fields Park and / or outside of the City’s Development building at Coffman
Park
Nature-based organizations
Question options
50
100
150
61
3
16
33
14
119
31
Page 10 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025116
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
Do you live in Dublin?
157 (95.2%)
157 (95.2%)
8 (4.8%)
8 (4.8%)
No Yes
Question options
Page 11 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Dropdown Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 117 JUNE 2025
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
How many years have you lived in Dublin?
Over 10 years 5 to 10 years 1 to 5 years Less than 1 year
Question options
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
3
21
30
102
Page 12 of 19
Optional question (155 response(s), 10 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025118
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
What is your housing status?
Other (please specify)Houseless Living with family or friends Leaseholder / renter Homeowner
Question options
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
153
8
2 1 2
Page 13 of 19
Optional question (165 response(s), 0 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 119 JUNE 2025
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
Do you work in Dublin?
67 (40.6%)
67 (40.6%)
98 (59.4%)
98 (59.4%)
No Yes
Question options
Page 14 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Dropdown Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025120
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
Do you own a business in Dublin?
16 (9.7%)
16 (9.7%)
149 (90.3%)
149 (90.3%)
No Yes
Question options
Page 15 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Dropdown Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 121 JUNE 2025
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
What is your employment status?
Other (please specify)Student Retired Disabled Unemployed Employed Part Time
Employed Full Time
Question options
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
91
17
1
3
46
1
6
Page 16 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025122
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
What is your income?
Prefer not to answer $150,000 or more $100,000 - $124,999 $75,000 - $99,999 $50,000 - $74,999
Under $50,000
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
11
16
11
29
54
45
Page 17 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 123 JUNE 2025
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
What is your gender?
Prefer not to answer Non-binary Female Male
Question options
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
57
99
1
8
Page 18 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025124
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
What is your race / ethnicity? (Check all that apply)
5 (3.0%)
5 (3.0%)
3 (1.8%)
3 (1.8%)
135 (81.8%)
135 (81.8%)
19 (11.5%)
19 (11.5%)3 (1.8%)
3 (1.8%)
Other (please specify)Prefer not to answer White Black or African American Asian or Asian Indian
Question options
Page 19 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Radio Button Question
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 125 JUNE 2025
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025126
ENGAGEMENT FEEDBACK
FOCUS GROUP FEEDBACK - BUSINESS PARTNERS
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 127 JUNE 2025
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025128
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 129 JUNE 2025
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025130
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 131 JUNE 2025
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025132
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 133 JUNE 2025
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025134
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 135 JUNE 2025
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025136
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 137 JUNE 2025
ENGAGEMENT FEEDBACK
FOCUS GROUP FEEDBACK - ORGANIZATION PARTNERS
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025138
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 139 JUNE 2025
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025140
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 141 JUNE 2025
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025142
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 143 JUNE 2025
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DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 145 JUNE 2025
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DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 147 JUNE 2025
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025148
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 149 JUNE 2025
ENGAGEMENT FEEDBACK
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
Summary of Community Workshop
On September 28th, 2023, the Dublin Sustainability Plan consultant team invited community members to
the Community Recreation Center for a Community Workshop. The 90-minute workshop, hosted from
6:00pm – 7:30pm, included an introductory presentation and three (3) activities designed to invoke
reflections on sustainability and collect feedback on sustainability-related community priorities. Thirteen
(13) community members were in attendance.
The workshop’s activity session gave community members an opportunity for hands-on learning,
capturing their input on Dublin’s existing sustainability conditions and its possible future through three
activities:
• Dublin Draw Down – Presentation of Dublin Greenhouse Gas Inventory data to build an
understanding of Dublin’s greenhouse gas emissions, including a comparison to nearby
Colombus for reference. Attendees then discussed high emissions areas and identified and
prioritized opportunities to draw down their contributions to emissions. Attendees used colored
puff balls of varying sizes to indicate their perceived impact of emission into each emission type,
with the largest ball representing the largest perceived impact.
o Activity Results:
▪ The largest ball was worth 4 points, the medium sized ball was worth 3 points,
the small ball was worth 2 points.
▪ Colored balls indicated individual efforts to reduce emissions. Results suggest
that Solid Waste and Water are the top categories where participants are taking
action to reduce carbon emissions.
▪ The top two emissions categories indicated by participants were Electric and
Transport, which aligned with existing data.
▪ The table below shows the counts of the gray puff balls and the colored puff
balls.
Category Ranked Score Gray Puff Ball Count Ranked Individual
Emission Efforts
Colored Puff Ball
Count
Electric 55 • 8 large balls
• 7 medium
balls
• 1 small ball
3 20 colored puff
balls
Transport 46 • 5 large balls
• 6 medium
balls
• 4 small balls
4 15 colored puff
balls
Solid Waste 34 • 3 large balls
• 4 medium
balls
• 5 small balls
1 22 colored puff
balls
Water 13 • 0 large balls
• 1 medium ball
• 5 small balls
2 21 extra small
balls
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025150
• Resilience Mapping – Maps of various climate and environmental conditions throughout Dublin
presented via 36’x48’ boards, allowing participants to provide feedback regarding micromobility
and shared-use paths following a series of guiding questions.
o Activity Results:
▪ Top walking and biking destinations were Dublin Market, the Dublin Plaza
Shopping Center, and Coffman Park.
▪ Participants added green tape on routes located north of US Route 33. The
marked routes were on or adjacent to existing trails, as well as on Dublin Road
and other local streets that provide access to some of the pinned destinations.
▪ Some areas that were taped in red as areas without current access include Glick
Road, Memorial Drive, Muirfield Drive, and connections across Scioto River.
▪ The table below shows participants’ votes for the three most important things to
improve for shared-use paths by number of votes.
• Other write-in comments expressed interest in safe access to paths
during winter months, use of native plants, short-cuts to places of
interest, mixed-use development, bike parking, and other suggestions to
the City.
Improvement Type Vote Count
Safe Crossings 11 (7 Votes indicating 1st Priority)
Tree Canopy/Shade Along Paths 7 (4 Votes indicating 1st Priority)
Access to Regional Trails 6
Comfort Amenities 5 (1 Vote indicating 1st Priority)
Wider Paths 3
Lighting 2
Access to Regional Transt (COTA) 2
Public Art Installations 1
Fitness/Recreation Equipment 0
Themed Routes 0
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 151 JUNE 2025
• Equity in Action – An exploration of existing sustainability efforts and potential future
programming through poster boards enabling attendees to vote on programs they would like to
see expanded or created. Participants were also encouraged to write a pledge for future
participation in sustainability efforts.
o Activity Results:
▪ Current City Programs – The table below shows the count of votes for improving
or expanding each current sustainability-related program offered by the city.
Current City Program Vote Counts
Restoration 12
Community Diversion Programs 10
Dublin Community Garden 5
Dublin Grows Greener 5
Community Markets 4
Micromobility 2
Greenspot 0
• Other current programs or activities that participants have participated
in include Election sign recycling and volunteer programs.
• Suggestions added to this board include encouraging more meadows
and edible planting, improving Styrofoam recycling, and meat-free
Mondays.
▪ Future City Programs – The table below shows the count of votes for programs
participants were most interested in seeing int the City.
Program Vote Counts Additional Comments
Native Plants, Trees, &
Seeds
8 Codify the meaning and use of
preserve and reserve; Training
citizens to replace grass with native
plants between street and sidewalks
Renewable Energy 8
Energy Efficiency 5 Adding solar panels on city buildings,
heat pumps for new constructions,
no more gas lamps in the Historic
District
Community Programs 3
Green Business 3
Water Reuse 1 Ensure City code requires only non-
invasive plantings for new builds.
▪ Participants indicated that classes/hands-on learning (6 votes) would be the
most beneficial to them, followed by rebates/financial incentives (5 votes) and
at-home consultations (3 votes).
Images
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025152
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 153 JUNE 2025
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN JUNE 2025154
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 155 JUNE 2025
To: Members of Dublin City Council
From: Megan D. O’Callaghan, P.E., City Manager
Date: May 28, 2024
Initiated By: Emily Goliver, Management Analyst
Re: Dublin Sustainability Plan Update
Background
At the September 24, 2018, meeting of City Council, Council adopted the 2018 – 2020 Dublin
Sustainability Framework. The Framework was an internally composed document that provided
goals to create a sustainable, healthy resilient future for Dublin. The Framework was set to be
completed in 2020 but was extended to 2021 due to the pandemic putting a hold on many of the
initiatives. Of the 35 goals, 31 were substantially completed. The Framework is included in
Council’s packet for reference.
In July 2022, Council adopted the Dublin Strategic Framework which set forth the City’s vision of
being the most sustainable, connected and resilient global city of choice. Given the importance of
sustainability in achieving Council’s goal, after administering a request for proposals, Staff selected
Asakura Robinson (AR) to complete an updated Dublin Sustainability Plan. Asakura Robinson is a
planning, urban design and landscape architecture firm located in Texas. The organization was
founded in 2004 and has since worked on countless award-winning projects, including the Cedar
Rapids Community Climate Action Plan. Asakura Robinson focuses on actionable metrics to guide
communities in implementing a plan.
Asakura Robinson and City Staff worked closely on this project, which kicked off on May 1, 2023
and involved three phases: Understand the Community, Envision Change and Act with Intention.
As part of the development of this Plan, AR conducted an inventory of existing conditions,
reviewed existing planning efforts, interviewed stakeholders, analyzed the results of a community
survey, oversaw a community workshop, traveled to Dublin and met numerous times with Houseal
Lavigne to align the Plan with the Envision Dublin Community Plan development process.
Representatives from every City department were involved in bi-weekly coordination calls with AR
throughout the development of the Plan. In addition to aligning the Plan with Dublin’s existing
plans, including the Strategic Framework, Envision Dublin, Special Area Plans, Parks and
Recreation Master Plan and DEI Framework, AR also reviewed the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning
Commission’s (MORPC) Regional Sustainability Agenda to align the City’s efforts with regional
sustainability goals.
Greenhouse Gas Inventory
To ensure the Plan is data-driven, a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory was conducted as part of
this process. The GHG inventory provided context for developing goals and actions while also
providing a baseline of the current carbon emissions to ensure that goals are measurable and
progress can be tracked. The GHG inventory reviewed 2022 data for two tracks: government
operations and the overall community. Inventories are categorized into direct and indirect scopes.
Scope 1 emissions include those directly produced locally, such as driving a gas-powered vehicle.
Scope 2 emissions are emitted elsewhere through the purchasing of dirty energy. Finally, scope 3
emissions occur upstream or downstream through other purchased materials, such as wastewater
0BOffice of the City Manager
1B5555 Perimeter Drive • Dublin, OH 43017
2BPhone: 614.410.4400 Memo
Memo re. Dublin Sustainability Plan Update
May 28, 2024
Page 2 of 3
treatment and solid waste handling.
GHG emissions are summarized as metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (MT CO2e). The
Consultants used the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) data
management tool to calculate the GHG emissions. Through this, it was determined that
government buildings emit 3,672 MT CO2e and fleet operations emit 922 MT CO2e. The community
emissions were determined using data from the MORPC regional transportation modeling program,
AEP Ohio and Columbia Gas. On a community scale, Dublin is emitting 727,860 MT CO2e. The per
capita emissions are displayed in the graphic below.
For comparison, AR reviewed the GHG inventory results from
two cities that had similar geographies and climates with
available data. Carmel, IN is similar in its proximity to an
interstate for vehicular emissions and has only 9 more sunny
days per year than Dublin. While Columbus is significantly
more urbanized, it was suggested by MORPC as a comparison
city due to it having the same climate as Dublin. Dublin’s GHG
emissions were higher, on average, than both comparison
cities. Generally, Dublin’s residents drive more than the
comparison cities. Columbus’ estimated per capita passenger
vehicle miles traveled is ~34% lower than Dublin’s.
Key Themes
Using the key findings from the updated goals, the Plan is
divided into four themes. Each theme has objectives,
strategies, and actions to accomplish it. The strategies and
actions are informed by industry standards, findings from the
multiple public engagement opportunities and best practices being taken by other communities.
Measurable goals are necessary to track progress in implementing the Plan. These measures
include target figures to achieve, such as increasing the diversion rate to 60% per capita in five
years, and overall improvement in an area, such as increasing the number of volunteers engaged
in efforts related to sustainability.
1. Model Sustainable Leadership – The City of Dublin has a history of successful partnerships
and collaborations that drive sustainable innovations. Dublin can leverage these to establish
a constellation of diverse sustainable partners to mobilize support for sustainable actions.
1. Create a constellation of partners: increase local and regional collaboration and
education opportunities to advance innovative, sustainable solutions.
2. Integrate local planning contexts: ensure local planning efforts are integrating
sustainable actions.
3. Amplify Dublin’s sustainability story: develop clear and consistent communications
regarding events, programs, and opportunities for community participation.
4. Embed equity into sustainable leadership: incorporate an equity lens into
sustainability efforts to maximize access and participation by all Dublin residents.
5. Champion green businesses: create an ecosystem that encourages and supports the
growth of environmentally friendly businesses, buildings, markets, and technology.
6. Institutionalize the use of sustainability data: standardize and expand the use of
sustainability data throughout the City operations to continually measure and
evaluate sustainability plan progress.
Memo re. Dublin Sustainability Plan Update
May 28, 2024
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2. Design Sustainable Communities – Sustainability practices can have the greatest impact on
development and the future of the built environment by improving multi-modal mobility,
resiliency, efficiency, and renewable energy. Strategies include increasing access to
transportation options, enhancing community resiliency, improving energy and water
efficiency, and increasing access, generation, and use of renewable energy.
1. Mult-modal city: provide our increasingly diverse community access to a range of
transportation options, connecting more people to more places.
2. Adapted city: foster greater adaptive capacity through community resilience building
and adaptive or sustainable building development.
3. Efficient city: the City of Dublin can have a positive impact on reducing emissions to
meet federal air quality standards by continuing to focus on conserving energy and
transition to renewable and cleaner energy sources.
4. Renewable city: increase the use of renewable energy by the City, residents, and
local businesses.
3. Support the Natural Environment – Target action in water, ecology, and air. The City of
Dublin aims to establish a community that is ecologically sound for both people and wildlife
through the conservation of parks, open areas, rights-of-way, watersheds, streams, and
rivers.
1. Blue city: improve the quality of municipal and natural water resources through
regional collaboration and more robust water quality programs and regulations.
2. Regenerative city: protect, preserve, and regenerate Dublin’s environment
throughout the City, leading by example through City-led projects and more
ecologically-driven development processes.
4. Achieve Zero-Waste – Move towards a zero-waste city that supports a circular economy
and is a leader in waste management and diversion through recycling, reuse, food donating
and food waste composting.
1. Circular city: reduce overall waste generation and foster a more sustainably-
oriented economy through cyclical economics, expanded access to recycling and
composting, and greater connectivity with local food-related industries.
In addition to identifying the objectives, strategies and actions to implement the themes, the Plan
identifies the impact of each action, the implementation timeframe and the responsible division in
the Action Plan section. The actions are stratified by implementation timeframe in the Overview of
Implementation section to summarize how many actions are identified in the short, medium and
long term.
Recommendation
Staff recommends City Council provide feedback regarding the proposed Dublin Sustainability Plan.
Specifically, Staff is requesting feedback regarding the following discussion topics:
1. What is Council’s feedback regarding the strategies and actions outlined in the draft Dublin
Sustainability Plan?
2. Is there anything not included in the Plan that Council would like it to address?
3. Is Council supportive of referring the implementation of the Dublin Sustainability Plan to
the Community Services Advisory Commission for their feedback, with recommendations
made back to the Council for action?
Strategic Framework
Sustainable Connected Resilient
Economic
Fiscal
Environmental
Services
Democracy
Mobility
Infrastructure
Land Use
Physical
Mental
Safety
Social
Vision:Dublin, Ohio is the Most Sustainable, Connected and Resilient Global City of Choice
Planning in Context
May 1, 2023:
Project kick-off
June 22 & 23, 2023: Asakura Robinson visit.
Stakeholder
interviews with Rumpke,
internal staff
and an EcoDublin team
visioning
session
July 25 –August 25, 2023:
Community
survey
Sept. 28, 2023: Community
workshop
Dec. 11,
2023:
Focus group
meetings with
City Council, businesses,
partner
organization and Dublin
City School
students
Dec. 4 –22, 2023:
Business community
survey
Feb. 9, 2024:
Initial review
by the full Senior
Leadership
team
Feb. 28, 2024: Final review by the
full Senior
Leadership team
June 3, 2024:
City Council
review
Project Timeline & Engagement
Survey Findings
Survey Findings
Survey Findings
Greenhouse Gas Inventory
•Reviewed 2022 data•Scope 1 emissions –
directly produced by local
actions (gasoline from
vehicles)•Scope 2 emissions –
indirect emissions, such
as electricity•Scope 3 emissions –
occur upstream or
downstream (water and
wastewater treatment)
Greenhouse Gas Inventory –Government Operations
•Pre-IGS contract for
100% renewable energy
•131 gas powered vehicles
•32 diesel vehicles
•58 CNG vehicles
Greenhouse Gas Inventory –Community Scale
•Transportation was the
highest emitter of GHGs
•Energy consumption at
commercial buildings is
high
•Includes multi-family
housing
Greenhouse Gas Inventory – Comparison
•Vehicle travel is higher
•~34% fewer VMT per
capita in Columbus
•Dublin’s non-residential
energy usage compared
to both communities is
significantly higher
•Likely reflects large,
aging office buildings
Goals and Themes
1.Model Sustainable
Leadership
2.Design Sustainable
Communities
3.Support the Natural
Environment
4.Achieve Zero-Waste
Reading the Action Plan
Themes and Objectives
Theme Objective
1. Model Sustainable Leadership:
The City of Dublin has a history of
successful partnerships and
collaborations that drive sustainable
innovations. Dublin can leverage these
to establish a constellation of diverse
sustainable partners to mobilize support
for sustainable actions.
1.1 Create a constellation of partners: increase local and regional collaboration and
education opportunities to advance innovative, sustainable solutions.
1.2 Integrate local planning contexts: ensure local planning efforts are integrating
sustainable actions.
1.3 Amplify Dublin’s sustainability story: develop clear and consistent
communications regarding events, programs, and opportunities for community
participation.
1.4 Embed equity into sustainable leadership: incorporate an equity lens into
sustainability efforts to maximize access and participation by all Dublin residents.
1.5 Champion green business: create an ecosystem that encourages and supports
the growth of environmentally friendly businesses, buildings, markets, and
technology.
1.6 Institutionalize the use of sustainability data: standardize and expand the use
of sustainability data throughout the City operations to continually measure and
evaluate sustainability plan progress.
Model Sustainable Leadership
Design Sustainable Communities
Theme Objective
2. Design Sustainable Communities:
Sustainability practices can have the greatest
impact on development and the future of the
built environment by improving multi-modal
mobility, resiliency, efficiency, and renewable
energy. Strategies include increasing access
to transportation options, enhancing
community resiliency, improving energy and
water efficiency, and increasing access,
generation, and use of renewable energy.
2.1 Multi-modal city: provide our increasingly diverse community access to a
range of transportation options, connecting more people to more places.
2.2 Adapted city: foster greater adaptive capacity through community
resilience building and adaptive or sustainable building development.
2.3 Efficient city: the City of Dublin can have a positive impact on reducing
emissions to meet federal air quality standards by continuing to focus on
conserving energy and transition to renewable and cleaner energy sources.
2.4 Renewable city: increase the use of renewable energy by the City,
residents, and local businesses.
Support the Natural Environment
Theme Objective
3. Support the Natural Environment:
Target action in water, ecology, and air. The
City of Dublin aims to establish a community
that is ecologically sound for both people and
wildlife through the conservation of parks,
open areas, rights-of-way, watersheds,
streams, and rivers.
3.1 Blue city: improve the quality of municipal and natural water resources
through regional collaboration and more robust water quality programs and
regulations.
3.2 Regenerative city: protect, preserve, and regenerate Dublin’s
environment throughout the City, leading by example through City-led
projects and more ecologically-driven development processes.
Achieve Zero-Waste
Theme Objective
4. Achieve Zero-Waste
Move towards a zero-waste city that supports
a circular economy and is a leader in waste
management and diversion through recycling,
reuse, food donating and food waste
composting.
4.1 Circular city: reduce overall waste generation and foster a more
sustainably-oriented economy through cyclical economics, expanded access
to recycling and composting, and greater connectivity with local food-related
industries.
Action Plan Implementation
Overview
In Progress Short Term (1 –3 Years)
1.1.4 Promote City sustainability programs and incentives
1.1.9 Engage local businesses on sustainability initiatives
1.5.3 Recruit, train, and retain green workforce
1.6.1 Create data management strategy and processes
1.1.1 Coordinate with CSAC for community partnerships.
1.1.3 Create sustainability-focused community volunteering opportunities
1.1.5 Use signature annual events to lead by example and build awareness
1.1.10 Create public private partnerships through leadership and programming
1.1.11 Engage non-profits to align efforts with ongoing programs
1.2.3 Prioritize implementation of planning strategies and actions to support sustainability goals
1.3.2 Improve outreach and engagement
1.4.1 Ensure equitable evaluation and participation in City programs
1.4.2 Ensure equitable access to incentive programs and sustainability actions.
1.5.1 Build off sustainable purchasing outlined in administrative orders.
1.5.2 Promote green business practices
1.6.1 Create data management strategy and processes
1.6.2 Create sustainability dashboard
2.1.2 Enable Transit-Supportive Places
2.1.2 Enable Transit-Supportive Places
2.2.2 Foster adaptive reuse approach to redevelopment
2.3.4 Reduce residential and commercial water use
2.4.1 Reduce or eliminate dirty diesel/standard fuel vehicles from the City's fleet
2.4.4 Increase renewable energy generation and storage for residential and commercial
buildings
2.1.1 Reduce single occupancy vehicle commuting
2.2.1 Pursue community level disaster resilience and emergency preparation planning
2.2.3 Assess and update building performance and energy conservation standards
2.2.4 Create a Green Neighborhoods subcommittee of EcoDublin
2.3.1 Reduce energy consumptions and emissions for carbon neutrality
2.3.3 Reduce water use by City buildings and facilities
2.3.4 Reduce residential and commercial water use
2.4.1 Reduce or eliminate dirty diesel/standard fuel vehicles from the City's fleet
2.4.3 Increase use of renewable energy sources at City facilities
3.2.2 Improve new development practices in preservation of existing natural features 3.1.3 Develop capacities and procedures for maintaining and improving water quality in critical natural waterways
3.1.4 Reduce private contributions to stream impairment
3.1.6 Establish community centered programs to promote nature-based solutions
3.1.7 Increase resident and neighborhood participation in City efforts to expand GSI
3.1.3 Develop capacities and procedures for maintaining and improving water quality in critical natural waterways
3.1.4 Reduce private contributions to stream impairment
3.1.6 Establish community centered programs to promote nature-based solutions
3.1.7 Increase resident and neighborhood participation in City efforts to expand GSI
3.2.1 Enhance quality of natural spaces on City-owned land
3.2.2 Improve new development practices in preservation of existing natural features
4.1.4 Collaborate with local food pantries for food donation
4.1.6 Expand community recycling
4.1.2 Foster development of circular industries
4.1.4 Collaborate with local food pantries for food donation
4.1.6 Expand community recycling
4.1.7 Expand residential composting capacity
Overview of Implementation (In Progress and Short Term)
Medium Term (4 –7 Years)Long Term (7+ Years)
1.1.2 Guide development of more sustainability-supportive bylaws and regulations
1.1.3 Create sustainability focused community volunteering opportunities
1.1.4 Promote City sustainability programs and incentives
1.1.5 Use signature annual events to lead by example and build awareness
1.1.6 Offer sustainability programs at schools
1.1.7 Increase diversion rate in schools
1.1.8 Work with local higher education institutions
1.1.10 Create public private partnerships through leadership and programming
1.2.1 Incorporate in Envision Dublin implementation
1.2.2 Incorporate in PRMP implementation
1.2.3 Prioritize implementation of planning strategies and actions to support sustainability goals
1.3.1 Collaborate with DAC to foster art
1.3.2 Improve outreach and engagement
1.4.2 Ensure equitable access to incentive programs and sustainability actions
1.5.2 Promote green business practices
1.5.3 Recruit, train, and retain green workforce
1.5.4 Explore feasibility of Green business incubator
1.6.1 Create data management strategy and processes
1.1.3 Create sustainability focused community volunteering opportunities
1.1.6 Offer sustainability programs at schools
1.1.8 Work with local higher education institutions
1.1.10 Create public private partnerships through leadership and programming
1.1.11 Engage non-profits to align efforts with ongoing programs
1.1.12 Work with regional organizations
1.2.1 Incorporate in Envision Dublin implementation
1.2.2 Incorporate in PRMP implementation
1.5.4 Explore feasibility of Green business incubator
2.1.1 Reduce single occupancy vehicle commuting
2.1.2 Enable Transit-Supportive Places
2.1.3 Increase active transportation and micro-mobility
2.1.4 Foster development of complete green streets
2.2.2 Foster adaptive reuse approach to redevelopment
2.2.5 Expand and maintain green development program incentives and funding
2.2.6 Create new incentives for promoting green building or development certifications
2.3.1 Reduce energy consumptions and emissions for carbon neutrality
2.3.2 Reduce residential and commercial energy
2.3.3 Reduce water use by City buildings and facilities
2.3.4 Reduce residential and commercial water use
2.4.1 Reduce or eliminate dirty diesel/standard fuel vehicles from the City's fleet
2.4.2 Revisit potential for community aggregation program
2.4.3 Increase use of renewable energy sources at City facilities
2.4.4 Increase renewable energy generation and storage for residential and commercial buildings
2.1.1 Reduce single occupancy vehicle commuting
2.1.2 Enable Transit-Supportive Places
2.2.7 Exemplify green building methods through future municipal building design and construction
2.3.3 Reduce water use by City buildings and facilities
2.4.3 Increase use of renewable energy sources at City facilities
3.1.1 Expand and deepen Dublin's water planning efforts and coordination
3.1.2 Incorporate water efficiency strategies into new municipal developments and redevelopment projects
3.1.3 Develop capacities and procedures for maintaining and improving water quality in critical natural waterways
3.1.4 Reduce private contributions to stream impairment
3.1.5 Deepen City engagement with nature-based solutions
3.2.1 Enhance quality of natural spaces on City-owned land
3.2.2 Improve new development practices in preservation of existing natural features
3.2.3 Remove City barriers for native planting features
3.2.4 Support MORPC efforts to assess air quality
4.1.1 Formalize deconstruction and material reuse for redevelopment
4.1.1 Formalize deconstruction and material reuse for redevelopment
4.1.2 Foster development of circular industries
4.1.3 Prioritize establishment of circular economy through food systems
4.1.5 Connect residents and businesses with local food producers
4.1.7 Expand residential composting capacity
Overview of Implementation (Medium Term and Long Term)
1.What is Council’s feedback regarding the strategies and actions
outlined in the draft Dublin Sustainability Plan? 2.Is there anything not included in the Plan that Council would like it to
address? 3.Is Council supportive of referring the implementation of the Dublin
Sustainability Plan to the Community Services Advisory Commission
for their feedback?
Discussion
Minutes of
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Ms. Kramb stated that currently the city does not charge fees because there is only one
company. If this is opened up to other companies, then we could charge multiple
companies, but she cautioned that what she has witnessed is that having too many
companies results in too many scooters. She suggested considering a maximum number of
scooters per company so the city is not overwhelmed with scooters.
Ms. Fox stated that the objective here is to get people out of their cars and into another
mode of transportation. She expressed that she is disturbed by survey respondents’
suggestions to get rid of scooters. She agreed with Mr. Keeler’s suggestion that scooters
need to be in the neighborhoods. The Historic District and Bridge Park is such a popular
and intense area that if everything goes there, it becomes too dense and burdensome.
She suggested expanding the micro-mobility options, such as e-bikes or seated scooters
versus more scooters.
Ms. De Rosa confirmed that there were 37 total responses to the survey. Mr. Rayburn
responded affirmatively. She stated that it is not fair to take 37 responses and say that it
represents 50,000 residents. She suggested trying to get a more robust survey. She
added that if the goal is to have people riding in neighborhoods, then there need to be
bike racks along our walking paths so there is somewhere to dock the scooters. She stated
if we are going to do the infrastructure then we have to make it work. She stated it is
important to make sure we have opportunity to add things that make sense. She added
that if the city is experiencing issues with pick-ups, then maybe we need a different
partner.
Mr. Keeler commented on the survey and stated that this is an issue that residents may
not care deeply about. The survey respondents are going to be the people who are either
really opposed to it or like and support it. This type of program is better in a suburb than it
is a dense area. Scooters make sense here, but the scooters need to be accessible.
Mayor Amorose Groomes asked about the data that is available and asked if it is possible
to determine the behavior of riders on scooters. Mr. Rayburn stated that staff relies on
feedback from the public. He added that sometimes they reach out to the Police, and staff
conducts an investigation with the data that we have to see if it can be determined
whether it was a bird scooter or a privately owned scooter.
Vote on the Resolution: Mr. Keeler, yes; Ms. De Rosa, yes; Mayor Amorose Groomes, yes;
Ms. Kramb, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Ms. Fox, yes.
Mayor Amorose Groomes moved to refer the Micro-Mobility Program to the Public
Services Committee for review of draft code modifications and micro-mobility operations
management options.
Ms. Fox seconded.
Vote on the motion: Ms. Kramb, yes; Ms. Fox, yes; Mayor Amorose Groomes, yes; Mr.
Reiner, yes; Mr. Keeler, yes; Ms. De Rosa, yes.
OTHER BUSINESS
° Dublin Sustainability Plan Update
Ms. Goliver stated that this Plan has been under development for over a year. It
is informed by global best practices and industry examples and is driven by data.
She introduced the consultant team from Asakura Robinson: Isabelle Asakura,
Andrew Knuppel and Kyle Anderson, who joined the meeting virtually.
In July 2022, Council adopted the Dublin Strategic Framework, which set forth the
City’s vision of being the most sustainable, connected and resilient global city of
choice. The most sustainable goal set forth Dublin as a City that is a model for
sustainable community design, zero waste, carbon neutral and supportive of the
natural environment. Staff has worked to update the previously known Dublin
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Niinuiseat Dublin City Council Meeting
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Sustainability Framework to the Dublin Sustainability Plan. Working with Asakura
Robinson, staff has worked to draft a world-class sustainability plan using their
industry expertise. Asakura Robinson has developed award-winning sustainability
plans that focus on actionable metrics to guide communities in implementing their
sustainability goals. The first phase of this project was spent reviewing several
local and regional plans to establish alignment with ongoing efforts including the
Envision Dublin update to the Community Plan. Throughout the process, there
have been several touchpoints with the public including: surveys, a community
workshop, and stakeholder interviews. She introduced Ms. Asakura to walk
through the project timeline and engagement (presentation attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit B). She stated the recommendations
were then operationalized into an action plan where senior leadership staff was
engaged in both an initial and final review process. She reviewed the community
survey feedback and the greenhouse gas inventory. The community survey
feedback received resulted in six key findings:
e Sustainability related issues: She shared that the areas of greatest
concern to survey respondents are reliable power, utility costs and air
pollution.
e Perceived benefits: When asked about benefits of sustainable cities,
respondents indicated that natural area conservation and reducing waste
were the top two benefits.
e Personal practices: Nearly all respondents were interested in or already
taking measures for recycling, improving home efficiency and high quality
landscaping which improves habitat quality and biodiversity.
e Sustainable services and options: Respondents identified sustainability
services and options as having some level of importance in deciding their
overall quality of life, housing and where they eat.
e Sustainability goals: Respondents ranked goals according to level of
importance and recycling; diversion and sustainability in the built
environment emerged as the top priorities.
e Sustainability related programs: Programs that received the highest level
of participation by Dublin residents include the City’s waste-related events,
nature-based organizational programming and programming through the
school.
Mr. Knuppel spoke about the greenhouse gas inventory (Exhibit B). He stated that
at the community scale, transportation was the highest emitter of greenhouse gas
and energy consumption of commercial buildings is high, which includes multi-
family buildings. Non-residential energy use shows it was higher than some other
communities, such as Columbus and Carmel, IN.
Ms. Asakura stated that the plan identifies four themes that are critical to address:
1. Model Sustainable Leadership — leveraging Dublin’s successful partnerships
and collaborations to lead the way,
2. Design Sustainable Communities — relating to aspects of the built
environment and improvements to multimodal mobility, resiliency, efficiency
and renewable energy,
3. Support the Natural Environment — supporting natural resource
conservation and specifically targeting actions in water, ecology and air,
and
4. Achieve Zero-Waste — making a conscious effort to reach zero waste and
support a circular economy.
Ms. Asakura stated that to achieve these four themes, the recommendations have
been organized into an action plan based on three factors: impact, cost and
timeframe.
Mr. Anderson walked through the themes and objectives in the plan (Exhibit B).
Ms. Goliver stated that a key focus of this project has been ensuring that the
results of it are actionable.
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There were no public comments.
Mr. Reiner asked about how these recommendations tie into the Code. He would
like to see a City ordinance requiring cisterns be incorporated on new builds.
