National and Regional Networks

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) is an umbrella organization for universities with a strong commitment to sustainability. The association provides technical resources and networking opportunities as well as administers a voluntary reporting program called STARS that evaluates the full scope of sustainability at a university. Ohio State currently holds a Gold Rating in STARS. Surveys including the Princeton Review Guide to Green Schools use STARS ratings as part of their university evaluations.

The Environmental Professionals Network (EPN) is a service of the School of Environment and Natural Resources that seeks to connect, grow, and inspire environmental professionals through in-person and online formats. In addition to a new online platform for connecting environmental professionals, EPN features monthly breakfasts on timely sustainability and environmental issues that educate, inform and build networks. The Sustainability Institute has been a proud supporter of EPN since its launch.

The Midwest Climate Collaborative (MCC) brings together organizations from various sectors across the Midwest to drive measurable, regional action on climate change. Members work to educate and support steps to address climate change in the Midwest by informing public knowledge and public policy as well as developing the future leaders needed to sustain and expand this work. Among other activities, the organization holds an annual summit that aims to build awareness and dialogue on climate-related issues.

The National Sustainability Society (NSS) is a cross-sectoral, transdisciplinary, and intersectional society for professionals advancing sustainability. First envisioned in 2022, NSS supports the careers of academics, practitioners, and students, bringing them together during an annual conference and other programming. The Sustainability Institute's Director, Elena Irwin, currently serves as the NSS Board Vice Chair and President-elect.

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission's (MORPC) Regional Sustainability Roundtable serves as the voice for sustainability on MORPC's commission and as advisors to MORPC's sustainability-focused programming, working groups and other committees. The Sustainability Institute serves on the Roundtable, and chaired the effort to update the Regional Sustainability Agenda for 2025-2028.

The City of Columbus established Sustainable Columbus to reduce climate change impacts and protect the environment to improve the quality of life for all current and future residents. Through policy and program development, Sustainable Columbus gives residents the tools to incorporate sustainability into their everyday lives. The Sustainability Institute serves on the Sustainable Columbus Committee, providing feedback and collaboration on the City's sustainability initiatives.

Second Nature is an umbrella organization helping higher education institutions accelerate climate action. Ohio State is a Climate Leadership Network signatory, committing to carbon neutrality by 2050. The Sustainability Institute staffs Ohio State’s participation in Second Nature's University Climate Change Coalition (UC3), a group of leading academic research institutions committed to advancing local climate solutions and building community resilience through knowledge sharing and cross-sector partnerships.