(Photo courtesy: Nuno Marques/Unsplash)

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development have announced an additional $5.4 million in grants to support energy efficiency projects in five counties across the state. The first round of awards, announced on May 8, provided a total of $3.1 million to four organizations in three counties.

The capital comes from the Advanced Energy Fund, which allocated $8.5 million to help businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, educational institutions, and more complete energy efficiency projects designed to reduce costs, better the environment, and improve the lives of people in Ohio’s communities.?

“The savings from these projects will empower these organizations to redirect more funding toward critical areas like healthcare, public safety, and economic development – all with the goal of improving the quality of life for Ohioans,” said Governor DeWine.

Governor DeWine submitted a proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in late March seeking $189 million in federal Inflation Reduction Act funding to help implement the state’s first climate action plan.

Six organizations are receiving awards for energy efficiency retrofits, LED lighting, solar power upgrades, weather sealing, windows and doors, and more.

“Each of these organizations plays a crucial role in their communities, and these grants ensure they have the resources they need to continue their important work,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “By reducing energy costs, we are providing the financial breathing room they need to innovate and enhance the vital services they provide to residents.”

All projects selected for funding must show a reduction of at least 15% in utility energy usage, ensuring a tangible and measurable impact on energy efficiency in their communities.?

The following entities will receive second-round grant funds, per the Governor’s office:

The Olympia Foundation (Cuyahoga County) will receive $875,979 to upgrade lighting systems, replace remote terminal units, replace windows and a roof, and install a solar photovoltaic system at its Euclid Avenue facility. The project is expected to yield an annual utility savings of 46.9%.

The Chef’s Garden (Erie County) will receive $2.5 million to update lighting and install a solar photovoltaic system. The project is expected to yield an annual utility savings of 47.8%.

St. Vincent Family Services (Franklin County) will receive $420,514 to upgrade a cooling system, replace an air handling unit, install a building automation system, upgrade the existing hot water system, and update lighting systems. The project is expected to yield an annual utility savings of 22.92%.

The City of Springdale (Hamilton County) will receive $641,813 to install new LED lighting fixtures and direct digital control systems, as well as complete a chiller upgrade. The project is expected to yield an annual utility savings of 20.7%.

The Contemporary Arts Center (Hamilton County) will receive $268,500 to balance the existing air handling unit systems, replace the existing building automation system, and automate monthly energy reporting. The project is expected to yield an annual utility savings of 19.2%.

The Toledo Lucas Port Authority (Lucas County) will receive $700,099 to upgrade lighting systems and install a solar photovoltaic system with an energy storage system. The project is expected to yield an annual utility savings of 94.42%.