COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State University, Coca-Cola Consolidated and The Coca-Cola Company are launching a new, multi-year student-driven sustainability partnership that will engage interdisciplinary teams in developing approaches to energy use, recycling and waste management.
“These programs connect students directly with industry leaders to tackle real sustainability issues,” said Alissa Comella, executive director for corporate partnerships at Ohio State. “Experiential learning opportunities like these allow students to apply their knowledge to complex operational questions while helping identify ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce waste.”
On campus, a wider initiative began with a comprehensive waste characterization study that included select facilities as well as the Wexner Medical Center. Based on the results of the study, project proposals were submitted to build on key findings and engage students in exploring potential improvements.
Four projects were selected for implementation: a Student Experience Research Accelerator and a Student Experience Technology Push Program from the Center for Innovation Strategies at the Max M. Fisher College of Business, as well as a sustainability-focused Energy Accelerator and a year-long Zero Waste Challenge at the Ohio Union with partners across Student Life, Facilities Operations and Development and the Sustainability Institute. All four programs launched in early 2026.
This past fall, Ohio State students from the SUSTAINS Living-Learning Community, a sustainability leadership program for first- and second-year students from all majors, participated in a professional development trip during an academic break to Charlotte, North Carolina. While there, the students met with professionals addressing real-world sustainability challenges through a variety of career pathways, including a visit to Coca-Cola Consolidated to see firsthand how the company is addressing sustainability within its operations and in the community.
The Sustainable Energy Accelerator brings together interdisciplinary teams of four to five undergraduate and graduate students to address an energy-related challenge presented by Coca-Cola Consolidated. Working with faculty advisors and company leaders, the teams will develop recommendations and present their findings at the conclusion of the program.
Potential project areas include developing energy-awareness dashboards for production facilities, exploring monitoring approaches for commercial refrigeration units and identifying strategies that encourage more energy-conscious practices among retail partners.
“We love it when we can tap into the thoughts and ideas of the students at Ohio State,” said Todd Marty, senior director of sustainability for Coca-Cola Consolidated. “We value partnerships like these and welcome creative solutions as we continue our sustainability efforts.”
A Student Experience Research Accelerator also brings together undergraduate students to examine the behavioral and cultural factors that influence recycling and composting participation across the Ohio State community. Over a 10-week program, two student teams will conduct interviews and user research with on-campus residents, off-campus students and visitors to identify ways to make recycling and composting easier and more intuitive.
Ohio State also launches an eight-week Student Experience Technology Push research program that brings together 12 undergraduate students to examine emerging technologies that could strengthen recycling and composting systems throughout the university.
Participants assess tools designed to improve waste diversion and sustainability tracking, exploring how these systems could support operations in residence halls, dining facilities, research laboratories, sports venues and medical settings.
The Zero Waste Challenge at the Ohio Union engages students in redesigning waste and recycling systems in one of the university’s most heavily used campus facilities. The project explores ways to increase landfill diversion through updated collection infrastructure, clearer signage and improved systems for managing food waste generated through dining and catering operations.
Insights from the programs will help inform future sustainability initiatives at Ohio State while providing students with hands-on experience working alongside industry partners on real operational questions.
