Office of Sustainability
The Department of Public Utilities is home to the Sustainable Columbus office which works to reduce climate change impact in our community to protect the environment and improve the quality of life for all – for today’s residents and for future generations. Sustainable Columbus shapes policy and creates actionable programming to improve our city’s environment and gives residents the tools to incorporate sustainability into their everyday lives.
Learn how the Department of Public Utilities is supporting the Columbus Climate Action Plan and the mission and vision of Sustainable Columbus!
Become a Greenspot Member!
Greenspot inspires, educates, and recognizes households, businesses, and community groups that adopt green practices.
Take the PUP Pledge Today, Get Free Pet Goodies!
Everyday activities, like picking up dog poop, can really help prevent pollution and protect our rivers and streams.
Get Grassy!
The City of Columbus, Franklin Soil and Water, and local lawn care companies have partnered to encourage our residents to do their part for water quality by caring for their lawn properly.
Blueprint Columbus
Blueprint Columbus is increasing the effectiveness of our sewer system by implementing green infrastructure and residential infrastructure improvements, making our local waterways cleaner and safer.
Watershed Management
Our Watershed Management Program focuses on protecting our drinking water source and supply. This includes honeysuckle and invasive plant removal, using green infrastructure and shoreline management at the reservoirs.
Com-Til
Com-Til is a biosolids compost produced by Department of Public Utilities, Com-Til is sold for public use in central Ohio and beyond.
Sustaining Scioto
Sustaining Scioto is a planning effort to assist local municipalities and townships develop adaptive strategies to effectively sustain water resources in the face of increased growth and changing climate conditions. Sustaining Scioto is led by MORPC and a Stakeholder Advisory Group comprised of regional water professionals.
Community Backyards
Get $50 for making your yard more earth friendly! GreenSpot Community Backyards has teamed up with Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District to offer eligible residents $50 reimbursements for the purchase of an approved rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants and trees from a licensed retailer within the current year of participation.
EPA WaterSense Partner
DPU is an official US EPA WaterSense Partner which means we are practicing and promoting water efficiency. We are helping protect this resource for future generations.
American Public Works Association
Columbus was a recipient of the 2015 American Public Works Association’s Sustainability Practices Award for protecting the environment through the Get Green Columbus initiative.