The Context

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) “uses science, policy, law, and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health, and safeguard nature.” In partnership with the Sustainable Columbus initiative, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) engaged Illuminology to conduct a large scale qualitative research project focused on a variety of sustainability topics.

The Critical Question

What transportation modes do residents use, and what barriers do residents face when trying to use those transportation modes? How interested are residents in a several different sustainable transportation concepts? What are residents’ attitudes towards electric vehicles?

Our Solution

Working in partnership with several local nonprofit organizations that work with residents who have low-to-moderate incomes (e.g., IMPACT, JFS, MORPC, OSU Extension), over 50 individuals were recruited to participate in one-on-one qualitative interviews with Illuminology researchers, either via phone or via video conference.

Illumination

Using a discussion guide that was designed to elicit both factual answers and attitudinal responses in an unbiased, non-leading manner, Illuminology’s researchers obtained a large, robust amount of information that was directly relevant to the questions at hand. Thematic analysis was then used to identify the key research findings from this research effort.

Resolution

Both NRDC and the Sustainable Columbus initiative used the information and insights obtained from this study as it developed several environmentally friendly policies and programs that have the potential to positively affect residents’ lives.