Having a cistern would allow houses to use the water captured through the down
spouting. He added that including a cistern would not involve a high cost and it
would be easy to incorporate. Mr. Anderson agreed with the suggestion. He stated
it might be a challenge in terms of cost to developers. Ms. Asakura stated there
are two areas there they have talked about water in the plan, both at a larger scale
and creating new standards that achieve water efficiency through adaptive
development.
Mr. Keeler stated that he would like to encourage or require builders to incorporate
green building standards like green roofs. He stated that he would speed up the
plan to codify those requirements. He stated that the built environment and
transportation are going to have a bigger impact than something like data
management.
Ms. De Rosa thanked staff and the consultant team for their work. She stated that
there is just too much in this plan. She suggested focusing on three things that
are really going to make a difference and work on those. She finds defined
measurable goals easier to manage. She recommended looking at this body of
work and the list of activities with the lens of: keep it simple, tie it to the biggest
impact and how will we know we achieved it. Ms. Goliver thanked Ms. De Rosa for
the feedback and clarified that the beginning of each section highlights the
measuring success. She understood that Ms. De Rosa wanted to highlight those
things more, and focus on fewer actions that will have the most impact. Ms. De
Rosa added that if a plan is more than 10 pages, it is too big of a plan. A huge
impact will not be achieved if all these things are attempted.
Ms. Kramb stated that her initial impression was that this is an extremely in-depth,
technical report. She would like to see an executive summary included that
highlights the goals and the objectives of each.
Ms. Fox stated that this plan gives us strategies and actions for the entire City.
One of the lessons learned with the recycling program was that it had good
marketing, it was easy to follow and it got a great response. She agreed with
previous comments that no more than three good strategies should be defined that
would have the most impact and concentrate our efforts on marketing those. She
also noted that there are several things in the plan that we are already doing, such
as micro-mobility. She suggested piggybacking on those and expanding them. She
reiterated that it needs to be kept simple.
Mayor Amorose Groomes stated that the research that was done is very good and
helpful. She agreed that the draft is really long. She stated if the plan cannot be
pared down, then there needs to be a handbook or guide that is associated with it
that defines the goals and steps to move the needle on those goals. She stated
that she feels the building code should be addressed in this plan; for example, she
would like to see any building over three stories be a slab building rather than a
stick building. The most sustainable and most resilient buildings are the ones that
are well built and can serve multiple purposes over time.
Discussion was held regarding the timeframe for taking this to the Community
Services Advisory Commission (CSAC), for their review. Ms. Goliver clarified that
the intent for the CSAC review was after it was adopted by City Council. CSAC
would assist with implementation of the plan.
Ms. O'Callaghan stated that this document was written more as an inward facing
roadmap for staff with all the details on implementation, similar to what was
produced for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Staff will prepare an external
Minutes of
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Dublin City Council Meeting
GON INMENT FORMS & SUPPLIES 844-224-3338 FORM NO. 10146
Held June 3, 2024 Page 8 of 11
20
facing executive summary type of document. Those items will accompany the plan
when it comes back to Council for adoption.
Mr. Reiner stated that another issue for the building codes is top soil. He would
like to see developers be required to redistribute the top soil over the clay when
their project is finished.
Mayor Amorose Groomes stated that she agreed with Ms. Fox that marketing of
the initiatives is important. She stated that going to the schools and educating the
kids about sustainability practices will be impactful. She would like this to be part
of the rollout.
South High Street Utility Burial Project Update
Mr. Gable stated that he would be providing a brief overview of the status of the
South High Street Utility Burial Project. The Project consists of two phases as
requested by AEP. The Phase 1 project area includes Franklin Street south of West
Bridge Street and the west side of South High Street between West Bridge Street
and Short Street. The Phase 2 area includes the east side of South High Street and
Blacksmith Lane between West Bridge Street and Short Street. At the completion of|
the project, all overhead utility lines and poles along South High Street will be
removed between West Bridge Street and Short Street. Presently, Phase 1 of the
project has completed construction. AEP has converted all facilities to underground
facilities for Phase 1. Charter, Breezeline, and AT&T are nearing completion of their
transition to their new underground facilities. The Phase 2 project is currently
under design and is actively in the easement acquisition process. The Phase 2
project alignment attempts to cause the least amount of impact between the
different properties as it extends up to Pinney Hill Lane. It will address a few
primary items for AEP and others then continue down Blacksmith Lane. The
remainder of the alignment goes up to West Bridge Street along Spring Hill Lane,
which is a connection that AEP needed for Phase 1 work. The easemenis required
for the Phase 2 easements will have two different sections. The first is Short Street
to Pinney Hill Lane. The width of the acquisition on these is 20 feet in the back
lots. It’s important to note that the City’s intent is to bore the underground
facilities in this area so as to not remove and impact the mature trees that are
along the main route.
In response to Ms. Fox's question regarding whether they can bore through stone,
Mr. Gable indicated that they can.
He stated that the second area requires acquisition of easements beginning at
Blacksmith Lane and in more spotted smaller areas to locate the above ground
structures. These easements were created to be as small as feasible while still
giving a little room for landscaping to hide the structure. There are a few homes in
this area that receive their power and communications from the rear because of
larger trees existing on the property. The City has requested donations from all
affected property owners for the purposes of these easements. None of the
property owners desires to donate their easements. Therefore, staff has moved to
the appraisal and negotiation process. Good faith offer letters have been provided
to the owners. Overall, staff expects the acquisition process to take anywhere
between 6 and 12 months. The schedule could be impacted further if these
acquisitions require additional time.
Mr. Gable provided anticipated project timelines. With the current appraisal and
negotiation process taking place, staff is aiming at being able to move forward in
the end of September — February 2025 timeframe. The overall goal is to bid and
start construction in March of 2025. Mr. Gable addressed the concern about the
tree growth while the poles still exist. He stated that staff does not anticipate the
trees being able to grow enough to be impacted by AEP’s existing poles until well
after the poles are expected to be removed.
In response to Ms. Fox's question about whether altafiber will be added in these
areas while it is dug up, Mr. Gable stated that the Phase One project was ongoing.
Staff went ahead and provided space to house or facilitate that installation, so part
2024 DUBLIN
SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
May 2024
DRAFT
VDUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 2024ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Our deep thanks to the City staff members, local stakeholders, and the community who shared
their perspectives and invested their time to shape this plan.
City Leadership
Dublin City Council
Chris Amorose Groomes - Mayor, Council
Representative At Large
Christina A. Alutto - Vice Mayor, Council Representative
At Large
Cathy De Rosa - Ward 4 Representative
Jane Fox - Ward 2 Representative
Andy Keeler - Council Representative At Large
Amy Kramb - Ward 1 Representative
John Reiner - Ward 3 Representative
Megan O'Callaghan - City Manager
Consultant Team
Asakura Robinson Company
Isabelle Asakura - Project Manager
Andrew Knuppel, CFM AICP - Deputy Project Manager
Kyle Anderson - Planner
EcoDublin Team Members
Mitch Ament, Office of the City Manager
Brian Ashford, Facilities & Fleet Management
Kendel Blake, Office of the City Manager
Tyler Brooks, Recreation Services
Brad Conway, Building Standards
Doug Cordill, Community Events
Michael Darling, Public Service
Kirby Dearth, Economic Development
Eric Dickinson, Information Technology
Emily Goliver, Office of the City Manager
Michael Hendershot, Utilities & Stormwater
John Hyatt, Facilities & Fleet Management
Shawn Krawetzki, Parks & Recreation
Madison Kregel, Communications & Marketing
Greg Lattanzi, Police
Taylor Mullinax, Zoning
Meghan Murray, Finance Operations
Barbara Ray, Outreach & Engagement
J.M. Rayburn, Transportation & Mobility
Langdon Sanders, Innovation & Analytics
Cara Sheets, Innovation & Analytics
Ron Whittington, Human Resources
VDUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN iii DRAFT MAY 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements ...................................................ii
Message from City Manager .......................................V
Introduction .............................................................VI
Understand ............................................................8
Sustainability Framework ......................................... 10
Planning In Context ................................................. 20
Greenhouse Gas Inventory ....................................... 24
Engagement ........................................................... 30
Goals & Themes ...................................................42
Achieving The Vision ............................................... 44
Action Plan ..........................................................70
Action Plan ............................................................. 72
Appendices ..........................................................95
Glossary .................................................................95
2023 Sustainability Related Volunteering Projects ......96
GHG Inventory Spreadsheet .....................................97
Sustainability Mapping .............................................98
Engagement Feedback ............................................99
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 2024IV
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 1 DRAFT MAY 2024
MESSAGE FROM
THE CITY MANAGER
Dear Residents,
The City of Dublin aspires to be the most sustainable, connected and resilient
global city of choice. City Council adopted that vision along with the Dublin
Strategic Framework in July 2022. Through exemplary economic, fiscal and
environmental stewardship, we provide world-class, innovative services and
amenities that make Dublin the most desirable and sustainable community.
In furtherance of becoming the most sustainable global city, the City of
Dublin began the process of updating its sustainability framework. The Dublin
Sustainability Framework was adopted by City Council in 2018 after several months
of collaboration among Council, the Community Services Advisory Commission and
City staff members. The Framework allowed us to set measurable objectives and
identify action steps to meet our sustainability goals. We have invested heavily in
sustainability through the installation of LED lighting, the purchase of electric and
CNG vehicles, a robust landfill diversion program and numerous other initiatives.
The Dublin Sustainability Framework has served us well for the last several years
in establishing a foundation for the future of sustainability in Dublin.
In 2022, we began the effort to update the Framework. A new EcoDublin team
was assembled to assess the status of current goals, identify ongoing sustainability
efforts and establish goals for the future. The EcoDublin team engaged a third-
party consultant to craft a world-class sustainability plan, informed by international
best practices and standards. This Plan addresses key action areas, giving the City
measurable goals related to modeling sustainable leadership, designing sustainable
communities, supporting the natural environment and achieving zero-waste.
I would like to thank City Council, the Community Services Advisory Commission,
the stakeholders involved in developing the Plan and our residents for their
passionate support of sustainability efforts. The City is committed to doing what it
takes to implement this vision and ensure an even greener Dublin for the future.
Thank you,
Megan O’Callaghan
City Manager
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 20242
INTRODUCTION
The City of Dublin is the most
resilient, connected, and
sustainable global city of choice.
Beginning with an initiative to introduce native
plant alternatives at new park development
projects in 2000, the Dublin Sustainability
Plan builds upon 20+ years of the City's
commitment to sustainability. As the City
looks ahead to support the future vision, this
plan provides updated goals and identifies
a series of impactful strategies for action
from community-based recommendations to
municipal opportunities. The plan is intended
to serve as a framework for collective action
for a Sustainable Dublin that is as inclusive
and equitable as it is impactful.
Core Message
Being the most sustainable community
means being a hub for diverse businesses
to grow and thrive, while also promoting
sustainable community design that is zero
waste, carbon neutral and supportive of its
natural environment. This Sustainability Plan
identifies four critical areas for action:
Model Sustainable Leadership
The City of Dublin has a history of
successful partnerships and collaborations
that drive sustainable innovations.
Dublin can leverage these to establish
a constellation of diverse sustainable
partners to mobilize support for
sustainable actions.
Design Sustainable Communities
Sustainability practices can have the
greatest impact on development and
the future of the built environment by
improving multi modal mobility, resiliency,
efficiency, and renewable energy. Strategies
include increasing access to transportation
options, enhancing community resiliency,
improving energy and water efficiency, and
increasing access, generation, and use of
renewable energy.
Support the Natural Environment
Target action in water, ecology, and air.
The City of Dublin aims to establish a
community that is ecologically sound
for both people and wildlife through the
conservation of parks, open areas, rights-
of-way, watersheds, streams, and rivers.
Get to Zero Waste
Move towards a zero waste city that
supports a circular economy and is a
leader in waste management and diversion
through recycling, reuse, food donating,
and food waste composting.
How to Read this Plan
This report is the culmination of the
Sustainability Plan process to understand the
existing conditions, engage our community,
envision solutions, and collectively impact
Dublin’s future. The Plan is informed
by several aspects of Dublin’s on going
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 3 DRAFT MAY 2024
INTRODUCTION
sustainability efforts,
policies, and practices.
Existing conditions included
a site visit, review of recent
and on going planning efforts, a
benchmark analysis, and the development
of the City’s first greenhouse gas emissions
inventory that included both community-wide
and municipal emissions data.
Understanding the City’s sustainability
ecosystem also involved public outreach and
engagement. To this end, the Sustainability
Plan engagement effort invited EcoDublin
team members, stakeholders, and the
broader community to share input and ideas
that have shaped the planning process. The
engagement process included a series of
stakeholder interviews, community workshop,
and a community survey.
Building off the "Understand" phase, the
"Envision" phase included updating the
existing goals of the 2018-2022 Sustainability
Framework and
identifying four themes
to advance action and
implementation. Summaries of
the updates to the nine (9) original
goals include recent advancements, related
planning efforts, input from the public survey
and workshop, and gaps identified in the
benchmark analysis. The benchmark analysis
included the review of four sustainability plans
for municipalities of similar size and climate.
The recommendations are built around four
themes: Sustainable Leadership, Adaptive
Development, Environmental Assets + Natural
Resources, and Waste Management.
The framework for collective action is laid
out in the final section of this reports. It
includes measurable objectives, priority level,
impact level, and key actors to implement
Sustainable Dublin.
Please go to dublinohiousa.gov to find
more ways to get involved.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 20244
THE PATH TO SUSTAINABILITY
Beginning with an initiative to introduce native plant alternatives at new park development projects
in 2000, the City’s commitment to sustainability spans 20 years. With the establishment of the
EcoDublin team in 2016, the City has had several milestones achievements.
2016Pre-2016 2017 2018 2019
• City Manager’s Office
requested inventory of City’s
investments in sustainability
and greening.
• The ECODUBLIN charter
is revised and adopted as
an official City committee.
EcoDublin is organized into
working groups.
• Sustainability Inventory
completed.
• Began planting native plants
in all new park developments
and right-of-way maintenance
areas as early as 2000.
• Purchased recycling
containers to be paired with
trash receptacles at all City
events in 2008.
• Began installing energy
efficient lighting at City
buildings in 2009.
• City Staff visited Rumpke’s
Material Recovery Facility. This
mobile workshop provided
best practices to lower
contamination rates.
• Staff introduced topic of
sustainability to Community
Services Advisory Commission
(CSAC).
• EcoDublin adopted MORPC’s
2017-2020 Regional Sustainability Agenda as a
template to form Dublin’s first
Sustainability Framework.
• City Council adopted the
Sustainability Framework,
at the recommendation of
CSAC.
• Dublin Corporate Area
Special Area Plan added to
2013 Comprehensive Plan.
• Phase 2 of the ongoing
Mobility Study completed.
• Installed a 2,310 SF green
roof at the Dublin Community
Recreation Center (DCRC) in
2010.
• Opened a compressed natural
gas (CNG) fueling station the
City's Fleet building in 2012.
• Implemented a Combined
Heating and Power (CHP)
System at the DCRC in 2015.
• Dublin City Council adopted
a resolution to commit to
Sustainable2050.
• EcoDublin working groups
tasked with formulating goals
and action items for the
Sustainability Framework.
• West Innovation District Special Area Plan updated.
• Phase 1 of the Mobility Study completed.
• Dublin City Council adopted
Complete Streets
resolution.
• Wildlife Management
Plans for deer and coyote
finished.
• Piloted Lime Bike Share
program.
• Refreshed City policy for
vehicle idling & began placing
signs at City facilities.
• Launched the Dublin
Connector as an alternative
transportation method for
seniors, individuals with
disabilities, and employees of
Dublin businesses.
• Opened Ferris-Wright Park
and Earthworks.
INTRODUCTION
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 5 DRAFT MAY 2024
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
• Nearly finished converting City
building lights to LED.
• Added additional shared
use paths, bike loops, and
sidewalks for increased
walkability.
• Launched Dublin Grows
Greener video series and new
Earth Month events.
• Envision Dublin, the
ongoing effort to update
Dublin's 2013 Comprehensive
Plan, kicked off with multiple
community input sessions.
• Entered into a contract with
IGS for 100% renewable
energy on all City accounts.
• Installed new chillers at the
Dublin Community Recreation
Center.
• Created new bike loops.
• Implemented strategies
to encourage sustainable
transportation use-focused on
microtransit, wayfinding, and
vision zero objectives.
• Completed Phase 3 of the
ongoing Mobility Study.
• Adopted Resolution 09-22 to
form the Community Inclusion
Advisory Committee. Adopted
a DEI Framework and a non-
discrimination ordinance.
• Dublin City Council adopted
new Strategic Framework.
• Public engagement efforts for
Parks & Recreation Master
Plan update began with the
first public forum.
• City Council adopted a new
Parks & Recreation Master
Plan.
• City Council adopted revised
language to the zoning code
for the use of renewable
energy equipment.
INTRODUCTION
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 20246
INTRODUCTION
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 7 DRAFT MAY 2024
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 20248
A CITY-WIDE EFFORT
The EcoDublin Team
Established in 2016, the EcoDubin team
is comprised of staff members across all
municipal departments.
Mitch Ament, Office of the City Manager
Brian Ashford, Facilities & Fleet Management
Kendel Blake, Office of the City Manager
Tyler Brooks, Recreation Services
Brad Conway, Building Standards
Doug Cordill, Community Events
Michael Darling, Public Service
Kirby Dearth, Economic Development
Eric Dickinson, Information Technology
Emily Goliver, Office of the City Manager
Michael Hendershot, Utilities & Stormwater
John Hyatt, Facilities & Fleet Management
Shawn Krawetzki, Parks & Recreation
Madison Kregel, Communications & Marketing
Greg Lattanzi, Police
Taylor Mullinax, Zoning
Meghan Murray, Finance Operations
Barbara Ray, Outreach & Engagement
J.M. Rayburn, Transportation & Mobility
Langdon Sanders, Innovation & Analytics
Cara Sheets, Innovation & Analytics
Ron Whittington, Human Resources
INTRODUCTION
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 9 DRAFT MAY 2024
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202410
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 11 DRAFT MAY 2024
UNDERSTAND
SUSTAINABILITY IN
DUBLIN TODAY
Sustainability Framework
2018-2020
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202412
SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORK
In 2017, the City of Dublin committed to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s
Sustainable2050 plan to support sustainability in the Central Ohio region. At the
recommendation of the Community Services Advisory Commission, the City began working on
its first Sustainability Framework, which was developed by Staff and approved by City Council
in September 2018. The Dublin Sustainability Framework was originally set to run through
2020, but was extended to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dublin Sustainability Framework
Dublin's Sustainability Framework provides effective and
actionable guidance on how to achieve a sustainable
future. The framework is a three-tiered structure, with
overarching goals supported by clear vision statements,
which are further broken into more specific, actionable
goals. The goals are designed to be achievable, such
as adopting a Complete Streets Policy or increasing
pollinator-friendly areas. These goals are then
translated into more granular measures, such as adding
a minimum of five native plant areas annually to open
space and right-of-ways. Further strategies are then
listed under each measure to outline the specific steps
that need to be taken to accomplish the task.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 13 DRAFT MAY 2024
Framework Progress
Dublin's Sustainability Framework has been updated
every year since its adoption. The following pages
summarize Dublin's progress on achieving its
sustainability goals as of 2022.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Increase local and regional
collaboration and education
opportunities to advance
innovative, sustainable solutions
through GreenSpot membership,
increased exposure, outreach,
and advocacy.
SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS & BUILT ENVIRONMENT
A vision for connected,
integrated, environmentally friendly
neighborhoods and business districts
where people can live, work, and thrive
in a healthy, equitable way. Goals
include complete streets, more
shared use paths, sustainable
development, and energy
conservation.
ENERGY & AIR QUALITY
Install renewable energy
sources in City facilities as
well as reducing the City's
emissions and dependence
on non-renewable energy
sources. This goal also
aims to assist residents in
emission reduction.
MOBILITY
Connecting more people
to more places through
improved access to multi-modal
transportation, this area defines
goals to support economic
development, advance
multimodal transportation
options, promote equity,
and focus on future
growth.
ECONOMICS
Create an ecosystem
that encourages and
supports the growth of
environmentally friendly
businesses, buildings, and
technology.
NATURAL RESOURCES
This area focuses on
sustaining the City's wildlife
and natural resources. Goals
include education and public
awareness, as well as improving
wildlife and natural resource
management strategies.
RECYCLING & DIVERSION
This goal aims to improve
the City and community's
waste diversion rate.
CITY OPERATIONS
With the goal of becoming
a zero waste operation,
improvements aim to
optimize efficiency and improve
environmental sensitivity by
reducing paper use, mitigating
idling by city vehicles, and
educating on recycled
materials.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202414Oak Park, ILMOBILITY
• Complete streets
establishment.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION
• Establish energy
goals and preserving
the embodied energy
and heritage.
• For new buildings or
major renovations,
Oak Park is
establishing energy
efficiency reach
codes.
• Establish programs
to support building
decarbonization
and to expand
community
purchasing of
renewable energy. Carmel, INENERGY EFFICIENCY
• Municipal energy
efficiency evaluation
to identify barriers
to existing energy
efficiency programs.
• Establish grant
programs for energy
efficiency.
• Green Building
Policy and Best
Practices Education
for commercial
and municipal
construction.
• Benchmarking
and disclosure
program for both
municipal energy and
commercial energy.
• SolSmart Designation
with solar education
and program
establishment. Bloomington, INMOBILITY
• Bike mobility
infrastructure to
achieve the League
of American Bicyclists
Platinum Rating.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
• Building efficiency for
both residential and
commercial through
certifications,
incentive programs,
and low-interest
loans.Lakewood, OHENERGY EFFICIENCY
• Particular focus
on retrofits and
net zero-centric
objectives:
• Incentives-based
net zero building
code.
• Community
coalition to
support net zero
efforts.
• Incentives for
efficient building
performance.
• Significant retrofit
assistance for all
buildings with a
“deep retrofit”
program.
• City-led
neighborhood retrofit
demonstration
pilot for efficiency
retrofits.
The City has adopted a Complete Streets
and Smart Streets program into its larger
Vision Zero efforts and has increased its
miles of shared-use paths by 1% since
2018. The City is in the process of updating
its zoning code to encourage sustainable
development and seeking to implement
energy conservation practices. Recently,
City Council adopted revised language to
the zoning code for the use of renewable
energy equipment.
Complete streets policy.
Shared use path miles.
American League of Bicyclists Silver Designation,
2022.
Updated zoning code to encourage sustainable
development practice.
SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS &
THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Benchmark Analysis
Sustainability Framework Updates
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 15 DRAFT MAY 2024
The City has annually added five native
plant species to its open spaces and streets,
offers water monitoring evaluations, and
increased its overall wildlife education.
Some goals that are still in progress include
wildlife management and increasing resident
participation in community gardens.
Increase "pollinator-friendly areas” with five new
pollinator gardens added.
Management plans for deer, coyote, and skunk.
Three annual major water monitoring
evaluations were completed since 2018.
2023 Parks Master Plan Landscape and Tree
Preservation Manual.
Sustainability Framework Updates
Oak Park, ILHABITAT QUALITY &
CONSERVATION
• Prioritize the use of
native plants.
• Increase plant & tree
cover throughout the
City to protect and
enhance biodiversity.
GREEN SPACE CONNECTIVITY
• Increase connectivity
and access to parks
and green space.Carmel, INHABITAT QUALITY &
CONSERVATION
• Native & drought
tolerant plants for
landscaping.
• Increase in annual
tree planting.
• Rain garden
installations.
• Support
environmental quality
through pursuing a
no gasoline-powered
mowing policy.Bloomington, INHABITAT QUALITY &
CONSERVATION
• Conserve and
enhance 100 acres.
of green space or
habitat by 2023.
• Remove 100 acres
of invasive plants on
public lands by 2023.
• Remove 100 acres
of invasive plants
on private lands by
2023. Lakewood, OHHABITAT QUALITY &
CONSERVATION
• Riparian Areas:
• Provide more
dedicated
wetland and
riparian forest
management.
• New shoreline
stabilization
efforts.
• Protect and expand
the City’s forest
canopy.
• Establish new tree
planting initiatives.
• Explore zoning
strategies to protect
natural spaces.
• Green infrastructure
the City standard.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Benchmark Analysis
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202416Oak Park, ILEMISSIONS & ACCESS
• Shift from personal
vehicles to active
transportation and
transit.
• Pursue strategies to
advance equity in
transportation.
• Launch vehicle
decarbonization
programs.
• Establish emissions
reduction goals
for transportation
systems. Carmel, INEMISSIONS & TRANSIT OPTIONS
• Pursuing commuter
line feasibility study.
• Encourage multi
modal transportation
& walkability
programs.
• Promote EV leasing/
purchasing, and
promote bicycles as
alternative modes of
transportation.
• Establish a municipal
bikeshare program. Bloomington, IN• Reduce commuting
in single occupancy
vehicles (SOV).
• Increase the use of
Bloomington’s transit
system by 5% by
2023.
• Walk Friendly
Communities
Platinum level
designation by 2022
and achieve the
League of American
Bicyclists Platinum
rating by 2022.
• Achieve bicycle and
pedestrian fatality
rates of zero by
2023. Lakewood, OH• Improve public
transit.
• Expand walking &
cycling infrastructure.
• Car-free or car-light
zones.
• E-scooter & e-bike
rental programs &
incentives.
• New partnership
with Northeast
Ohio Areawide
Coordinating Agency.
• New parking
strategy.
• Fleet transformation
coalition.
• EV charging
infrastructure.
• Educational outreach.
MOBILITY
Benchmark Analysis
Dublin has fulfilled most of its initial
sustainability goals for mobility. Along with
the launch of the City's Mobility Plan, the
City has focused on expanding multi modal,
micro-transit systems. The City of Dublin
launched an e-scooter program as part
of the mobility study. The City continues
to improve walkability and bikeability
throughout Dublin and is actively pursuing
expanded transit options through the West
Dublin Passenger Rail Study and LinkUs.
Through the Envision Dublin process, the
City is updating the Thoroughfare Plan
and developing the first mobility plan to be
included in the overall community plan.
Creating a mobility plan for workforce
development and the business community.
Piloting multiple alternative transportation
projects (bike loops, mobility hub, bike share
and Bird scooter programs).
Implementation of 5 transportation options from
mobility study objectives.
Establishment of a continuous program for
promoting equitable access to mobility.
Sustainability Framework Updates
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 17 DRAFT MAY 2024Oak Park, IL• Oak Park did not
have any specific
community
engagement
strategies in their
climate action plan.Carmel, IN• Public education
programming about
the impacts of
climate change.
• Sustainable business
certification program.
• City of Carmel
sustainability
committee.Bloomington, IN• Bloomington did
not have any
specific community
engagement
strategies in their
climate action plan.Lakewood, OH• Formation of a zero-
emissions building
coalition.
• Community climate
advisory committee.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community engagement on sustainability
initiatives in Dublin have increased in
overall exposure through the creation of an
external advisory group and sustainability
web page and have steadily increased
memberships for GreenSpot since 2018.
Increased GreenSpot membership by 50%.
Increased exposure of Dublin on sustainability.
Created an external advisory group.
Created a sustainability web page.
Sustainability Framework Updates
Benchmark Analysis
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202418Oak Park, IL• Align community
resource to further
sustainable economic
development.
• Promote sustainable
businesses and
business practices.Carmel, IN• Sustainable business
certification program.
• Public education
on green building
best practices
for commercial
and municipal
construction.
• Green building policy
for commercial
and municipal
construction.Bloomington, IN• Business-centric
programming and
incentives for green
business practices
aimed at lowering
GHG emissions.
• Reducing building
energy use.
• Increase the
percentage of
residential and
commercial buildings
using sustainable
building certification
programs and
incentives.
• Reduce commercial
waste. Lakewood, OH• Lakewood does not
have any economic
development specific
programming in their
climate action plan.
Benchmark Analysis
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The City has continuously increased its
green encouragement programs since the
2018 Sustainability Framework. Efforts to
encourage green businesses in the City are
ongoing.
Increased green encouragement programs.
Engaged with green companies to increase
awareness and created a green business
roundtable.
Sustainability Framework Updates
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 19 DRAFT MAY 2024
CITY OPERATIONS
Oak Park, IL• Procurement
of sustainable
materials. Reviewing
and revising the
City Hall Sustainable
Purchasing Policy.
• Expanding to
other facilities with
additional compliance
tracking mechanisms
in 2021.Carmel, IN• Implement a
no-idling policy
supported by
technical assistance. Bloomington, IN• Develop an
employee education
plan to facilitate
implementation.
• Reducing municipal
GHG emissions.
• Non-renewable
energy use in City-
owned facilities.
• Reducing non-
renewable fuel use
by the City fleet &
transit system.
• Sustainable
building and green
infrastructure
practice into City
facilities. Lakewood, OH• Developing an annual
carbon budget.
• Developing equity
and climate lenses
for expenditures and
policies.
• Annual GHG and
energy use reporting.
• Transitioning to a
zero-emissions fleet.
• Make sustainability
someone’s job.
Benchmark Analysis
The City has reevaluated and enacted its
policy on mitigating idling by City vehicles.
The City has also reviewed policy regarding
City procurement of recycled materials and
is in the process of having a more paperless
operation.
Administrative Order (AO) 1.13, Dublin
emphasizes recycling throughout its government-
operated and community facilities.
All products used for facility management
are bio-preferred and Green Seal Certified
Chemicals.
The City practices sustainable purchasing
through AO 4.4
Ordinance 50-95 encourages City Staff to
purchase recycled products.
Nearly all City buildings have been converted to
LED lighting.
Through AO 3.15, the City established an anti-
idling policy
• The strategies that are currently in progress are to
transition boards, commissions, and City Council
to become paperless, as well as efforts to educate
Staff on City procurement and purchasing policy
regarding reference for products derived from
recycled materials.
Sustainability Framework Updates
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202420
RECYCLING & DIVERSION
Oak Park, IL• Encourage zero-
waste practices.
• Reduce plastics &
packaging waste,
organic waste,
hazardous materials
waste, and building
construction waste.Carmel, IN• Establish a municipal
food waste
composting program
and food composting
pilot programs.
• Backyard compost
bin voucher program.
• Increasing recycling
rate and reduce
contamination rates.
• Establish a zero-
waste events policy. Bloomington, IN• Divert at least 40%
of the volume of
residential waste
collected by City
sanitation from being
landfilled by 2023.Lakewood, OH• Circular economy
strategy to support
waste & diversion
efforts.
• Municipal organics
collection program.
As of 2023, the City's diversion rate from
the Dublin Irish Festival has increased to
47%. The City is also steadily addressing its
overall diversion rates within the community
and throughout its City agencies and has
a current diversion rate that exceeds state
and national averages.
City has successfully increased the Dublin Irish Festival
diversion rate from 23% to 47%.
Administrative Order (AO) 1.13, Dublin emphasizes
recycling throughout its government-operated and
community facilities.
The City contracts with GoZero Services to operate a
free compost drop-off location for residents.
Through a partnership with SWACO, the City hosts
drop-off collection events for household hazardous
waste products. SWACO accepts several hard-to-recycle
materials.
Dublin has implemented a comprehensive solid waste
management program.
Ordinance 50-95 encourages City Staff to purchase
recycled products.
Benchmark Analysis
Sustainability Framework Updates
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 21 DRAFT MAY 2024
ENERGY & AIR QUALITY
Oak Park, IL• Reduce vehicle
emissions:
• Foster a shift
from personal
vehicles to active
transportation
and transit.
• Launch a vehicle
decarbonization
program.
• Establish
emissions
reduction goals
for transportation
systems.
• Provide greater
access to renewable
energy:
• Expand
community
purchasing
of renewable
energy. Carmel, IN• Municipal energy
efficiency evaluation.
• Policy for City EV
and hydrogen fleet
purchasing and
retrofits.Bloomington, IN• Reduce non-
renewable energy
use in City-owned
and operated
facilities by 12% by
2023.
• Reduce non-
renewable City fleet
vehicle fuel use by
5% by 2023.
• Reduce overall
community GHG
emissions by 11
percent by 2023.Lakewood, OH• Increase the use of
rooftop and parking
lot solar.
• Development of
community solar
gardens.
• New wind generation
partnerships.
• Pilot project for
offshore wind
generation.
• Renewable energy
cooperatives.
• Opportunities for
household and
neighborhood energy
storage.
• Transition to a zero-
emissions fleet.
The City has actively installed electric car
charging stations and will have completed
25 stations by 2024. Dublin Community
Recreation Center has also undergone several
improvements and retrofitting since 2018. The
City is also still actively pursuing its goals to
provide at least 15% of its facility electricity
from solar energy, as well as achieving 20%
reduction in vehicle emissions.
Installed new chillers at the Dublin Community
Recreation Center.
Replaced interior lighting at all City buildings
with LEDs (with the exception of a few lights at
the Development Building).
Providing alternative fueling choice to the public
with 19 new ChargePoint locations and plans for
an additional six locations by 2024.
