Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 71.57
Liaison Greg Maginn
Submission Date Jan. 22, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

The Ohio State University
IN-2: Innovation 2

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Michael Boehm
Vice Provost
Academic and Strategic Planning
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
Discovery Themes

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:

The Ohio State University is committed to sustainability at every level of our enterprise. In particular, our Discovery Themes programs leverage Ohio State’s special strengths to address the technological, social, and environmental stresses that define today’s global world.

Specifically, Ohio State has selected three discovery Themes program to promote the research, teaching and engagement surrounding sustainability issues. These three programs are Food and Agricultural Transformation, Materials and Manufacturing for Sustainability, and Sustainable and Resilient Economy.

The Food and AgriCultural Transformation Discovery Themes program (InFACT) seeks to be the worldwide leader in developing conceptual models and practical examples of climate-resilient, secure and equitable agricultural food systems. Improved health and functioning of agroecosystems, socio-cultural institutions and human health, as well as sustainability, resilience, adaptation and equity at all scales are InFACTS’s goals. Food security for all, despite local constraints and global volatility, is the overriding aim.

The Materials and Manufacturing for Sustainability Discovery Themes program builds on Ohio Stat’s interdisciplinary strengths in materials research, world-class facilities, strong industrial partnerships, nationally recognized centers of excellence and recent strategic investments. This program will enable discoveries that transform our world and position Ohio State to be a national and international leader in advanced materials and sustainable manufacturing.

The Sustainable and Resilient Economy Discovery Themes program advances research, teaching and engagement that will accelerate the development of production and consumption systems that promote the value and reduce the adverse impacts of material and energy flows through the economy and society. The science of sustainability is enhanced by developing more holistic approaches to sustainability and resilience assessment and applying these methods to foster innovations in sustainable technologies, policies and governance.


A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):

The three programs are up and running at the university and will each be hiring faculty explicitly to enhance Ohio State’s expertise and impact within and across the three areas. Collectively, these Discovery Themes programs are enhancing the teaching and learning of sustainability issues for our students, while advancing solutions to our global sustainability challenges.


A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
Which of the following STARS subcategories does the innovation most closely relate to? (Select all that apply up to a maximum of five):
Yes or No
Curriculum Yes
Research Yes
Campus Engagement Yes
Public Engagement Yes
Air & Climate No
Buildings No
Dining Services No
Energy No
Grounds No
Purchasing No
Transportation No
Waste No
Water No
Coordination, Planning & Governance Yes
Diversity & Affordability No
Health, Wellbeing & Work No
Investment No

Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
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The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.