Buildings
Introduction
Buildings are generally the largest user of energy and the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions on campuses. Buildings also use significant amounts of potable water. Institutions can design, build, and maintain buildings in ways that provide a safe and healthy indoor environment for inhabitants while simultaneously mitigating the building’s impact on the outdoor environment.
Featured Resources
Latest News from AASHE Bulletin
New Resources
Renewable Energy 100: The Course to a Carbon-Free Campus
- Allegheny College (PA)
- Ball State University (IN)
- Butte College (CA)
- Georgetown University (DC)
- University at Albany (NY)
- University of Delaware (DE)
- University of Louisville (KY)
America’s institutions of higher education can play a crucial role in the fight to prevent the worst impacts of global warming. Colleges and universities across the country should aggressively deploy …
- Posted March 14, 2017
- Publications
- View more
University of Chicago New Construction Procurement Case Study: Securing Your Investment in Sustainability
- University of Chicago (IL)
- Second Nature (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
- Seventhwave (WI)
Join AASHE and Second Nature for an in-depth look under the hood of the University of Chicago’s innovative procurement approach to establish a measurable energy performance requirement in their new …
- Posted March 7, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
- View more
The State of Sustainability in Higher Education 2016: The Life Cycle of Higher Education Facilities
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
- Gordian (SC)
Over the past two decades, colleges and universities have embraced numerous programs to minimize their environmental impact.
What were the “wins” for sustainability in higher education in 2016?
The annual …
- Posted Feb. 13, 2017
- Publications
- View more
The Use of LEED® Building Standards In the College and University Marketplace
- Leonardo Academy (WI)
Leonardo Academy released a survey report about the use of the LEED® green building rating system among colleges and universities in the United States.
The data gathered from survey responses …
- Posted Feb. 13, 2017
- Publications
- View more
Barriers to adoption of campus green building policies
- Virginia Tech (VA)
Purpose - The focus of this paper is on environmental protection, specifically within the context of green building at institutions of higher education (IHEs). One major reason why many IHEs …
- Posted Feb. 7, 2017
- Publications
- View more
Engaging sustainability good practice within the curriculum design and property portfolio in the Australian higher education sector
- Deakin University
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the extent to which universities’ strategic plans affect the level of incorporation of sustainability within the curriculum design and property portfolio. …
- Posted Jan. 18, 2017
- Publications
- View more
Greener Cleaning Playbook: A guide to help sports venue operators develop a greener cleaning program
- Green Sports Alliance (OR)
This Playbook is designed to help sports facilities reduce the health and environmental threats associated with cleaning sports venues. Beyond protecting health, the cleaning industry uses significant quantities of chemicals, …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Zero Waste: Data, Infrastructure, and Engagement Return Recycling Case Study
- New York University (NY)
- Return Recycling (NY)
Return Recycling is a student-led organization devoted to building a concrete understanding for waste data, infrastructure, and engagement. Over the past year we've prototyped new (self-designed) recycling bins, developed new …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
LEED Green Associate Training V4
- Leonardo Academy (WI)
LEED Green Associate Training covers information needed for preparation for the GBCI LEED Green Associate exam. Presented by Leonardo Academy staff: Michael Arny, President of Leonardo Academy who was the …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Energy Engineering for Non-Engineers
- GreenerU (MA)
Much of the change we need to make in order to address climate change and sustainability challenges relates to engineering, but that doesn't mean everyone needs an engineering degree to …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Environmental Dashboard: Fostering K12-College Collaborations that Discover and Realize Education and Conservation Opportunities
- Oberlin College (OH)
Many schools have adopted resource-use visualization 'dashboards' that provide real-time feedback on energy and water use in campus buildings. While dashboard technology and programming (such as resource-use reduction competitions) have …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
This Changes Everything: a Sustainability Revolution in New Building Procurement
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (CO)
- Seventhwave (WI)
- dbHMS (IL)
Join the University of Chicago as we revolutionize how higher ed buildings are contracted, built and operated. This residence hall panel discussion shows how performance-based procurement drives institutional change by …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Net Zero Water: not a dry Topic
- Williams College (MA)
- Bruner/Cott Architects (MA)
- Integrated Eco Strategy
- Berkshire Design Group (MA)
Construction often negatively impacts the natural balance of water cycles. Even regions with historically abundant quantities of potable water are depleting aquifers, while record rainfall provides destructive amounts of storm …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Open Sesame: Low-Cost Sub-Meter Data Visualization
- Macalester College (MN)
Learn how Macalester, as the next step of the College's sub-metering initiative, has leveraged no-cost and open-source solutions through HTML and XML, Google Apps, and Tableau to display utilities consumption …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Engaging Laboratories in Sustainability
- Harvard University (MA)
- Stanford University (CA)
- My Green Lab (CA)
Laboratories contribute significantly to a university's environmental footprint. At research institutions they can account for more than half of the campus energy consumption, consume hundreds of thousands of gallons of …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Research - Climate Nexus: The Difficult Questions Facing Progressive Institutions Today.