Sustainability Framework Updates
Benchmark Analysis
TABLE 1 2018 SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
PLAN YEAR SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS & BUILT ENVIRONMENT NATURAL RESOURCESCITY OPERATIONSRECYCLING & DIVERSIONENERGY & AIR QUALITYMOBILITYCOMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTECONOMICSMID-OHIO REGIONAL
PLANNING COMMISSION
Regional Sustainability Agenda 2021
CITY OF DUBLIN
Strategic Framework 2022
CITY OF DUBLIN
DEI Framework 2021
CITY OF DUBLIN
Envision Dublin
CITY OF DUBLIN
Dublin Community Plan 2013
CITY OF DUBLIN
Corporate Area
Special Area Plan 2018
CITY OF DUBLIN
West Innovation District
Special Area Plan
2017
CITY OF DUBLIN
Parks & Recreation Master Plan 2023
Ongoing
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202422
A number of local and regional planning projects have been completed since the development
of the original Sustainability Framework. Table 1 summarizes areas where recently completed
and/or ongoing planning efforts align with the Framework's original goals. This alignment
provides a foundation for the City to identify opportunities to leverage resources and work
collaboratively and regionally to achieve its sustainability goals.
PLANNING IN CONTEXT
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Dublin Community Task Force | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework | July 2021
REGIONAL SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA 2021–2024
WHO WE ARE
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is Central Ohio’s regional council for more than 70 members comprised of counties, cities, villages, townships, and regional organizations. We take pride in bringing communities of all sizes and interests together to collaborate on best practices and plan for the future of our growing region.
MORPC’S SERVICE AREA
MARION
MORROW
KNOX
LICKING
DELAWARE
FRANKLIN
UNION
LOGAN
MADISON
PICKAWAY
FAIRFIELD
FAYETTE
HOCKING
ROSS
PERRY
SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Sustainability Advisory Committee (SAC) is a top-level committee of MORPC’s board and serves as the voice of sustainability. The SAC weighs in on important sustainability-focused programs and policies that have an impact on air quality, water resources, trails, energy, growth, and planning.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 23 DRAFT MAY 2024
MORPC Regional Sustainability Agenda (2021)
The MORPC Regional Sustainability Agenda (RSA) provides high-level regional guidance
for a collective effort toward a sustainable mid-Ohio region. The RSA is intended to both
inform MORPC’s sustainability efforts and align cities throughout the region in pursuit of
shared objectives. It’s further worth noting that the RSA is intended to directly connect with
MORPC’s Sustainability2050, which offers technical assistance to cities in the region as they
pursue their own sustainability programming. Aligning City efforts with RSA goals then allows
for easier access to valuable support from MORPC.
City of Dublin Strategic Framework (2022)
In 2020, Dublin City Council established a goal to develop a Dublin 2035 Visionary
Framework. After an extensive planning and public engagement effort, Dublin City Council
adopted a new Strategic Framework July 25, 2022. The values we hold most dear and the
guiding principles we adhere to make it possible for Dublin to be bold in its vision.
City of Dublin DEI Framework (2021)
Dublin’s DEI Framework, completed in 2021, represents the culmination of policy efforts
undertaken by the City since 2015 to establish a municipal-level foundation to ensure Dublin
is a City open and welcome to all. The DEI Framework is a key document for shaping an
equity-based approach to sustainability in Dublin, offering valuable insight into the City’s
community demographics and how the City approaches fostering a more diverse, equitable,
and inclusive Dublin. In the context of sustainability, the DEI framework is integral to shape
an equitable approach to sustainability that is tailored to Dublin's existing communities while
fostering greater accessibility and inclusivity for a growingly diverse population over time.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202424
City of Dublin Comprehensive Plan (2013)
Adopted in 2013, the current Dublin Community Plan contains a substantial narrative
component grounded in well-articulated guidance and recommendations for fostering/
managing future growth. The City is currently in the process of updating the Community
Plan, with the public kick-off taking place in spring of 2023. The Plan contains key planning
components for guiding the City’s development, including future land use, specific area
plans, and thoroughfare plan, which provide critical context of how the City has previously
envisioned the future of Dublin from a spatial lens.
Envision Dublin (Ongoing)
Envision Dublin is the City of Dublin's ongoing effort to update the Community Plan.
The plan will address the topics of housing and neighborhoods, economic development,
commercial and industrial areas, transportation, infrastructure and utilities, parks, open
space, and environmental sustainability. The plan will also establish special area plans for
numerous areas in Dublin. With input from the community and stakeholders, Envision Dublin
is expected to be substantially complete by March 2024.
Robb McCormick Photography
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 25 DRAFT MAY 2024
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIODIVISION OF PLANNINGDEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT
Dublin Corporate
Area Plan
Special Area Plan (2018)
WEST
INNOVATION
DISTRICT
Community Plan: Special Area Plan Update (2017)
COMMUNITY PLAN
CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIODIVISION OF PLANNINGDEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT
ISSUED: OCTOBER 23, 2017
City of Dublin Corporate Area Special Area Plan (2018)
City of Dublin West Innovation District (2017)
Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2023)
The Dublin Corporate Area Plan (DCAP), approved by City Council in 2018 and amended in
2022, is a comprehensive plan to revitalize nearly 1,000 acres of traditional corporate office
parks along I-270. These developments were largely built in the 1970s, but contemporary
preferences for office space have shifted significantly since then. Demand has moved away
from more traditional, car-centric office park models and toward more walkable, mixed-use
developments that are accessible by multiple modes of transportation. In response, the City
of Dublin conducted a thorough analysis of the area to plan for the revitalization of these
legacy office parks to make them more attractive to both current and potential future users.
The DCAP provides insight into how the City structures its more traditional planning efforts,
as well as how it approaches redevelopment and challenges related to suburban sprawl.
The West Innovation District Community Special Area Plan (WID) is a plan to develop a
cutting-edge research and innovation district on the western edge of Dublin. It is similar
to the Corporate Area Plan in format and content, but differs in that it focuses on new
development in the WID area, rather than redevelopment in the Corporate Area. The WID
is intended to be a driver of economic growth and competitiveness for Dublin and the
surrounding region. The public amenities and sustainability action items are particularly
relevant to sustainability efforts, as they include a focus on sustainable building elements,
renewable energy generation, and public art.
The City of Dublin Parks and Recreation Master Plan is a document that provides an inclusive
framework for planning, acquisition, development, and administration of the parks and
recreation resources, programs and facilities throughout Dublin. The plan aims to prioritize
the maintenance of existing facilities and amenity needs as high priority. Other factors that
were prioritized in the plan include community aspirations, economic impact, sustainability,
cost of development and operations, and potential partnership opportunities.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202426
GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY
MEASURING DUBLIN'S EXISTING EMISSIONS
To better capture Dublin’s baseline performance from the lens of greenhouse gas emissions
production within the City of Dublin, the Sustainability Plan process included the City’s first
greenhouse gas inventory. By tracking greenhouse gas emissions, the City can identify relevant
strategies to reduce or mitigate its relative contributions to the greenhouse effect and climate
change. The City’s greenhouse gas contributions constitute its carbon footprint.
Direct and Indirect Scopes
Inventories can be further categorized into direct and
indirect scopes.
Scope 1 emissions include those directly produced
by local actions controlled or owned at the relevant
scale (produced by the local government or by
residents within the locality), such as fuel combustion
from natural gas heating systems or gasoline
vehicles. Indirect emissions are included as Scope
2 emissions for purchased energy sources such as
electricity which are emitted elsewhere but consumed
within the local jurisdiction, and Scope 3 emissions
occur upstream or downstream through other
purchased materials or services such as water and
wastewater treatment or end-of-life handling for solid
waste.
Because energy sources produce different mixes of
the six internationally recognized greenhouse gases
which directly impact the climate (Carbon dioxide
([CO2]); Methane ([CH4]); Nitrous oxide ([N2O]);
Hydrofluorocarbons ([HFCs]); Perfluorocarbons
([PFCs]); and Sulfur hexafluoride ([SF6])), overall
emissions are summarized as metric tons of carbon
dioxide equivalents (MT CO2e).
Methods, Scales, and Protocols
The greenhouse gas inventory reviewed 2022 data
and utilized ICLEI's ClearPath tool to calculate
emissions for two tracks: government operations
and the overall community scale. The government
track captures emissions created by local government
operations such as buildings and facilities, vehicle
and transit fleets, and utilities. The community scale
includes all emissions produced within the locality’s
jurisdiction, including energy consumed by residential
and non-residential buildings, transportation, and
water and wastewater treatment processes.
The development of the inventories was guided to be
compliant with established protocols, including the
Local Government Operations Protocol (LGOP) (2010)
and U.S. Community Protocol (USCP).
Please note that as this greenhouse gas inventory was
performed using 2022 data, it does not reflect the
100% renewable energy contract currently in effect.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 27 DRAFT MAY 2024
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202428
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Dublin’s primary greenhouse gas emissions are produced by its buildings, facilities, and fleet
vehicles. Comparing performance to other localities is difficult due to differences in levels of
service and operational scope. For example, Dublin does not operate a transit fleet, own an
electric utility, or maintain its own water or wastewater treatment or solid waste facilities.
The results of the government operations inventory should be regarded as a tool to identify
opportunities to improve efficiency rather than an exact accounting of Dublin’s impact due to
potential double-counting issues, as electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) fleet vehicle
fueling is not metered separately from facility meters.
Fleet Vehicles
Dublin’s vehicle fleet of over 200 vehicles utilizes
unleaded gasoline, diesel, and compressed natural gas
(CNG) fuels as well as electricity. Fleet Management
Staff provided fuel usage reports for individual assets,
which permitted calculation of greenhouse gas
emissions based on the amount of fuel consumed.
While electric vehicle charging stations are metered
separately, they are billed with the building's electricity
consumption figures in all buildings but the Community
Recreation Center. Thus, the overall building's use
was analyzed for this assessment. Similarly, natural
gas used in the CNG compression system at the Fleet
Management facility is not metered separately.
The 131 gasoline vehicles consumed an estimated
72,189 gallons of unleaded gasoline, traveling 806,624
miles and producing an estimated 636 MT CO2e.
Thirty-two diesel vehicles consumed 12,138 gallons
of diesel fuel and produced an estimated 124 MT
CO2e, and 58 CNG vehicles consumed 25,701 gallons
gasoline equivalent (GGE) of compressed natural gas
and produced an estimated 162 MT CO2e.
About 80% of diesel fuel and about 25% of CNG fuel
consumed powered heavy trucks such as dump trucks
and snowplows. While fuel consumption varies by
vehicle type, one GGE of CNG produced an estimated
0.0059 MT CO2e, lower than 0.0088 MT CO2e per
gallon of gasoline or 0.0102 MT CO2e per gallon of
diesel.
Buildings and Facilities
Facilities Management Staff provided data on
electricity and natural gas usage for City Hall, the
Development Building, the Community Recreation
Center, the Service Center, the Justice Center, and
the Fleet Management facility. The Dublin Community
Recreation Center also includes a combined heat and
power (CHP) system that produces electricity for the
building as well as thermal energy for heating the
building and its pool.
In 2022, Dublin’s buildings consumed an estimated
4,653 MWh of electricity and 27,275 MMBtu of natural
gas, producing an estimated 2,222 MT CO2e from
purchased electricity generation outside the locality
and 1,451 MT CO2e from natural gas combustion
within the locality for a total of 3,672 MT CO2e. The
largest individual contributor is the Dublin Community
Recreation Center, which produced an estimated
1,752 MT CO2e while heating, cooling, and providing
electricity for the building’s over 113,000+ square feet
of space and pools.
Additionally, an estimated 1,275.5 MWh of electricity
was also consumed by Dublin’s 2,176 streetlights,
which contributed to an estimated 608.94 MT CO2e.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 29 DRAFT MAY 2024
Estimated Government Building Emissions
Estimated Fleet Emissions
3,672 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e)
922 metric tons
of carbon dioxide
equivalent (MT CO2e)
Recreation Center
1,760 MT
113,113 SF
Justice Center
585 MT
78,380 SF
Service Center
496 MT
68,139 SF
Fleet Management
361 MT
32,600 SF
City Hall
327 MT
31,675 SF
Development
144 MT
22,770 SF
Gasoline
636 MT
CNG
162 MT
Diesel
124 MT
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202430
COMMUNITY-SCALE
EMISSIONS
What drives Dublin’s emissions?
Transportation
Transportation emissions were estimated using a
vehicle miles traveled (VMT) method and inputs
from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s
regional transportation modeling program. Modeled
estimates of daily vehicle miles traveled were provided
for passenger vehicles and freight and service trucks
using 2021 data, which is the most recently available.
Assumptions for the mix of fuel type and vehicle type
(e.g., light-duty gasoline vehicle, heavy-duty diesel
truck) were derived from the EPA’s State Inventory
Tool’s Mobile Combustion module’s assumptions for
the state of Ohio. Trips included in the model were
integrated trips originating within the community and
with the destination within the community, including
both residents and workers in Dublin.
Annually, passenger vehicles transporting Dublin
residents and workers drive an estimated 605,886,495
miles; roughly 12,286 miles per resident. Freight
vehicles are responsible for an estimated 27,131,545
miles during the same period. Together, transportation
in Dublin is responsible for an estimated 274,094 MT
CO2e, the largest single sector in the inventory.
Non-Residential Energy
Data provided by AEP Ohio and Columbia Gas was
used to estimate energy consumption by both
residential and non-residential customers. The data
considers multifamily apartments as commercial
and therefore, non-residential energy. Commercial
and public electricity customers in Dublin consumed
366,836 MWh of electricity in 2022, resulting in an
estimated 175,125 MT CO2e. Additionally, natural
gas customers consumed about 1,289,172 MMBtu,
producing an estimated 68,567 MT CO2e.
The combined non-residential estimate of 243,692
MT CO2e, the second-largest sector in the community
inventory, highlights the important role of the business
sector in Dublin’s energy consumption patterns.
Dublin’s strong office market and corporate presence
means there is lots of space to heat, cool, and light
proportionate to Dublin’s residential population. There
are about 180 square feet of office space per Dublin
resident, compared to 24 square feet for Greater
Columbus as a whole.
Residential Energy
Residential customers in Dublin consumed 169,348
MWh of electricity and 2,300,597 MMBtu of natural
gas in 2022, resulting in emissions of 80,845 MT CO2e
and 122,361 MT CO2e, respectively. Natural gas played
a more significant role in the residential energy sector
and was responsible for about 60% of residential
emissions, likely due to its use as a heating fuel.
Solid Waste, Water, and Wastewater
While these activities occur outside of Dublin,
landfilling solid waste and treating water and
wastewater produces greenhouse gases. Solid waste
emissions were estimated using Rumpke tonnage
data, and water and wastewater emissions were
estimated by prorating City of Columbus data based
on Dublin's share of plant capacity usage.
How does Dublin compare to other
communities?
Comparing Dublin’s community footprint on a per
capita basis allows for comparison across cities of
different sizes. Carmel, Indiana, and Columbus, Ohio,
were selected as comparison communities.
Why were these communities chosen?
These two cities were selected due to their available
inventory data, geographic, and climate similarities.
Carmel is located within a major Midwestern
metropolitan area near Indianapolis’ Interstate 465
loop, similar to Dublin’s location on Interstate 270, and
was reviewed during the planning process. The City
has average of 185 sunny days per year compared
to Dublin's an average of 176 sunny days. While
Columbus is significantly more urbanized than Dublin,
the methods and data sources for the two cities
are nearly identical, providing a comparison of local
consumption patterns. Columbus is also located in
the same climate as Dublin but has an average of 178
sunny days per year.
What were the major differences?
Dublin’s estimated greenhouse gas emissions
were higher, on average than these two cities.
Generally, Dublin residents drive more than the peer
communities, with Columbus’ estimated per capita
passenger VMT of 8,067 miles representing ~34%
fewer vehicle miles than Dublin. While Dublin residents
used less electricity than Carmel residents, they used
more natural gas, likely reflecting differences in home
heating fuel choices between the two areas. Dublin
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 31 DRAFT MAY 2024
Transportation
274,094 MT CO2e
Non-Residential Energy
243,692 MT CO2e
Residential Energy
203,206 MT CO2e
Solid Waste
4,945 MT CO2e
Water & Wastewater
1,923 MT CO2e
727,860 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e)
227,443 MT
36,270 MT
162,304 MT
68,567 MT
122,361 MT
80,845 MT
Gasoline
Diesel D
G
Dublin's Per Capita Emissions: 14.76 MT CO2e per resident (49,314)
12.56 MT CO2e per resident (99,753)
2.48 MT 1.63 MT3.29 MT 1.39 MT5.56 MT
CITY OF CARMEL, IN
1.49 MT 2.90 MT2.71 MT 0.20 MT5.11 MT
10.54 MT CO2e per
resident (905,839)
4.12 MT5.56 MT
CITY OF COLUMBUS, OH
2.40 MT2.99 MT4.72 MT
4.94 MT
Transportation 5.56
Non-Residential 4.94
Residential Energy 4.12
Solid Waste 0.104
Water/Wastewater 0.039
Estimated 2022 Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Community Scale):
Per Capita Emissions (MT CO2e)How does Dublin compare to other
communities?
residents typically used more residential energy than
Columbus residents, with a higher volume of natural
gas consumption being one of the primary drivers.
Across both peer communities, Dublin’s non-residential
energy usage was significantly higher, likely reflecting
the outsized role of office and corporate campuses in
Dublin’s built environment.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202432
EcoDublin Visioning Meeting
Public Survey
Public Workshop
Focus Group Meetings
Business Survey
Visioning session with EcoDublin
team members and discussions
with key city staff members to
build an understanding of current
City-led sustainability programs
and initiatives.
A one-month survey to gain public
opinion and perspectives on topics
of environmental sustainability.
A 90-minute workshop where
community members gained
insights into the Sustainability
Plan and expressed their opinions.
Participants assessed the current
state of sustainability and ranked
their priorities for sustainability
initiatives.
Multiple focus group meetings
were held to gain valuable
feedback on opportunities to
expand or develop partnerships
from partner organizations,
students, the business
community, and City Council.
A follow-up survey distributed to
the larger business community to
gain insight on opportunities to
expand or develop partnerships.
OVERVIEW
The Sustainability Plan engagement effort invited EcoDublin team members, stakeholders, and
the broader community to share input and ideas that have shaped the planning process. This
section details the engagement process, which included stakeholder interviews, an EcoDublin
visioning workshop, community survey, and community workshop.
ENGAGEMENT
6/23/2023
09/28/2023
12/11/2023
1/9/2023
12/4/2023-
12/22/2023
7/25/2023-
8/25/2023
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 33 DRAFT MAY 2024
ECODUBLIN VISIONING
MEETINGS
The stakeholder interviews involved a series of
dialogues with various City agencies, such as City
Engineering, Fleet Management, and Parks &
Recreation. The intent of the interviews was to
get a grasp on the state of sustainability initiatives
that are currently being undertaken by the City.
The discussions also asked team members to
provide their insights on strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats to City programs.
WHAT WE HEARD
City Utilities
Stormwater management follows EPA guidelines and
conducts water quality sampling throughout the City.
The Waterways Maintenance Program is an effort to
restore City-owned waterways with:
• Bank Stabilization
• Log Jams
• Riparian habitats
• Invasive species removal pilot projects
In the Bridge Street District, Dublin is experimenting
with innovative stormwater management methods
including bioretentions, rain gardens, permeable
pavers, and underground storage.
Transportation Mobility
Micromobility is growing in Dublin, with opportunities
to implement CoGo, a bikeshare program offered
in Columbus, as well as supporting an increase of
e-scooters. The City currently has one park and ride
station with planning efforts to connect to future
Northwest Corridor bus rapid transit lines. The West
Dublin Passenger Rail Study is exploring a potential
location to bring passenger rail to the West Innovation
District
Fleet Management
The City has a total of 242 vehicles, including plow
trucks and standard vehicles and an award-winning
green fleet comprised of CNG vehicles, electic vehicles
and hybrid vehicles. Part of the fleet services was
expanded through a $2.5 million grant from 2009 for
a CNG Station, which still services the City today. The
City also has fleet services with the school system, as
well as the Washington Township Fire Department.
Parks & Recreation
Public Service currently has 80 full-time staff and 60
part-time staff helping to upkeep 64+ parks. The
Parks & Recreation Department recently updated the
Parks & Recreation Master Plan, which involved heavy
community engagement, and thus reflects updated
community needs and demographics.
Parks maintenance techniques that have been
successful include diversified plant palettes that are
pollinator-friendly and the usage of fewer chemical
treatments in various management practices. Some
issues the public service crews have encountered
in recent years include inconsistency in rainfall and
warmer winters.
Asset Management and Quality Assurance
City of Dublin residents utilize the GoDublin App to
request City services. City departments have done
assessments of City assets and sidewalks, and
identify areas where maintenance is needed and
areas of priority, such as high traffic rights-of-way and
school areas. Next steps for the City's infrastructure
monitoring system include reviewing data and
identifying frequency of updating City services and/or
infrastructure.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202434
SURVEY FINDINGS
From July 25 to August 25, 2023, Dublin residents received a 22-question survey, distributed
via social media, inquiring about their demographics and perspectives on topics of
environmental sustainability. The survey received a total of 165 responses. The following
section highlights some of the responses to questions asked in the Community Survey. On top
of the survey responses, some of the open-response comments highlighted residents' concerns
regarding the trade-off between development and greenspace preservation, as well as a need
for continuous engagement throughout the planning process.
Sustainability Concerns
Nearly all respondents hold some concerns about
having reliable power (94%), utility costs (91%), and
air pollution (91%).
How concerned are you about the following:
The top four concerns for sustainability that people
identified as "Very Concerned" were:
• Air Pollution (67%)
• Ecodiversity/habitat quality (66%)
• Drinking Water Quality (62%)
• Reliable Power (59%)
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 35 DRAFT MAY 2024
Sustainability Benefits
Nearly all respondents identified conserving/
preserving natural areas and the reduction of waste
as sustainability benefits that were most important to
their households.
Sustainable cities offer a variety of benefits. What benefits are the most
important to your household? Please check all that apply.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202436
Sustainability Measures
Nearly all respondents were interested in and/
or already taking measures for recycling (98%),
improving their home energy efficiency (93%), and
having high-quality landscaping that improves habitat
quality and biodiversity (92%).
What types of sustainability measures is your household interested in
or is currently undertaking?
The top sustainability measures people responded as
"Already Doing" were:
• Recycling (94%)
• Improving home energy efficiency (67%)
• Reducing water usage through low-flow and water-
efficient fixtures (55%)
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 37 DRAFT MAY 2024
Sustainable services and sustainability options were
ranked "Extremely" and "Very" important in the
following:
• Overall quality of life (62%)
• Where you live/housing (59%)
• Where you eat (48%)
Sustainable Services
Survey respondents identified sustainable services and
sustainability options that have some level of importance
in deciding their overall quality of life (91%), housing/
where you live (89%), and where you eat (89%).
How important are sustainable services and sustainability options
in deciding the following:
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202438
Sustainability Goals
According to survey responses, the City of Dublin's
sustainability goals that garnered the most level of
importance were recycling and diversion (97%) and
sustainability and the built environment (96%). There
was also high overall rankings for natural resources,
energy and air quality, and community engagement
(95% for each goal).
Rank the City of Dublin's seven (7) sustainability goals according to your
priorities or level of importance in your household.
Respondents were also asked to identify their top two
goals. Based on the responses, the top goals that were
prioritized in their households were:
• Natural Resources (20.5%)
• Sustainability and the Built Environment (20.2%)
• Energy and Air Quality (20.2%)
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 39 DRAFT MAY 2024
Sustainablity-Related Programs and
Organizations
A majority of respondents and/or their family members
have participated in City waste-related events (72.1%).
Other sustainability-related programs and/or organizations
that have higher levels of participation include nature-
based organizations (37%) and sustainability-related
organizations at work or school (20%).
Do you or a family member participate in sustainability-related
programs and/or organizations? Please check all that apply.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202440
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
The 90-minute Community Workshop for the
Dublin Sustainability Plan took place Sept. 28,
2023. Community members had an opportunity
to learn more about the Sustainability Plan
and partake and provide their input on the
state of sustainability and their prioritization of
sustainability initiatives in Dublin. The following
section outlines the three activities that took
place at the workshop.
Dublin Draw Down
The Dublin Draw Down activity began with a
presentation of the data from the Greenhouse
Gas Inventory. Emissions data included municipal
emissions and community emissions. Attendees
then discussed high emissions areas, and identified
and prioritized opportunities to draw down their
contributions to emissions. Attendees used colored
puff balls of varying sizes to indicate their perceived
impact of emissions into each emission type, with the
largest balls representing the largest perceived impact.
WHAT WE HEARD
• Participants indicated solid waste and water as the
top categories in which they are taking action.
• The top two emission categories in Dublin, indicated
by participants were electric and transport, which
aligned with existing emissions data.
WATER USAGE
TRANSPORTATION USAGE
SOLID WASTE
ELECTRICITY USAGE
Step 1: Gather Carbon
Pom Poms
Step 2: Use Pom Poms
to Rank Emissions
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 41 DRAFT MAY 2024
The Dublin Market
Diversion Program
Drop Off
Rec Center Green R
o
o
f
The Giving Garden
Darree Fields
Community Garden
DUBLIN SUSTAINAB
I
L
I
T
Y
P
L
A
N
MAPPING SUSTAI
N
A
B
L
E
D
U
B
L
I
N
Where would
you like to walk
/ bike but cannot
currently access?
What points of
interest are in
your walkshed?
Other than work,
what destination
to do you drive to
most frequently?
Where do you
walk/bike?
Drop a pin on the map!
Tape your frequent
walking/cycling
routes!
Use tape or pins to
mark areas with limited access.
Use the walkshed
wheel to explore wh
a
t
’
s
around you!
Resilience Mapping
A map of Dublin showing key destinations, parks,
and natural assets was presented via 36"x48" boards.
Participants used masking tape, pins, and sticky
notes to provide feedback regarding micromobility
and shared-use paths, following a series of guiding
questions.
WHAT WE HEARD
• Top walking and biking destinations people marked
were the Dublin Market/Bridge Park, the Dublin Plaza
Shopping Center, and Coffman Park.
• Participants marked routes that were located north of
U.S. Route 33, which were on or adjacent to existing
trails, as well as on Dublin Road and other local streets
that provide access to some of the pinned destinations.
• Glick Road from Carnoustie Drive. to Dublin
Road, Memorial Drive, Avery-Muirfield Drive, and
connections across Scioto River were identified
as non-existent or difficult from a safety/visibility
standpoint.
• The top three most desired mobility improvements
were:
• Safe crossings
• Tree canopy/shade along paths
• Access to regional trails
Equity in Action
This activity was an exploration of existing
sustainability efforts and potential future programming
within Dublin. Attendees voted on programs they
would like to see expanded and/or improved,
or created in the future. Participants were also
encouraged to write a pledge for future participation in
sustainability efforts.
WHAT WE HEARD
• The top current City programs participants would like
to see improved or expanded were:
• Restoration (12)
• Community diversion programs (10)
• Dublin Community Garden (5)
• Dublin Grows Greener (5)
• The top future programs participants were most
interested in seeing in the City were:
• Native Plants, trees, & seeds (8)
• Renewable energy (8)
• Energy efficiency (5)
COMMUNITY DIVERSION P
R
O
G
R
A
M
S
DUBLIN GROWS GREENER
GREENSPOT
Below are a range of susta
i
n
a
b
i
l
i
t
y
-
r
e
l
a
t
e
d
p
r
o
g
r
a
m
s
offered the City of Dublin
t
o
h
e
l
p
r
e
s
i
d
e
n
t
s
e
n
g
a
g
e
i
n
more sustainable home and
c
o
m
m
u
n
i
t
y
p
r
a
c
t
i
c
e
s
.
U
s
e
your dots to rank your top
3
c
h
o
i
c
e
s
y
o
u
w
o
u
l
d
l
i
k
e
t
o
see expanded or improved
.
Dublin hosts drop-off
collection for compost,
styrofoam, and e-waste.
The City offers the Dublin
Grows Greener series with
guidance on sustainable
living.
VOLUNTEER CLEAN-UPS
DUBLIN COMMUNITY GAR
D
E
N
COMMUNITY MARKETS
RESTORATION
MICROMOBILITY
DID WE MISS ANYTHING?
Each year the City offers
opportunities for volunteer
clean-ups such as Earth
Day.
Dublin offers first-come
first-served community
garden plots at Darree
Fields Park.
The City of Dublin sponsors
The Dublin Market at
Bridge Park to support local
businesses.
Invasive plant removal
and restoration projects
to foster environmental
stewardship.
Dublin has launched
several micromobility
pilots, like the Bird
Scooters and CoGo Bike
Share pilot program.
What other Dublin sustainability
p
r
o
g
r
a
m
s
o
r
a
c
t
i
v
i
t
i
e
s
h
a
v
e
you participated in? Write them
h
e
r
e
:
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
GreenSpot is a
membership- based
program for sustainable
education & recognition.
DUBLIN SUSTAINABILITY
P
L
A
N
CURRENT CITY PROGRA
M
S
RESTORATION VO
L
U
N
T
E
E
R
I
N
G
NATIVE PLANT & S
E
E
D
S
A
L
E
S
Below are a range
o
f
s
u
s
t
a
i
n
a
b
i
l
i
t
y
-
r
e
l
a
t
e
d
p
r
o
g
r
a
m
s
offered by Dublin’
s
p
e
e
r
c
i
t
i
e
s
t
o
h
e
l
p
r
e
s
i
d
e
n
t
s
e
n
g
a
g
e
in more sustainable
h
o
m
e
a
n
d
c
o
m
m
u
n
i
t
y
p
r
a
c
t
i
c
e
s
.
U
s
e
your dots to rank y
o
u
r
t
o
p
3
c
h
o
i
c
e
s
y
o
u
w
o
u
l
d
b
e
m
o
s
t
likely to participate
i
n
.
Community-based
programs empower
residents to become
environmental steward
s
Native plant programs
& native plant sales
connect residents with
resilient landscapes
HOUSEHOLD SOL
A
R
HOME ENERGY EFF
I
C
I
E
N
C
Y
RAINWATER/GRA
Y
W
A
T
E
R
R
E
U
S
E
TREE & NATIVE PL
A
N
T
I
N
G
COMMUNITY MICR
O
G
R
A
N
T
S
GREEN BUSINESS
S
U
P
P
O
R
T
Generate solar energy
at home to reduce
energy cost & carbon
footprint
Energy audits & home
retrofits can improve
energy efficiency &
c
u
t
household costs
Using rain or graywate
r
saves water, reduces
costs, & builds a more
resilient household
Bring trees & native
plants to your home or
neighborhood to improv
e
your environment
Small grants can
empower residents
to make sustainable
community change
Green business
incubators & workforce
training foster innovat
i
o
n
& business developme
n
t
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
Place your dot here!
DUBLIN SUSTAINA
B
I
L
I
T
Y
P
L
A
N
FUTURE PROGRA
M
S
DID WE MISS AN
Y
T
H
I
N
G
?
What other Dublin sus
t
a
i
n
a
b
i
l
i
t
y
p
r
o
g
r
a
m
s
o
r
a
c
t
i
v
i
t
i
e
s
h
a
v
e
you participated in? Wr
i
t
e
t
h
e
m
h
e
r
e
:
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202442
FOCUS GROUP SESSIONS
Following public input, the team identified
four groups to conduct more focused
presentations and to gather additional input
on partnership opportunities. Focus group
sessions were held virtually Dec. 11, 2023
and Jan. 4, 2023.
Business Focus Group and Survey
Participants represented businesses from healthcare,
services, retail/wholesale, finance and energy. The
goal of the meeting was to identify the ways in which
businesses are currently practicing sustainability efforts
and discuss opportunities for the City to support
them. In addition to the business focus group session,
a business survey was also distributed to obtain
additional input from the broader business community.
The combined feedback is summarized below.
WHAT WE HEARD
• The top three ways that businesses support
sustainability include: improving building efficiency,
reducing waste and/or implementing diversion
options, and establishing sustainability goals or plans.
• Barriers to sustainability centered around a lack of
financial incentive/cost of improvements and City
ordinances that limit the ability for businesses to
implement sustainability practices.
• Participants identified carbon emissions and energy
usage as the top two categories for City partnership
and support.
Partner Organizations Focus Group
The second focus group engaged regional partners
including COTA, MORPC, and the Franklin Soil and Water
Conservation District. The aim for the meeting was to
discuss current ways in which the City collaborates with
regional partners and identify other success stories or
lessons learned from other partnerships. The discussions
provided valuable insight about ongoing research,
funding opportunities, and programs.
WHAT WE HEARD
• There are opportunities to connect with partners
about ongoing research in adjacent communities, the
City of Columbus, and regional partners. The Ohio
EPA is currently working on a regional watershed and
systems study.
• City of Columbus is currently involved in several
projects that could be of interest to Dublin for
knowledge/data-sharing, such as the green
infrastructure cost analysis.
• MORPC is currently working with AEP on building
efficiency and installing solar. There is a current effort
with AEP on a case study for smart city installation of
solar panels on a wastewater treatment plant.
• The City has a history of participating in programs
through its partners and can continue to expand its
participation (i.e. rain garden installation rebate with
FSWCD).
• Aligning a sustainability vision with partners'
sustainability goals and objectives (i.e. COTA
sustainability plan looking to roll out annual or
biannual reporting on environmental measures).
