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.
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The First TRUE Zero Waste Certified Academic Building: A Case Study
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
Throughout the two years of working toward zero waste at Chou Hall at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, the Chou Hall Zero Waste Initiative team has learned a great …
- Posted Nov. 16, 2021
- Case Studies
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Advancing Operational Climate Action During COVID-19: Perspectives from Global Research Universities
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
- University of British Columbia (BC)
- Second Nature (MA)
The coronavirus pandemic has effected us all - changing the way our university campuses currently operate and will operate well into the future. And while universities continue to respond to …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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The intersection of sustainability and energy master planning: actionable carbon neutrality at Vassar college
- Vassar College (NY)
- Ecosystem (QC)
Energy master plan firms often spend months -- and sometimes years -- developing numerous technical solutions, simulations, and scenarios, without effectively engaging key stakeholders. As a result, it is hard …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Using Building Science and Technology to Deliver Equitable Indoor Air Quality
- Duquesne University (PA)
- AUROS Group (PA)
The data is clear. Building occupants directly benefit from high indoor air quality in both 1) improved health and 2) improved performance. This lightening talk will not only empirically support …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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Not Just an Efficient Toilet: Shifting from Water Management to Water Stewardship
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (WI)
- Alliance for Water Stewardship
Universities have employed traditional water efficiency strategies effectively. But what if your institution's water is sourced from communities adversely impacted by water withdrawals? Or if rainfall on your campus contributes …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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Keys to Safer Disinfection in a COVID Environment
- University of Virginia (VA)
- Healthy Schools Campaign (IL)
Sustainability in higher education often follows a top-down approach, focusing on student enrichment and project-based solutions. What has been missing is the willingness to consider who has been left out …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Everything I Learned in a Kindergarten Classroom: Designing Timeless Spaces for Equity, Learning and
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
Sustainability is more than energy efficiency and materials management. Designing sustainable learning spaces requires addressing multiple desired outcomes with limited resources. Truly sustainable spaces account for how the space welcomes …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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A More Bird-Safe Campus: The JCCC Bird Collision Study in Practice and the Classroom
- Johnson County Community College (KS)
Johnson County Community College has since 2018 collected data on bird/window strikes across its xxx acre, suburban campus, assembling an impressive dataset on bird species and strike location(s). Both data …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Equipping Students with Data for Change - Chestnut Living Lab Study
- Ithaca College (NY)
In 2018, Ithaca College's Office of Energy Management & Sustainability received funding from the Office of the President to design a research project focused on equipping students with the necessary …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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What's the plan for LED lighting and it's environmental impact?
- Circadia Group (PA)
LED Lighting is here to stay and very soon you will not have another any other option to purchase. Many have come to know how beneficial the technology is in …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Establishing a Green Labs Certification Program
- Northern Arizona University (AZ)
The Green Labs Program is a collaboration between the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Health & Safety with the goal to minimize the environmental impact of laboratories on NAU campus. …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Duquesne University's Sustainable MBA: Keeping our Facilities & our Students Ahead of the Pack
- Duquesne University (PA)
- AUROS Group (PA)
To stay at the top in their field, Duquesne University's thought leaders are embracing technology to inform and advise their choices on building renovations and upgrades. Duquesne University is one …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Preventing Bird Window Collisions by Creating a Bird-Safe Campus with American Bird Conservancy
- American Bird Conservancy (VA)
Collisions with glass kill up to 1 billion birds each year in the United States. The good news is that a) collision mortality is preventable and b) campuses can save …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Findensers and Floods: A Pilot Study on Reducing Campus Laboratory Water Use
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
Hey, there's water all over!' a department director recalled exclaiming when he discovered the chemistry building's most-recent flood. Floods occur periodically in buildings at the University of Wisconsin. They damage …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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Living up to the UN SDG's with the Living Building Challenge
- International Living Future Institute (WA)
Many colleges and universities have aligned their sustainability plans with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG's). These 17 global goals aim to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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From Zero to Mass-timber in 20 Months.
