Campus as a Living Laboratory Archive
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The Ohio State University's Campus as a Living Laboratory (CALL) program seeks to unite campus operations with academics to ensure the success of meeting Ohio State’s sustainability goals. CALL is coordinated by Energy Services and Sustainability (ESS) in collaboration with the Office of Energy and Environment (OEE). CALL's objective is to bring together faculty and staff to work collaboratively with students on developing and implementing projects that use the campus as a living laboratory to address real world sustainability challenges.
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Item Petrochemical Removal Assessment for Eva NYC and Ulta Beauty(2024-05) Matthews, Clare; Danielovich, Devon; Sheppard, Ella; Lawrence, Abby; Mishra, Shreya; Rigdon, Anna; Dudley, Eliza; Hitzhusen, Greg; Braine, BruceEva NYC is a beauty brand committed to advancing sustainability in its industry through innovative strategies that encompass recycling, clean ingredients, carbon-neutral energy, and partnerships for change. Notably, Eva NYC was named the Ulta Conscious Beauty Brand of the Year in 2023, highlighting shared values and investment into sustainability. Ulta Beauty partnered with Eva NYC to determine how HFC-152 phaseout legislation in the European Union and regulation in the United States would impact aerosol use in beauty products such as hairspray, dry shampoo, and heat protectant. The following report contains a comprehensive overview of environmental legislation and regulations as they impact the beauty industry, the health impacts of products used daily, emerging methods for measuring use phase emissions (Scope 4 emissions), potential alternative propellants resulting from regulatory compliance, and their impacts on human health and the environment. Given the findings, we recommend that Eva NYC and Ulta Beauty: 1. Enhance ingredient transparency when indicating chemical use in products 2. Invest in research and development toward the scalability of nitrogen use in the beauty industry as an alternative to other compressed gases 3. With the phase-out of hydrofluorocarbon-152a (HFC-152a), adopt nitrogen as an alternative propellant in combination with the transition to the Eco-ValveItem Evaluating Environmental, Economic, and Social Impacts of BioResin Derivatives for Amika, Eva NYC, and Ethique Product Packaging(2024-05) Zimmerman, Arrie; Brady, Aidan; Chaykowski, Nathan; Floyd, Sydney; Gould, Logan; Huhn, Noah; Tyk, Eric; Wilson-Woodrow, Elliot; Hitzhusen, Greg; Braine, BruceThe report conducted by a 2024 EEDS Capstone Team explores the sustainability of BioResin derivatives as alternatives to current packaging materials used by amika. Analyzing the environmental, economic, and social impacts of corn, seaweed, sugarcane, and bamboo derivatives during the cultivation phase, the study employs both quantitative and qualitative methods. Key data sources include a life cycle analysis conducted with Amika's COMPASS database, which quantitatively estimates the environmental impacts, and qualitative assessments of biodiversity, ecological footprint, cost efficiency, community impacts, and more. The report concludes that seaweed represents the most viable BioResin alternative given its lesser environmental impact, bright economic future, and positive social implications. Recommendations for future research and considerations for market trends and policy environments are also discussed, emphasizing the dynamic nature of ESG material assessments.Item Subjective Well-Being in Ohio Survey Study(2024-05) Addington, Kennedy; Ali, Maryamo; Ayub, Hifsah; Bransteter, Alex; Choi, Hwiseo; Koskela, Mattison; Wolf, Kelsey; Bergmann, Andrew; Hitzhusen, Gregory; Braine, BruceThe "Subjective Well-Being in Ohio Survey Study" aimed to assess self-reported well-being across Ohio's 88 counties, utilizing a survey methodology modeled after the US Happiness Report. Despite limitations in sample representation, the study gathered 667 responses from 71 counties, revealing insights into happiness trends and correlations. Key findings included a positive relationship between age and happiness, as well as happiness and perceived worthwhileness, contrasted by a negative correlation between anxiety and happiness. Themes of Relationships and Social Connections, Health and Well-being, and Creativity and Hobbies emerged prominently from qualitative analysis. Recommendations for future studies emphasize securing grant funding for random sampling methodology to ensure representative data collection, expanding survey questions to encompass broader indicators of well-being, and fostering partnerships with institutions like Ohio State University Extension for wider survey distribution. Enhanced methodologies will facilitate more robust insights for informing policy and decision-making in Ohio regarding subjective well-being.Item Recommendations for The City of Worthington Based on Results from a Residential Opinion Survey on Deer Populations and Potential Management Strategies(2024-05) Hammond, Maya; Harris, Jamie; Kim, Kyeongjae; Pethrick, Darby; Poorman, Emma; Williams, Nicholas; Hitzhusen, GregoryIn 