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 43 DRAFT MAY 2024
Schools Focus Group
The third focus group engaged four high school
and five elementary students. The presentation
provided some background about sustainability in
cities and an overview of the Sustainability Plan. The
discussions centered around two primary questions:
How have you learned about sustainability and what
sustainability-related programming would you like to
see in schools.
WHAT WE HEARD
How have you learned about sustainability?
Students had varied experiences learning and
practicing sustainability in different contexts. For
example, one student highlighted her work with a
local nature-based organization where she developed
a bird feeder and window stickers for birds. Others
have been practicing sustainability at home by using
reusable bags, installing energy-efficient lighting,
composting, thrifting, and energy-saving measures,
such as lowering the thermostat. At school, students
are participating in limited gardening activities
such as the Indian Run Elementary School garden,
engaging with a butterfly/pollinator garden, and
learning about plants and sustainability in high
school. Many students do not ride their bike to
school due to weather conditions and living too far
away from the school. Additionally, students had
participated in various events, such as Earth Day,
food drives, and event composting.
What opportunities are there for incorporating
sustainability at school?
Students identified a number of opportunities for
sustainability in the schools and the classroom.
• Provide recycling in classrooms
• Create a student advocacy group
• Establish curriculum in gardening
• Create an outdoor sustainability classroom/field trip
to learn about sustainability and stewardship
• Provide composting/recycling in the lunchrooms
• Increase food systems knowledge/conduct a
student-led food audit
• Implement a shared food bin
City Council
The final set of focus group meetings were small group
sessions with members of City Council. The team began
with a presentation outlining the planning process and
findings which was followed by a discussion period for
feedback in three areas summarized below.
WHAT WE HEARD
A Vision for Future Sustainability
This first set of guiding questions focused on the big
picture vision for sustainability.
• Dublin can be a model for sustainability — whether
locally as a self-sustaining city, regionally, or even
internationally. There is a desire to live up to the
green logo. One opportunity that was discussed was
the Metro Center Revitalization project.
• Balancing recommendations with 3-4 high impact
goals, while also making the action equitable by
addressing a range of solutions from residential to
policy was discussed.
• Other topics included community resilience,
externalities, and zero waste.
Leading the Way as a Zero-Carbon City
The next discussion topic centered around identifying
the biggest opportunities to reduce emissions.
• Members mentioned renewable energy infrastructure,
awareness, and education.
• Leveraging commercial and institutional campuses
to reduce energy consumption or a showcase
demonstration project were other suggestions.
Timing and Impact
The final discussion topic addressed the action plan
and significant partnerships with considerations for
measuring impact and prioritizing action.
• The action plan should be dynamic and account for
timing and impact.
• It should set benchmarks that clarify measurable
objectives for success.
• It needs to align with Envision Dublin, especially as
it relates to future development plans and upcoming
commercial development.
• Dublin can lead the way in partnerships for
sustainability action. Opportunity areas include
business partnerships to attract sustainable
manufacturing, improve energy efficiency and school
partnerships for education and advocacy as well as
demonstration projects.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202444
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 45 DRAFT MAY 2024
GOALS &
THEMES
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202446
ACHIEVING THE VISION
KEY THEMES
Using the key findings from the updated goals, this Sustainability Plan will support the City’s
vision as the most resilient, connected and sustainable global city of choice by pursuing
sustainability actions in four key themes:
Model Sustainable Leadership
The City of Dublin has a history of successful partnerships and collaborations that
drive sustainable innovations. Dublin can leverage these to establish a constellation of
diverse sustainable partners to mobilize support for sustainable actions.
Design Sustainable Communities
Sustainability practices can have the greatest impact on development and the future
of the built environment by improving multi-modal mobility, resiliency, efficiency,
and renewable energy. Strategies include increasing access to transportation
options, enhancing community resiliency, improving energy and water efficiency, and
increasing access, generation, and use of renewable energy.
Support the Natural Environment
Target action in water, ecology, and air. The City of Dublin aims to establish a
community that is ecologically sound for both people and wildlife through the
conservation of parks, open areas, rights-of-way, watersheds, streams, and rivers.
Achieve Zero-Waste
Move towards a zero waste city that supports a circular economy and is a leader in
waste management and diversion through recycling, reuse, food donating and food
waste composting.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 47 DRAFT MAY 2024
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202448
MODEL SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP
The City of Dublin has a history of successful partnerships and
collaborations that drive sustainable innovations. Looking ahead, the City
should leverage partnerships and collaborations towards a constellation of
diverse sustainable partners to mobilize support for sustainable actions.
Key Findings
Amplifying Dublin’s Sustainability Story:
Numerous open-ended survey responses indicated
a desire for more robust outreach and education
to ensure Dublin residents are aware of the City’s
sustainability programming and are well-versed
in relevant processes/procedures, such as what is
recyclable and what is not.
Economic Growth: 79% of survey respondents
indicated that economics was significant to their
sustainability goals. 38% of respondents considered
creating jobs/improving the economy as one of the most
important sustainability benefits to their household.
Support Greener Businesses: Further, when
it comes to the importance of sustainability in
where people conduct business, 66% of survey
responses indicated some degree of significance.
The benchmark analysis also identified opportunities
to practice procurement of sustainable materials,
adding compliance tracking mechanisms, establishing
a sustainable business certification program, and/or
creating a zero-emissions building coalition.
City Programming: Several community workshop
participants were interested in seeing current
community market programming expanded and
expressed strong support for more rebate/incentive-
based future sustainability programming and class-
based or hands-on learning opportunities.
Data Democracy: The City can look to peer cities’
efforts, such as the City of Lakewood which developed
an annual carbon budget and annual GHG and energy
use reporting.
Measuring Success
Increase number of partnerships across all
target categories (by target category)
Increase number of businesses participating
in sustainability programs or initiatives
Increase number of regional programs,
planning efforts, or initiatives Dublin was
involved with
Increase number of residents engaged
through outreach & public education
programming
Increase number of outreach actions taken
across all relevant outreach mechanisms
Increase number of residents, volunteers,
and businesses whose volunteer efforts
relate to sustainability Community Priority
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 49 DRAFT MAY 2024
OBJECTIVE 1.1
Create a Constellation of
Partners
Increase local and regional
collaboration and education
opportunities to advance innovative,
sustainable solutions.
Community Partners
1. Coordinate with the Community Services Advisory
Commission (CSAC) to identify strategies to
expand partnerships with the Community.
A. Develop a communications plan with the
CSAC focused on outreach and education
programming.
WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY SERVICES
ADVISORY COMMISSION?
The Community Services Advisory
Commission (CSAC) serves as Dublin’s
community sustainability team, with the
EcoDublin group serving as staff's internal
advisory committee. The CSAC includes 7
residents appointment by City Council and
meets the second Tuesday of each month.
2. Engage with HOA leadership and residents to
guide the development of more sustainability-
supportive bylaws and regulations.
A. Provide technical support when needed to aid
resident conversations about sustainability
objectives and barriers to achieving them by:
• Connect HOAs with available resources for solar-friendly guidelines.
• Offering community engagement opportunities for approved partner organizations to provide technical support for interested residents at events.
3. Create sustainability-focused community volunteering
opportunities to empower residents to be active
participants in City-led sustainability processes.
A. Establish separate sustainability volunteering
section on Dublin’s “Volunteer Service
Opportunities” web page to offer a “one-
stop-shop” for accessing City-led volunteer
opportunities.
B. Work with Dublin non-profits to populate
volunteer opportunities on sustainability
volunteering section to help promote
involvement.
C. Incorporate sustainability specific education
and programing into volunteer recruitment
efforts & events, and leverage opportunities to
provide marketing and engagement for local
sustainability-related businesses.
D. Recruit Sustainability Ambassadors to oversee
sustainable volunteer services for the City.
Case Study
TRAVERS LAKE NEIGHBORHOOD SOLAR
Composed of primarily single family detached
housing, the Travers Lake neighborhood in Ann
Arbor is managed and regulated by the Lake
Travers Community Association. Residents desired
the ability to install solar panels on their homes but
were limited due to HOA regulations that required
written approval from all neighbors within sightlines
of the house intending to install solar.
To address this issue, neighbors formed a Solar
Committee to identify strategies for making
solar more accessible alongside engaging their
community to build awareness and buy-in for
more expanded solar opportunities. This resulted
in adopting new HOA guidance that permits solar
with no approval letters as well as creating simple
standards for the building modifications necessary
to accommodate solar installation. They further
created an annual “Solarize Ann Arbor” event to
promote community participation in expanding
solar installations.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202450
E. Partner with existing Community Sustainability
Leader volunteer programs or create a City-
run program to empower residents to be
educators and build engagement around the
City’s sustainability initiatives.
F. Create a City-staffed sustainability booth at
the Dublin Market at Bridge Park.
G. Add a compost bin to the Giving Garden
and use it as an educational opportunity for
volunteers to learn more about composting.
4. Increase outreach through expanding and
developing new outreach materials to promote
City sustainability programs and incentives.
A. Expand outreach efforts for participation in
sustainability related programming, such as
the native plant, compost bin, and rain barrel
rebate programs run through the Franklin Soil
and Water Conservation District.
B. Facilitate neighborhood educational outreach
sessions to build awareness and buy-in for
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) at a
residential scale.
C. Create a series of educational materials about
types of “upcycling” materials and upcycling at
home.
Signature Events
5. Use Dublin's signature annual events as a platform
to lead by example and build awareness of City
sustainability efforts.
A. Create a new Sustainability Fair annual (or
seasonal) event that engages and educates
residents on City sustainability programming
alongside providing opportunities for
marketing and engagement for local
sustainability-related businesses.
B. Leverage the Dublin Irish Festival roadmap
developed by the DIF Sustainability Committee
to expand volunteer engagement focused on
waste management for other signature annual
City-led events.
C. Collaborate with the Dublin Arts Council to
create an art installation at a high visibility
City facility, such as the Dublin Community
Recreation Center, to use for education on
sustainability initiatives.
D. Hire a consultant to review the Dublin Irish
Festival's current sustainability initiatives and
make recommendations on future programs,
including those that will lower the carbon
footprint and increase the diversion rate to
between 80-90% annually by 2030.
Institutional Partners
6. Leverage school partnerships to offer sustainability
programs at schools. This could include the
following:
A. Coordinate with Dublin City Schools (DCS)
and other local K-12 institutions to pilot
educational programs for sustainability in
school.
• Establish curriculum in gardening.
• Create an outdoor sustainability classroom/ field trip to learn about sustainability and stewardship (ie trash pick-up at natural area)
• Increase food systems knowledge/conduct a student-led food audit.
B. Encourage student advocacy group and/or
create parent sustainability group to explore
and identify opportunities for sustainability
actions or programs in school.
Case Study
AUSTIN COMMUNITY CLIMATE AMBASSADORS
Identified as a strategy in the Austin Climate Equity Plan and established in
2021, Austin’s Community Climate Ambassador’s program engages residents as
advocates for sustainability in their communities. Participants receive training on
environmental justice, community engagement, and how to support the Climate
Equity Plan’s implementation strategies. In addition to monthly meetings & training
workshops, Ambassadors are responsible for engaging their communities to foster
deeper relationships between neighbors, building more nuanced understandings
of resident perceptions of climate issues, and develop community action projects.
AUSTIN CLIMATE EQUITY PLANAUSTIN CLIMATE EQUITY PLAN
2020-212020-21
Austin Climate Equity Plan
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 51 DRAFT MAY 2024
7. Discuss increasing the diversion rate in schools.
A. Offer recycling and composting in classrooms
and lunchrooms.
B. Implement a shared food bin at schools to
reduce food waste.
8. Work with local higher education institutions or
research-based institutions.
A. Continue pursuit of green education pipeline
between local K-12 and higher education
institutions.
B. Identify existing university programming aimed
at primary to high school level students and
promote participation by local K-12 institutions.
C. Begin outreach to relevant university
departments and centers to build more
formal relationships to leverage over time for
collaborative sustainability programming.
Business/Private Sector Partners
9. Expand engagement with local businesses on their
sustainability initiatives.
A. Establish a corporate volunteering page with
the implementation of the new volunteer
management system that highlights
sustainable volunteer opportunities. This web
page may also feature successful events (e.g.
litter clean ups, invasive plant removals, native
pollinator plantings) and partnerships with
companies such as Veeva and Safeware.
B. Use the new volunteer management system to
track corporate volunteering participation.
10. Create new opportunities for public private
partnerships through sustainability leadership and
programming.
A. Create an annual carbon drawdown challenge
for local businesses.
B. Develop a formal partnership program
to engage local green businesses related
to solar, building efficiency, or other
sustainability services around incentives,
collective purchasing agreements, and other
mechanisms for improving accessibility to
residential energy efficiency improvements.
C. Continue to partner with sustainability
contractors to reduce waste at community
events.
WHAT IS A CARBON DRAW DOWN?
A Carbon Drawdown Challenge would
be a voluntary program that challenges
businesses to reduce their emissions by a
set percentage, evaluated on an annual
basis. Evaluations are performed by the
participating businesses and help to
support more transparent conversations
about the logistics and O&M challenges
to reducing carbon impacts and
strategies to overcome common barriers.
Non-Profit Organizations
11. Engage with local and regional non-profits to align
City sustainability efforts with ongoing community
programs.
A. Identify existing non-profit organizations
working in the region related to sustainability
(e.g. community gardening, restoration
volunteering) to establish a Dublin-based
sustainability non-profit list.
B. Explore opportunities to collaborate
with Dublin-based non-profits to embed
sustainability outreach & education into non-
profit programming with a focus on youth-
oriented non-profits.
C. Leverage non-profit capacity to expand
opportunities for and access to community
gardening and other food production spaces.
Highlight
In 2023, Ohio State University launched an ambitious
new initiative to integrate sustainability throughout the
University’s system through community engagement
alongside education and research. Spurred by growing
interest in sustainable workforce development and
a growing call for greater emphasis on sustainability
in education, the yearlong planning effort resulted in
the creation of a Sustainability Education and Learning
Committee tasked with overseeing key action steps
identified through the planning process.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202452
Regional Organizations
12. Foster collective impact through regional
collaboration.
A. Work to build strong partnerships with regional
organizations focused on sustainability and
resilience planning.
KEY PARTNERSHIPS:
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District
Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio
Central Ohio Transit Authority
U.S. Green Building Council Ohio
Ohio Sustainable Business Council
Green Columbus
Stratford Ecological Center
Rails to Trails
B. Continue to pursue opportunities to
participate in regional planning efforts
related to sustainability and regional growth
management.
C. Connect with surrounding cities to identify
opportunities for aligned planning efforts and
City developments related to transportation,
parks, trails, and natural space preservation.
OBJECTIVE 1.2
Integrate local planning
contexts
Ensure local planning efforts are
integrating sustainable actions.
Envision Dublin
1. Incorporate sustainable actions into the Envision
Dublin implementation.
A. Incorporate multi-modal transportation
recommendations from Envision Dublin, which
will in turn reduce emissions.
B. Incorporate sustainability objectives and
relevant actions from the Sustainability Plan
into evaluation criteria for reviewing future
draft planning, code, or other regulatory
developments.
Parks and Recreation Master Plan
2. Incorporate sustainable actions into the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan implementation.
A. Emphasize value of open or natural space
investments and programming alongside
planned recreational improvements.
B. Support the long-term objective of utilizing
best practices for parks & open space
development as they relate to sustainability
community education programming.
C. Prioritize neighborhood-park connectivity
through new park acquisitions that would
create more points of access and connection
to existing parks & trails.
EV Infrastructure Comprehensive Plan
3. Prioritize the implementation of planning strategies
and actions that support Dublin's sustainability goals.
A. Adopt the EV Infrastructure Comprehensive
Plan at City Council.
B. Implement recommendations from the EV
Infrastructure Comprehensive Plan.
Future Planning
4. Incorporate sustainability into future planning efforts.
A. Identify opportunities for the EcoDublin team
to be incorporated as a stakeholder in future
planning efforts.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 53 DRAFT MAY 2024
OBJECTIVE 1.3
Amplify Dublin’s
Sustainability Story
Develop clear and consistent
communications regarding events,
programs, and opportunities for
community participation.
1. Collaborate with the Dublin Arts Council to foster
art that highlights or explores sustainability topics.
A. Pursue grant opportunities for the funding
of an artist residency program that aims to
increase public participation levels.
2. Improve outreach outcomes by incorporating new
engagement tools, increasing outreach frequency,
and streamlining outreach material creation
processes.
A. Perform annual engagement methods review
and survey peer cities for new practices or
strategies that could improve outreach efficacy.
B. Continue promotion across all social media
platforms and explore additional opportunities
for increased promotion.
C. Develop a media toolkit that will include
templates and branding for sustainability
communications on digital and print platforms
to maximize outreach methods.
OBJECTIVE 1.4
Embed Equity into
Sustainability Leadership
Incorporate an equity lens into
sustainability efforts to maximize access
and participation by all Dublin residents.
Equitable Evaluation
1. Establish a process to measure participation levels in
City programs that captures diversity-related metrics.
A. Analyze PACE Program participation annually to
understand diversity of impacts and participation
gaps to inform more targeted outreach.
B. Incorporate a sustainability section in the
annual community survey to establish and track
participation in environmental programs (i.e.
Community Gardens) and waste management
programs (i.e. compost drop-off).
Equitable Access
2. Ensure new City incentive programs related to
sustainability are easily accessible and make
sustainability actions more affordable for all residents.
A. Explore implications and opportunities rental
property owners when designing residential-
oriented programming.
B. Diversify outreach methods to mitigate
potential access barriers, such as limited
internet access or English language fluency, by
using a combination of digital, print, and other
mechanisms, alongside strategic translations.
C. Align sustainability outreach efforts with ongoing
DEI initiatives and objectives to ensure that
sustainability is approachable for all.
KEY DEI OBJECTIVES INCLUDE:
Support leadership development
Facilitate education and awareness
Monitor service delivery
Increase workforce diversity
Support diversity among Dublin businesses
Provide affordable transportation
Highlight
While renters may not be in a position to influence
major building improvements, there are many types
of programs that could benefit renters alongside
homeowners. Programs such as rebates that incentivize
the use of energy efficient appliances or replacing
weatherstripping can improve access to more energy
efficient options for both renters and homeowners.
Dublin can also increase its program impact on renters
by creating outreach materials that focus on the ways
landlords can benefit from sustainability investments,
such as energy efficiency improvement measures.
Having more comfortable units with lower utility costs
for renters can make for better marketing and tenant
retention. Replacing inefficient fixtures in common
areas that property owners maintain can improve renter
experiences while reducing long-term costs and yielding
direct savings for landlords.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202454
OBJECTIVE 1.5
Champion Green Business
Create an ecosystem that encourages
and supports the growth of
environmentally friendly businesses,
buildings, markets, and technology.
Green Business Development
1. Build off the City’s practice of sustainable
purchasing outlined in administrative orders.
A. Pursue a revised AO to expand sustainable
purchasing preference that emphasizes
circular products, such as those that employ
take-back mechanisms or material re-use.
B. Perform annual exploratory reviews of the
region's existing businesses that could provide
products or services that satisfy sustainable
procurement policies.
C. Develop a sustainability clause for City
engineering/construction contracts that require
or incentivize more sustainable services, such
as a requirement for building material recycling
during building demolition.
2. Develop new programs to recognize, reward, and
promote green business practices.
A. Establish a Green Business Leadership
Roundtable comprised of leaders from local
businesses, institutions, DCS, and City officials
to identify, engage, and promote leaders in
sustainable businesses from within Dublin’s
local business community.
B. Create City-provided green business
certifications for local businesses to acknowledge
and reward sustainability improvements.
• Trade businesses that offer efficiency services.
• Retail businesses engaged in recycling, local/sustainable procurement, energy efficiency measures, and other sustainable practices.
• Hospitality businesses engaged in recycling, local procurement, reducing food waste, energy efficiency measures, and other sustainable practices.
• Incorporate a green building recognition component to highlight local best practitioners and create an inventory of green buildings to track progress.
• Incorporate criteria to certify energy efficient rental housing options.
C. Develop a green service provider directory on
the city website drawing from certified local
businesses.
Green Workforce Development
3. Recruit, train, and retain a skilled local government
workforce to implement municipal sustainability
actions.
A. Identify existing positions that will be responsible
for implementing new sustainable practices and
programs across City Departments.
B. Engage with Human Resources to
evaluate current hiring criteria and desired
qualifications for new hires in sustainability
related positions to reflect skill or capacity
needs for Sustainability Plan implementation.
C. Evaluate current Staff skills and knowledge to
identify capacity gaps that could be addressed
through trainings and targeted professional
development.
Case Study
CITY OF AUSTIN GREEN BUSINESS
CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Cities throughout the US have developed their own
Green Business Certification programs to reward
local businesses for engaging in sustainable business
practices. The City of Austin has offered a Green
Business Certification for over 10 years, drawing a
wide range of participating businesses from local
restaurants to national or multi-national corporations
like Dell and Samsung.
This voluntary program evaluates businesses through
a scorecard that covers 7 categories, including water,
energy, and community stewardship. After submitting
a scorecard, City staff visit the business to review
their green business practices and evaluate the
scorecard, after which the business can be awarded
with one of 3 recognition levels – Silver, Gold, and
Platinum – depending on their scorecard results.
The City also offers guidance to help businesses
interested in Green Business Certification navigate
the process.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 55 DRAFT MAY 2024
4. Explore feasibility of a green business incubator in
collaboration with the existing business community
and local educational institutions.
A. Pursue adaptive-reuse approach to aging
business parks to diversify uses and create more
dynamic, attractive business environments.
B. Leverage the ongoing Metro Center revisioning
process to explore feasibility of guiding Metro
Center Revitalization towards Just Communities
(formerly EcoDistrict) qualifications.
Highlight
WHAT DOES A SUSTAINABLE
WORKFORCE LOOK LIKE? HERE ARE
SOME EXAMPLES:
EV MAINTENANCE: Keeping a fleet of vehicles
in good condition requires a significant amount of
coordination and skill, made more complicated
by electric vehicles that require new, specialized
knowledge. Ensuring that Dublin’s Fleet Management
team are well trained in maintaining EVs will ensure
the City’s fleet continues to be reliable and effective
while creating more capable, knowledgeable staff.
PARK MAINTENANCE: Creating more sustainable,
ecologically regenerative natural spaces requires
new strategies and skills to maintain a high quality
of parks and open space. Training existing park
management and maintenance staff to be more
effective stewards of natural features can help
ensure Dublin’s green spaces are vibrant, healthy,
and beautiful while providing deeper ecological and
resilience-building functions.
Case Study
SEAHOLM ECODISTRICT
The EcoDistrict certification is well suited for the
revitalization of underutilized commercial or industrial
areas, exemplified by the Seaholm EcoDistrict in Austin,
Texas. Formerly host to the City’s Seaholm power plant
and most of the City’s power and water infrastructure,
the 85-acre brownfield site has been redeveloped into
a multi-purpose mixed-use district anchored by the
decommissioned Seaholm building.
While redevelopment efforts had been underway since
2001, in 2014 the City joined the EcoDistricts’ Target
Cities program to guide and strengthen Seaholm
redevelopment efforts. With guidance and training
from the EcoDistrict program, the City and its Seaholm
EcoDistrict Leadership Advisory team have undergone a
radical transformation of the brownfield redevelopment
process, resulting in a visionary new space for
community and commerce.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202456
OBJECTIVE 1.6
Institutionalize the use of
Sustainability Data
Standardize and expand the use of
Sustainability Data throughout City
operations to continually measure and
evaluate Sustainability Plan progress.
Internal Data Management
1. Create a formal data management strategy
and processes through collaboration between
departmental sustainability leads and the
Innovation & Technology department to support
ongoing measurement and evaluation of
sustainability outcomes.
A. Catalogue all data sources related to
Sustainability Plan metrics, including
department and Staff position(s) responsible,
frequency of collection, output format, and any
additional processing required for usability.
B. Establish a process for reporting of Plan
metrics from respective responsible
departments to Staff responsible for managing
public data hub that sets clear expectations
for timely reporting.
C. Develop a data management training series
to build data-use capacity throughout the City
with strategic emphasis on Departments and
Staff related to key data generating operations.
D. Conduct a Greenhouse Gas Inventory every
2-3 years.
Transparent Impact Measurement
2. Create a public sustainability dashboard with up-
to-date progress measures to help communicate
sustainability actions and impact.
A. Identify additional sustainability-related goals,
objectives, and actions in current and future
plans that should be incorporated into or
referenced in the dashboard.
B. Explore technical feasibility of linking to
website pages of sustainability programs or
opportunities from related plan items on the
dashboard.
"Communicate actual results and/
or improvements from the programs
so the public can see there is a
difference because of the work being
done."
- Community Survey Response
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 57 DRAFT MAY 2024
Key Findings
De-Carbonize the Built Environment: The
community ranked sustainability and the built
environment in the top three most important areas to
prioritize.
Maximize Energy Efficiency: Dublin has recently
updated most lighting fixtures to LED and is rapidly
maximizing energy efficiency across City facilities.
However, Dublin has an opportunity to focus efforts
on energy efficiency and conservation efforts at the
community scale. Other communities are working to
establish energy goals, energy efficiency certification
programs for residential and commercial uses.
Renewable: The City is leading efforts with 100%
renewable energy at City facilities and has recently
revised zoning code regulations surrounding the use
of renewable energy equipment for solar, including
rules regarding location, materials, and aesthetics
for installation on residential and non-residential
properties. Building off these efforts, the City should
pursue opportunities to establish microgrids and
maximize solar energy generation on commercial
buildings and underutilized areas. The support for
the community is already in place. 67% of survey
respondents indicated that they were interested in
renewable sources for home energy such as solar and
wind. The City is currently working towards achieving
SolSmart Designation and emphasizing education in
solar and renewable energy.
Active Transportation: Dublin has made significant
progress towards expanding access to micro-mobility
and multi-modal transportation options with the
opportunity to continue to reduce emissions from
transportation. Transportation emissions are the
highest category in the community emissions at
274,094 metric tons of CO2 from passenger and
freight traffic. Looking ahead, Dublin can pilot best
practices in multi-modal development that reduces
barriers to active transportation.
DESIGN SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
Dublin is a resilient community that strives to provide the best quality of life
and environment for all residents. The City aims to offer a variety of living,
entertainment and recreational experiences through its neighborhoods and
business districts, which are connected, integrated, environmentally friendly,
and attractive to all.
Measuring Success
Decrease percent annual vehicle miles
traveled (VMT) reduction
Increase number of residents participating in
community programs
Increase number of adaptive reuse
developments
Reduce energy used by residential and
commercial properties by 2% annually to
reach 20% reductions by 2035
Reduce water use by the City, residents, and
local businesses by 2% annually to reach
20% reductions by 2035
Increase percent of fleet composed of EV or
cleaner fuel vehicles by electrifying 45% of
the City's fleet by 2035
Increase number of EV charging stations in
Dublin by installing over 450 charging
ports by 2030
Increase percent of new construction
participating in green building programs
Community Priority
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202458
OBJECTIVE 2.1
Multi-Modal City
Provide our increasingly diverse
community access to a range of
transportation options, connecting
more people to more places.
Car Alternatives
1. Reduce Single Occupancy Vehicle Commuting.
A. Expand development of sustainable
transportation infrastructure.
B. Expand the capacity of the City's municipal
bikeshare program by increasing the City's
fleet of E-bikes.
C. Include carpooling & other alternatives to
single occupancy driving into green business
certification criteria.
D. Implement recommendations related to
EV public education materials & outreach
strategies from the EV Infrastructure
Comprehensive Plan.
Transit
2. Enable Transit-Supportive Places.
A. Incorporate National Association of City
Transportation Officials (NACTO) Green
Transitway guidance such as the use of rain
gardens and other GSI landscape features into
design of new mobility hubs currently planned
for or in progress.
B. Identify priority areas for new transit supportive
development to align with future route or service
expansions defined in COTA planning materials.
C. Create opportunities to engage in public/
private partnerships with developers interested
in transit ready developments to shape new
built environments to be ready for future
transit expansion.
D. Encourage transit ridership by installing
canopies and furniture for rider comfort and
cooling, which further contributes to reducing
overall heat island effects.
E. Identify locations for car-free or car-light
zones that can be paired with high density
urban development to create a high-quality
and safe pedestrian environment.
COMMON ELEMENTS OF SUCCESSFUL
TRANSIT SUPPORTIVE DEVELOPMENT FROM
THE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION:
Smaller unit and lot sizes, which increase
density and shorten walking distances.
Wide and inviting sidewalks to encourage
people to get out of their cars.
Local-serving retail shops that draw residents
and patrons from surrounding neighborhoods.
Inclusion of a recognized public place—an
area for outdoor movies, farmers’ markets,
community festivals, and community
interaction.
A development center void of automobiles
and dedicated to pedestrians and community-
building activities.
Support of the local jurisdiction.
Public/private partnerships.
Complete Green Streets
3. Increase active transportation and micro-mobility.
A. Pursue Walk Friendly Community and Runner
Friendly Community designation.
B. Continue to perform a biennial accessibility
audit of existing walking & cycling
infrastructure to identify any existing
accessibility barriers for redressing.
C. Continue to expand bike maintenance & safe
storage amenities.
4. Foster the development of complete green streets.
A. Initiate a cool corridors program aimed to
reduce heat impacts and improve walking
comfort for pedestrians by prioritizing canopy
additions using the Tree Equity Score and
urban Heat Island Severity.
B. Build on existing Complete Streets efforts
to further incorporate green infrastructure
features to maximize co-benefits, such as
improved stormwater management and
reduced urban heat effects alongside social
and health benefits of increased greenery.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 59 DRAFT MAY 2024
OBJECTIVE 2.2
Adapted City
Foster greater adaptive capacity
through community resilience building
and adaptive or sustainable building
development.
Community Resilience
1. Empower communities to engage in neighborhood
planning processes focused on disaster resilience
and emergency preparation at the community level.
A. Promote & facilitate neighborhood disaster
resilience planning.
B. Collaborate with local nonprofits to develop
City-led emergency supply program to collect
donations and provide no-cost supplies to lower-
income families.
Adaptive Reuse
2. Foster an adaptive reuse approach to
redevelopment.
A. Assess current processes and identify
potential opportunities to clarify the regulatory
processes, provide centralized information
about funding opportunities, and offer
guidance on best practices.
B. Create new incentives for adaptive reuse that
reduce permitting fees, loosen conformance
requirements, or provide tax rebates/waivers.
New Development
3. Assess what standards could be updated to
incorporate higher standards for building
performance and energy conservation.
A. Review and identify energy efficiency
standards in adopted local and statewide
building codes and standards.
B. Engage plan review staff, local builders,
and developers to understand potential
standard implementation tradeoffs, including
applicability to residential structures.
C. Hire a consultant to review the code to identify
any inconsistencies related to sustainable
development.
Model codes or standards for consideration
may include:
• International Green Construction Code (IgCC)
• ICC 700 National Green Building Standard
• ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1-2017, Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
• ASHRAE Standard 55, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy
• ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2019, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
• ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
4. Create a Green Neighborhoods subcommittee
of EcoDublin comprised of staff from key city
divisions with influence on the development
process in collaboration with CSAC.
A. Perform annual review of current best
practices for green development regulations
and construction standards for opportunities
to revise existing standards such as the
Neighborhood Design Standards and
Conservation Design Resolution.
5. Expand and maintain programs that provide
incentives and funding to encourage green
development and sustainable building methods.
A. Increase frequency of outreach and medium
(social media, print, local news) used to
promote existing programs such as PACE.
B. Extend existing sustainability and development
incentives (§ 153.041) to additional zoning
districts where appropriately suited for
intended density bonuses.
6. Incorporate new incentives for new construction
to promote green building or development
certifications, including LEED, SITES, WELL, Green
Globes and Energy Star across all zoning categories.
A. Provide companies access to programs that
encourage building “green” by incorporating
additional internationally recognized programs
such as Green Globes and the EPA-led Energy
Star program.
7. Exemplify green building methods through future
municipal building design and construction.
A Evaluate future municipal new construction
needs to identify a pilot Living Building
Challenge project.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202460
In Hastings, New Zealand, local energy
provider, Unison, faced the challenge
of designing a replacement facility for
their Windsor Substation Switchroom,
which was soon to be decommissioned.
Repositioning this challenge as an
opportunity, Unison designed a
new Switchroom that would satisfy
infrastructural needs while performing
as a Living Building, one of the highest
standards for energy efficiency and green
building design. The new Switchroom
offers a wide range of environmental
services and efficiency measures,
including native plantings that mimic
the site’s ecological history, rainwater
harvesting, innovative green building
materials such as Cross-Laminated Timber
(CLT), net positive solar generation, and
recycled building materials.
Case Study
UNISON NETWORKS
WINDSOR SUBSTATION
SWITCHROOM,
HASTINGS, NZ
Image courtesy of Unison Networks
In 2022, building energy (electric and
natural gas) accounted for 71% of
emissions while 18% of emissions was
attributed to fleet vehicles.
Dublin’s current electricity contract is
100% renewably sourced.