- University of Denver (CO)
- Lake Flato Architects (TX)
- PCL Construction (CO)
How the University of Denver went from having no experience with mass-timber buildings to topping out the first entirely mass-timber structure in Denver in 20 months. We know many institutions …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Utilizing Geographic Information Systems to Conduct Indoor Waste Receptacle Inventory
- Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
This presentation will highlight the methodologies and lessons learned in utilizing Geographic Information Systems to develop and implement a process to efficiently inventory all indoor waste receptacles on Indiana University's …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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From Brownfield to Habitat: Reclaiming a Site for Environmental Education
- Washington College (MD)
- Ayers Saint Gross (MD)
As the LEED rating systems have evolved from LEED 2009 to LEEDv4 and LEEDv4.1, LEED's bias for development in existing urban locations has become more apparent. How can smaller, more …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Product Selection and Design that Prioritize People and Planet
- Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (CA)
Green and healthy buildings require selecting products that are safe for humans and the environment. As we transition from our current take-make-waste linear systems into models that enable greater cycling …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Enlightened Education: Solar Engineering Design to Energize School Facilities
- Madison Area Technical College (WI)
This presentation will explore the potential for universities, colleges, and K-12 schools to implement solar electric infrastructure projects on their campus that also provide a learning environment and instructional opportunities …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Achieving University Circularity in 2050
- Ayers Saint Gross (MD)
- CannonDesign (NY)
- Ellen MacArthur Foundation
It's 2050 and the world's civilizations have successfully implemented 100% recycled materials, 100% material waste diversion, 100% renewable energy-fueled systems and perpetual environmental regeneration. Within the design field, as a …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Building Your Campus Energy Workforce: Opportunities for Students, Faculty and Staff
- Washington University in St. Louis (MO)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
- United States Department of Energy (DC)
Energy efficiency and renewable energy are exploding with interest from students while colleges and universities across the country are working to rapidly deploy both solutions. How can these interests be …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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Piloting, Scaling and Committing to Healthier Materials
- Colby College (ME)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
- Thornton Tomasetti (ME)
When it comes to the processes and chemicals used to make building materials, there is an urgent need for market transformation. It takes institutions, like the ones in this panel, …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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The Challenge and Promise of a Living Building Project in a Dynamic Urban Ecosystem
- Unity Environmental University (ME)
- Thornton Tomasetti (ME)
- Simons Architects (ME)
Where many people see an unassuming drab brick building in a corner of Portland, Maine's, historic waterfront, Unity College sees an unprecedented opportunity for a physical manifestation our sustainability mission. …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Building Energy Quotient, A Fresh Perspective on Sustainability and Engagement in Universities
- ASHRAE (OR)
- Hanson Professional Services (FL)
The ASHRAE Building Energy Quotient (Building EQ) program empowers facility owners to understand their building's energy performance in comparison to facilities of the same type in the same climate zone. …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
- Conference Presentations
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A Dynamic (Electrification) Partnership
- Wells College (NY)
In partnership with Medley Thermal, Wells College provides a testbed for dynamically electrifying the College's boiler system. Dynamically electrifying our thermal load will significantly reduce Scope 1 emissions in the …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Creating Engaging and Equitable Outdoor Experiences for Students and Staff
- North Carolina State University (NC)
- Legrand North America, LLC (CA)
Outdoor spaces are transforming the way we live, learn, work and play. Aside from the many health benefits that being outdoors can bring, people want to be productive outside-and spaces …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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GeoX - Lowering carbon through ground source heat pump technology at Colorado State
- Colorado State University (CO)
Colorado State University, in Fort Collins, CO has undertaken its first project to employ geothermal energy, also called ground source heat pump or geoexchange system. This CSU project, dubbed GeoX, …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Energy Management During a Global Pandemic
- University of Dayton (OH)
COVID-19 shutdowns and reopenings present new challenges and opportunities for the energy management profession. Generally, this has included reducing energy consumption during campus shutdowns, modifying facilities to accomodate new COVID-19 …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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International Living Future Institute - Higher Education Cohort
- International Living Future Institute (WA)
Higher education institutions around the country are pursuing the Living Building Challenge and Living Community Challenge - using the frameworks from ILFI to guide their sustainability efforts to go beyond …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Carbon neutrality should not be the end goal: Lessons for institutional climate action from U.S. higher education
- Hamilton College-Clinton.NY (NY)
- Smith College (MA)
- Ceres (MA)
Climate action pledges have increasingly taken the form of commitments to net carbon neutrality. Higher education institutions (HEIs) are uniquely positioned to innovate in this area, and over 800 United …
- Posted Oct. 6, 2021
- Publications
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Florida Tech Alumni Center
- Florida Institute of Technology (FL)
Florida Tech Alumni Center - The Folliard Alumni House at Florida Institute of Technology received a makeover in 2020, and was re-engineered as a zero-energy facility. The new center features …
- Posted Oct. 5, 2021
- Photographs
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The Albert Sherman Center at UMass Chan Medical School
- UMass Chan Medical School (MA)
The Albert Sherman Center, a nine story 512,000 square-foot research and education building at UMass Chan Medical School, is certified LEED Gold.
- Posted Sept. 15, 2021
- Photographs
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State-of-the-art mechanical systems at UMass Chan Medical School
- UMass Chan Medical School (MA)
Efficient mechanical systems at UMass Chan Medical School including chilled beams and energy recovery wheels.
