OSUStudentsGiveReal-WorldInsighttoColumbusSustainabilityChallenges

The EEDS major is a multidisciplinary degree program that focuses on the human dimensions of sustainability. This cutting-edge program provides the core knowledge and skills students need to launch a career in sustainability in the private, public or non-profit sectors.

The capstone projects capture the diversity of audiences in the Columbus region. For example, common payment systems and smart street lights in the Linden community aim to address technology issues, such as providing free WiFi in a low-income area. Old Worthington’s sustainability challenges are based on a collection of small businesses and mom-and-pop shops embracing new business and environmental concepts. Solutions for Easton Town Center-- a large, sprawling shopping district-- center around reducing driving within the district’s perimeters. And, The Ohio State University looks to smart street lights as a way to address safety concerns on a public campus.

Below is a brief overview of each project. More in-depth data, surveys and information about each EEDS project is available to download.

Common Payment System in Linden

(Common Payment PDF)

Any common payment system adopted in the city must work successfully in Columbus’ Linden neighborhood, an area where the majority of the residents report having transportation issues. As a result, this project takes a look at common payment systems in Portland, Leipzig, Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle to compare and adapt methods to the transportation needs in the Linden neighborhood.

Connected Electric Autonomous Vehicles in Easton Town Center

(Easton EV Benchmark PDF)

Easton Town Center is a sprawling shopping and residential area crisscrossed by major roadways and highways that can make parking and walking daunting for visitors and residents. This project provides insight on how Columbus can effectively implement electric autonomous vehicles and shuttles in the Easton area, with the goal of increasing sustainable solutions by creating a first- and last-mile transportation solution.

Barriers to EV Adoption in Columbus

(EV Market Analysis)

This 2017 research looks into the landscape effecting electric vehicle (EV) adoption prior to many of the Smart Columbus programs and initiatives. The project:

• Gives insight on EV models that were on the market at the time
• Surveys local dealerships on supply-side barriers
• Gives a profile of early EV adopters in the Columbus area compared to early adopters in other cities
• Identifies other motivations and barriers to EV adoptions in Columbus

Grid Modernization

(Smart Grid PDF)

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is an integrated system of smart meters, communication networks and data management systems that enable two-way communication between utilities and customers. This technology is intended to improve efficiency, identify and respond to outages more efficiently, and better monitor and control the distribution system. The only way to see direct benefits of this technology is to engage with the new features it provides. This analysis highlights the strengths and weaknesses of AMI from the consumer perspective for marketing purposes for the City of Columbus as an extension of the Smart Columbus initiatives in order to capitalize on positive sustainable behavior change. 

Sustainability in Old Worthington

(Worthington PDF)

This project gives an overview of where Old Worthington, a Columbus suburb, stands as a sustainable community. Old Worthington partnered with AEP Ohio to galvanize local business to take advantage of the Small Business Express Program, which offers money-saving energy audits to local businesses. The project takes a survey of the area businesses, and encourages them to participate in the AEP Ohio program, and take a closer look at other sustainability initiatives.

Smart Street Lighting in Linden and on the OSU campus

(Smart Street Lighting Campus Pilot PDF, Smart Street Lighting Case Study Poster, Smart Street Lighting Analysis PDF)

Smart street lights have a myriad of benefits, including cost savings over time, and the ability to offer WiFi and other innovating solutions. This project offered two case studies: one on the cost benefits of smart street lights in Columbus’ Linden neighborhood, and the other on a potential pilot of smart street lights on The Ohio State University campus.