Ohio State, ADS Launch Sustainability Collaboration on Water, Recycling

HILLIARD, Ohio, Jan. 25, 2022

A video on the collaboration can be viewed here.

"The new collaboration with ADS will greatly improve the way Ohio State manages stormwater runoff from new development at Innovation District," says Kate Bartter, Executive Director of the Sustainability Institute.  Stormwater management is a significant economic and environmental issue when designing new construction.  The collaboration draws attention to stormwater management at a time when climate change is exacerbating the issue by greatly increasing the number and intensity of storm events.  Catastrophic flooding in the southern United States and overseas in places like Germany have highlighted the danger from extreme storm events to life and property.

The challenges posed by stormwater management is a powerful motivation for Advanced Drainage Systems, a supplier of drainage products for residential, commercial, agriculture and infrastructure markets.  "Our reason is water, whether in an urban or rural setting," says Scott Barbour, ADS President and CEO.  "We are pleased to be able to help Ohio State manage stormwater runoff at its new Innovation District with this donation."

In addition to the product donation and installation cost, the company plans to support research and teaching opportunities that will use the larger of the two stormwater systems as a living laboratory for urban water management.  Potential projects include comparing the performance of the company's stormwater management system to water quality from traditional retention pond and exploring the possibility of tapping the water stored inside the system for irrigation.  Part of the gift will also support the diversity and inclusion goals of the Engineering House Learning Community for undergraduate students.

"Bringing together Ohio State's core assets like this is the equivalent of an academic trifecta," Bartter adds.  "It really demonstrates what the university can contribute to our knowledge and application of sustainability solutions.  This collaboration will not only make our campus more sustainable, but it will generate research and teaching benefits for years to come."