2023, the City of Worthington, Ohio established the Worthington Deer Task Force in response to resident complaints regarding the unmanaged deer population. Subsequently, senior capstone students at The Ohio State University were tasked with constructing a survey to provide the task force and city leadership insight into resident opinions on deer presence and potential management strategies. The survey was deployed to residents through social media, mailers, and in-person events. A total of 3,895 responses were analyzed to create an informed recommendation for appropriate city action. Respondents expressed a general desire to see the deer population decrease (71.0%), but there were divisions in support for the two proposed lethal management options of professional markspeople or an archery program. It is recommended that the City of Worthington works to identify effective, less polarizing management options while simultaneously developing an education campaign to inform residents of the details of potential management strategies.Item Olentangy River Activation(2024-05) Bright, Abby; Carson, Jane; Horton, Delaney; Kerver, Jack; McKalip, Elana; Novotny, Jenna; Russ, Ben; Sineway, Ryan; Hitzhusen, Gregory; Braine, Bruce; Bergmann, Andrew; DeBusk, EstherOur project is rooted in the acknowledgment of the Olentangy River as a natural treasure that courses through Columbus and alongside Ohio State University (OSU). Furthermore, the OSU Olentangy Riverfront, stretching from West Lane to 12th Avenue, is an area with immense, yet untapped potential for the university in terms of community, recreation, and environment. Throughout the history of the Olentangy River, there have been many changes to its structure and surroundings to increase the well-being of the citizens of Columbus. However, while the downtown areas have experienced development that has significantly increased the aesthetics, health, and therefore community engagement alongside the Olentangy River, there has been a lack of development north of the city, specifically on the campus of Ohio State University. Our team is attempting to help solve the lack of access and opportunities that are currently presented on the riverfront of the Olentangy. Therefore, we investigated three key factors to elevate the OSU Olentangy Riverfront: recreation, community, and environment. Our team then utilized case studies from other riverfront areas in order to determine trends and recommendations that are both applicable and realistic for implementation by Ohio State University.Item Economic Analysis of ODRC Solar Field Construction(2024-05) Fletcher, Noah; Gilliland, Drew; Green, Olivia; Hasan, Daniel; Pendill, Megan; Perry, Sawyer; Wolf, Micah; Hitzhusen, Greg; Braine, BruceThis report details research and comparative economic analysis on constructing a photovoltaic solar field at Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correctional (ODRC) facilities. The report contains a detailed preliminary screening process to establish which facilities are feasible for solar field implementation and construction. This includes the determination of investment tax credit eligibility, electricity consumption analysis, the use and results of photovoltaic modeling software, the use of Geographic Information Systems data to determine land availability and detailed research on current net metering regulations in Ohio. A financial model was developed to determine the capital and annual costs of photovoltaics to estimate the projected future cash flows at each facility. Net present value analysis was conducted to analyze the future cash flows of each facility to determine the ideal fit for a commercial-scale solar field.Item Water Access Point Design Considerations: Guidelines for Sustainable Non-Motorized Watercraft Launch Points within the Central Ohio Blueways(2023-12) Fischer, Ethan; Miller, Kylie; Patel, Rishi; Rubadue, Sarah; Wainstein, Danny; Hitzhusen, Greg; Jaquet, TimDue to the expectation that ongoing development within Central Ohio will lead to the increased usage of its five main rivers (Big Darby Creek, Big Walnut Creek, Alum Creek, Scioto River, and Olentangy River), the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission tasked our group with creating guidelines for the sustainable development of both existing and prospective non-motorized watercraft river access points. Based on broad environmental categories (or "typologies"), we developed guidelines for the parking lots, trails, and the launch points themselves. In addition, our guidelines set general recommendations for all features, along with siting considerations for future access points along the rivers.Item Marketing Sustainability to Amika, Eva NYC, and Ethique Consumers(2023-12) Austing, Elizabeth; Hofmans-Currie, Sally; Hale, Devon; Jaworski, Grace; Liang, Sarah; Jaquet, Tim; Hitzhusen, GregAmika, Eva NYC, and Ethique have notable ESG strategies and sustainability certifications. The brands want to convey the importance of these efforts to their consumers. This involves communicating the brands ESG strategies, sustainability certifications, and values in a