First UU Columbus Receives 2026 GreenSpot Award, Highlighting Environmental Values and Practical Savings
City recognition connects a major rooftop solar expansion with native plantings, conservation, climate justice and community stewardship
10-1-2026 — COLUMBUS, Ohio — First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus has received a 2026 GreenSpot Award from the City of Columbus . The City has recognized First UU for its comprehensive efforts on environment and climate change.
The award provides outside recognition of a broader environmental commitment rooted in the congregation’s values and carried out by members and volunteers through solar energy, native plantings, conservation, climate justice, education, community partnerships and care for the Earth.
A major example is First UU’s greatly expanded rooftop solar energy system, which was connected on June 17. The system is expected to provide over 50% of the electricity used by its busy church and community building while saving at least $7,500 per year. It is projected to pay for itself in roughly 15 years and continue producing on-site solar electricity for about 30 to 35 years.
“This is practical values-based action,” said Betsy Smalley, board co-chair at First UU Columbus. “It lowers long-term operating costs, makes our commitment visible, and we hope it encourages other congregations, nonprofits, and households to explore what they can do.”
Because the First UU building is used throughout the week by the congregation, schools and community groups, the solar expansion affects a busy community space — not just a Sunday-morning worship building. First UU had a smaller solar installation for years, so this project is an expansion rather than a first-time solar installation.
The solar project also connects with Columbus’ broader climate goals. The City’s Climate Action Plan identifies buildings as the largest single source of community-wide greenhouse gas emissions and calls for buildings to operate on clean power by 2050.
Solar is one part of First UU’s broader environmental commitment, which includes a rain garden, pollinator-friendly and native plantings, EcoJustice work, environmental education, community partnerships, composting, recycling and energy-efficiency efforts.
High-resolution award, solar, rain-garden and pollinator photographs are available, along with drone video showing the church’s rooftop solar arrays and the scale of the expanded system. First UU leaders and project volunteers are available for interviews.
About First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus is a progressive religious community committed to spiritual growth, justice, compassion and care for the Earth. The congregation is located at 93 W. Weisheimer Road in Columbus and welcomes people seeking community, meaning and action for a more just and sustainable world.
For more information contact;
Brian Hagemann, Director of Administration
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus
614-267-4946 | brian@firstuucolumbus.org
https://www.firstuucolumbus.org/environment