- Case Western Reserve University (OH)
- Cornell University (NY)
- Princeton University (NJ)
- Buro Happold (NY)
As universities are tackling climate commitments focused on Scope 1 and 2 emissions, they are facing difficult decisions on capital investments in existing and new building stock and infrastructure to …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Change Makers: Innovative waste reduction campaigns and beyond
- Johnson County Community College (KS)
- Lane Community College (OR)
- Portland Community College (OR)
This interactive and action-oriented panel will look at 3 different waste reduction behavior change programs in community colleges. The panelists will address some of the specific challenges they face with …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Meet Universities who are Reinventing Relevance via Innovation Districts that include Corporations and Cities.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
- Oklahoma State University (OK)
- University of Texas at Austin (TX)
- McGill University (QC)
- Morphosis Architecture (NY)
Join Jane Talkington for a national overview on Innovation Districts, a burgeoning new form in which the university can GO BEYOND campus boundaries to create relevance by building interdisciplinary capacity …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Inspiring Change: Campus Mission and the Living Building Challenge
- Hampshire College (MA)
- Bruner/Cott Architects (MA)
- Integrated Eco Strategy
- International Living Future Institute (WA)
The RW Kern Center is designed to embody Hampshire College's mission of fostering positive change in the world, as well as to meet the Living Building Challenge. This session is …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Green Demonstration Buildings - A Facilities Management Perspective on the Benefits (and Challenges) of Being Innovative
- Nova Scotia Community College (NS)
15 years ago the Nova Scotia Community College made a commitment to being an industry leader in sustainability. This commitment aligned with major infrastructure changes at all 13 campuses, including …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Integrating Solar PV in Building Overhauls
- Chesapeake College (MD)
- United States Department of Energy (DC)
The Health Professions and Athletics Center at Chesapeake College received a complete overhaul before its re-opening in August, 2015. Aiming for LEED Platinum certification, a 1.7 MW solar project has …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
A Zero Net Energy Teaching Laboratory
- Sasaki Associates, Inc. (MA)
- BR+A (MA)
The ACUPCC and the 2030 Challenge set the trajectory for a carbon-neutral future in the building industry. This goal may seem out of reach for laboratory buildings with high plug-loads …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Urban Eco-Block: From Prototype to Adaptation - University, Community and Non-Profit collaborate to create a Net Zero Block
- Washington University in St. Louis (MO)
- Hellmuth + Bicknese Architects (MO)
Urban Eco-Block goal is to create a prototype Sustainable Form-Based Code and Net Positive Design for a typical urban city block found in many rust-belt cities where urban blight, economic …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Indoor Air Quality in the Context of Human Performance
- Kirksey Architecture (TX)
Studies conducted by Harvard and LBNL National Lab have indicated that indoor CO2 levels that were until recently considered safe actually have substantial negative impacts on human cognition, including impaired …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Collaborative Research to Improve Dorm Heating Performance: Improved comfort and energy efficiency
- Boston University (MA)
A common problem observed in small dorms in winter is open windows due to overheated rooms. We present results from a study by students, facilities staff, and faculty of the …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Immersive Learning in Sustainable Building Design and Construction Practices
- University of Arkansas (AR)
Sustainability registers a high appeal among students as they face climate change. At Florida International University, a research program has been established to test if the Technology Mediated Learning Environments …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