way that is approachable and engaging to their consumers. The aim of this project is to provide realistic recommendations to the brands' on how to convey their sustainability achievements, certifications, and ESG strategies with consideration for individual brand identity and consumer platforms.Item Decarbonization Plan for COTA's McKinley and Fields Bus Garages(2023-12) Steinman, Gavi; Gele, Cureeji; Miller, Aidan; Rosado, Sophia; Slane, Taeson; Jaquet, TimThe goal of this project is to develop a plan to lower greenhouse gas emissions in both of the Central Ohio Transit Authority's (COTA) McKinley and Fields bus facilities by providing machinery replacements for current gas-fired systems. The overarching goals of this project are threefold. Our first objective was to evaluate the current gas-powered equipment and systems at COTA's McKinley and Fields garages This was completed by identifying all gas-fired equipment and gathering important data on them such as energy consumption and thermal efficiency. Secondly, the project aimed to identify alternatives to replace the current equipment with lower environmental impacts. Thirdly, the project focused on analyzing the emission savings associated with these replacements.Item Recommendations for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction on Transitioning to an Electric Vehicle Fleet(2023-12) Canning, Ana; Lampert, Kate; McNeal, Briana; Nemeth, Charlie; Thornton, Will; Jaquet, TimThe Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) has a sustainability goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 30% by fiscal year 2026. Meanwhile, all ODRC institutions have perimeter vehicles running 24/7 for safety and security, which generates a significant amount of carbon emissions. This project is an analysis of gas vs electric vehicles (EVs) for the perimeter vehicle fleets at four ODRC locations. The final report analyzes EV perimeter vehicle options, payback periods, and the carbon footprint reduction potential from replacing ODRC's current gas-powered perimeter vehicles with EVs.Item Ohio Human Development Index(2023-12) Dulaney, Braven; Gasca, Maxly; Musser, Bobby; Sheets, Cara; Williams, Mimi; Hitzhusen, GregThis report aims to measure the overall development of Ohio through the use of the Human Development Index (HDI) for Scioto Analysis, an economics and policy analysis company. This report both compares Ohio HDI values to other states in the United States, as well as calculates and compares HDI values of all 88 counties in Ohio from the years 2019 to 2021. It also analyzes differences between demographics in the three components of the Human Development Index. It also analyzes the three components of HDI (education, health, and income) and measures how they have changed throughout Ohio over time, showing where Ohio may be falling short or thriving in terms of human development. Human Development Index calculations for the 88 counties in Ohio were completed, and an interactive map of Ohio counties and their corresponding HDI values was also produced. Previous HDI calculations of the state of Ohio and the other 49 states from years 1990 to 2021 was analyzed, and another interactive map was generated through this analysis. Through the analysis of neighboring states, Ohio was found to have higher HDI values than nearby Appalachian states, and similar values to nearby Midwestern states, with Western states typically having higher HDI values than that of Ohio's. Counties in Southeastern Ohio were found to have lower HDI values than Ohio's average, and metropolitan counties were found to have higher HDI values than Ohio's average.Item Building a Sustainability Associate Engagement Strategy at Victoria's Secret & Co.(2023-12) Bunce, Allison; Clark, Lauren; Crotty, Piper; Culbertson, Mackayla; Stephens, Shea; Hitzhusen, Greg; Jaquet, TimThis project was completed in hopes to help enhance the corporate sustainability culture of Victoria Secret & Co(VS&Co). The team did this by developing a Sustainability Associate Engagement Strategy that engages and empowers associates at VS&Co to consider making more sustainable work decisions. This strategy included events and initiatives that were to begin in Earth Month(April 2024) and continued to be used by the company moving forward. They also had to be accessible in the home office(NYC & Columbus), distribution centers, and stores globally. The team researched success stories of multiple peer companies as well as conducting general research on sustainability associate engagement to frame the project. They also conducted a series of interviews, a focus group, and feedback sessions to gather input directly from associates and members of the ESG team at VS&Co. Based on the findings from this research, the team created three events and three initiatives. Each of these recommendations are extensively described within this report. The information in this report showcases the importance of connecting every employee of VS&Co to their impact on people and the planet.Item Sustainable Spaces on Campus: Reading Room and Solar House(2023-05) Call, Alayna; Contento, Myrah; Kraus, Sophie; McLoughlin, Brooke; Sullivan, Will; Wygant, Nicole; Braine, Bruce; Hitzhusen, GregoryThe