OBJECTIVE 2.3
Efficient City
The City of Dublin can have a positive
impact on reducing emissions to
meet federal air quality standards by
continuing to focus on conserving
energy and transition to renewable and
cleaner energy sources.
Improve Energy Efficiency
1. Achieve carbon neutrality by reducing energy
consumption and emissions to the greatest extent
possible and offsetting remaining emissions
through carbon removal and mitigation strategies.
A. Develop annual energy use reports and
greenhouse gas emissions estimates for City
buildings to monitor progress towards energy
and emissions reductions goals.
B. Hire a consultant to identify opportunities for
energy efficiency improvements in municipal
facilities and develop a facilities action plan that
identifies, prioritizes, and estimates costs for
energy efficiency improvements and retrofits.
C. Work with an outside partner or consultant
to identify and quantify potential carbon
mitigation practices and strategies for
implementation within Dublin city limits, such
as reforestation of city-owned or managed
properties or sequestration.
D. Optimize City building performance by
continuing to install energy efficient
appliances, such as fitting all City restrooms
with energy efficient hand dryers.
2. Reduce energy used by residential and commercial
properties by 2% annually to reach 20%
reductions by 2035.
A. Increase energy efficiency for existing housing
and rental properties through outreach and
incentive programming.
• Explore cost-feasibility of rebate program for energy efficient appliance purchases.
• Develop local business inventory of suppliers for energy efficient appliances and other home goods.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 61 DRAFT MAY 2024
B. Increase energy efficiency for existing
commercial properties through outreach and
incentive programming.
E. Re-evaluate maintenance processes to identify
opportunities to incorporate additional quality
checks on water infrastructure during routine
maintenance to more efficiently find and
address equipment failures.
• Produce annual progress report to communicate issues identified and solutions implemented to identify common issues and best practices for addressing them over time.
4. Reduce water use by residential & commercial
facilities by 2% annually to reach 20% reductions
by 2035.
A. Establish regular data sharing protocols with
the City of Columbus to monitor water use
by residential and non-residential customers
within Dublin city limits and track progress.
B. Explore feasibility of rebate program for water
efficient appliance purchases.
C. Promote water conservation through native
landscaping and turf conversion.
Success Story
A combined heat and power generator
was installed at the Dublin Community
Recreation Center, which drastically
increases fuel efficiency and decreases
CO2 emissions.
• Establish a program to recognize building owners/management that invests in building efficiency measures.
• Expand and promote energy efficiency-related programming and incentives for commercial property in Bridge Street and ID zoning districts.
C. Explore feasibility of establishing new
finance mechanisms for energy efficiency
improvements.
• Pursue start-up grant funding for a revolving loan fund through the US DOE Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund Capitalization Grant Program.
• Establish a micro-grant program for small businesses and lower-income residents to invest in weatherization, efficient appliances/fixtures, and other home efficiency measures.
Improve Water Efficiency
3. Reduce water use by City buildings & facilities by
2% annually to reach 20% reductions by 2035.
A. Engage Facilities Management to establish
a water use inventory on all City buildings &
facilities to inventory activities that use water
and the types of fixtures or water-related
equipment used.
B. Retrofit all non-water efficient fixtures
throughout all City buildings & facilities with
water-efficient alternatives.
C. Explore opportunities to pilot water re-use
strategies at high-visibility public facilities.
D. Improve system efficiency over time through
investments in innovative technology, with an
emphasis on smart technologies that enhance
monitoring capabilities.
Case Study
WATER CONSERVATION IN GREELEY,
COLORADO
The City of Greeley, Colorado fosters residential water
conservation through a robust conservation program,
viewing conservation as a vital source of water supply.
Their initiatives encompass various components, including
free water audits for residents and businesses, focusing
on leak detection and efficient appliance use. Residents
benefit from personalized recommendations and free low-
flow fixtures post-audit. Utilizing water budgets, Greeley
calculates rates for single-family homes based on needs
determined by family size, landscape area, and real-time
weather. Residents staying within their budget pay lower
prices, incentivizing efficient use. Moreover, Greeley
offers rebates for indoor water fixtures and lawn retrofits,
encouraging sustainable practices. Community education
plays a crucial role, with extensive outreach through media,
events, and direct interactions, ensuring residents are
informed and engaged in water conservation efforts.
Over 20 years, the result of these efforts has allowed
Greeley to reduce water use across the City by 20%, with
average gallons per capita per day for residential users
dropping from 162 to 100. They have been able to maintain
steady decreases in residential water use despite having
experienced significant population growth, nearly doubling
in that time.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202462
Case Study
ANN ARBOR MUNICIPAL CENTER, ANN
ARBOR, MICHIGAN
In 2010 the City of Ann Arbor was tasked with
renovating its existing City Hall building. Not content
to simply update the building itself, the design
team set out to create a space that is “designed to
raise awareness of water cycles and detain 100%
of stormwater runoff on-site while serving as an
engaging open space complete with public art and
social gathering areas.”
The new site features extensive rain gardens
interwoven with pedestrian bridges, a stormwater
cistern that feeds a bronze fountain in one of
the main plazas, publicly accessible green roofs,
permeable pavers as parking lot surfacing, and more
than 30 native plant species that support overall
system function and a natural aesthetic.
OBJECTIVE 2.4
Renewable City
Increase the use of renewable energy
by the City, residents, and local
businesses.
Electric Vehicles
1. Reduce or eliminate dirty diesel/standard fuel
vehicles from the City’s fleet.
A. Electrify 45% of the City's fleet by 2035.
B. Actualize recommendations from the EV
Comprehensive Plan regarding replacement
of light duty fleet vehicles and potential heavy
duty electric vehicles as technology advances.
C. Implement recommendations from the EV
Comprehensive Plan to create public-private
collaborative funding mechanisms to promote
new EV charging stations in multi-family and
commercial developments.
D. Carry out the EV Comprehensive Plan's
recommended implementation targets to
increase Level 2 and DCFC port availability by
installing over 450 new ports by 2030.
Community Aggregation
2. Revisit the potential for a community aggregation
program.
A. Explore developing a community aggregation
program supported by Ordinance 35-01 through
partnership with a renewable energy provider.
Municipal Solar
3. Increase the use of renewable energy sources at
City facilities.
A. Identify opportunities to further electrify parks
and facilities maintenance equipment.
B. Identify infrastructure needs to increase
electric vehicles and equipment within parks
and facilities maintenance.
C. Assess existing rights-of-way along major City-
maintained corridors and arterials for sites with
sufficient area to support solar installations.
D. Explore cost and maintenance feasibility
of solar surfacing materials for new or
rehabiliated trails.
Residential & Commercial Solar
4. Increase renewable energy generation and storage
for residents & commercial buildings.
A. Evaluate current regulation and explore
opportunities for changes that could increase
solar access to solar panels.
B. Encourage a group solar purchase program
to help communities organize resources,
access solar providers, and design for multi-
household solar projects.
Image Source: Landscape Performance Series
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 63 DRAFT MAY 2024
Key Findings
When asked how important existing sustainability
plan goals are, 75% of survey participants considered
Natural Resources extremely or very important.
Prioritize Native Species: There is a desire for
native and/or adapted planting on city facilities as
well as residential and commercial properties. 45% of
survey participants reported using high quality/native
landscaping at their home, with an additional 47%
saying they were interested in doing so.
Think Holistically About Water Management:
21% of participants reported already engaging in
reclaimed or collected water, while an additional 61%
said they were interested in doing so.
Dublin has a Robust Tree Canopy: As a member
and participant of the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City
USA program for over 35 years, the City maintains a
robust forestry program. Dublin conserves a high tree
equity score and has a robust inventory of tree data.
SUPPORT THE NATURAL
ENVIRONMENT
The City of Dublin aims to establish a community that is ecologically sound for
both people and wildlife through the preservation of parks, open areas, rights-
of-way, watersheds, streams, and rivers. We work to safeguard habitats,
convert open areas, parks, and city spaces to include native plants and trees,
build buffer zones along our waterways, and promote biodiversity.
Measuring Success
Increase number of natural area City pilot
projects implemented annually
Increase number of acres of open space that
benefited from invasive removal efforts
Increase number of trees planted annually
Increase number of waterways maintenance
program projects completed annually
Increase tree equity score
Increase number of participants in
Community Backyards program
Increase number of acres of additional open
space acquired or preserved through City
actions
" Always think about Green space!"
"Improve awareness of pollinator friendly gardens vs lawns with herbicides."
"More events at parks to enjoy green space and do things to appreciate nature."
- Community Survey Responses
Community Priority
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202464
OBJECTIVE 3.1
Blue City
Improve the quality of municipal
and natural water resources through
regional collaboration and more robust
water quality programs and regulations.
Water Management
1. Coordinate with regional organizations and utility
providers to expand and deepen Dublin’s water
planning efforts & coordination.
A. Collaborate Dublin’s water management efforts
with regional water adaptation strategies and
planning objectives.
• Maintain continued engagement in regional water planning efforts, such as the Rapid 5 project and Sustaining Scioto.
• Continue to explore adoption of regional water policies & guidance resulting from new planning efforts.
B. Create a One-Water Framework that unifies all
City water-related planning efforts with a holistic
approach to City-wide water management.
2. Incorporate water efficiency strategies such as
stormwater retention and reuse into new municipal
developments and redevelopment projects.
A. Champion a pilot project at a community park
for on-site stormwater retention and reuse that
explores the feasibility of installing underground
storage capacity at new or redeveloped parks.
Water Resource Protection
3. Continue to develop capacities and procedures for
maintaining and improving water quality in critical
natural waterways.
A. Leverage ongoing water quality monitoring
processes to reduce stream impairment.
• Assess water quality monitoring data to identify the most common types of stream impairments found in Dublin streams.
• Develop a toolkit of remediation strategies in collaboration with Ohio EPA, regional colleges and universities, and consultant support.
• Collaborate water quality monitoring efforts with the ongoing Waterways Maintenance Program through the annual Water Quality Action Plan to inform prioritization of waterways initiatives.
B. Collaborate with regional colleges or universities
and/or the Ohio Department of Natural
Resources, with consultant support as necessary,
to create pest and invasive management plans.
• Expand existing Integrated Pest Management planning efforts to guide all municipal pest control efforts.
C. Build on current practices related to
monitoring critical waterways for illegal
discharges, including field observation
protocols and response measures.
D. Add an illegal or suspicious discharge report
option to the GoDublin app.
4. Reduce private contributions to stream impairment
through expanded code enforcement and
community outreach.
A. Regularly review & update erosion control
requirements to reflect current best
management practices.
B. Assess erosion and sediment control
inspection processes to identify areas for
strengthened oversight.
C. Review Section 51.02 of the Development
Code for opportunities to provide more
robust guidance on design and installation
requirements for on-site sewage disposal.
D. Create new outreach materials about best
practices for household sewage treatment
systems maintenance and how to identify
potential contamination issues.
E. Help connect residents to technical assistance
providers related to well-water quality
measuring and septic maintenance.
Nature-Based Solutions and Green
Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI)
5. Deepen City engagement with nature-based
solutions (NBS).
A. Retrofit city-owned stormwater detention
basins to pilot Green Stormwater
Infrastructure (GSI) features alongside public
education components such as interpretive
signage to build awareness of NBS.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 65 DRAFT MAY 2024
WHAT IS GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE?
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) refers
to a number of nature-based solutions for
managing stormwater by slowing, filtering,
retaining, and absorbing stormwater alongside
material solutions that reduce overall
impervious surface area. Common GSI features
include:
• Bioswales
• Green Roofs
• Constructed Wetlands
• Rainwater Capture
• Permeable Pavers
• Rain Gardens
• Infiltration Planters
While some GSI features such as bioswales
are often large scale in nature, many
features such as raingardens and retention
planters can be easily integrated into
existing municipal landscapes to enhance
stormwater management while providing
high-visibility examples for building public
awareness and buy-in.
B. Continue to expand the use of nature-based
solutions used for the design of City building
beyond GSI to incorporate passive heating/
cooling strategies, such canopy shading or
hedge windbreaks.
6. Establish new community-centered programs to
promote and expand the use of nature-based
solutions.
A. Expand existing Community Backyards
program to include a Rain Garden Cost
Share Program with Franklin Soil and Water
Conservation District.
B. Engage with the Franklin Soil and Water
Conservation District to build off existing
participation in the Community Backyard
program to partner on a Commercial Business
Rebate for implementing NBS improvements.
C. Identify opportunities to incorporate NBS
improvements into existing incentive
programs, such as the Commercial Façade
Improvement Program.
7. Increase resident and neighborhood participation
in City efforts to expand GSI.
A. Expand the existing Stormwater Grant
program available to HOAs to apply to
additional GSI features such as bioswale
medians or raingarden curb cuts.
B. Collaborate with local GSI-related businesses,
such as engineers or landscape designers to
provide technical assistance to neighborhoods
looking to incorporate GSI into their
community stormwater infrastructure.
Highlight
The City of Columbus offers a Columbus
Business Rebate program through
the Community Backyards program
in collaboration with the Franklin
Soil and Water Conservation District.
Businesses and non-profits can receive
a reimbursement of up to $2,500 for
eligible projects such as rainwater
collection systems, native plantings,
permeable pavement, and other green
infrastructure or stormwater retrofits.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202466
OBJECTIVE 3.2
Regenerative City
Protect, preserve, and regenerate
Dublin’s environment throughout the
City, leading by example through City-
led projects and more ecologically-
driven development processes.
Natural Areas
1. Enhance the quality of natural spaces on City-
owned land through pilot projects, future planning,
and coordination of maintenance and management.
A. Explore feasibility for pilot project opportunities
at city facilities, such as new pollinator habitat
plantings or graywater re-use projects.
• Pilot wildlife habitat plantings at city facilities.
• Pilot rainwater capture and graywater re-use projects at City facilities and parks.
B. Support expansion and acquisition of future
natural areas through implementation of the
Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
• Support citizen led efforts outlined in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
• Focus on strategic land acquisition to support expanded open space in accordance with the Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
C. Establish ecological criteria drawing from the
UN Sustainable Development Goals and ICLEI
resources to guide all future planning efforts.
D. Strengthen management and coordination for
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and
maintenance of natural areas.
• Audit current mowing SOPs & identify locations where it is feasible to minimize mowing frequency, such as non-active recreation vegetative features.
E. Create a centralized database of the upper-,
mid-, and understory canopy vegetation.
• Develop internal capacity to measure and evaluate carbon sequestration impacts from City-managed canopies and woodlots (see Appendix for sample methodology).
F. Strengthen ongoing invasives management
efforts by producing an annual invasives
prioritization plan.
2. Improve new development practices regarding the
preservation of existing natural features.
A. Strengthen new or redevelopment
requirements for open space to specify higher
percentages of native and/or adapted plantings
and to prioritize non-turf green space.
• Promote the prioritization of native perennial and annual vegetation in addition to existing Neighborhood Design Guidelines regarding trees and hedgerows.
• Encourage the creation of pocket prairies as an alternative to lawn requirements in both the Neighborhood Design Guidelines and other development code landscape requirements such as § 153.135.
B. Collaborate with local environmental groups
to build capacity for a program to collect
native plants during pre-construction of
new greenfield developments to propagate
for municipal plantings and share through
community programs.
C. Amend soil erosion and sediment control
plan requirements to recommend prioritizing
the maintenance of undisturbed existing
vegetation for more resilient erosion control by
maintaining deeper root systems in place.
D. Continue to promote the use of native plants
when reviewing Beautify Your Neighborhood
Grant applications.
Image Source: Landscape Performance Series
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 67 DRAFT MAY 2024
3. Evaluate city restrictions on landscaping plant
height, plant debris or leaves, and material
aesthetic preferences to remove potential barriers
to residential participation in sustainable practices
A. Identify landscape material requirements
(§ 153.135) that could allow allow for native
planting features. This could include:
• Allowing for native perennial and annual plantings that do not comply with existing size requirements for shrubs and hedges.
• Allow native annuals to exist in lawns.
Air Quality
4. Support ongoing MORPC efforts to assess air
quality with a City focus on the impacts of
roadway emissions.
A. Partner with MORPC to determine appropriate
remediation steps, should the Air Quality
Index indicate a high level of air pollution.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202468
Key Findings
Waste Management is a Central Component
of Sustainability: 83% of survey participants
considered reducing waste as one of the most
important sustainability benefits to their household.
Many Dublin Residents Participate in Some
Form of Waste Management and Diversion: 93%
of participants reported already recycling, while 50%
reported already composting alongside an additional
32% who reported they are interested in doing so.
There is Support for Expanded Waste
Management and Diversion: Workshop participants
enthusiastically supported expanded community
diversion programs, including working to expand
compost collection and creating new recycling
programs.
Improving Waste Management Reduces
Emissions: Solid waste emissions is the fourth largest
category of emissions at the community-scale with
5,145 metric tons CO2e from landfilling and processing.
ACHIEVE ZERO WASTE
The City of Dublin has a long history of leading the way in central Ohio by
providing recycling to our residents free of charge. This recycling program
has evolved over the years to accommodate and encourage increased
recycling and diversion of waste from our landfills. Educational efforts, re-
sizing of recycling bins, community and neighborhood recycling events, and
an e-waste drop-off location are a few of the ways the City has worked to
improve community waste diversion.
Measuring Success
Increase number of additional waste or
recycling drop off locations
Establish baseline and measure quantity of
materials donated (lb)(soft recyclables
and craft materials)
Establish baseline and measure quantity of
recaptured building materials (tons)
Decrease municipal solid waste (tons) per
capita annually
Increase diversion rate (tons) per capita to
60% in five years and 80% in ten years
Increase styrofoam diversion rate (bags/
yr) by 50% every three years
Community Priority
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 69 DRAFT MAY 2024
OBJECTIVE 4.1
Circular City
Reduce overall waste generation and
foster a more sustainably-oriented
economy through cyclical economics,
expanded access to recycling and
composting, and greater connectivity
with local food-related industries.
Circular City
1. Formalize deconstruction and material reuse as
standard operating procedures for redevelopment.
A. Establish a Deconstruction Ordinance that builds
off current city practices for deconstruction in
municipal building projects, extending to all
residential and commercial building projects that
fit any of the following criteria:
• Involves the removal of buildings constructed before 1960 (e.g. San Antonio, TX).
• Has an estimated project budget that exceeds $150,000 (e.g. Oakland, CA).
• Has a development footprint of 10,000 sqft or greater (e.g. Hawthorne, CA).
B. Explore feasibility of utilizing existing or new
municipal building space to develop a building
material reuse center.
2. Foster the development of circular industries
through programming that supports the reuse of
cyclical materials.
A. Identify and engage with organizations to
establish a “Soft Recycling Program.”
B. Collaborate with the DAC to create a craft
material recycling program that accepts
donations of craft goods to repurpose for
community art programs.
C. Establish a list of businesses that will
upcycle different materials in Dublin and the
surrounding area.
3. Prioritize the establishment of circular economy
through food systems.
A. Host a roundtable session with food industry
representatives to identify opportunities
to facilitate more sustainable food system
processes or products (such as packaging,
transportation, waste management).
4. Foster behavioral changes around food waste
through collaboration with local food pantries to
provide food donation programming for residents
and local businesses.
A. Collaborate with local food pantries to
promote food donation collection points at
key City buildings like the Dublin Community
Recreation Center.
B. Create a food donation program to help connect
food-related businesses (including grocers,
restaurants, etc.) with food donation receiving
organizations or businesses.
Case Study
SAN ANTONIO
MATERIAL INNOVATION CENTER
In 2022, the City of San Antonio’s Office of Historic
Preservation Partnered with the Port of San Antonio
to use underutilized historic building space as the
site of a Material Innovation Center (MIC) alongside
their existing Living Heritage Trades Academy. In
complement to the traditional building skills trainings
provided by the Academy, the MIC serves as a
collection and distribution depot for deconstructed
building materials that help provide the raw materials
for both students and local contractors.
Beginning by providing accessible recycled materials
and material recycling, long-term the MIC aims to
foster the development of a robust circular economy
through workforce training, innovative material
solutions, and robust material salvage and recycling
capacity across both the public and private sectors.
Image Source: San Antonio ReUse (sareuse.com)
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202470
5. Mitigate the climate impacts of traditional food
systems by connecting residents and Dublin
businesses with local food producers.
A. Develop partnerships with Visit Dublin, the
Chamber of Commerce, and other relevant
organizations to create opportunities for
agricultural producers from the broader
Dublin area to connect with local food-related
businesses.
Recycling & Diversion
6. Expand community recycling through continued
education and improved accessibility.
A. Explore potential opportunities to increase
commercial recycling programs to provide
recycling access for multifamily residents.
• Work with developers on identifying opportunities to provide adequate space for trash, recycling and food waste in the design of new developments.
B. Pilot an additional styrofoam, e-waste, and
compost drop off location at a central location
in Dublin.
C. Expand e-waste drop-off to one (1) additional
City building to increase accessibility.
D. Continue to engage with the City’s waste hauler
and SWACO to increase recycling education
efforts.
• Collaborate with businesses and community organizations to display materials.
• Leverage community events to provide public outreach on the importance of diversion.
E. Explore feasibility of incorporating an
integration on the City’s recycling webpage to
allow residents to search material by name and
determine the appropriate disposal method.
F. Offer additional recycling bins or a larger size
option at the request of residents to ensure no
recycling ends up in trash bins due to limited
recycling bin capacity.
G. Develop new mechanisms for collecting "hard
to recycle" items such as eye glasses.
H. Partner with SWACO to help residents and the
business community determine appropriate
ways to divert hard-to-recycle materials.
"Education (needs to be repetitive).
How to recycle, how to support the
compost program, how to support
the styrofoam recycling. How do
we enable restaurants, bars, etc to
recycle."
- Community Survey Response
7. Expand residential composting capacity through
partnerships, greater access, and education.
A. Expand the composting program to provide
another drop-off location for increased
accessibility.
B. Develop and promote how-to materials and
support programming to encourage backyard
composting.
C. Engage with local haulers to explore the
feasibility of a partnership for curbside
compost pick-up. The cost would be
determined as part of the feasibility study.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 71 DRAFT MAY 2024
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202472
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 73 DRAFT MAY 2024
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202474
ACTION PLAN
DECODING THE PATH TO ACTION
The Action Plan tables on the following pages outline the key strategies and actions that lay
on the path to a more sustainable Dublin. Use the key below to understand how the different
table categories are broken down and what key actors may be involved in each step. An
overview of the implementation plan that lists the goals by implementation timeframe, rather
than in chapter order, can be found on pages 96 and 97.
Legend Leads
OCM =Office of the City Manager
C&M =Communications & Marketing
O&E =Outreach & Engagement
ED =Economic Development
CPD =Community Planning &
Development
T&M =Transportation & Mobility
P&R =Parks & Recreation
HR =Human Resources
I&T =Innovation & Technology
AMQA =Asset Management & Quality
Assurance
Impact
Direct =Results in Lower GHG Emissions
Indirect =Lowers GHG Emissions
from Related Activities
Cost
$=$0 - $49,999
$$=$50,000 - $149,999
$$$=$150,000 - $499,999
$$$$=$500,000+
Timeframe
1 - 3 Years
3 - 7 Years
7+ Years
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 75 DRAFT MAY 2024
MODEL SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
Community Partners
1.1.1. Coordinate with the Community
Services Advisory Commission (CSAC)
to identify strategies to expand
partnerships with the community.
1.1.1.A. Develop a communications plan
with the CSAC focused on outreach and
education programming.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years OCM
1.1.2. Engage with HOA leadership and
residents to guide the development of
more sustainability-supportive bylaws
and regulations.
1.1.2.A. Provide technical support when
needed to aid resident conversations
about sustainability objectives and barriers
to achieving them.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
CPD
1.1.3 Create sustainability-focused
community volunteering opportunities
to empower residents to be active
participants in City-led sustainability
processes.
1.1.3.A. Establish separate sustainability
volunteering section on Dublin’s
“Volunteer Service Opportunities” web
page to offer a “one-stop-shop” for
accessing City-led volunteer opportunities.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years O&E
1.1.3.B. Work with Dublin non-profits to
populate volunteer opportunities on
sustainability volunteering section to help
promote involvement.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years O&E
1.1.3.C. Incorporate sustainability specific
education and programing into volunteer
recruitment efforts & events, and leverage
opportunities to provide marketing and
engagement for local sustainability-related
businesses.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years O&E
1.1.3.D. Recruit Sustainability
Ambassadors to oversee sustainable
volunteer services for the City.
Indirect $7+ Years O&E
1.1.3.E. Partner with existing Community
Sustainability Leader volunteer programs
or create a City-run program to empower
residents to be educators and build
engagement around the City’s
sustainability initiatives.
Indirect $7+ Years O&E
1.1.3.F. Create a City-staffed sustainability
booth to deploy at the Dublin Market at
Bridge Park.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
1.1.3.G. Add a compost bin to the Giving
Garden and use it as an educational
opportunity for volunteers to learn more
about composting
Indirect $1 - 3 Years O&E
1.1. Create a constellation of partners: Increase local and regional collaboration and education opportunities to
advance innovative, sustainable solutions.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202476
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
1.1.4.A. Expand outreach efforts for
participation in sustainability related
programming, such as the native plant,
compost bin, and rain barrel rebate
programs run through the Franklin Soil and
Water Conservation District.
Indirect $In Progress C&M
1.1.4.B. Facilitate neighborhood
educational outreach sessions to build
awareness and buy-in for Green
Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) at a
residential scale.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years C&M
1.1.4.C. Create a series of educational
materials about types of “upcycling”
materials and upcycling at home.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years C&M
1.1.5. Use Dublin's signature annual
events as a platform to lead by
example and build awareness of City
sustainability efforts.
1.1.5.A. Create a new Sustainability Fair
annual (or seasonal) event that engages
and educates residents on City
sustainability programming alongside
providing opportunities for marketing and
engagement for local sustainability-related
businesses.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years OCM
1.1.5.B. Leverage the Dublin Irish Festival
roadmap developed by the DIF
Sustainability Committee to expand
volunteer engagement focused on waste
management for other signature annual
City-led events.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Events
1.1.5.C. Collaborate with the Dublin Arts
Council to create an art installation at a
high visibility City facility, such as the
Dublin Community Recreation Center, to
use for education on sustainability
initiatives.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years P&R
1.1.5.D. Hire a consultant to review the
Dublin Irish Festival's current sustainability
initiatives and make recommendations on
future programs, including those that will
lower the carbon footprint and increase the
diversion rate to between 80-90% annually
by 2030.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years Events
1.1.4. Increase outreach through
expanding and developing new
outreach materials to promote City
sustainability programs and incentives.
Signature Events
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 77 DRAFT MAY 2024
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
1.1.6.A. Coordinate with Dublin City
Schools (DCS) and other local K-12
institutions to pilot educational programs
for sustainability in school.
Indirect $$7+ Years OCM
1.1.6.B. Encourage student advocacy
group and/or create parent sustainability
group to explore and identify opportunities
for sustainability actions or programs in
school.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
1.1.7.A. Offer recycling and composting in
classrooms and lunchrooms. Direct $3 - 7 Years OCM
Public Service
1.1.7.B. Implement a shared food bin at
schools to reduce food waste.Direct $3 - 7 Years OCM
Public Service
1.1.8.A. Continue pursuit of green
education pipeline between local K-12 and
higher education institutions.
Indirect $$7+ Years OCM
1.1.8.B. Identify existing university
programming aimed at primary to high
school level students and promote
participation by K-12 institutions.
Indirect $7+ Years OCM
1.1.8.C. Begin outreach to relevant
university departments and centers to
build more formal relationships to leverage
over time for collaborative sustainability
programming.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
1.1.9.A. Establish a corporate volunteering
page with the implementation of the new
volunteer management system that
highlights sustainable volunteer
opportunities.
Indirect $In Progress O&E
ED
1.1.9.B. Use the new volunteer
management system to track corporate
volunteering participation.
Indirect $In Progress O&E
1.1.10.A. Create an annual carbon
drawdown challenge for local businesses. Direct $3 - 7 Years ED
1.1.10.B. Develop a formal partnership
program to engage local green businesses
related to solar, building efficiency, or
other sustainability services around
mechanisms for improving accessibility to
residential energy efficiency
improvements.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years ED
1.1.10.C. Continue to partner with
sustainability contractors to reduce waste
at community events.
Direct $$7+ Years Events
1.1.8. Work with local higher
education institutions or research-
based institutions.
1.1.7. Discuss increasing the diversion
rate in schools.
Institutional
1.1.6 Leverage school partnerships to
offer sustainability programs at
schools.
1.1.10. Create new opportunities for
public private partnerships through
sustainability leadership and
programming.
1.1.9. Expand engagement with local
businesses on their sustainability
initiatives.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202478
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
1.1.11.A. Identify existing non-profit
organizations working in the region related
to sustainability (e.g. community
gardening, restoration volunteering) to
establish a Dublin-based sustainability
non-profit list.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years O&E
1.1.11.B. Explore opportunities to
collaborate with Dublin-based non-profits
to embed sustainability outreach &
education into non-profit programming
with a focus on youth-oriented non-profits.
Indirect $7+ Years O&E
1.1.11.C. Leverage non-profit capacity to
expand opportunities for and access to
community gardening and other food
production spaces.
Indirect $7+ Years O&E
1.1.12.A. Work to build strong partnerships
with regional organizations focused on
sustainability and resilience.
Indirect $7+ Years OCM
1.1.12.B. Continue to pursue opportunities
to participate in regional planning efforts
related to sustainability and regional
growth management.
Indirect $7+ Years OCM
1.1.12.C. Connect with surrounding cities
to identify new opportunities for aligned
planning efforts and City developments
related to transportation, parks, trails, and
natural space preservation.
Indirect $7+ Years OCM
1.2.1.A. Incorporate multi-modal
transportation recommendations from
Envision Dublin, which will in turn reduce
emissions.
Direct $$7+ Years CPD
1.2.1.B. Incorporate sustainability
objectives and relevant actions from the
Sustainability Plan into evaluation criteria
for reviewing future draft planning, code, or
other regulatory developments.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years CPD
1.1.11. Engage with local and regional
non-profits to align City sustainability
efforts with ongoing community
programs.
Envision Dublin
1.1.12. Foster collective impact
through regional collaboration.
1.2.1. Incorporate sustainable actions
into the Envision Dublin
implementation.
1.2. Integrate in local and regional planning contexts: Ensure local planning efforts are integrating sustainable
actions.
Regional Organizations
Non-Profit Organizations
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 79 DRAFT MAY 2024
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
1.2.2.A. Emphasize value of open or
natural space investments and
programming alongside planned
recreational improvements.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years P&R
CPD
1.2.2.B. Support the long-term objective of
utilizing best practices for parks & open
space development as they relate to
sustainability community education
programming.
Indirect $$7+ Years P&R
1.2.2.C. Prioritize neighborhood-park
connectivity through new park acquisitions
that would create more points of access
and connection to existing parks & trails.
Indirect $$$7+ Years P&R
1.2.3.A. Adopt the EV Infrastructure
Comprehensive Plan at City Council.Indirect $1 - 3 Years T&M
1.2.3.B. Implement recommendations
from the EV Infrastructure Comprehensive
Plan.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years T&M
1.2.4. Incorporate sustainability into
future planning efforts.
1.2.4.A. Identify opportunities for the
EcoDublin team to be incorporated as a
stakeholder in future planning efforts.
Indirect $In Progress CPD
1.3.1. Collaborate with the Dublin Arts
Council to foster art that highlights or
explores sustainability topics.
1.3.1.A. Pursue grant opportunities for the
funding of an artist residency program that
aims to increase public participation
levels.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years P&R
OCM
1.3.2.A. Perform annual engagement
methods review and survey peer cities for
new practices or strategies that could
improve outreach efficacy.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
1.3.2.B. Continue promotion across all
social media platforms and explore
additional opportunities for increased
promotion.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years C&M
1.3.2.C. Develop a media toolkit that will
include templates and branding for
sustainability communications on digital
and print platforms to maximize outreach
methods.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
1.2.3. Prioritize the implementation of
planning strategies and actions that
support Dublin's sustainability goals.
EV Infrastructure Comprehensive Plan
Future Planning
Parks & Recreation Master Plan
1.3 Amplify Dublin’s Sustainability Story: Develop clear and consistent communications regarding events, programs,
and opportunities for community participation.
1.2.2. Incorporate sustainable actions
into the Parks and Recreation Master
Plan implementation.
1.3.2. Improve outreach outcomes by
incorporating new engagement tools,
increasing outreach frequency, and
streamlining outreach material
creation processes.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202480
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
1.4.1.A. Analyze participation in the PACE
Program annually to understand the
diversity of impacts and identify
participation gaps to inform targeted
outreach.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years ED
1.4.1.B. Incorporate a sustainability
section in the annual community survey to
establish and track participation in
environmental programs and waste
management programs.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
1.4.2.A. Explore implications and
opportunities for rental property owners
when designing residential-oriented
programming.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years OCM
1.4.2.B. Diversify outreach methods to
mitigate potential access barriers, such as
limited internet access or English language
fluency, by using a combination of digital,
print, and other mechanisms, alongside
strategic translations.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years
C&M
O&E
DEI
Committee
1.4.2.C. Align sustainability outreach
efforts with ongoing DEI initiatives and
objectives to ensure that sustainability is
approachable for all.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years
C&M
O&E
DEI
Committee
1.5.1.A. Pursue a revised AO to expand
sustainable purchasing preference that
emphasizes circular products.
