MurphyEpson joined hundreds of community leaders and sustainability advocates at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s (MORPC) 2024 Sustainability Summit in October. This sold-out event brought together minds and initiatives from across the region (and country) to explore fresh ideas and share sustainable solutions. The day featured two plenary sessions with high-caliber speakers, a lineup of engaging breakout sessions and valuable networking opportunities. Here are our top three takeaways from this year’s summit.
The summit’s afternoon keynote by Jeff Speck, a nationally recognized city planner and advocate for walkable cities, emphasized the crucial role of urban design in sustainability. Speck, author of the bestselling Walkable City, spoke to the importance of creating walkable communities that encourage less reliance on cars, reduce emissions and foster healthier lifestyles. His insights complemented the summit’s focus on developing sustainable urban centers, highlighting the power of thoughtful design in crafting accessible, pedestrian-friendly environments.
MurphyEpson is thrilled to be supporting the LinkUS initiative in Central Ohio. Designed to improve connectivity, ease congestion and support sustainable growth, LinkUS brings together leaders, planners and communities to develop high-quality transit options like Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors, improved pedestrian infrastructure and dedicated bike lanes. The project emphasizes accessibility and community input, striving to create transit solutions that connect neighborhoods, enhance economic opportunities and improve overall quality of life across the region. By prioritizing environmental sustainability and forward-thinking infrastructure, LinkUS is positioning Central Ohio for a more connected, vibrant and resilient future.
MurphyEpson was honored to sponsor and participate in a panel discussion moderated by our CEO, Marie Keister, which focused on the expanding trail networks across Central Ohio. As part of Central Ohio Greenways’ 2018 Regional Trail Vision, a proposal to add 500 miles to the current 230-mile trail network is underway to connect communities across seven counties. This ambitious plan aims to close existing gaps, link neighborhoods to job centers and create an interconnected active transportation network that supports both recreation and daily commuting.
With the Central Ohio population projected to hit 3.1 million by 2050, the significance of trails in providing transportation alternatives, enhancing community connection and offering accessible green spaces will only grow. However, securing funding for these projects remains a challenge, and collaborative support from public and private sectors is key to making these plans a reality.
Our involvement at the summit extended to water sustainability — a hot topic in Central Ohio given the region's rapid expansion of data centers. One of our team members took part in a panel on water usage, highlighting the environmental impact of data centers and the importance of sustainable cooling methods. Central Ohio has become a focal point for data infrastructure as global tech giants build "MegaCampuses" here. While this growth bolsters Ohio’s economy and reputation as a tech hub, it also raises obstacles and opportunities for water usage, as data centers rely heavily on water to cool equipment.
Experts from cities, counties and tech giant Amazon shared innovative approaches to conserving water, such as advanced cooling technologies and water-recycling systems. The conversation underscored that as these centers continue to scale, responsible water use and innovative cooling solutions are essential to sustaining the region’s environmental health.
From discussions on sustainable development patterns to breakout sessions on climate action, the summit emphasized the need for community-focused approaches in urban planning.
The MORPC 2024 Sustainability Summit underscored the collaborative spirit and forward-thinking approaches that are helping to shape Central Ohio’s sustainable future. From trails and data center water conservation to community-focused urban design, this event highlighted the innovative paths Central Ohio is taking to foster a greener and more connected region. MurphyEpson is proud to be a part of this movement, working alongside MORPC and local stakeholders to drive sustainable change and support Central Ohio’s path toward a resilient future.
