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CINCINNATI (May 13, 2019) – In 2017, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden was awarded a grant from Duke Energy to transition all lights on its 80+-acre campus, including the ones in parking lots and the millions of colorful bulbs used for the annual PNC Festival of Lights, to all LED.  That goal has been achieved and now the Zoo is lighting up its whole neighborhood by installing energy-efficient LED bulbs in residences and businesses in Avondale!

“The main focus of the Light Up Avondale Project is to undertake a major extension of energy efficiency efforts into the Avondale community surrounding the Zoo,” said Fia Turczynewycz, Cincinnati Zoo’s Sustainable Communities Advocate. “These efforts include facilitating the installment of LED lighting in homes, churches, businesses and “trouble spots” around Avondale where efficient lighting could be used to increase safety and security.”

The Light Up Avondale team, which includes Donovan Energy and the Millcreek Alliance’s Green Corps, has transitioned 26 neighborhood businesses, inside and out, to LED since the project launched. The combined annual energy and maintenance savings for these entities will be more than $150,000, and the carbon footprint of the area will be greatly reduced!

“In addition to providing new lights, the goal of the project is to connect our community with conservation and to make residents aware of resources available from other organizations within Avondale and Uptown Cincinnati,” said Turczynewycz.

The Green Corps, a group of young adults that have been trained by Cincinnati State to understand lighting, bulb types, and fixtures, has upgraded 65 Avondale homes to LED since last summer and is hoping to do the same for every house in the neighborhood!  Through Light Up Avondale, the individuals on the installation team are strengthening their skills in energy efficiency, sustainability, communication, data tracking, customer service skills, inventory, and team building. (Read blog post about the transformative experience written by a Green Corps member.)

Why Avondale?
Avondale is home to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. A strong community means a strong Zoo, and vice versa. The fourth pillar of our mission, “Serving Community,” was added in 2005 – recognizing our desire and responsibility to build a strong relationship with Avondale’s neighborhood organizations, schools, and residents to build a safe, strong, healthy community.

How to Participate:

• Are you a resident of Avondale interested in saving money on your energy bills?
• Are you able to allow the Zoo’s Install Team to do the installation of bulbs in your home?
• Are you an electrician who wants to give back to the community?
• Contact Fia Turczynewycz, Sustainable Communities Advocate, for more information: [email protected] or call (513) 487-3355.