goal of our project is to encourage the expansion of sustainable student spaces on Ohio State's Main Campus through two sub-projects. The first is to develop a sustainability based reading room on the third floor of Kottman hall. Kottman Hall is a hub for students in the School of Environment and Natural resources, the building director is looking to expand student spaces in Kottman. The second sub-project is to reinstate the use of the 2011 Solar Decathlon EnCORE house on Ohio State's West Campus. Our group is tasked with researching best uses for these spaces and creating recommendations for how to move forward in advancing the spaces.Item Reducing Residential Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the City of Bexley, Ohio(2023-05) Straub, Tabitha; Thiel, Abigail; Isaacs, Rachel; Huntsman, Jayden; Walker, Lauren; Chen, Savannah (Yuanyuan); Braine, Bruce; Hitzhusen, GregoryThe City of Bexley is in the process of creating a Climate Action Plan (CAP) to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the year 2040. Our capstone group developed a set of actionable recommendations that the City can use to reduce GHG emissions specific to residences. We based our recommendations on best practices to reduce residential GHG emissions that may be applied in the City of Bexley. Our recommendations cover the focus areas of electricity consumption; stationary combustion; mobile combustion; and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI). We conducted online case study research on other cities' GHG emission reduction programs for each focus area. We then conducted informal interviews with cities of interest. Our recommendations describe different community education and engagement programs for each focus area that the City can use in determining residential GHG emission reduction strategies for its CAP.Item Sustainable Initiative & Emission Reduction Research for the City of Bexley, Ohio: Commercial & Institutional Sectors(2023-05) Posada, Irene; Zenko, Addy; Baxley, Chris; Nigro, Liam; Teague, Brandon; Annandono, Cara; Braine, Bruce; Hitzhusen, GregoryCity leaders called upon this Capstone group to create a compendium of recommendations to lower emissions based on other cities' initiatives, focusing on high-emission areas: electricity, stationary and mobile combustion. Our research focused on identifying actionable steps that Bexley can take to achieve carbon neutrality, and eventually, carbon negativity, while incorporating best practices of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) for the commercial and industrial sectors. Through the literature review and informational interviews, we were able to collect a myriad of exemplary initiatives that Bexley can replicate within the report and our climate action plan matrix. We recommend Bexley integrates into greater Columbus plans, continues partnership with future capstone and climate-driven organizations, and continues implementing the initiatives through assessing its JEDI components.Item Student Perspectives on Advancing Sustainability at Ohio State(2023-05) Franco, Taylor; Howland, Priscilla; Huber, Dani; Mullaney, Maggie; Long, Kayla; Rice, Sam; Wilson, Madeline; Hitzhusen, GregoryThis report details the research our capstone group conducted for our community partner, The Ohio State University Sustainability Institute, collecting student opinions on the ideal future for sustainability education at the university. In the fall of 2022, the Sustainability Institute began an initiative called Advancing Sustainability at Ohio State (ASOS) with the goal of transforming the university into a nationwide leader in sustainability. We were tasked with gathering insights from current Ohio State students into their ideal future of sustainability education at the university to inform the planning of this ASOS initiative. We conducted research via two one-hour focus group sessions and a survey which was distributed to all current undergraduate and graduate students. From our engagement with students, we derived five major themes: a lack of sustainability accessibility, a desire for integration of sustainability into current courses, a need for university transparency, a recommendation to incentivize widespread student involvement, and a need for more sustainability career development. Our key recommendations include integrating sustainability into existing courses, creating a centralized source of sustainability information, and publishing data about current university sustainability initiatives.Item Developing a Foundation for Sole Classics' Sustainability Strategy(2023-05) Davis, Audrey; Gaglione, Isabelle; Harrison, Camden; Mason, Michaela; Petitpas, Cheyenne; Rapposelli, Michael; Rosenberg, Alexandria; Hitzhusen, Gregory; Braine, BruceOur team collaborated with the Columbus-based boutique, Sole Classics, to support the integration of sustainability into their business plan. We selected various Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) topics and collected primary data from both internal and external stakeholders through a survey. We received a total of 9 internal