The Ohio State University launched its new Sustainable Design and Construction Policy in February 2021. All construction projects now incorporate more sustainability elements based on project type, project scope, jurisdiction and budget, and require suppliers to be more transparent around sourcing, material content and the carbon footprint of materials.
- A great example of the policy’s impact is the Inpatient Hospital project. During the demolition of the North and South Cannon Garages, a total of 86 million pounds (39,000 tons) of materials — or 98% of the waste — were recycled, including concrete, rebar, and galvanized steel. These efforts align with Ohio State’s goal of becoming a zero waste campus.
- Given the extensive sustainable design process the new inpatient hospital tower went through with this policy, the university was able to issue two Green Bonds, certified by Kestrel Verifiers.