- Posted Sept. 15, 2021
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GVSU Campus in Summertime
- Grand Valley State University (MI)
GVSU Campus in Summertime
- Posted Sept. 8, 2021
- Photographs
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Bentley Arena
- Bentley University (MA)
Bentley Arena, the nation's first LEED Platinum certified standalone ice arena.
- Posted Sept. 8, 2021
- Photographs
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Bentley University library and campus quad
- Bentley University (MA)
Image of Bentley University Library and campus quad.
- Posted Sept. 8, 2021
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The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
The Kendeda Building - The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design at Georgia Institute of Technology is the first building in Georgia to earn Living Building Challenge certification. The Kendeda …
- Posted Aug. 23, 2021
- Photographs
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Dickinson College Achieves Carbon Neutrality
- Dickinson College (PA)
Carbon Neutral 2020 - Dickinson College attained carbon neutrality in 2020, reaching a goal that was established in 2007. Dickinson reduced GHG emissions by increasing energy efficiency of the campus, …
- Posted Aug. 11, 2021
- Photographs
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Creating or Improving Green Office and Lab Certification Programs: Best Practices
- California State University, Stanislaus (CA)
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
- The Ohio State University (OH)
- AASHE (MA)
If your institution is considering creating a Green Office Certification Program (GOCP) or improving an existing one, you have company. In 2019, several universities and colleges were in the same …
- Posted July 22, 2021
- Videos & Webinars
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Embodied, operation, and commuting emissions: A case study comparing the carbon hotspots of an educational building
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (NY)
- University of Florida (FL)
- University of Vaasa
- Jilin University
Building operational energy, mobility energy, and materials embodied energy contribute to a significant portion of the global greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings stand at the intersection of these three contributors and, …
- Posted May 26, 2021
- Publications
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The Living Building at Nuthatch Hollow | Binghamton University
- Binghamton University (NY)
Binghamton University's Nuthatch Hollow is a hidden oasis just a short distance from campus. Professors Pam Mischen and Carl Lipo explain how this 75-acre property is ideal for the construction …
- Posted May 26, 2021
- Videos & Webinars
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Gritlab - The Green Roof Innovation Testing Laboratory
- University of Toronto (ON)
The Green Roof Innovation Testing Laboratory, or GRIT Lab, is located at the University of Toronto, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design.
A platform for multidisciplinary collaboration, …
- Posted May 26, 2021
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Campus Energy-Efficiency Project (CEEP)
- University of Utah (UT)
$30M project on the Health Science Campus of the University of Utah, to use energy-efficiency to avoid the need for an expensive chilled water (CHW) plant expansion.
- Posted May 26, 2021
- Case Studies
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Brown University's Thermal Efficiency Project-2
- Brown University (RI)
Brown University is a 6.5 million sq. ft. research university campus founded in 1764 in Providence, Rhode Island. Its annual energy bill is $20 million. It serves 7,000 undergraduate students, …
- Posted May 26, 2021
- Case Studies
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Auraria Campus Sustainable Development Handbook
- Auraria Higher Education Center (CO)
Auraria Campus Sustainable Development Handbook Maintenance, Design, & Construction Guidelines for Campus Operations & Planning
The Sustainable Development Handbook for Auraria Campus synthesizes the existing sustainability goals of Auraria Campus …
- Posted May 26, 2021
- Case Studies
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President's Sustainability Research Fellowship 20-21: Sustainable Space Utilization
- Swarthmore College (PA)
The 2020-2021 President's Sustainability Research Fellowship Sustainable Space Utilization project was conducted by Alex Flowers '21 over the 2020-2021 Academic Year. The purpose of the Sustainable Space Management project was …
- Posted May 26, 2021
- Case Studies
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FY20 Energy-Efficiency Initiatives Project
- University of Utah (UT)
The first phase of a series of campus-wide projects to target carbon reductions.
The FY20 Energy-Efficiency Initiatives project targeted industry proven low-cost, fast-payback measures focusing on carbon neutrality and energy-efficiency. …
- Posted May 25, 2021
- Case Studies
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Energy Efficiency Strategy
- Swarthmore College (PA)
Project Name: Energy Efficiency Strategy Name: Christian Stone Project Mentors: Elizabeth Drake, Domenic Porrini Project Board Members: Greg Brown, Jim Adams, Janet Semler, Andy Feick, Roderick Wolfson, Aurora Winslade Faculty …
- Posted May 21, 2021
- Case Studies
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The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design – A Certified Living Building
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
In September 2015, the Georgia Tech Institute of Technology received a commitment for $30 million from The Kendeda Fund to building what the partners expected to become the most environmentally …
- Posted May 18, 2021
- Case Studies
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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.