and 137 external responses providing an assessment of stakeholder views on the importance of each ESG topic and suggestions for sustainability initiatives for Sole Classics. We leveraged this data, along with case studies of existing sustainability initiatives, to gain a deeper understanding of the issues that impact SC and should be prioritized for future sustainability efforts. Our findings suggest that Sole Classics should prioritize community engagement through education, environmental justice, and local-level sustainability initiatives to build a meaningful sustainability story for the brand and align with stakeholder expectations.Item Compost for Columbus: A Policy Benchmarking Project(2022-12) Dzurko, Nikki; Herman, Madeline; Kleinhenz, Grace; Price, Michael; Hitzhusen, GregoryThe purpose of this report is to help the Compost Exchange and other composting stakeholders better understand how composting services can be increased in Central Ohio amid the landscape of policy and infrastructure dynamics that influence the economics and logistics of composting services. In order to do so, our team benchmarked other cities that have implemented waste bans, researched current compost policies and regulations statewide and in Central Ohio, examined the demographics of Ohio suburbs to identify likely communities where composting can be enhanced, considered political barriers to composting policy, and examined infrastructure dynamics, particularly in relation to the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO). We conducted key informant interviews with staff at SWACO, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ohio State University, and other municipalities to complement information we obtained through literature and online research, and we combined the results from all of these methods to produce a list of recommendations for how to improve composting in Central Ohio. Seven cities in the United States currently have food waste bans that serve as a benchmark to compare to a Central Ohio baseline. Austin, TX proved to be the most similar city to Columbus that currently has a food waste ban. Analysis of local demographics provided perspective on which composting policies might be most likely to be developed around Central Ohio. Key informant interviews added detail to our understanding and also provided a number of specific recommendations. Key barriers to food waste policies being passed in Central Ohio are political considerations, infrastructure, contamination, funding, and enforcement. As Central Ohio does not have any current food waste policies, this project focused on the steps necessary to prepare for one but also considered future barriers. This report highlighted recommendations to overcome these barriers, with a focus on collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and stakeholders to efficiently use resources and support available.Item City of Bexley – Assessing Community Sustainability Objectives via Community Engagement(2022-12) Bergman, Rhianna; Damon, Stevie; Sullivan, Will; Whaley, Braeden; Jaquet, Tim; Hitzhusen, GregoryThis capstone project aims to assist the City of Bexley by beginning the process of creating a comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CAP). This CAP will serve as a framework that details how the City of Bexley will reach the Cities Race to Zero Program goal of net zero and long-term net negative greenhouse gas emissions in the 2040s. The project team completed a CAP comparative study, resident survey, and community engagement event to identify sustainability priorities. Based on the community input and feedback received through community outreach, the project team recommends that the final CAP does the following: adopt Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission Complete Street Policy, obtain the Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) certification from The League of American Bicyclists, enhance renewable energy incentives and education, and establish a greenspace task force. Additionally, this report recommends that the City of Bexley continues to partner with capstone students from The Ohio State University to advance the CAP creation, adoption, and implementation processes.Item Reducing Victoria's Secret & Co. Scope 1 and 2 Emissions: A Peer Case Study(2022-12) Baker, Valerie; Hopkins, Elizabeth; Rosenberg, Isabelle; Ruscin, Hannah; Schorr, Jason; Jaquet, Tim; Hitzhusen, GregoryThis paper discusses the capstone project our team completed. The team of 5 Environment, Economy, Development, & Sustainability students collaborated with Sarah Moore, ESG Manager at Victoria's Secret. Moore presented a project focusing on how to reduce Victoria's Secret scope 1 and scope 2 emissions of their Columbus facilities. The team analyzed public information from peer brands to learn what steps they are taking to become more sustainable, toured one of Victoria's Secret distribution centers, and conducted key informant interviews with two employees at Victoria's Secret. Utilizing this information, the team produced four high-level recommendations for Victoria's Secret to begin their efforts in becoming more sustainable.