Direct $3 - 7 Years OCM
Finance
1.5.1.B. Perform annual exploratory
reviews of the region's existing businesses
that could provide products or services
that satisfy sustainable procurement
policies.
Direct $3 - 7 Years OCM
ED
1.5.1.C. Develop a sustainability clause for
City engineering/construction contracts
that requires or incentivizes more
sustainable services, such as a
requirement for building material recycling
during building demolition.
Direct $1 - 3 Years OCM
Finance
1.5. Champion Green Business: Create an ecosystem that encourages and supports the growth of environmentally
friendly businesses, buildings, markets, and technology.
Green Business Development
1.4. Embed Equity into Sustainability Leadership: Incorporate an equity lens into sustainability efforts to maximize
access and participation by all Dublin residents.
Equitable Evaluation
Equitable Access
1.4.1. Establish a process to measure
participation levels in City programs
that captures diversity-related metrics.
1.4.2. Ensure new City incentive
programs related to sustainability are
easily accessible and make
sustainability actions more affordable
for all residents.
1.5.1. Build off the City’s practice of
sustainable purchasing outlined in
administrative orders.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 81 DRAFT MAY 2024
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
1.5.2.A. Establish a Green Business
Leadership Roundtable comprised of
leaders from local businesses, institutions,
DCS, and City officials to identify, engage,
and promote leaders in sustainable
businesses from within Dublin’s local
business community.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years OCM
ED
1.5.2.B. Create City-provided green
business certifications for local
businesses to acknowledge and reward
sustainability improvements.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
1.5.2.C. Develop a green service provider
directory on the city website drawing from
certified local businesses.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
1.5.3.A. Identify existing positions that will
be responsible for implementing new
sustainable practices and programs across
city departments.
Indirect $In Progress HR
1.5.3.B. Engage with Human Resources to
evaluate current hiring criteria and desired
qualifications for new hires in
sustainability related positions to reflect
skill or capacity needs for Sustainability
Plan implementation.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years HR
1.5.3.C. Evaluate current Staff skills and
knowledge to identify capacity gaps that
could be addressed through trainings and
targeted professional development.
Indirect $$$3 - 7 Years HR
1.5.4.A. Pursue an adaptive-reuse
approach to aging business parks to
diversify uses and create more dynamic,
attractive business environments.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years CPD
ED
1.5.4.B. Leverage the ongoing Metro
Center revisioning process to explore
feasibility of guiding Metro Center
Revitalization towards Just Communities
(formerly EcoDistrict) qualifications.
Direct $$$$7+ Years CPD
ED
1.5.4. Explore feasibility of a green
business incubator in collaboration
with the existing business community
and local educational institutions.
1.5.3. Recruit, train, and retain a skilled
local government workforce to
implement municipal sustainability
actions.
Green Workforce Development
1.5.2. Develop new programs to
recognize, reward, and promote green
business practices.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202482
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
1.6.1.A. Catalog all data sources related to
Sustainability Plan metrics, including
department and Staff position(s)
responsible, frequency of collection,
output format, and any additional
processing required for usability.
Indirect $$1 - 3 Years OCM
I&T
1.6.1.B. Establish a process for reporting of
Plan metrics from respective responsible
departments to Staff responsible for
managing public data hub that sets clear
expectations for timely reporting.
Indirect $In Progress OCM
I&T
1.6.1.C. Develop a data management
training series to build data-use capacity
throughout the City with strategic
emphasis on Departments and Staff
related to key data generating operations.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years OCM
I&T
1.6.1.D. Conduct a Greenhouse Gas
Inventory every 2-3 years.Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
I&T
1.6.2.A. Identify additional sustainability-
related goals, objectives, and actions in
current and future plans that should be
incorporated into or referenced in the
dashboard.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years
OCM
CPD
C&M
1.6.2.B. Explore technical feasibility of
linking to website pages of sustainability
programs or opportunities from related
plan items on the dashboard.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
1.6.2. Create a public sustainability
dashboard with up-to-date progress
measures to help communicate
sustainability actions and impact.
1.6.1. Create a formal data
management strategy and processes
through collaboration between
departmental sustainability leads and
the Innovation & Technology
department to support ongoing
measurement and evaluation of
sustainability outcomes.
1.6 Institutionalize the use of Sustainability Data: Standardize and expand the use of Sustainability Data throughout
City operations to continually measure and evaluate Sustainability Plan progress.
Internal Data Management
Transparent Impact Measurement
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 83 DRAFT MAY 2024
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
2.1.1.A. Expand development of
sustainable transportation infrastructure.Direct $$$$7+ Years T&M
2.1.1.B. Expand the capacity of the City's
municipal bikeshare program by increasing
the City's fleet of E-bikes.
Direct $$7+ Years T&M
2.1.1.C. Include carpooling & other
alternatives to single occupancy driving
into green business certification criteria.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years T&M
2.1.1.D. Implement recommendations
related to EV public education materials &
outreach strategies from the EV
Infrastructure Comprehensive Plan.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years T&M
2.1.2.A. Incorporate National Association
of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)
Green Transitway guidance such as the
use of rain gardens and other GSI
landscape features into design of new
mobility hubs.
Direct $$7+ Years T&M
2.1.2.B. Identify priority areas for new
transit supportive development to align
with future route or service expansions
defined in COTA planning materials.
Indirect $In Progress T&M
2.1.2.C. Create opportunities to engage in
public/private partnerships with
developers interested in transit ready
developments to shape new built
environments to be ready for future transit
expansion.
Indirect $$7+ Years CPD
2.1.2.D. Encourage transit ridership by
installing canopies and furniture for rider
comfort and cooling, which further
contributes to reducing overall heat island
effects.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years T&M
2.1.2.E. Identify locations for car-free or
car-light zones that can be paired with high
density urban development to create a high-
quality and safe pedestrian environment.
Direct $3 - 7 Years T&M
2.1. Multi Modal City: Provide our increasingly diverse community access to a range of transportation options.
Connecting more people to more places.
Car Alternatives
Transit
2.1.2. Enable Transit-Supportive
Places.
2.1.1. Reduce Single Occupancy
Vehicle Commuting.
DESIGN SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202484
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
2.1.3.A. Pursue Walk Friendly Community
and Runner Friendly Community
designation.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years T&M
2.1.3.B. Continue to perform a biennial
accessibility audit of existing walking &
cycling infrastructure to identify any
existing accessibility barriers for
redressing.
Indirect $In Progress AMQA
2.1.3.C. Continue to expand bike
maintenance & safe storage amenities.Indirect $$$3 - 7 Years T&M
2.1.4.A. Initiate a cool corridors program
aimed to reduce heat impacts and improve
walking comfort for pedestrians by
prioritizing canopy additions using the Tree
Equity Score and Urban Heat Island
Severity.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years T&M
2.1.4.B. Build on existing Complete Streets
efforts to further incorporate green
infrastructure features to maximize co-
benefits.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years
P&R
Public Service
Engineering
2.2.1.A. Promote & facilitate neighborhood
disaster resilience planning.Indirect $1 - 3 Years Police
2.2.1.B. Collaborate with local nonprofits
to develop City-led emergency supply
program to collect donations and provide
no-cost supplies to lower-income families.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years O&E
Police
2.2.2.A. Assess current processes and
identify potential opportunities to clarify
the regulatory processes, provide
centralized information about funding
opportunities, and offer guidance on best
practices.
Indirect $In Progress CPD
2.2.2.B. Create new incentives for adaptive
reuse.Indirect $$3 - 7 Years CPD
ED
2.2.2. Foster an adaptive reuse
approach to redevelopment.
Complete Green Streets
2.2. Adapted City: Foster greater adaptive capacity through community resilience building and adaptive or sustainable
building development
2.1.4. Foster the development of
complete green streets.
2.1.3. Increase active transportation
and micro-mobility.
Community Resilience
Adaptive Reuse
2.2.1. Empower communities to
engage in neighborhood planning
processes focused on disaster
resilience and emergency preparation
at the community level.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 85 DRAFT MAY 2024
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
2.2.3.A. Review and identify energy
efficiency standards in adopted local and
statewide building codes and standards.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years CPD
2.2.3.B. Engage plan review staff, local
builders, and developers to understand
potential standard implementation
tradeoffs, including applicability to
residential structures.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years CPD
2.2.3.C. Hire a consultant to review the
code to identify any inconsistencies
related to sustainable development.
Indirect $$1 - 3 Years CPD
2.2.4. Create a Green Neighborhoods
subcommittee of EcoDublin
comprised of staff from key city
divisions with influence on the
development process in collaboration
with CSAC.
2.2.4.A. Perform annual review of current
best practices for green development
regulations and construction standards for
opportunities to revise existing standards.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years CPD
2.2.5.A. Increase frequency of outreach
and medium (social media, print, local
news) used to promote existing programs
such as PACE.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years CPI
ED
2.2.5.B. Extend existing sustainability and
development incentives (§ 153.041) to
additional zoning districts where
appropriately suited for intended density
bonuses.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years CPD
ED
2.2.6 Incorporate new incentives for
new construction that promote green
building or development certifications,
including provisions for LEED, SITES,
WELL, Green Globes and Energy Star
across all zoning categories.
2.2.6.A. Provide companies access to
programs that encourage building “green”
by incorporating additional internationally
recognized programs.
Direct $3 - 7 Years CPD
ED
2.2.7. Exemplify green building
methods through future municipal
building design and construction.
2.2.7.A. Evaluate future municipal new
construction needs to identify a pilot Living
Building Challenge project.
Direct $$$$7+ Years CPD
Facilities
2.2.5. Expand and maintain programs
that provide incentives and funding to
encourage green development and
sustainable building methods.
2.2.3. Assess what standards could be
updated to incorporate higher
standards for building performance
and energy conservation.
New Development
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202486
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
2.3.1.A. Develop annual energy use reports
and greenhouse gas emissions estimates
for City buildings to monitor progress
towards energy and emissions reductions
goals.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Facilities
I&T
2.3.1.B. Hire a consultant to identify
opportunities for energy efficiency
improvements in municipal facilities and
develop a facilities action plan that
identifies, prioritizes, and estimates costs
for energy efficiency improvements and
retrofits.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years Facilities
2.3.1.C. Work with an outside partner or
consultant to identify and quantify
potential carbon mitigation practices and
strategies for implementation within
Dublin city limits.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years OCM
2.3.1.D. Optimize City building
performance by continuing to install
energy efficient appliances, such as fitting
all City restrooms with energy efficient
hand dryers.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years OCM
2.3.2.A. Increase energy efficiency for
existing housing and rental properties
through outreach and incentive
programming.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years OCM
2.3.2.B. Increase energy efficiency for
existing commercial properties through
outreach and incentive programming.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years OCM
ED
2.3.2.C. Explore feasibility of establishing
new finance mechanisms for energy
efficiency improvements.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years OCM
ED
2.3.2. Reduce energy used by
residential and commercial properties
by 2% annually to reach 20%
reductions by 2035.
2.3.1. Achieve carbon neutrality by
reducing energy consumption and
emissions to the greatest extent
possible and offsetting remaining
emissions through carbon removal
and mitigation strategies.
Energy Efficiency
2.3. Efficient City: Reduce overall energy and water use through investment into efficiency measures for City,
residential, and commercial buildings.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 87 DRAFT MAY 2024
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
2.3.3.A. Engage Facilities Management to
establish a water use inventory on all City
buildings & facilities to inventory activities
that use water and the types of fixtures or
water-related equipment used.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Facilities
2.3.3.B. Retrofit all non-water efficient
fixtures throughout all City buildings &
facilities with water-efficient alternatives.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years Facilities
2.3.3.C. Explore opportunities to pilot
water re-use strategies at high-visibility
public facilities.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years Facilities
2.3.3.D. Improve system efficiency over
time through investments in innovative
technology, with an emphasis on smart
technologies that enhance monitoring
capabilities.
Direct $$$7+ Years Facilities
2.3.3.E. Re-evaluate maintenance
processes to identify opportunities to
incorporate additional quality checks on
water infrastructure during routine
maintenance to more efficiently find and
address equipment failures.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Facilities
2.3.4.A. Establish regular data sharing
protocols with the City of Columbus to
monitor water use by residential and non-
residential customers within Dublin city
limits and track progress.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Engineering
2.3.4.B. Explore feasibility of rebate
program for water efficient appliance
purchases.
Indirect $$1 - 3 Years OCM
Finance
2.3.4.C. Promote water conservation
through native landscaping and turf
conversion.
Direct $In Progress C&M
CPD
2.3.4. Reduce water use by residential
& commercial facilities by 2% annually
to reach 20% reductions by 2035.
2.3.3. Reduce water use by City
buildings & facilities by 2% annually to
reach 20% reductions by 2035.
Water Efficiency
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202488
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
2.4.1.A. Electrify 45% of the City's fleet by
2035.Direct $$$$In Progress Fleet
2.4.1.B. Actualize recommendations from
the EV Comprehensive Plan regarding
replacement of light duty fleet vehicles and
potential heavy duty electric vehicles as
technology advances.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Fleet
2.4.1.C. Implement recommendations
from the EV Comprehensive Plan to create
public-private collaborative funding
mechanisms to promote new EV charging
stations in multi-family and commercial
developments.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years T&M
2.4.1.D. Carry out the EV Comprehensive
Plan's recommended implementation
targets to increase Level 2 and DCFC port
availability by installing over 450 new ports
by 2030.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years T&M
2.4.2. Revisit the potential for a
community aggregation program.
2.4.1.1 Explore developing a community
aggregation program supported by
Ordinance 35-01 through partnership with
a renewable energy provider.
Direct $3 - 7 Years OCM
2.4.3.A. Identify opportunities to further
electrify parks and facilities maintenance
equipment.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years P&R
2.4.3.B. Identify infrastructure needs to
increase electric vehicles and equipment
within parks and facilities maintenance.
Indirect $$$3 - 7 Years P&R
Facilities
2.4.3.C. Assess existing rights-of-way
along major City-maintained corridors and
arterials for sites with sufficient area to
implement solar installations.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years P&R
2.4.3.D. Explore cost and maintenance
feasibility of solar surfacing materials for
new or rehabilitated trails.
Direct $$7+ Years P&R
2.4.3. Increase the use of renewable
energy sources at City facilities.
2.4.1. Reduce or eliminate dirty
diesel/standard fuel vehicles from the
City’s fleet.
2.4 Renewable City: Increase the use of renewable energy by the City, residents, and local businesses.
Electric Vehicles
Municipal Solar
Community Aggregation
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 89 DRAFT MAY 2024
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
2.4.4.A. Evaluate current regulation and
explore opportunities for changes that
could increase solar access to solar
panels.
Direct $In Progress CPD
2.4.4.B. Encourage a group solar purchase
program to help communities organize
resources, access solar providers, and
design for multi-household solar projects.
Direct $3 - 7 Years OCM
CPD
2.4.4. Increase renewable energy
generation and storage for residents &
commercial buildings.
Residential & Commercial Solar
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202490
SUPPORT THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
3.1.1.A. Collaborate Dublin’s water
management efforts with regional water
adaptation strategies and planning
objectives.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Engineering
3.1.1.B. Create a One-Water Framework
that unifies all City water-related planning
efforts within a holistic approach to City-
wide water management.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Engineering
3.1.2. Incorporate water efficiency
strategies such as stormwater
retention and reuse into new municipal
developments and redevelopment
projects.
3.1.2.A. Champion a pilot project at a
community park for on-site stormwater
retention and reuse that explores the
feasibility of installing underground
storage capacity at new or redeveloped
parks.
Direct $$$$3 - 7 Years Engineering
P&R
3.1.3.A. Leverage ongoing water quality
monitoring processes to reduce stream
impairment.
Indirect $$1 - 3 Years O&E
Engineering
3.1.3.B. Collaborate with regional colleges
or universities and/or the Ohio Department
of Natural Resources, with consultant
support as necessary, to create pest and
invasive management plans.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years Public Service
3.1.3.C. Build on current practices related
to monitoring critical waterways for illegal
discharges, including field observation
protocols and response measures.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Engineering
Public Service
3.1.3.D. Add an illegal or suspicious
discharge report option to the GoDublin
app.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years AMQA
3.1.3. Continue to develop capacities
and procedures for maintaining and
improving water quality in critical
natural waterways.
3.1.1. Coordinate with regional
organizations and utility providers
to expand and deepen Dublin’s
water planning efforts &
coordination.
3.1 Blue City: Improve the quality of municipal and natural water resources through regional collaboration and more
robust water quality programs and regulations.
Water Management
Water Resource Protection
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 91 DRAFT MAY 2024
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
3.1.4.A. Regularly review & update erosion
control requirements to reflect current
best management practices.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Engineering
3.1.4.B. Assess erosion and sediment
control inspection processes to identify
areas for strengthened oversight.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Engineering
3.1.4.C. Review Section 51.02 of the
Development Code for opportunities to
provide more robust guidance on design
and installation requirements for on-site
sewage disposal.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Engineering
3.1.4.D. Create new outreach materials
about best practices for household sewage
treatment systems maintenance and how
to identify potential contamination issues.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
Engineering
3.1.4.E. Help connect residents to
technical assistance providers related to
well-water quality measuring and septic
maintenance.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years Engineering
3.1.5.A. Retrofit city-owned stormwater
detention basins to pilot Green Stormwater
Infrastructure (GSI) features alongside
public education components such as
interpretive signage to build awareness of
NBS.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years P&R
Engineering
3.1.5.B. Continue to expand the use of
nature-based solutions used for the design
of City building beyond GSI to incorporate
passive heating/cooling strategies, such
canopy shading or hedge windbreaks.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years Facilities
Engineering
3.1.6.A. Expand existing Community
Backyards program to include a Rain
Garden Cost Share Program.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Engineering
3.1.6.B. Engage with the Franklin Soil and
Water Conservation District to build off
existing Community Backyard program to
partner on a Commercial Business Rebate.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years O&E
Engineering
3.1.6.C. Identify opportunities to
incorporate NBS improvements into
existing incentive programs.
Indirect $$1 - 3 Years ED
3.1.5. Deepen City engagement with
nature-based solutions (NBS).
3.1.4. Reduce private contributions to
stream impairment through expanded
code enforcement and community
outreach.
Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) + Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI)
3.1.6. Establish new community-
centered programs to promote and
expand the use of nature-based
solutions.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202492
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
3.1.7.A. Expand the existing Stormwater
Grant program available to HOAs to apply
to additional GSI features.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Engineering
3.1.7.B. Collaborate with local GSI-related
businesses, such as engineers or
landscape designers to provide technical
assistance to neighborhoods looking to
incorporate GSI into their community
stormwater infrastructure.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Engineering
3.2.1.A. Explore feasibility for pilot project
opportunities at city facilities, such as new
pollinator habitat plantings or graywater re-
use projects.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years Facilities
Public Service
3.2.1.B. Support expansion and acquisition
of future natural areas through
implementation of the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years P&R
3.2.1.C. Establish ecological criteria
drawing from the UN Sustainable
Development Goals and ICLEI resources to
guide all future planning efforts.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years CPD
3.2.1.D. Strengthen management and
coordination for Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs) and maintenance of
natural areas.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years Public Service
3.2.1.E. Create a centralized database of
the upper-, mid-, and understory canopy
vegetation.
Direct $$$3 - 7 Years Public Service
I&T
3.2.1.F. Strengthen ongoing invasives
management efforts by producing an
annual invasives prioritization plan.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Public Service
3.2.1. Enhance the quality of natural
spaces on City-owned land through
pilot projects, future planning, and
coordination of maintenance and
management.
3.1.7. Increase resident and
neighborhood participation in City
efforts to expand GSI.
Natural Areas
3.2 Regenerative City: Protect, preserve, and regenerate Dublin’s environment throughout the City, leading by
example through City-led projects and more ecologically-driven development processes.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 93 DRAFT MAY 2024
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
3.2.2.A. Strengthen new or redevelopment
requirements for open space to specify
higher percentages of native and/or
adapted plantings and to prioritize non-turf
green space.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years CPD
3.2.2.B. Collaborate with local
environmental groups to build capacity for
a program to collect native plants during
pre-construction of new greenfield
developments to propagate for municipal
plantings and share through community
programs.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years
O&E
CPD
P&R
3.2.2.C. Amend soil erosion and sediment
control plan requirements to recommend
prioritizing the maintenance of
undisturbed existing vegetation for more
resilient erosion control by maintaining
deeper root systems in place.
Direct $3 - 7 Years Engineering
3.2.2.D. Continue to promote the use of
native plants when reviewing Beautify Your
Neighborhood Grant applications.
Indirect $In Progress CPD
3.2.3. Evaluate city restrictions on
landscaping plant height, plant debris
or leaves, and material aesthetic
preferences to remove potential
barriers.
3.2.3.A. Identify landscape material
requirements (§ 153.135) that could allow
for more native planting features.
Direct $3 - 7 Years CPD
3.2.4. Support ongoing MORPC efforts
to assess air quality with a City focus
on the impacts of roadway emissions.
3.2.4.A. Partner with MORPC to determine
appropriate remediation steps, should the
Air Quality Index indicate a high level of air
pollution.
Indirect $$3 - 7 Years T&M
Air Quality
3.2.2. Improve new development
practices regarding the preservation of
existing natural features.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202494
ACHIEVE ZERO WASTE
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
4.1.1.A. Establish Deconstruction
Ordinance that builds off current city
practices for deconstruction in municipal
building projects.
Direct $$3 - 7 Years CPD
4.1.1.B. Explore feasibility of utilizing
existing or new municipal building space to
develop a building material reuse center.
Direct $$$7+ Years CPD
Public Service
4.1.2.A. Identify and engage with
organizations to establish a “Soft Recycling
Program.”
Direct $3 - 7 Years Public Service
4.1.2.B. Collaborate with the DAC to create
a craft material recycling program that
accepts donations of craft goods to
repurpose for community art programs.
Direct $1 - 3 Years Public Service
OCM
4.1.2.C. Establish a list of businesses that
will upcycle different materials in Dublin
and the surrounding area.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years OCM
4.1.3. Prioritize the establishment of
circular economy through food
systems.
4.1.3.A. Host a roundtable session with
food industry representatives to identify
opportunities to facilitate more
sustainable food system processes or
products.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years OCM
ED
4.1.4.A. Collaborate with local food
pantries to promote food donation
collection points at key City buildings like
the Dublin Community Recreation Center.
Indirect $In Progress C&M
4.1.4.B. Create a food donation program to
help connect food-related businesses
(including grocers, restaurants, etc.) with
food donation receiving organizations or
businesses.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years O&E
OCM
4.1 Circular City: Reduce overall waste generation and foster a more sustainably-oriented economy through cyclical
economics, expanded access to recycling and composting, and greater connectivity with local food-related industries.
Circular Economy
4.1.1. Formalize deconstruction
and material reuse as standard
operating procedures for
redevelopment processes.
4.1.4. Foster behavioral changes
around food waste through
collaboration with local food pantries
to provide food donation programming
for residents and local businesses.
4.1.2. Foster the development of
circular industries through
programming that supports the reuse
of cyclical materials.
ACTION PLAN
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 95 DRAFT MAY 2024
Strategy Action Impact Cost Timeframe Lead
4.1.5. Mitigate the climate impacts of
traditional food systems by connecting
residents and Dublin businesses with
local food producers.
4.1.5.A. Develop partnerships with Visit
Dublin, the Chamber of Commerce, and
other relevant organizations to create
opportunities for agricultural producers
from the broader Dublin area to connect
with local food-related businesses.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years ED
OCM
4.1.6.A. Explore potential opportunities to
increase commercial recycling programs
to provide recycling access for multifamily
residents.
Direct $1 - 3 Years
OCM
Public Service
CPD
4.1.6.B. Pilot an additional styrofoam, e-
waste, & composting drop off location at a
central location in Dublin.
Direct $1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.6.C. Expand e-waste drop-off to at
least one (1) additional City buildings to
increase accessibility.
Direct $1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.6.D. Continue to engage with the City’s
waste hauler and SWACO to increase
recycling education efforts.
Indirect $In Progress Public Service
C&M
4.1.6.E. Explore feasibility of incorporating
an integration on the City’s recycling
webpage to allow residents to search
material by name and determine the
appropriate disposal method.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years C&M
Public Service
4.1.6.F. Offer additional recycling bins or a
larger size option at the request of
residents.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.6.H. Partner with SWACO to help
residents and the business community
determine appropriate ways to divert hard-
to-recycle materials.
Direct $$1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.7.A. Expand the composting program
to provide another drop-off location for
increased accessibility.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Public Service
4.1.7.B. Develop and promote how-to
materials and support programming to
encourage backyard composting.
Indirect $1 - 3 Years Public Service
C&M
4.1.7.C. Engage with local haulers to
explore the feasibility of a partnership for
curbside compost pick-up. The cost would
be determined as part of the feasibility
study.
Indirect $3 - 7 Years Public Service
Recycling & Diversion
4.1.7. Expand residential composting
capacity through partnerships, greater
access, and education.
4.1.6. Expand community recycling
through continued education and
improved accessibility.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202496
IN-PROGRESS
Model Sustainable Leadership
1.1.4 Promote City sustainability programs and incentives
1.1.9 Engage local businesses on sustainability initiatives
1.5.3 Recruit, train, and retain green workforce
1.6.1 Create data management strategy and processes
Design Sustainable Communities
2.1.2 Enable Transit-Supportive Places
2.1.3 Increase active transportation and micro-mobility
2.2.2 Foster adaptive reuse approach to redevelopment
2.3.4 Reduce residential and commercial water use
2.4.1 Reduce or eliminate dirty diesel/standard fuel vehicles from the
City's fleet
2.4.4 Increase renewable energy generation and storage for residential
and commercial buildings
Support the Natural Environment
3.2.2 Improve new development practices in preservation of existing
natural features
Achieve Zero Waste
4.1.4 Collaborate with local food pantries for food donation
4.1.6 Expand community recycling
SHORT 1-3 YEARS
Model Sustainable Leadership
1.1.1 Coordinate with CSAC for community partnerships.
1.1.3 Create sustainability focused community volunteering opportunities
1.1.5 Use signature annual events to lead by example and build
awareness
1.1.10 Create public private partnerships through leadership and
programming
1.1.11 Engage non-profits to align efforts with ongoing programs
1.2.3 Prioritize implementation of planning strategies and actions to
support sustainability goals
1.3.2 Improve outreach and engagement
1.4.1 Ensure equitable evaluation and participation in City programs
1.4.2 Ensure equitable access to incentive programs and sustainability
actions.
1.5.1 Build off sustainable purchasing outlined in administrative orders.
1.5.2 Promote green business practices
1.6.1 Create data management strategy and processes
1.6.2 Create sustainability dashboard
Design Sustainable Communities
2.1.1 Reduce single occupancy vehicle commuting
2.2.1 Pursue community level disaster resilience and emergency
preparation planning
2.2.3 Assess and update building performance and energy conservation
standards
2.2.4 Create a Green Neighborhoods subcommittee of EcoDublin
2.3.1 Reduce energy consumptions and emissions for carbon neutrality
2.3.3 Reduce water use by City buildings and facilities
2.3.4 Reduce residential and commercial water use
2.4.1 Reduce or eliminate dirty diesel/standard fuel vehicles from the
City's fleet
2.4.3 Increase use of renewable energy sources at City facilities
Support the Natural Environment
3.1.3 Develop capacities and procedures for maintaining and improving
water quality in critical natural waterways
3.1.4 Reduce private contributions to stream impairment
3.1.6 Establish community centered programs to promote nature-based
solutions
3.1.7 Increase resident and neighborhood participation in City efforts to
expand GSI
3.2.1 Enhance quality of natural spaces on City-owned land
3.2.2 Improve new development practices in preservation of existing
natural features
Achieve Zero Waste
4.1.2 Foster development of circular industries
4.1.4 Collaborate with local food pantries for food donation
4.1.6 Expand community recycling
4.1.7 Expand residential composting capacity
OVERVIEW OF IMPLEMENTATION
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 97 DRAFT MAY 2024
LONG 7+ YEARS
Model Sustainable Leadership
1.1.3 Create sustainability focused community volunteering
opportunities
1.1.6 Offer sustainability programs at schools
1.1.8 Work with local higher education institutions
1.1.10 Create public private partnerships through leadership and
programming
1.1.11 Engage non-profits to align efforts with ongoing programs
1.1.12 Work with regional organizations
1.2.1 Incorporate in Envision Dublin implementation
1.2.2 Incorporate in PRMP implementation
1.5.4 Explore feasibility of Green business incubator
Design Sustainable Communities
2.1.1 Reduce single occupancy vehicle commuting
2.1.2 Enable Transit-Supportive Places
2.2.7 Exemplify green building methods through future municipal
building design and construction
2.3.3 Reduce water use by City buildings and facilities
2.4.3 Increase use of renewable energy sources at City facilities
Achieve Zero Waste
4.1.1 Formalize deconstruction and material reuse for
redevelopment
MEDIUM 4-7 YEARS
Model Sustainable Leadership
1.1.2 Guide development of more sustainability-supportive bylaws and regulations
1.1.3 Create sustainability focused community volunteering opportunities
1.1.4 Promote City sustainability programs and incentives
1.1.5 Use signature annual events to lead by example and build awareness
1.1.6 Offer sustainability programs at schools
1.1.7 Increase diversion rate in schools
1.1.8 Work with local higher education institutions
1.1.10 Create public private partnerships through leadership and programming
1.2.1 Incorporate in Envision Dublin implementation
1.2.2 Incorporate in PRMP implementation
1.2.3 Prioritize implementation of planning strategies and actions to support
sustainability goals
1.3.1 Collaborate with DAC to foster art
1.3.2 Improve outreach and engagement
1.4.2 Ensure equitable access to incentive programs and sustainability actions.
1.5.2 Promote green business practices
1.5.3 Recruit, train, and retain green workforce
1.5.4 Explore feasibility of Green business incubator
1.6.1 Create data management strategy and processes
Design Sustainable Communities
2.1.1 Reduce single occupancy vehicle commuting
2.1.2 Enable Transit-Supportive Places
2.1.3 Increase active transportation and micro-mobility
2.1.4 Foster development of complete green streets
2.2.2 Foster adaptive reuse approach to redevelopment
2.2.5 Expand and maintain green development program incentives and funding
2.2.6 Create new incentives for promoting green building or development certifications
2.3.1 Reduce energy consumptions and emissions for carbon neutrality
2.3.2 Reduce residential and commercial energy
2.3.3 Reduce water use by City buildings and facilities
2.3.4 Reduce residential and commercial water use
2.4.1 Reduce or eliminate dirty diesel/standard fuel vehicles from the City's fleet
2.4.2 Revisit potential for community aggregation program
2.4.3 Increase use of renewable energy sources at City facilities
2.4.4 Increase renewable energy generation and storage for residential and commercial
buildings
Support the Natural Environment
3.1.1 Expand and deepen Dublin's water planning efforts and coordination
3.1.2 Incorporate water efficiency strategies into new municipal developments and
redevelopment projects
3.1.3 Develop capacities and procedures for maintaining and improving water quality in
critical natural waterways
3.1.4 Reduce private contributions to stream impairment
3.1.5 Deepen City engagement with nature-based solutions
3.2.1 Enhance quality of natural spaces on City-owned land
3.2.2 Improve new development practices in preservation of existing natural features
3.2.3 Remove City barriers for native planting features
3.2.4 Support MORPC efforts to assess air quality
Achieve Zero Waste
4.1.1 Formalize deconstruction and material reuse for redevelopment
4.1.2 Foster development of circular industries
4.1.3 Prioritize establishment of circular economy through food systems
4.1.5 Connect residents and businesses with local food producers
4.1.7 Expand residential composting capacity
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 202498
GLOSSARY
BIOSWALES
Bioswales are shallow, vegetated channels that slow
down and infiltrate storm water runoff. Bioswales use
an engineered soil sub-base made of topsoil, sand
and compost. The vegetation and rocks in the trench
reduce the velocity of the runoff and filter suspended
sediments from the water. Bioswales are best suited
along roadways and parking lots and sometimes
act as pre-treatment devices for other storm water
management practices.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP)
A capital improvement plan is a dynamic community
planning and fiscal management tool used to
coordinate the location, timing, and financing of capital
improvements over a multi-year period. It is critically
important and one of the major responsibilities for a
government entity.
COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION (CSAC)
The Community Services Advisory Commission (CSAC)
serves as Dublin’s community sustainability team,
with the EcoDublin group serving as staff's internal
advisory committee. The CSAC includes 7 residents
appointment by City Council and meets the second
Tuesday of each month.
COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG)
Compressed natural gas is a fuel which can be used
in place of gasoline, diesel fuel and propane. CNG
combustion burns cleaner than the fuels mentioned
above.
CREEK RESTORATION
Creek restoration is the process of uncovering and
restoring natural rivers or creeks that were modified
by development. Restored creek beds provide a
natural path that slows runoff and removes pollutants
from the water. Creek restoration uses plants and
vegetation to help absorb and control the flow of
runoff. Creek restoration is best suited for waterways
that experience major flooding in rain events and or
adjacent to large developments.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION (DEI)
Values that help create fairer, more accessible
workplaces for all. By acting on DEI values,
organizations can support individuals of different
ethnicities, religions, abilities, races, sexual
orientations, gender, political perspectives, and
backgrounds, resulting in more inclusive workplaces.
