Sustainability In Akron: An Environmental Tour

Join fellow Torchbearers for an up close look at three unique facilities and learn how they use environmentally friendly resources and services to make Akron a great place to live!

5:30 p.m. – Start at METRO RTA, RTA 416 Kenmore Blvd, Akron, OH 44301
The Akron Regional Transit Authority (METRO) provides line-service to fixed routes connecting surrounding neighborhoods to downtown. This service improves traffic flow and significantly cuts passenger transportation energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Other noteworthy environmental initiatives include: diesel-electric hybrid busses, the installation of more than 3,000 solar panels at METRO’s transit center, and creation of the CNG fueling and electric car charging station.

6:30 p.m. – KB BioEnergy, Inc. 2677 Riverview Rd, Akron, OH 44313
After more than 20 years of composting biosolids from Akron’s wastewater treatment plant, the aging system was replaced with anaerobic digesters (AD) to produce energy that is used for generating electricity. The AD effluent is dewatered, heated and dried to meet EPA Class A requirements for use as a soil amendment.

7:25 p.m. – Akron Zoo & ReWorks 500 Edgewood Ave, Akron, OH 44307
In 2018, the zoo unveiled the “Big Hanna’, an in-vessel composter designed to help the zoo reach its ‘zero waste’ goal by diverting material away from landfills annually. This Class II composting facility processes animal manures, food waste, and other organic materials generated onsite. ReWorks, the solid waste authority of Summit County, will share what it is doing to help divert community waste from the landfill.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: April 20, 2020

Questions? Contact Andrew Henry | 330.607.0801 | andrewh@uakron.edu. Important: Due to space limitations, registration will be capped at 28 members

TRANSPORTATION: Transportation between sites will be provided. Participants should meet at METRO RTA (directions below)

Important: Dress accordingly for the weather, as we will be inside and out.

Directions to: METRO RTA 416 Kenmore Blvd, Akron, OH 44301. From downtown: – (southbound) S High St / Continue onto S. Main St / Turn right onto E Miller Ave / Turn left at the 1 st cross street onto Old Main St / Old Main St turns slightly right and becomes Ira Ave / Ira Ave turns slightly left and becomes Kenmore Blvd /Destination on left