WattTime: Energy Management to Reduce Emissions and Support Clean Energy Future
- WattTime (CA)
Every time any device in a building on any campus turns on, a single power plant must produces slightly more electricity to power it. But what kind of power plant? …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Role of Biophilic Design in Supporting the Student Athlete
- Liberty University (VA)
- VMDO Architects, PC (VA)
Biophilic design can enhance well-being, support physical performance, and expedite healing. These outcomes are particularly nourishing for student athletes - who experience intensive physical wear and tear as well as …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Green Rehab Experiment: Charting a Path to NZE for Market Rate Off-Campus University-Owned Housing Renovations
- Washington University in St. Louis (MO)
The Green Rehab Experiment is a multi-disciplinary applied research project that aims to chart a path towards net-zero energy performance for the renovation of 100-year old, off-campus, multi-family apartment buildings …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Sustainable Buildings: Utilizing BOMA BEST (Green Globes EB in Canada) to Enhance the Sustainable Operations of Your Campus
- University of Alberta (AB)
As part of The University of Alberta´s institutional Sustainability Plan we build all our new buildings to LEED or Green Globes standards. But as we operate and manage ± 200 …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Exploring LEED-EB: O+M for A Smarter, Healthier and More Efficient Campus: Lessons Learned at Portland State University
- Portland State University (OR)
- Green Building Services (OR)
Portland State University is working on multiple fronts to institutionalize sustainable operations and support the campus goal of carbon neutrality by 2040. In 2015, PSU became a founding signatory of …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Capitalizing on Local Renewable Resources for Campus Energy Needs: The Williams Lake Campus Bio-Mass System
- Thompson Rivers University (BC)
Campuses across North America are increasingly looking to renewable energy sources to help reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and provide reliable and consistent energy costs. Each university has different …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Sustainable and Comprehensive Utilities and Energy Management
- Texas A&M University (TX)
Texas A&M University embarked on a comprehensive program, in 2002, to better understand and improve operational efficiency and effectiveness of campus facilities. The result has been a decrease in campus …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Green Roof Strategies for Success: Making It Work Beyond the First Year
- New York University (NY)
Green roof failures are all too common, often leading to expensive replacement plantings, unmet aesthetic expectations, and invasive plant problems. In the fall of 2011, a 3,700 square foot un-irrigated …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Key Facilities Metrics; Gateway Survey for Collegiate Improvements
- National Association of College & University Business Officers (NACUBO) (DC)
For the third year, the joint APPA/NACUBO 'Key Facilities Benchmark' survey is being offered and results will be highlighted. The five simple measures instigated by the NACUBO Sustainability Advisory Panel …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Healthy Materials: Agents of Change
- Bruner/Cott Architects (MA)
Building materials can create adverse effects in built and natural environments. In addition to depleting natural resources and causing pollution, certain materials expose us to harmful chemicals. Advocating for transparency …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Greeks Go Green
- University of Nebraska - Lincoln (NE)
Greeks Going Green is a collaborative project with the student government at the University of Nebraska, which aims to show people that through simple actions, they have the power to …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Beyond LEED - are sustainability codes ready for primetime?