Diversity – The presence of different and multiple
characteristics that make up individual and collective
identities, including race, gender, age, religion, sexual
orientation, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic
status, language, and physical ability.
Equity – The process of identifying and removing
the barriers that create disparities in the access to
resources and means, and the achievement of fair
treatment and equal opportunities to thrive. See also
equality.
Inclusion – Is creating environments in which any
individual or group can be and feel welcomed,
respected, supported and valued to participate fully.
DUBLIN ARTS COUNCIL (DAC)
DAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supported
in part by the City of Dublin’s hotel/motel tax. Their
mission is to engage the community, cultivate creativity,
and foster life-long learning through the arts.
DUBLIN CITY SCHOOLS (DCS)
Dublin City Schools (DCS) is the 9th largest district
in the State of Ohio. The boundaries of the district
encompass 47 square miles and include parts of
Dublin, Columbus, Hilliard, and Upper Arlington.
Dublin City Schools works to continuously improve
its practices and provide students with world-class
instruction and a well-rounded education.
DUBLIN COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER (DCRC)
The Dublin Community Recreation Center is home
to state-of-the-art facilities that provide value,
convenience, flexibility, and professional, personalized
service. It is committed to providing quality recreation
programs and facilities for the Dublin community.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 99 DRAFT MAY 2024
DUBLIN IRISH FESTIVAL (DIF)
Dublin Irish Festival is an annual music and cultural
festival held in Dublin.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV)
A vehicle that can be powered by an electric motor that
draws electricity from a battery and is capable of being
charged from an external source. An EV includes both
a vehicle that can only be powered by an electric motor
that draws electricity from a battery (all-electric vehicle)
and a vehicle that can be powered by an electric motor
that draws electricity from a battery and by an internal
combustion engine (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle).
FRANKLIN SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (FSWCD)
Soil and water conservation districts are subdivisions
of the state, organized under ORC 940, and
conterminous with county boundaries. Franklin
Soil and Water Conservation District’ s mission is
to promote responsible land use decisions for the
conservation, protection and improvement of soil
and water resources by providing information and
assistance through effective partnering, technical
guidance and education.
GASOLINE GALLON EQUIVALENT (GGE)
Gallon of Gasoline Equivalent is the typical way CNG is
sold at public fueling stations and the typical way that
CNG tanks are rated.
GREEN ROOFS
A green roof is covered in vegetation that helps reduce
the amount of storm water runoff from the top of a
building or structure. Green roofs generally consist of
multiple layers, including a waterproof membrane, an
insulation layer, growing media and vegetation. The
layers retain storm water, which eventually evaporates
from the plants or growing media or it gradually trickles
down, reducing the demand on storm drainage during
rain events. Green roofs are best suited for areas where
open space or other BMPs are not suitable.
GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE (GSI)
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) is a suite of
“systems and practices that restore and maintain
natural hydrologic processes in order to reduce the
volume and water quality impacts of stormwater
runoff.” Riparian buffers, green roofs, bioswales,
cisterns, permeable pavements and constructed
wetlands are all examples of GSI
HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR
CONDITIONING (HVAC)
The main parts of an HVAC system are a heating,
a ventilation, and an air-conditioning unit(s).
Furthermore, modern systems include an air filtration
and cleaning element as well.
ICLEI LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR SUSTAINABILITY
ICLEI is a global network of local and regional
governments committed to sustainable urban
development that influences sustainability policy and
drives local action for low emissions, nature-based,
equitable, resilient and circular development.
MID-OHIO REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION (MORPC)
MORPC is an association of cities, villages, townships,
counties and regional organizations serving Central
Ohio. The organization brings communities of all sizes
and interests together to collaborate on best practices
and plan for the future growth of Central Ohio. MORPC
does this through a variety of programs, services,
projects and initiatives – all with the goal of improving
the lives of residents and making Central Ohio stand
out on the world stage.
MID STORY CANOPY
Intermediate canopy layer, including trees below the
overstory and above the understory layer.
NATURE BASED SOLUTION
Nature-based Solutions are actions to protect,
conserve, restore, and sustainably use and manage
ecosystems. These solutions addresses social,
economic and environmental challenges in a way
that simultaneously benefits human well-being and
biodiversity. In other words, they are interventions
that use nature and the natural functions of healthy
ecosystems to tackle major challenges like climate
change, disaster risk reduction, food and water
security, biodiversity loss, and human health.
OHIO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (OEPA)
The Ohio EPA protects the environment and public
health by ensuring compliance with environmental
laws and encouraging environmental stewardship.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 2024100
ONE WATER FRAMEWORK
A transformative way of viewing, valuing, and
managing water. The One Water approach manages
all water—whether from the tap, a stream, a storm,
an aquifer, or a sewer—in a collaborative, integrated,
inclusive, and holistic manner.
OPEN SPACE
Open space is an area of land set aside during the
development process for public or private use, or
as open space and may include forests, stream
buffers, floodplains and wetlands. Little maintenance
is required and the spaces provide storm water
management benefits. These spaces reduce the
amount of impervious surface in developments which
helps retain runoff and lower the amount of pollutants
entering the waterways. Open space is best suited in
or around areas with dense development.
PERMEABLE PAVEMENTS
Alternatives to concrete and asphalt, permeable
pavements allow rainfall to pass through and infiltrate
into the ground below. Permeable pavement includes
pervious concrete, porous asphalt, interlocking
concrete pavers and grid pavers. Storm water moves
through the surface of the pavement into a storage
layer below and then slowly seeps into the soil. This
technique is best suited for pavement areas with
low speeds like parking lots and sidewalks. Planter
boxes are rectangular, enclosed spaces generally
implemented below the line of pavement. Openings
in the vertical walls allow storm water to gradually
run from the impervious surface into the planter box.
Storm water temporarily pools in the box and slowly
infiltrates through layers of vegetation, soil and gravel
into the ground. Planter boxes are suited to urban
areas where space is limited.
PROPERTY ASSESSED GREEN ENERGY (PACE)
PACE is an innovative financing structure for improving
buildings through energy efficiency and alternative
energy projects. Established in Ohio in 2009 as a
form of energy special improvement districts (ESID)
for energy projects under Ohio Revised Code (ORC)
1710. The Columbus-Franklin County Finance
Authority administers PACE financing for Central Ohio
businesses, non-profits and local governments.
RAIN GARDENS
Rain gardens are vegetated depressions that collect and
treat storm water. The runoff flows downhill into the
basin, where it collects into a pool. Over time, the runoff
seeps into the soil where some of it is used by the plants.
The vegetation in rain gardens is generally native to
the area to encourage infiltration and biofiltration. Rain
gardens are best suited for small areas of land, like a
residential yard or a parking lot barrier.
RETENTION PONDS
Retention ponds hold water from storm events for
extended periods of time, controlling the amount of
storm water runoff. These ponds hold permanent
bodies of water, which slows runoff and allows
sediments and pollutants to settle to the bottom.
Underground pipes connect storm drains to retention
ponds where small amounts of water are released
gradually. Retention ponds are best suited for large
areas where water can be diverted and recharge
ground water as needed.
SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY OF CENTRAL OHIO (SWACO)
The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO)
serves Franklin County and neighboring areas with
solutions for solid waste.
STREET TREES
Common in urban areas, street trees reduce runoff by
collecting rainfall from streets, sidewalks and parking
areas. Storm water runoff is captured and stored in the
roots and leaves and then released to the atmosphere
through evapotranspiration. Tree roots and fallen leaves
also improve runoff infiltration in the soil. Street trees
slow and store runoff which decreases flooding and
erosion. Additional benefits of street trees are shade for
pedestrians and aesthetics. Street trees are best suited
along roadways, sidewalks, or parking areas.
UNDERGROUND STORAGE
Underground storage holds storm water runoff during
peak flows. Rain water runs into an underground
storage chamber. Once the chamber is filled, the runoff
is either slowly discharged into an underdrain or directly
into the groundwater. Underground storage slows the
runoff and reduces the demand placed on storm water
drains during large rain events. The chambers also
reduce the chance of flooding and combined sewer
overflow. Underground storage is best suited for areas
that cannot accommodate water retention facilities.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 101 DRAFT MAY 2024
UNDERSTORY
Lowermost canopy layer including seedlings, saplings
and other small trees.
URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTOR’S
NETWORK (USDN)
The USDN is a peer-to-peer network of local government
professionals from cities across the United States and
Canada dedicated to creating a healthier environment.
URBAN TREE CANOPY
The layer of tree leaves, branches, and stems from all
publicly and privately owned deciduous and coniferous
trees, forests, and understory within urban settlement
areas, which provide measurable coverage of the ground.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 2024102
OVERVIEW
This Greenhouse Gas Inventory attempts to measure
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions created by City of
Dublin operations and residents and workers within
Dublin. By tracking greenhouse gas emissions, the City
can identify strategy relevant strategies to reduce or
mitigate its relative contributions to the greenhouse
effect and climate change. The City’s greenhouse gas
contributions constitute its carbon footprint.
The greenhouse gas inventory reviewed 2022 data and
utilized ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability’s
ClearPath tool to calculate emissions for two tracks:
government operations and the overall community
scale. The government operations track captures
emissions created by local government operations
such as buildings and facilities, vehicle and transit
fleets, and utilities. The community scale includes all
emissions produced within the locality’s jurisdiction,
including energy consumed by residential and non-
residential buildings, transportation, and water and
wastewater treatment processes.
The development of the inventories was guided to be
compliant with established protocols, including the
Local Government Operations Protocol (LGOP) (2010)
and US Community Protocol (USCP).
Because energy sources produce different mixes
of the six internationally recognized greenhouse
gases which directly impact the climate (Carbon
dioxide (CO2); Methane (CH4); Nitrous oxide (N2O);
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs); Perfluorocarbons (PFCs);
and Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)), overall emissions
are summarized as metric tons of carbon dioxide
equivalents (MT CO2e).
ASSUMPTIONS
EPA eGRID 2021 emissions factors for the RFC West
(RFCW) subregion loaded into ClearPath were used to
estimate emissions from grid electricity consumption.
ClearPath-provided national default emissions factors
were used for natural gas combustion, vehicle fuel
economy, and landfilling.
2022 data was used for all modeled/measured
variables within the City of Dublin. 2021 data was only
used as a basis for factors and assumptions.
GOVERNMENT
OPERATIONS
The two sectors included in the Government
Operations inventory are Buildings and Facilities and
Fleet Vehicles.
Buildings and Facilities
City staff provided electricity and natural gas billing
records for six buildings: City Hall, the Development
Building / Old City Hall, the Fleet Management facility,
the Justice Center, the Recreation Center, and the
Service Center. Square footages and general operating
hours were provided for context and assessing
building performance. Information on grid electricity
and natural gas consumption by City buildings and
facilities is provided in Table GHG-1 and GHG-2.
Fleet Vehicles
City staff provided a detailed summary of annual
mileage and fuel usage for each vehicle within the
city's fleet. These vehicles were grouped by their
respective fuel and type (passenger vehicle, light
truck, heavy truck) for input into ClearPath. Fleet
vehicle mileage breakouts are provided in Table GHG-
3. Electric vehicle fueling is captured in grid electricity
at buildings and facilities.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 103 DRAFT MAY 2024
GHG INVENTORY METHODS
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 2024104
COMMUNITY SCALE
Sectors evaluated included Residential Energy,
Commercial Energy, Transportation & Mobile Sources,
Solid Waste, and Water & Wastewater. Industrial
Energy is included in Commercial Energy, as industrial
customers were not distinguished from commercial
customers in data provided.
Residential Energy and Commercial
Energy
Grid electricity consumption data provided by AEP
Ohio and natural gas consumption data provided by
Columbia Gas were used to estimate residential energy
consumption. While other providers may be present
within Dublin, these two providers are assumed to be
the primary providers of residential energy in Dublin.
Commercial grid electricity information from AEP
Ohio includes both commercial and public customers.
Industrial customers were not provided separately and
are assumed to be included in commercial customers.
Information on grid electricity and natural gas
consumption by residential customers is provided
in Table GHG-4, and commercial customer usage is
provided in Table GHG-5.
Transportation & Mobile Sources
Modeled VMT for 2022 was provided by MORPC
staff for Passenger Vehicles and Freight and Service
Trucks and all integrated trips originating within the
community and all integrated trips with the destination
within the community. To reduce potential double-
counting, values were divided by 2 to bring them more
in line with regional estimates.
Next, passenger and freight vehicles were broken
out into gasoline and diesel vehicles. Mileage was
allocated to vehicle types based on statewide VMT
by vehicle type from 2019 and 2020 that were
derived from the EPA’s State Inventory Tool’s Mobile
Combustion Module, version 2023.2.
Estimates are provided in Table GHG-6.
Solid Waste
Tonnage estimates for a variety of waste types
were provided by City staff. Only landfilled trash
tonnage (municipal solid waste) was included in
this calculation, as other waste types (e.g. leaves,
yard waste, recycling) included in the estimates are
diverted from landfills. Process emissions assuming
diesel vehicles were also generated based on the
tonnage of landfilled waste. Estimates are provided in
Table GHG-7 and Table GHG-8.
Water & Wastewater
Dublin does not provide water or wastewater
treatment services: these services are provided
for most Dublin residents by the City of Columbus
Department of Public Utilities (Columbus DPU). It is
not possible to estimate Dublin's use of individual
treatment facilities due to interconnections in the
water and wastewater systems and a lack of metering
for wastewater flows. In order to ensure consistency
across regional greenhouse gas inventories and
minimize potential error with treatment plant
calculations, the City of Columbus’ 2021 Greenhouse
Gas Inventory prepared by MORPC was used as the
basis for these estimates.
Annualized finished drinking water consumption
data for customers in Dublin was provided by
Columbus DPU, and a 2022 engineering estimate for
the "average daily contributory flow" from Dublin's
contracted wastewater service area as used as the
basis for estimating wastewater use. These records
were annualized and converted to MGY (millions of
gallons per year) for comparability. These estimates
of Dublin's water and wastewater use were divided by
the total treatment volumes published in Columbus
DPU's 2022 Annual Report to approximate the
percentage of emissions incurred by Columbus DPU
facilities that could be attributed to Dublin residents.
Estimates are provided in Table GHG-9.
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 105 DRAFT MAY 2024
BUILDING INPUT UNIT SQUARE
FOOTAGE
OPERATING
HOURS MT CO2 E
City Hall 644,640 kWh 31,675 9 308
Development / Old
City Hall 301,680 kWh 22,770 9 144
Fleet Management 332,960 kWh 32,600 9 159
Justice Building 895,200 kWh 78,380 24 427
Recreation Center 1,654,200 kWh 113,113 15 790
Service Center 824,880 kWh 68,139 9 394
BUILDING INPUT UNIT SQUARE
FOOTAGE
OPERATING
HOURS MT CO2 E
City Hall 361 MMBtu 31,675 9 19
Fleet Management 3,794 MMBtu 32,600 9 202
Justice Building 2,960 MMBtu 78,380 24 157
Recreation Center 1,824 MMBtu 113,113 15 970
Service Center 1,917 MMBtu 68,139 9 102
VEHICLE
TYPE INPUT UNIT
PERCENT
BIOFUEL
ANNUAL
MILES
TRAVELED
(VMT)
% MILES
PASSENGER
VEHICLE
% MILES
LIGHT
TRUCK
% MILES
HEAVY
TRUCK
MT
CO2E
CNG 25,701
gallons
gasoline
equivalent
10% 245,922 1.80% 88.80% 9.30% 161.75
Diesel 12,138 gallons 10% 75,112 0% 37.50% 62.50% 124
Unleaded 72,189 gallons N/A 806,204 11.90% 83.40% 4.60% 636.46
TABLE GHG-1. GRID ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION IN CITY BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
TABLE GHG-2. NATURAL GAS CONSUMPTION IN CITY BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
TABLE GHG-3. FUEL CONSUMPTION AND MILEAGE FOR FLEET VEHICLES
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 2024106
CATEGORY INPUT UNIT MT CO2E SOURCE
Residential Grid Electricity Use 169,347,817 kWh 80,845 AEP Ohio
Residential Natural Gas Use 2,300,597 MMBtu 122,361 Columbia Gas
TABLE GHG-4. ENERGY CONSUMPTION BY RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS
CATEGORY INPUT UNIT MT CO2E SOURCE
Commercial Customer Grid
Electricity Use 339,979,875 kWh 162,304 AEP Ohio
Public Grid Electricity Use 26,856,660 kWh 12,821 AEP Ohio
Non-Residential Natural Gas
Use 1,289,172 MMBtu 68,567 Columbia Gas
CATEGORY INPUT UNIT
%
MOTORCYCLES
%
PASSENGER
VEHICLES
% LIGHT
TRUCKS
% HEAVY
TRUCKS MT CO2 E
Passenger -
Gasoline 598,080,691 miles 0.7 75.6 23.7 0 227,443
Passenger -
Diesel 7,805,804 miles 0 27.57 72.43 0 4,043
Freight -
Gasoline 3,843,374 miles 0 0 0 100 6,338
Freight -
Diesel 23,288,171 miles 0 0 0 100 36,270
TABLE GHG-5. ENERGY CONSUMPTION BY NON-RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS
TABLE GHG-6. VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 107 DRAFT MAY 2024
TABLE GHG-7. LANDFILLED WASTE
TABLE GHG-8. LANDFILLING PROCESS EMISSIONS
TABLE GHG-9. WATER AND WASTEWATER CONSUMPTION/EMISSIONS
WASTE TYPE INPUT UNIT
METHANE
COLLECTION
SCENARIO
LANDFILL
MOISTURE
CONTENT
MT CO2 E
Mixed Municipal
Solid Waste 11,648 tons typical national average 4,945
WASTE TYPE INPUT UNIT FUEL TYPE MT CO2E
Annual mass of solid waste processed 11,648 tons diesel 4,945
CATEGORY INPUT UNIT SOURCE
DUBLIN 2022 WATER/WASTEWATER USAGE
Dublin Drinking Water Consumption 1,557 MGY Columbus DPU
Dublin Estimated Wastewater Production 1,254 MGY
Columbus DPU /
2022 General Engineering Report Table
2-1 (Black and Veatch)
COLUMBUS 2022 WATER/WASTEWATER PRODUCTION
Columbus DPU Finished Drinking Water
Production 53,000 MGY Columbus DPU 2022 Annual Report
Columbus DPU Wastewater Treated 70,000 MGY Columbus DPU 2022 Annual Report
CITY OF DUBLIN ESTIMATED PERCENT USE OF COLUMBUS PRODUCTION CAPACITY
Use of Columbus Water 2.94%%calculated
Use of Columbus Wastewater 1.79%%calculated
Average 2.36%%calculated
ESTIMATED WATER/WASTEWATER EMISSIONS
Columbus Water/Wastewater Sector
Emissions 81,300 MT CO2e City of Columbus 2021 Greenhouse Gas
Inventory
Estimated Dublin Emissions in 2022 1,923 MT CO2e calculated
Project Report12 December 2022 - 27 August 2023Tell Dublin
Dublin Sustainability Plan
Highlights
TOTAL VISITS
651
MAX VISITORS PER
DAY
173
NEW
REGISTRATI
ONS
12
ENGAGED
VISITORS
164
INFORMED
VISITORS
344
AWARE
VISITORS
559
Aware Participants 559
Aware Actions Performed Participants
Visited a Project or Tool Page 559
Informed Participants 344
Informed Actions Performed Participants
Viewed a video 0
Viewed a photo 0
Downloaded a document 36
Visited the Key Dates page 0
Visited an FAQ list Page 0
Visited Instagram Page 0
Visited Multiple Project Pages 179
Contributed to a tool (engaged)164
Engaged Participants 164
Engaged Actions Performed
Registered Unverified Anonymous
Contributed on Forums 0 0 0
Participated in Surveys 10 0 154
Contributed to Newsfeeds 0 0 0
Participated in Quick Polls 0 0 0
Posted on Guestbooks 0 0 0
Contributed to Stories 0 0 0
Asked Questions 0 0 0
Placed Pins on Places 0 0 0
Contributed to Ideas 0 0 0
Visitors Summary
Pageviews Visitors
24 Jul '23 7 Aug '23 21 Aug '23
200
400
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 2024108
ENGAGEMENT FEEDBACK
SURVEY DATA
Tool Type
Engagement Tool Name Tool Status Visitors
Registered Unverified Anonymous
Contributors
Survey Tool Dublin Sustainability Plan Survey Published 330 10 0 154
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
ENGAGEMENT TOOLS SUMMARY
0
FORUM TOPICS
1
SURVEYS
0
NEWS FEEDS
0
QUICK POLLS
0
GUEST BOOKS
0
STORIES
0
Q&A S
0
PLACES
Page 2 of 19
Widget Type
Engagement Tool Name Visitors Views/Downloads
Document Dublin Sustainability Framework Update: May 2, 2023 36 40
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
INFORMATION WIDGET SUMMARY
1
DOCUMENTS
0
PHOTOS
0
VIDEOS
0
FAQS
0
KEY DATES
Page 3 of 19
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 109 DRAFT MAY 2024
Visitors 330 Contributors 164 CONTRIBUTIONS 165
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
ENGAGEMENT TOOL: SURVEY TOOL
Dublin Sustainability Plan Survey
How concerned are you about the following:
Very Concerned
Somewhat Concerned
Not Concerned
Question options
50 100 150 200
Extreme heat
Drought / water supply /
flooding
Drinking water quality
Air pollution
Reliable power
Ecodiversity / habitat
quality
Access to parks and
open space
Car dependency / lack
of multi-modal transit ...
Utility costs
Food security / healthy
food access
Disaster preparedness
and resiliency
24
26
20
13
10
19
21
31
14
28
24
46
53
43
41
58
37
53
59
70
61
68
95
86
102
111
97
109
91
75
81
76
73
Page 4 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Likert Question
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 2024110
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
Sustainable cities offer a variety of benefits. What benefits are the most important to
your household? Please check all th...
Conserving / preserving natural areas Reduce waste Create jobs / improve economy
Improving physical and mental health and well-being Saving money on energy bills
Question options
50
100
150
200
89
114
63
137
148
Page 5 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 111 DRAFT MAY 2024
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
There are several ways to practice sustainability in the household. What types of
measures is your household interested in ...
Already doing
Interested
Not Interested
Question options
50 100 150 200
Energy for my home
provided by renewable
sour...
Improving home energy
efficiency (eg energy
s...
Recycling
Composting
Driving fuel and energy
efficient vehicles (e...
Walking / Biking /
Taking transit instead of
...
Reducing household
water usage through
low fl...
Reducing household
water usage by using
fixtu...
High quality
landscaping and
backyards that i...
Using reclaimed water
or collected water
thro...
35
11
3
29
30
29
21
35
13
28
110
43
7
54
87
98
53
48
78
102
20
111
155
82
48
38
91
82
74
35
Page 6 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Likert Question
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 2024112
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
How important are sustainable services and sustainability options in deciding the
following:
Extremely Important
Very Important
Important
Somewhat Important
Not Important
Not Relevant
Question options
50 100 150 200
Overall quality of life
Where you live /
housing
Where you do business
Where you eat
How you commute
8
6
16
7
19
7
11
19
11
12
16
12
21
28
22
31
39
41
40
43
47
56
36
52
42
56
41
32
27
27
Page 7 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Likert Question
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 113 DRAFT MAY 2024
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
In 2018, the City of Dublin initiated a Sustainability Framework establishing seven (7)
goals for improving sustainability ...
Extremely Important
Very Important
Important
Somewhat Important
Not Important
Not Relevant
Question options
50 100 150 200
Sustainability and the
built environment
Natural resources
City operations
Recycling and diversion
Community
engagement
Energy & air quality
Mobility
Economics
5
2
3
1
3
1
6
7
7
5
8
5
6
7
7
7
18
7
22
11
24
11
20
20
36
28
43
24
43
21
43
46
49
50
53
44
40
47
45
46
50
73
36
80
49
78
44
39
Page 8 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Likert Question
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 2024114
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
Of these goals, what are the two most important areas to prioritize?
Economics Mobility Energy & air quality Community engagement Recycling and diversion
City operations Natural resources Sustainability and the built environment
Question options
20
40
60
80
65 66
20
45
17
65
21 23
Page 9 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 115 DRAFT MAY 2024
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
Community Engagement is an essential part of the City’s sustainability plan. Do you
or a family member participate in susta...
I / We do not participate in sustainability-related organizations
Participated in household hazardous waste, document destruction, drug takeback or Styrofoam collection events hosted by the City of
Dublin
Contain GreenSpot membership Sustainability-related organizations at work / school
Contain a Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat
Registered plot at the City’s Community Gardens at Darree Fields Park and / or outside of the City’s Development building at Coffman
Park
Nature-based organizations
Question options
50
100
150
61
3
16
33
14
119
31
Page 10 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 2024116
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
Do you live in Dublin?
157 (95.2%)
157 (95.2%)
8 (4.8%)
8 (4.8%)
No Yes
Question options
Page 11 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Dropdown Question
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 117 DRAFT MAY 2024
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
How many years have you lived in Dublin?
Over 10 years 5 to 10 years 1 to 5 years Less than 1 year
Question options
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
3
21
30
102
Page 12 of 19
Optional question (155 response(s), 10 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 2024118
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
What is your housing status?
Other (please specify)Houseless Living with family or friends Leaseholder / renter Homeowner
Question options
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
153
8
2 1 2
Page 13 of 19
Optional question (165 response(s), 0 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 119 DRAFT MAY 2024
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
Do you work in Dublin?
67 (40.6%)
67 (40.6%)
98 (59.4%)
98 (59.4%)
No Yes
Question options
Page 14 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Dropdown Question
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 2024120
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
Do you own a business in Dublin?
16 (9.7%)
16 (9.7%)
149 (90.3%)
149 (90.3%)
No Yes
Question options
Page 15 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Dropdown Question
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 121 DRAFT MAY 2024
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
What is your employment status?
Other (please specify)Student Retired Disabled Unemployed Employed Part Time
Employed Full Time
Question options
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
91
17
1
3
46
1
6
Page 16 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 2024122
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
What is your income?
Prefer not to answer $150,000 or more $100,000 - $124,999 $75,000 - $99,999 $50,000 - $74,999
Under $50,000
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
11
16
11
29
54
45
Page 17 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 123 DRAFT MAY 2024
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
What is your gender?
Prefer not to answer Non-binary Female Male
Question options
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
57
99
1
8
Page 18 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Checkbox Question
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 2024124
Tell Dublin : Summary Report for 12 December 2022 to 27 August 2023
What is your race / ethnicity? (Check all that apply)
5 (3.0%)
5 (3.0%)
3 (1.8%)
3 (1.8%)
135 (81.8%)
135 (81.8%)
19 (11.5%)
19 (11.5%)3 (1.8%)
3 (1.8%)
Other (please specify)Prefer not to answer White Black or African American Asian or Asian Indian
Question options
Page 19 of 19
Mandatory Question (165 response(s))
Question type: Radio Button Question
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 125 DRAFT MAY 2024
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 2024126
ENGAGEMENT FEEDBACK
FOCUS GROUP FEEDBACK - BUSINESS PARTNERS
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 127 DRAFT MAY 2024
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DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 129 DRAFT MAY 2024
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DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 133 DRAFT MAY 2024
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DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 137 DRAFT MAY 2024
ENGAGEMENT FEEDBACK
FOCUS GROUP FEEDBACK - ORGANIZATION PARTNERS
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 2024138
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 139 DRAFT MAY 2024
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DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 147 DRAFT MAY 2024
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DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 149 DRAFT MAY 2024
ENGAGEMENT FEEDBACK
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
Summary of Community Workshop
On September 28th, 2023, the Dublin Sustainability Plan consultant team invited community members to
the Community Recreation Center for a Community Workshop. The 90-minute workshop, hosted from
6:00pm – 7:30pm, included an introductory presentation and three (3) activities designed to invoke
reflections on sustainability and collect feedback on sustainability-related community priorities. Thirteen
(13) community members were in attendance.
The workshop’s activity session gave community members an opportunity for hands-on learning,
capturing their input on Dublin’s existing sustainability conditions and its possible future through three
activities:
• Dublin Draw Down – Presentation of Dublin Greenhouse Gas Inventory data to build an
understanding of Dublin’s greenhouse gas emissions, including a comparison to nearby
Colombus for reference. Attendees then discussed high emissions areas and identified and
prioritized opportunities to draw down their contributions to emissions. Attendees used colored
puff balls of varying sizes to indicate their perceived impact of emission into each emission type,
with the largest ball representing the largest perceived impact.
o Activity Results:
▪ The largest ball was worth 4 points, the medium sized ball was worth 3 points,
the small ball was worth 2 points.
▪ Colored balls indicated individual efforts to reduce emissions. Results suggest
that Solid Waste and Water are the top categories where participants are taking
action to reduce carbon emissions.
▪ The top two emissions categories indicated by participants were Electric and
Transport, which aligned with existing data.
▪ The table below shows the counts of the gray puff balls and the colored puff
balls.
Category Ranked Score Gray Puff Ball Count Ranked Individual
Emission Efforts
Colored Puff Ball
Count
Electric 55 • 8 large balls
• 7 medium
balls
• 1 small ball
3 20 colored puff
balls
Transport 46 • 5 large balls
• 6 medium
balls
• 4 small balls
4 15 colored puff
balls
Solid Waste 34 • 3 large balls
• 4 medium
balls
• 5 small balls
1 22 colored puff
balls
Water 13 • 0 large balls
• 1 medium ball
• 5 small balls
2 21 extra small
balls
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 2024150
• Resilience Mapping – Maps of various climate and environmental conditions throughout Dublin
presented via 36’x48’ boards, allowing participants to provide feedback regarding micromobility
and shared-use paths following a series of guiding questions.
o Activity Results:
▪ Top walking and biking destinations were Dublin Market, the Dublin Plaza
Shopping Center, and Coffman Park.
▪ Participants added green tape on routes located north of US Route 33. The
marked routes were on or adjacent to existing trails, as well as on Dublin Road
and other local streets that provide access to some of the pinned destinations.
▪ Some areas that were taped in red as areas without current access include Glick
Road, Memorial Drive, Muirfield Drive, and connections across Scioto River.
▪ The table below shows participants’ votes for the three most important things to
improve for shared-use paths by number of votes.
• Other write-in comments expressed interest in safe access to paths
during winter months, use of native plants, short-cuts to places of
interest, mixed-use development, bike parking, and other suggestions to
the City.
Improvement Type Vote Count
Safe Crossings 11 (7 Votes indicating 1st Priority)
Tree Canopy/Shade Along Paths 7 (4 Votes indicating 1st Priority)
Access to Regional Trails 6
Comfort Amenities 5 (1 Vote indicating 1st Priority)
Wider Paths 3
Lighting 2
Access to Regional Transt (COTA) 2
Public Art Installations 1
Fitness/Recreation Equipment 0
Themed Routes 0
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 151 DRAFT MAY 2024
• Equity in Action – An exploration of existing sustainability efforts and potential future
programming through poster boards enabling attendees to vote on programs they would like to
see expanded or created. Participants were also encouraged to write a pledge for future
participation in sustainability efforts.
o Activity Results:
▪ Current City Programs – The table below shows the count of votes for improving
or expanding each current sustainability-related program offered by the city.
Current City Program Vote Counts
Restoration 12
Community Diversion Programs 10
Dublin Community Garden 5
Dublin Grows Greener 5
Community Markets 4
Micromobility 2
Greenspot 0
• Other current programs or activities that participants have participated
in include Election sign recycling and volunteer programs.
• Suggestions added to this board include encouraging more meadows
and edible planting, improving Styrofoam recycling, and meat-free
Mondays.
▪ Future City Programs – The table below shows the count of votes for programs
participants were most interested in seeing int the City.
Program Vote Counts Additional Comments
Native Plants, Trees, &
Seeds
8 Codify the meaning and use of
preserve and reserve; Training
citizens to replace grass with native
plants between street and sidewalks
Renewable Energy 8
Energy Efficiency 5 Adding solar panels on city buildings,
heat pumps for new constructions,
no more gas lamps in the Historic
District
Community Programs 3
Green Business 3
Water Reuse 1 Ensure City code requires only non-
invasive plantings for new builds.
▪ Participants indicated that classes/hands-on learning (6 votes) would be the
most beneficial to them, followed by rebates/financial incentives (5 votes) and
at-home consultations (3 votes).
Images
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 2024152
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 153 DRAFT MAY 2024
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN DRAFT MAY 2024154
DUBLIN OHIO SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 155 DRAFT MAY 2024
Sustainability Framework
2018-2020
Dear Residents,
Cities are the leaders when it comes to creating sustainable, resilient communities.
By modeling and encouraging sustainable practices and environmental stewardship our
City and staff are committed to creating a healthier, stronger Dublin. To make good on this
commitment, we are leading the way by investing in LED lighting, clean fuels, combined
heat and power, and geothermal cooling systems. This plan represents another significant
milestone as we continue to green city operations and improve the quality of life for our
community.
