Policymaker Collaboration

Supporting policymakers’ efforts to make society more sustainable, resilient and equitable

Ohio State is a trusted source of scientific expertise for state and local governments as well as a research partner for many federal agencies on issues like water quality, sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing. By collaborating with policymakers, Sustainability Institute affiliated faculty help make society more sustainable, resilient and equitable through wider dissemination of knowledge, greater public awareness and testing of implementable solutions.

Many policymakers rely on Ohio State for the best available science to help inform their decision-making. Water quality issues and the COVID-19 pandemic are only two recent examples of Sustainability Institute affiliated faculty helping with public health issues. Related research centers, including the Center for Urban and Regional Analysis and the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center, assist with sustainability planning at the local level, such as advising the development of the City of Columbus’ climate adaptation plan and supporting local public agencies like the Central Ohio Transit Authority.

The Sustainability Institute also helps public sector leaders educate communities about sustainability issues and solutions. For instance, Ohio State and SWACO are sharing expertise and resources to divert waste from Franklin County’s Sanitary Landfill. They will use Ohio State’s campus as a living laboratory to test waste diversion projects — from education and behavioral change to new recycling technologies — with the aim of scaling up successful strategies across Central Ohio.

Because of its network, the Sustainability Institute makes connections with other academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, businesses and community groups on priority issues for public agencies.

CONTACT:

Josh Knights
Director of Partnerships
knights.16@osu.edu
614-688-0707 Office
614-214-6260 Mobile

Case Study: SWACOrecycling sign on a table

Ohio State and SWACO, the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio, are sharing expertise and resources to divert waste from Franklin County’s Sanitary Landfill. They will use Ohio State’s campus as a living laboratory to test waste diversion projects — from education and behavioral change to new recycling technologies — with the aim of scaling up successful strategies across Central Ohio.

More about the Ohio State collaboration with SWACO