- University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
- Hord Coplan Macht (MD)
Since the advent of LEED, there have been a plethora of green rating systems and now codes that have been written to quantify sustainable building practices. How are states and …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Together we are Building Sustainability' - An Outreach Framework for LEED EB Projects
- University of Virginia (VA)
Though most college and university sustainability offices are charged with both improving operational efficiency AND increasing sustainability literacy and engagement, we often overlook opportunities to serve these missions concurrently in …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Wildcat Waste Challenge: A Collaboration Between Student Programs, University Libraries, and Facilities Management
- University of Arizona (AZ)
Two significant barriers to increased recycling rates are confusion surrounding what is and is not recyclable and the convenience factor of waste disposal. Many students view recycling as a confusing …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Data Driven Decision Making and Design: A Case Study
- New York University (NY)
The new reality is academic institutions must do more with less, whether that be decreased funding or lack of physical space. The transformation of 370 Jay Street located in Downtown …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Prioritizing Infrastructure Upgrades: Highlighting Shippensburg University's Success
- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania (PA)
- Gordian (SC)
Nationwide trends indicate that capital funding at public institutions has stagnated for the past 7 years, at rates significantly below private institutions' funding levels. In response to shortfalls, public institutions …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Using Real-Time Campus Data to Explore Management and Behavior: Introduction to Teaching with Building Dashboard Technologies
- Oberlin College (OH)
Many schools have adopted resource-use visualization 'dashboards' that provide real-time feedback on energy and water use in campus buildings. Parallel use of this technology for student engagement and facilities management …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Leveraging Portfolio Manager and ENERGY STAR on Campus
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
Portfolio Manager and ENERGY STAR remain largely untapped resources in the higher education sector. Come to this session to learn about how some leading edge schools are capitalizing on our …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Living Building at Georgia Tech - A Campus-Wide Engagement Approach
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
In partnership with The Kendeda Fund, Georgia Tech will build a fully certified Living Building Challenge 3.0 building to support instruction, research, campus engagement, and community outreach on its Atlanta …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Implementing a LED Lighting Program Across a Major University Campus
- Princeton University (NJ)
- Pearl Street LED Lighting Systems (NJ)
Princeton University has begun the execution of a program to convert their entire campus to LED lighting. This lighting efficiency program is in support of the Universities sustainability initiatives and …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Outlooks for a More Sustainable Building Stock
- University of Arkansas (AR)
Despite all progress made in this domain, the building stock is still at its infancy when it comes to achieving zero environmental impact and zero fossil fuels utilization. The harnessing …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Seven Secrets of How Nature Designs: how to apply the lessons of biomimicry to your business
- EcoDistricts (OR)
Twenty years ago, no one would have believed that any company without a website would not be in business in the future. Today, you may not believe that any company …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The importance of campus building sub-metering for determining energy consumption and the effects of efficiency improvements
- Stony Brook University (NY)
- FLEXIM Americas Corporation (NY)
Sub-metering campus buildings for energy consumption of cooling and heating is necessary to determine how much energy a building is consuming. It is the starting point for any building conservation …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Sustainable Campus Development: Campuses Go Green: Colleges and universities take environmentally responsible design to new levels
- Society for College and University Planning (MI)
- AASHE (MA)
Three projects profiled here exemplify that next level: a new campus designed for sustainability from first principles, an academic building now proving itself under the Living Building Challenge, and a …
- Posted Nov. 10, 2016
- Publications
- View more
This tab provides access to data collected through AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS). STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS enables meaningful comparisons over time and across institutions using a common set of measurements developed with broad participation from the campus sustainability community.
All responses reference content from reports under the latest version of STARS, version 2.2. AASHE membership and log-in is required.
OP 3: Building Design & Construction
- Percent of building space certified for green building construction and renovation
- A list of green building new construction and major renovation projects
- An inventory of green building new construction and major renovation projects
- Website URL - Green building design and construction program
OP 4: Building Design & Construction
- Percent of building space certified for operations and maintenance
- Description of sustainable operations and maintenance policies and/or programs
- Website URL - Existing building operations and maintenance
Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.