Cincinnati Art Museum

Cincinnati, OH

The Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM) strives to contribute to a more vibrant Cincinnati by inspiring its people and connecting our communities through the power of art. Incorporated in 1881, CAM is one of the first art museums in the nation, and the first west of the Allegheny Mountains. As part of its long-standing environmental and civic commitment, CAM is launching the largest climate initiative in its history: a comprehensive building audit and transition of its 310,000-square-foot facility from gas‑powered HVAC to a fully electrified HVAC system.

The shift to electric HVAC systems will cut reliance on fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower operating costs. It also supports the museum’s dedication to environmental wellness and community well-being. Funding from FCI will help CAM move from strategy to action—ensuring the museum not only meets its sustainability goals, but also strengthens its role as a steward of art, culture, and environmental responsibility. This holistic approach follows ad hoc sustainable initiatives including FCI-funded project in 2021 at an off-site storage warehouse. This project replaced the existing rooftop HVAC with properly sized ones with modulating capabilities to match space load and maintain temperature and humidity at optimal levels. This optimized environment allows for safer art storage and a reduction in energy usage.

Milestones

• Transition from gas‑powered HVAC to a fully electrified HVAC system

• Conduct audit to identify priority zones for HVAC replacement

• Reduce energy and water consumption by 50 percent by 2030 as part of the Greater Cincinnati 2030 District