The Dublin Sustainability Framework has helped us set measurable objectives and identify
action steps and strategies to meet our goals. To build upon this momentum, we will look
for our community to join us in future updates to the Dublin Sustainability Framework
and develop our vision for a sustainable, healthy, resilient future. As City Manager, I am
committed to doing what it takes to ensure this vision reaches and positively impacts
all Dublin residents and businesses. On behalf of City staff, I thank our City Council, its
Community Services Advisory Commission and residents for their leadership, passion,
and guidance in establishing the Dublin Sustainability Framework.
Thank you,
Dana McDaniel
City Manager
NOTE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
12
14
15
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Team Members
Process Timeline
Sustainability Milestones
A Greener Dublin: By The Numbers
Goal Overview
Sustainable Neighborhoods & Built
Environment
Natural Resources
City Operations
Recycling and Diversion
Energy and Air Quality
Mobility
Community Engagement
Economics
Glossary
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INTRODUCTION
GOAL OF CITY COUNCIL AND
IN ADHERENCE TO MORPC’S
SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA
As humanity pushes up against the limits of the
ecosystem to provide resources and absorb waste,
we need to find ways to continue growth while
reducing the environmental impact of that growth1.
The City of Dublin has long been committed to
sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
In an effort to ensure a green future for generations
to come, the City has set forth the following goals
and objectives.
Strategies: Develop a comprehensive Sustainability
Plan that incorporates the MORPC 2017 – 2020
Regional Sustainability Agenda:
*Reduce per capita energy consumption and
promote alternative fuel resources to increase
affordability and resilience of regional energy
supplies.
*Protect natural resources and mitigate
infrastructure vulnerabilities to maintain a
healthy ecosystem and community.
*Position central Ohio to attract and retain
economic opportunity to prosper as a region and
compete globally through sustainable practices
and solutions.
*Create sustainable neighborhoods to improve
residents’ quality of life.
*Increase regional collaboration and educational
opportunities to advance innovative
sustainability solutions.
1 (Intelligent Community Forum, 2018)
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TEAM MEMBERS
MICHELLE CRANDALL
Office of the City Manager
LORI BURCHETT
Division of Planning
SCOTT MONCRIEF
Division of Park Operations
NICK PLOUCK
Office of the City Manager
ERIN DUFFEE
Division of Recreation Services
RHONDA WHITE
Division of Park Operations
J.M. RAYBURN
Division of Planning
BRAD CONWAY
Division of Building Standards
SHAWN KRAWETZKI
Department of Parks & Recreation
DARRYL SYLER
Division of Fleet Management
MICHAEL HIATT
Division of Planning
MATT GUTHRIE
Division of Park Operations
BRIAN ASHFORD
Division of Facilities Management
RICHARD HANSEN
Division of Planning
JEREMY GERSTACKER
Division of Community Events
JOHN HYATT
Division of Fleet Management
JOANNE SHELLY
Division of Planning
MICHAEL HENDERSHOT
Division of Engineering
JUSTIN QUISUMBING
Communications and Public
Information
RICK FRANTZ
Office of Digital Transformation
& Innovation
JOHN BABYAK
Division of Street & Utilities
Operations
KYLE KRIDLER
Division of Economic Development
LAURIE WRIGHT
Division of Planning
JIMMY HOPPEL
Division of Planning
DEVAYANI PURANIK
Division of Planning
BARBARA RAY
Division of Recreational Services
JOSEPH MYERS
Office of the City Manager
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PROCESS TIMELINE
MARCH 2016
City Manager’s Office
requests inventory
of City’s investments
in sustainability and
greening.
The EcoDublin charter
is revised and adopted
as an official city
committee. EcoDublin
is organized into
working groups.
Sustainability
Inventory completed.
APRIL 2016
MAY 2016
An overview of the
EcoDublin committee
is presented to
Dublin’s Planning &
Zoning Commission.
City staff visited
Rumpke’s Material
Recovery Facility
(MRF), one of the
most technically
advanced recycling
facilities in the
country. This mobile
workshop provided
best practices to lower
contamination rates.
APRIL 2017
MORPC releases the 2017-2020 Regional Sustainability Agenda
as the guiding document for MORPC’s sustainability-focused
programming and committees, and provides the framework for
members and regional partners to work toward common goals.
APRIL 2017
AUGUST 2017
Staff introduces topic
of sustainability to
Community Services
Advisory Commission
(CSAC).
SEPTEMBER 2017
EcoDublin adopts
MORPC’s 2017-2020
Regional Sustainability
Agenda as a template
to form the Dublin’s
first sustainability
framework plan.
SEPTEMBER 2017
TO APRIL 2018
Staff presented to
CSAC on monthly
basis.
OCTOBER 2017
MORPC launches
Sustainable2050 to
support local government
members as they work
to improve sustainability
throughout the Central
Ohio region. The
sustainable2050 program
is an effort to tie to
MORPC’s recent Regional
Sustainability Agenda,
and to replace the Central
Ohio Green Pact. Dublin
City Council adopts a
resolution to commit to
Sustainable2050.
NOVEMBER 2017
EcoDublin working groups
tasked with formulating
goals and action items
for the Sustainability
Framework Plan.
AUGUST 2018
Approval of Plan by CSAC.
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SUSTAINABILITY MILESTONES
Native plant alternatives are implemented on
all new park development projects and right-
of-way maintenance areas in lieu of aggressive
or invasive plants.
City Annual Report is placed online for the first
time, initiating a concentrated effort toward
decreasing the number of printed copies
yearly.
Parks begin prioritizing Low Impact Design
(LDI) when possible during park development
projects.
Begin using refillable mugs at the Dublin Irish
Festival in an effort to reduce the amount of
total waste generated during the festival.
City requires a recycling container be paired
with all trash container groupings during city
events.
City replaces over 100 metal halide lights at
the Service Center with new, energy efficient
lights that consume one third the amount of
electricity; saving an estimated $3000 annually.
The Dublin Community Recreation Center
implements an educational recycling program
as a component of the summer camp
curriculum.
City receives $184,000 in Federal stimulus
funds to install energy efficient lighting
at the Dublin Recreation Center, Fleet
Maintenance facility, and the warehouse at
the Service Center. As a result of these facility
improvements, the City receives almost
$28,000 in AEP rebates.
A 2,310 square foot green roof is installed on
a portion of the Dublin Community Recreation
Center (DCRC). The roof decreases stormwater
runoff and increases energy efficiency at the
DCRC.
The City begins composting food and utensils
from the Emerald club, food vendors, and
entertainer hospitality during the Dublin Irish
Festival.
2000
2001
2005
2006
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2017
2018
City replaces fluorescent light bulbs at the
Development Building with more energy
efficient bulbs; saving an estimated $6000
annually.
City retrofits approximately 180 parking
and street lights with energy efficient LED
fixtures at City facilities and parks; saving an
estimated $16,000 annually.
The City of Dublin installs two ‘level two’
electric vehicle charging stations on the west
side of the DCRC.
City opens a new compressed natural gas
(CNG) fueling station at the City’s Fleet
facility through a partnership with IGS
Energy, Clean Fuels Ohio, the Department of
Energy and the City of Columbus.
City of Dublin encourages sustainable
development as a component of the Bridge
Street District Code.
The City’s Fleet Operations implement a
paperless Vehicle Maintenance Request
program.
City of Dublin partners with IGS Generation
and Hull & Associates to implement a
Combined Heating and Power (CHP) System
that produces electricity and usable thermal
energy through the same input fuel source;
saving an estimated $13,333 annually.
A geothermal system is installed to provide
cooling for the Dublin Recreation Center;
saving an estimated $10,000 annually.
The City executes its first Property Assessed
Clean Energy (PACE) Grant in an effort to
incent energy efficiency, renewable energy,
and water conservation projects within aging
office buildings.
The City of Dublin Fleet is awarded the
Leading Public Fleet Award for Green
Sustainability at the Advanced Clean
Transportation Expo.
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A GREEN DUBLIN
BY THE NUMBERS
1,464 acres 131
Miles of
Bikepaths
$50,000
Annually in
Fuel savings
Certified backyard
wildlife habitats
382
30Years
CurbsideDiversion
4,929 Tons annuallyRecycling diverted
3,143 Tons annuallyYard waste diverted
650
Trees planted
per year
3,295MilesRiddenon lime bikes
613
Greenspot
members
557 HOUSEHOLDS
55 BUSINESSES
1 COMMUNITY GROUP
amount of electricIty Saved
900,000 kwh
a year from sustainable practices:
of greenspAce
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GOAL OVERVIEW
SUSTAINABLE
NEIGHBORHOODS
AND BUILT
ENVIRONMENT
• Adopt Complete Streets Policy by 2018
• Increase shared use path network by 1%
• Update Zoning Code to encourage sustainable development
• Provide opportunities to implement energy conservation practices
• Increase pollinator-friendly areas
• Conduct major water monitoring evaluations
• Increase public awareness and education for peaceful co-existence with wildlife
• Develop wildlife management proposals
• Collaborate with Dublin City Schools and Emerald Campus to add an
environmental science track
• Increase resident participation in Community Gardens and Certified Backyard
Wildlife Habitats
• Transition Boards, Commissions, and City Council to becoming 100% paperless
• Educate staff on City Procurement and Purchasing Policy regarding preference for
products derived from recycled materials
• Mitigate idling by City vehicles
• Increase the community’s diversion rate
• Increase the Dublin Irish Festival diversion rate
• Increase internal (employee) recycling
• Install a Solar Energy Array at a City facility
• Install new chillers at the Dublin Community Recreation Center that take full
advantage of the City’s Geothermal system
• Replace interior lighting at the Dublin Recreation Center with LED fixtures
• Reduce City vehicle emissions and dependence on petroleum fuel
• Assist residents and corporate residents in reducing emissions by providing
alternative fueling choices to the public
• Support economic development
• Promote equitable access to mobility
• Expand multimodal options citywide
• Preserve our environs by focusing future growth
• Implement strategies to encourage sustainable transportation options and
behavior
• Increase GreenSpot membership
• Increase exposure of Dublin sustainability
• Create an external advisory group
• Create a sustainability webpage
• Engage with green companies & increase awareness
• Increase Green Encouragement Programs
• Create a Green Business Roundtable
NATURAL
RESOURCES
CITY
OPERATIONS
RECYCLING AND
DIVERSION
ENERGY AND AIR
QUALITY
MOBILITY
COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
ECONOMICS
SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS
& BUILT ENVIRONMENT
The City of Dublin strives to create neighborhoods and business districts that
are connected, integrated, and environmentally friendly. These are places where
people can live, work, move, and thrive in a healthy, equitable way.
GOAL #1 Adopt a Complete Streets Policy.
Measure – City Council adopts a Complete Streets
Policy by end of 2018.
• Draft a policy for review by City Departments.
• Provide an informational memo to City Council.
• Forward a policy to City Council for review and
adoption.
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GOAL #2 Increase the number of shared-use
path miles.
Measure – Build an additional 1% of shared-use paths
by 2020.
• Identify network gaps.
• Prioritize connections to fill identified gaps.
• Seek external funding opportunities for additional
projects.
• Collaborate with surrounding jurisdictions to expand
regional connections with a focus on a regional
greenway connection.
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GOAL #3 Update the Zoning Code to
encourage sustainable development
practices.
Measure – City Council adopts updates to the
Zoning Code by 2020 that encourages sustainable
development practices.
• Update the Zoning Code to encourage sustainable
best practices; specifically update the following:
ºMaterial requirements to reflect advances in
sustainable materials use.
ºLighting code to allow: flexibility for LED
technology; and promote ‘dark skies’
nitiatives; and help reduce per capita energy
consumption.
ºDevelop standards for single family homes
-On-site stormwater management
-Landscape standards
-Renewable energy systems and energy
conservation
-Identify gaps within City pedestrian and
shared-use path facilities and prioritize infill
path connections
ºWalkability: pedestrian friendly scaled
development, increased connectivity
ºLow Impact Development
ºIncorporate LEED principles into zoning code
ºBuilt form, encourage consideration of building
orientation that take into consideration passive
solar and opportunities to reduce heat loads
ºLandscape selections should reflect best
practices and should reduce or eliminate
irrigation and encourage use of native species,
increase tree canopy.
SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS
& BUILT ENVIRONMENT
GOAL #4 Provide opportunities to implement
energy conservation practices.
Measure — Conduct audit of existing conditions,
measure on a yearly basis to assess how many energy
best practices have been implemented compared to
MORPC Franklin County audit.
• Provide energy audits for existing buildings.
• Consider tax credits for energy efficient building
materials and upgrades
• Consider tax credits for alternative energy supply
ºElectric Vehicle (EV) stations
ºPublic workshop/education event
ºUpgrades to mechanical equipment for more
energy efficient options
ºConsider LEED standards for city facilities
• Encourage sustainable building practices for all types
of development.
ºAudit the existing codes to identify restrictions
to sustainability efforts
NATURAL RESOURCES
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GOAL #1 Increase pollinator-friendly
areas.
Measure – Add a minimum of 5 native plant areas
annually to open space and right-of-ways.
• Evaluate potential space in parks, open space, and
rights-of-way.
• Mesh native and wildlife-friendly species with city
zoning requirements and ornamentals.
• Collaborate with landscape architect on areas being
created or reworked.
• Determine blends of native plants for various habitats
and styles.
• Research areas where habitat can be left ‘rough’ to aid
winter wildlife.
• Engage volunteer, scout, and school groups to help
develop areas where appropriate.
The City of Dublin strives to create a community that is environmentally healthy
for humans and wildlife through the preservation of parks, open space, rights-
of-way, watershed, streams and rivers. We work to protect habitats, adapt
open spaces, parks, and city space to incorporate native plants and trees, create
buffer zones along our waterways and encourage diversity of species. We work
to engage the community in actively adapting their private properties as well as
becoming aware of the habitat and life around them for ways to peacefully co-
exist. Maintaining sustainable habitats and using our resources carefully improves
both beauty and quality of lives for all.
GOAL #2 Develop wildlife management
proposals
Measure – Prepare management plans for deer,
coyote, and skunk by 2020.
Measure – Train 10 Park Ambassadors to conduct bio
surveys and provide public education for park visitors.
• Create a framework for skunk mitigation.
• Implement habitat modification for goose control.
• Work with property owners to reduce goose
reproduction on private properties.
• Engage Park Ambassadors and Park Explorers to assist
with management efforts.
• Create pre-hike orientation videos for 3 Dublin city
parks.
NATURAL RESOURCES
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GOAL #3 Conduct major water
monitoring evaluations.
Measure – Achieve at least 4 evaluations annually.
• Create monthly data summary of conductivity and
temperature for 2018-2020.
• Engage community groups and interns for survey and
photograph records.
• Utilize Ohio Environment Protection Agency data
collection methods.
• Collaborate with OEPA, Franklin County Soil and
Water, and other agencies.
• Select 4 key areas of the city streams and river to
do repeat annual testing and create a comparison
database.
• Purchase the conductivity and temperature
equipment for monthly data collection.
• Purchase portable education testing equipment to be
used for classes and by City volunteers.
• Conduct 2-4 annual Healthy Water Healthy People
public programs through the Healthy Brochure and
additional DiRECt Parks programs.
GOAL #4 Increase public awareness
and education for peaceful co-existence
with wildlife.
Measure – Conduct at least 5 community/Home
Owners Association (HOA) wildlife information
sessions annually.
Measure – Achieve at least 4,000 uses of nature
education website pages and social media posts
annually.
• Create a seasonal calendar to give out to the public.
• Utilize web and social media to improve public
awareness and education.
• Collaborate with Communications and Public
Information to create seasonal magnet and design at
least 4 Info and How-To wildlife videos.
• Offer DiRECt neighborhood programs and DCRC
classes on wildlife.
• Provide HOA meet-ups and community education.
• Create a seasonal calendar of species and issues.
GOAL #5 Collaborate with Dublin City
Schools and Emerald Campus to add an
environmental science track.
Measure – Prepare an Environmental Education
curriculum proposal to present to the Emerald
Campus Director and planning board by 2019.
• Develop a curriculum around pre-college coursework
for wildlife and habitat management education.
• Collaborate with Emerald Campus Director to outline
curriculum.
• Collaborate with Central Ohio conservation and
environmental education agencies to design
curriculum.
GOAL #6 Increase resident participation
in Community Gardens and Certified
Backyard Wildlife Habitats.
Measure – Add 30 or more certified backyard habitats
to the City annually.
• Provide two classes on certified backyard habitats
annually.
• Identify a space for a second community garden.
• Create a design plan for second community garden.
• Certify at least 1 city habitat annually.
CITY OPERATIONS
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GOAL #1 Transition Boards,
Commissions, and City Council to
becoming paperless.
Measure – Achieve 100% paperless by 2020.
• Issue all councilmembers, board members and
commissioners city-owned tablets.
• Develop process for agendas, minutes and packets to
be accessed in digital form via city-issued tablets and/
or technology present in Council Chambers.
GOAL #2 Mitigate Idling by City
Vehicles.
• Review Administrative Order 3.15.
• Educate city personnel regarding no-idling policy for
city vehicles.
The City of Dublin believes in leading by example. We will improve our operations
and promote better development practices. In advancing city operations we will
seek to optimize efficiency and improve environmental sensitivity. By directing
our agencies to use the City’s purchasing power and investment incentives to
encourage job creation, we will provide a framework for our entire community to
come together and solve these challenges. These strategies represent the initial
steps toward a greater goal of becoming a Zero Waste operation.
GOAL #3 Educate Staff on City
Procurement and Purchasing Policy
regarding preference for products
derived from recycled materials.
• Review and update (if needed) Administrative Orders
1.13 and 4.4.
• Educate city personnel regarding established city
procurement and purchasing policy (e.g. AO 1.13 and
4.4).
RECYCLING AND DIVERSION
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GOAL #1 Increase the community’s
diversion rate.
Measure – Increase the City’s diversion rate from 49%
to 55% by 2020.
• Implement a community education and awareness
campaign.
• Provide more opportunities for residents to recycle
or donate a broader range of items through drop-off
sites and community/neighborhood events.
• Evaluate feasibility for adding recycling to existing
trash receptacles in City Parks.
• Explore residential and commercial composting
options.
• Work in partnership with SWACO and other local
organizations to accomplish this goal.
GOAL #2 Increase the Dublin Irish
Festival diversion rate.
Measure – Increase the Dublin Irish Festival diversion
rate from 23% to 30% by 2020.
• Explore hiring a professional waste management
company.
The City of Dublin has a long history of leading the way in central Ohio by
providing recycling to our residents free of charge. This recycling program has
evolved over the years to accommodate and encourage increased recycling and
diversion of waste from our landfills. Educational efforts, resizing of recycling
bins, community and neighborhood recycling events, and an e-waste drop-off
location are a few of the ways the City has worked to improve community waste
diversion.
According to the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO), the Franklin
County Sanitary Landfill (FCSL) receives just over one million tons of Municipal
Solid Waste (MSW) every year. Between 60 to 70% of all the waste that comes to
the landfill could have been recycled or diverted. For the past few years, Dublin’s
residential diversion rate (the amount diverted from the landfills) has remained
consistently around 47% to 49%. Significant opportunities exist for residents
to recycle even more and to increase this diversion rate substantially. This will
require the City to examine ways to provide expanded recycling options and
associated education to public employees, residents and businesses. The goals,
measurements and action items listed below, reflect these opportunities.
• Meet with stakeholders to improve onsite operations.
• Continue to improve on-site education and
awareness of recycling.
GOAL #3 Increase internal (employee)
recycling.
Measure – Employee survey demonstrating increased
awareness and recycling efforts.
• Implement an internal education and awareness
campaign.
• Increase the number of recycling containers and
types of items recycled.
• Decrease the products purchased that contribute to
the waste stream and landfill
ENERGY AND AIR QUALITY
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According to the US Energy Information Administration, approximately 80 percent
of the country’s energy comes from non-renewable sources. While renewable
sources have grown steadily over the past few years, the U.S. is still far from
a level that is appropriate to address air quality and climate change issues.
Additionally, Franklin County has been designated as an Ozone Non-Attainment
area for several years. One of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s
(MORPC) Sustainable 2050 Goals for all member communities is to “Reduce
emissions to meet federal air quality standards”. The City of Dublin can have a
positive impact on these issues by continuing to focus on conserving energy and
transition to renewable and cleaner energy sources.
Two areas of greatest focus related to air quality and energy have been with
the City’s facilities and fleet operations. Since 2012, the Division of Facilities
Management has completed several energy saving projects, including lighting
retrofits in city buildings and parking lots, and the installation of a geothermal
cooling system, a combined heat and power system and a green roof at the Dublin
Community Recreation Center. Additionally, when HVAC and other equipment
is replaced, new equipment is selected based upon energy efficiency. Since
2012, the Division of Fleet Management has also completed several air quality
and energy saving projects including the construction of a compressed natural
gas station, the purchase of 63 CNG vehicles, the testing and use of a high
performance clean diesel (HPCD) and the recycling of all shop oils and oil filters.
In the next few years, efforts to continue greening our facilities and fleet are
outlined in the goals below.
ENERGY AND AIR QUALITY
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GOAL #1 Install a Solar Energy Array at
a City Facility.
Measure – Provide at least 15% of the facility’s
electricity demand from the solar installation.
• Identify funding for a Solar Assessment to determine
the costs and benefits of installing solar panels and to
identify the best facility for the installation.
• Develop funding mechanism and technical
specifications for a solar project.
• Issue RFP and/or bid for a solar project.
GOAL #2 Install new chillers at the
Dublin Community Recreation Center
that take full advantage of the City’s
Geothermal system.
Measurement – Reduce the amount of electricity
purchased from the utility community to less than 1.5
million KWHs per year.
• Identify manufacturers that can provide chillers
that can effectively operate with the cooler water
temperatures that the geothermal system can
provide. Cooler water temperatures translate in less
energy being consumed by the two chillers. May
also translate into smaller chillers which would also
reduce energy consumption.
• Develop projections of energy savings that can be
expected from the new chillers
• Develop bid documents that specify the technical
specifications required to achieve the optimal energy
savings.
GOAL #3 Replace interior lighting at the
Dublin Community Recreation Center
with LED fixtures.
Measure – Achieve at least 90 percent of fixtures
converted to LEDs.
• Develop implementation plan and budget for
lighting replacement. Assessment will include
projected rebates from utility company.
• Determine projected energy savings from each phase
of the conversion.
• Develop implementation schedule and obtain quotes
for implementing each phase of the conversion.
GOAL #4 Reduce City vehicle emissions
and dependence on petroleum fuel.
Measure – Achieve 20% reduction in vehicle
emissions by 2020.
• Continue to purchase and/or lease alternative fuel
vehicles and fuels that improve efficiency and reduce
emissions.
• Evaluate and install anti-idling devises on vehicles as
appropriate.
• Increase employee education related to idling and
awareness of environmental impacts.
• Test and adopt other emerging software and
technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce
emissions.
• Participate in the Smart Vehicle Corridor testing with
City vehicles.
GOAL #5 Assist residents and corporate
residents in reducing emissions by
providing alternative fueling choices to
the public.
Measure – Increase the number of privately owned
vehicles (individual and corporate) using the City’s
CNG station or electric vehicle charging stations by
20%.
• Continue to keep the CNG station open to the public.
• Install additional electric vehicle charging stations in
strategic locations throughout the community.
• Promote the availability of the CNG station and the
electric vehicle charging stations.
MOBILITY
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GOAL #1 Support economic
development.
Measure – Create a mobility plan for workforce
development and business community.
• Assess the mobility needs for Dublin businesses and
workforce.
• Create a circulator system that serves the workforce
and connects amenities.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the mobility
needs of our business and workforce community.
GOAL #2 Expand multimodal options
citywide.
Measure – Pilot at least two non-automotive
transportation projects.
• Pilot a bikeshare program.
• Improve wayfinding within the City’s shared use path
network.
• Create a destination oriented path and sign system.
Provide our increasingly diverse community access to a range of transportation
options. Connecting more people to more places.
GOAL #3 Implement strategies to
encourage sustainable transportation
options and behavior.
Measure – Implement at least three of five
transportation options from objectives within the
Mobility Study.
• Help fund pedestrian and bicycle facilities in existing
neighborhoods to improve mobility.
• Target bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure that
connects residential neighborhoods and commercial
business districts.
• Target transit network development to offer more
mobility options for residents, workers, and students.
• Emphasize multi-modal facilities when updating
policy documents, particularly the Community Plan
and the Special Area Plan.
• Draft a “mobilize your neighborhood” grant program
that would target connectivity strategies as identified
by residents in their neighborhood. (Similar to
Beautify Your Neighborhood Grants)
MOBILITY
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GOAL #4 Promote equitable access to
mobility.
Measure – Create a circulator that provides greater
mobility options for older adults and individuals with
disabilities.
• Assess the mobility needs of older adults and
individuals with disabilities.
• Identify all private shuttles in an effort to consolidate
operations and attract funding partners.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the mobility
needs of our senior and individuals with disabilities.
GOAL #5 Preserve our environs by
focusing future growth.
Measure – Improve walkability in all Dublin
neighborhoods.
• Map gaps in the shared use path network, and use
map to prioritize five year Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP) Parks and Recreation shared use path program
• Create Community Hubs at nexus locations between
low-density/residential and commercial service
centers.
• Engage electric cart service providers.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
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GOAL #1 Increase GreenSpot
membership.
Measure – Increase membership by 50% by 2020.
• Market GreenSpot program through City website.
• Encourage businesses, nonprofit organizations,
and residents engaged with the City to become
GreenSpot members.
• Require all City of Dublin buildings to be registered as
GreenSpot members by 2020.
GOAL #2 Increase exposure of Dublin
sustainability.
• Produce periodic highlight of sustainable efforts.
• Actively participate in MORPC’s Sustainable2050
program.
• Continue Dublin’s engagement with the USDN
Regional Network.
• Promote sustainability during City Events.
• Promote sustainable events in the City of Dublin.
• Leverage Communications and Public Information in
promoting sustainability efforts.
Increase local and regional collaboration and education opportunities to advance
innovative, sustainable solutions.
GOAL #3 Create an external advisory
group.
Measure – Host inaugural meeting by the close of
2018.
• Identify potential members.
• Create scope of work and purpose for the team.
• Extend invitations.
GOAL #4 Create a sustainability
webpage.
Measure – Have initial webpage launched by the end
of 2018.
• Identify appropriate format for sustainability
webpage.
• Create logic for all necessary categories, resources,
links, etc.
• Collect all necessary information needed for
creation of webpage.
ECONOMICS
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Create an ecosystem that encourages and supports the growth of environmentally
friendly businesses, buildings, markets and technology.
GOAL #1 Engage with green companies
and increase awareness.
• Create an inventory of existing Dublin green
companies and organizations.
ºInclude attributes such as numbers of
employees, their industry and a short
description on why they are considered a ‘green
company’.
• Align with Smart Dublin initiatives that will have a
positive impact on the environment.
ºTransportation/ Sensors / Energy Engineering
Firms / Energy Efficiency/Air Quality
Measurements / Weather.
GOAL #2 Increase green
encouragement programs.
• Continue PACE and Building Efficiency Programs.
• Develop a LEED Certification Incentive.
• Create Brochure/Information to share with
prospective companies/builders around
sustainability, and include guiding document on
options.
GOAL #3 Create a green business
roundtable.
• Host an annual Round Table Event for Green
Companies.
GLOSSARY
BIOSWALES
Bioswales are shallow, vegetated channels that slow
down and infiltrate storm water runoff. Bioswales use
an engineered soil sub-base made of topsoil, sand
and compost. The vegetation and rocks in the trench
reduce the velocity of the runoff and filter suspended
sediments from the water. Bioswales are best suited
along roadways and parking lots and sometimes
act as pre-treatment devices for other storm water
management practices.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP)
A capital improvement plan is a dynamic community
planning and fiscal management tool used to
coordinate the location, timing, and financing of
capital improvements over a multi-year period.
It is critically important and one of the major
responsibilities for a government entity.
COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG)
Compressed natural gas is a fuel which can be used
in place of gasoline, diesel fuel and propane. CNG
combustion burns cleaner than the fuels mentioned
above.
CREEK RESTORATION
Creek restoration is the process of uncovering and
restoring natural rivers or creeks that were modified
by development. Restored creek beds provide a
natural path that slows runoff and removes pollutants
from the water. Creek restoration uses plants and
vegetation to help absorb and control the flow of
runoff. Creek restoration is best suited for waterways
that experience major flooding in rain events and or
adjacent to large developments.
GASOLINE GALLON EQUIVALENT (GGE)
Gallon of Gasoline Equivalent is the typical way CNG is
sold at public fueling stations and the typical way that
CNG tanks are rated.
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GREEN ROOFS
A green roof is covered in vegetation that helps
reduce the amount of storm water runoff from the
top of a building or structure. Green roofs generally
consist of multiple layers, including a waterproof
membrane, an insulation layer, growing media and
vegetation. The layers retain storm water, which
eventually evaporates from the plants or growing
media or it gradually trickles down, reducing the
demand on storm drainage during rain events. Green
roofs are best suited for areas where open space or
other BMPs are not suitable.
HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR
CONDITIONING (HVAC)
The main parts of an HVAC system are a heating,
a ventilation, and an air-conditioning unit(s).
Furthermore, modern systems include an air filtration
and cleaning element as well.
MID-OHIO REGIONAL PLANNING
COMMISSION (MORPC)
MORPC is an association of cities, villages, townships,
counties and regional organizations serving Central
Ohio. The organization brings communities of all
sizes and interests together to collaborate on best
practices and plan for the future growth of Central
Ohio. MORPC does this through a variety of programs,
services, projects and initiatives – all with the goal of
improving the lives of residents and making Central
Ohio stand out on the world stage.
OHIO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY (OEPA)
The Ohio EPA protects the environment and public
health by ensuring compliance with environmental
laws and encouraging environmental stewardship
OPEN SPACE
Open space is an area of land set aside during the
development process for public or private use, or
as open space and may include forests, stream
buffers, floodplains and wetlands. Little maintenance
GLOSSARY
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is required and the spaces provide storm water
management benefits. These spaces reduce the
amount of impervious surface in developments which
helps retain runoff and lower the amount of pollutants
entering the waterways. Open space is best suited in
or around areas with dense development.
PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY
(PACE)
PACE is an innovative financing structure for
improving buildings through energy efficiency and
alternative energy projects. Established in Ohio
in 2009 as a form of energy special improvement
districts (ESID) for energy projects under Ohio
Revised Code (ORC) 1710. The Columbus-Franklin
County Finance Authority administers PACE financing
for Central Ohio businesses, non-profits and local
governments.
PERMEABLE PAVEMENTS
Alternatives to concrete and asphalt, permeable
pavements allow rainfall to pass through and infiltrate
into the ground below. Permeable pavement includes
pervious concrete, porous asphalt, interlocking
concrete pavers and grid pavers. Storm water moves
through the surface of the pavement into a storage
layer below and then slowly seeps into the soil. This
technique is best suited for pavement areas with low
speeds like parking lots and sidewalks.
Planter boxes are rectangular, enclosed spaces
generally implemented below the line of pavement.
Openings in the vertical walls allow storm water to
gradually run from the impervious surface into the
planter box. Storm water temporarily pools in the box
and slowly infiltrates through layers of vegetation, soil
and gravel into the ground. Planter boxes are suited
to urban areas where space is limited.
RAIN GARDENS
Rain gardens are vegetated depressions that collect
and treat storm water. The runoff flows downhill into
the basin, where it collects into a pool. Over time, the
runoff seeps into the soil where some of it is used by
the plants. The vegetation in rain gardens is generally
native to the area to encourage infiltration and
biofiltration. Rain gardens are best suited for small
areas of land, like a residential yard or a parking lot
barrier.
RETENTION PONDS
Retention ponds hold water from storm events for
extended periods of time, controlling the amount of
storm water runoff. These ponds hold permanent
bodies of water, which slows runoff and allows
sediments and pollutants to settle to the bottom.
Underground pipes connect storm drains to retention
ponds where small amounts of water are released
gradually. Retention ponds are best suited for large
areas where water can be diverted and recharge
ground water as needed.
STREET TREES
Common in urban areas, street trees reduce runoff
by collecting rainfall from streets, sidewalks and
parking areas. Storm water runoff is captured and
stored in the roots and leaves and then released to
the atmosphere through evapotranspiration. Tree
roots and fallen leaves also improve runoff infiltration
in the soil. Street trees slow and store runoff which
decreases flooding and erosion. Additional benefits of
street trees are shade for pedestrians and aesthetics.
Street trees are best suited along roadways,
sidewalks, or parking areas.
UNDERGROUND STORAGE
Underground storage holds storm water runoff during
peak flows. Rain water runs into an underground
storage chamber. Once the chamber is filled, the
runoff is either slowly discharged into an underdrain
or directly into the groundwater. Underground storage
slows the runoff and reduces the demand placed
on storm water drains during large rain events. The
chambers also reduce the chance of flooding and
combined sewer overflow. Underground storage is
best suited for areas that cannot accommodate water
retention facilities.
URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTOR’S
NETWORK (USDN)
The USDN is a peer-to-peer network of local
government professionals from cities across the
United States and Canada dedicated to creating a
healthier environment.