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
Mohawk College SCI submission 2
- Mohawk College (ON)
The Joyce Centre for Partnership and Innovation at Mohawk College is the first pilot project for The Canada Green Building Council® (CaGBC) Zero Carbon Building Program. This framework is Canada’s …
- Posted July 31, 2019
- Photographs
- View more
Mohawk College SCI submission 1
- Mohawk College (ON)
The Joyce Centre for Partnership and Innovation at Mohawk College is the first pilot project for The Canada Green Building Council® (CaGBC) Zero Carbon Building Program. This framework is Canada’s …
- Posted July 31, 2019
- Photographs
- View more
Roux Center Tour Guides
- Bowdoin College (ME)
During the busy opening weekend of Bowdoin's first LEED Platinum Building, The Roux Center for the Environment, sustainability tours were provided by Bowdoin EcoReps, identifiable by their green sash.
- Posted July 30, 2019
- Photographs
- View more
LEED Platinum Sustainability Center at CSUN
- California State University, Northridge (CA)
LEED Platinum Sustainability Center - The new LEED Platinum Sustainability Center at California State University, Northridge is the first Sustainability Center in the California State University system, serving as an …
- Posted July 29, 2019
- Photographs
- View more
The Circular Economy Beneath Your Feet. Take Ownership of your Plastic Flooring Footprint.
- Interface, Inc (GA)
Colleges and universities around the world are committed to sustainability, climate change action and carbon footprint reduction. However, many of these same colleges and universities overlook two of the largest …
- Posted July 1, 2019
- Publications
- View more
University halls plastics recycling: a blended intervention study
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong (SAR)
- The Education University of Hong Kong
Purpose – The problem of plastic wastes is serious nowadays worldwide, although plastic wastes recycling is already in practice. To promote sustainability in plastic waste recycling, the quality of wastes …
- Posted May 22, 2019
- Publications
- View more
WU January Hall Renovation: Journey from no certification to designed to achieve LEED v4 Platinum and beyond
- Washington University in St. Louis (MO)
Constructed in 1922, Grace Valle January Hall housed the School of Law from the mid-1920s until the completion of the Seeley Mudd Law Building in the early 1970s. January Hall …
- Posted May 20, 2019
- Case Studies
- View more
Heritage building re-envisioned, modernized and integrated with a 21st-century addition to become an energy-efficient and sustainable living laboratory
- Royal Roads University (BC)
The $24.3M Sherman Jen Building (SJB), which opened to students in September 2018, was a renovation and re-visioning project that repurposed an underutilized, energy inefficient, 3,120 square metre heritage building …
- Posted May 20, 2019
- Case Studies
- View more
TRUE Zero Waste Platinum Certification, Chou Hall
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
Connie and Kevin Chou Hall is the newest building addition to the UC Berkeley Haas Business School. It is the first academic building in the world to achieve US Green …
- Posted May 20, 2019
- Case Studies
- View more
Combine biomass DES and Low Carbon Electrification approaches to eliminate 100% GHG emissions from natural gas
- Thompson Rivers University (BC)
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) has met or exceeded Global, National and Provincial GHG reduction targets over past 10 years. Since 2010 TRU has reduced GHG emissions by more than 35 …
- Posted May 20, 2019
- Case Studies
- View more
Do, Learn, Do: Expanding Green Roof Infrastructure at Notre Dame
- University of Notre Dame (IN)
*See this story for more information: https://news.nd.edu/news/largest-roof-greenscape-in-indiana-lives-atop-notre-dames-joyce-center/ *
Athletics are key to campus life at the University of Notre Dame, as are the facilities that make them possible. Over the …
- Posted May 17, 2019
- Case Studies
- View more
Low Carbon Electrification results in campus wide GHG reductions while adding a new building
- Thompson Rivers University (BC)
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) has met or exceeded Global, National and Provincial GHG reduction targets over past 10 years. Since 2010 TRU has reduced GHG emissions by more than 35 …
- Posted May 17, 2019
- Case Studies
- View more
UVA Clark Hall Delta Force Renovations
- University of Virginia (VA)
The University of Virginia's Office of Sustainability within the Facilities Management department developed and currently runs the Delta Force Initiative, an internal performance contracting program. that increases energy efficiency and …
- Posted May 17, 2019
- Case Studies
- View more
Creating a focused Departmental Sustainability Plan for Residence Life
- Texas A&M University (TX)
In 2018, the Department of Residence Life at Texas A&M University sought a new avenue to promote sustainability within the institution and, more specifically, their individual department. Working with Ayers-Saint …
- Posted May 17, 2019
- Case Studies
- View more
Creating a Culture of Sustainability Through Energy Conservation at Abilene Christian University
- Abilene Christian University (TX)
Abilene Christian University (ACU) is a diverse, welcoming, academically rigorous community redefining what it means to be a Christian university in the 21st century. Our faith-based education goes beyond academics. …
- Posted May 17, 2019
- Case Studies
- View more
Generating Positive Community Energy with Millersville University's Zero Energy Lombardo Welcome Center
- Millersville University (PA)
Millersville University leveraged the positive energy performance, utility rebates and cost savings associated with its new zero energy Lombardo Welcome Center to establish a fund that supports community engagement related …
- Posted May 15, 2019
- Case Studies
- View more
Recycled Water Innovation at San Jose State University
- San Jose State University (CA)
San Jose State University has a central plant that provides utilities (electricity, steam, and chilled water) to its main campus. It has been a customer of South Bay Water Recyclers …
- Posted May 15, 2019
- Case Studies
- View more
The WinterGreen Project
- University of Manitoba (MB)
Wintergreen Project aims to develop technology needed to address the Northern Food Crisis by using hydroponic technologies to grow food in a shipping container
- Posted May 13, 2019
- Case Studies
- View more
A High Performance Campus Building at Ozyegin University
- Özyeğin University
- University of Zaragoza
- Bg Mi̇marlik Müşavi̇rli̇k Li̇mi̇ted Şi̇rketi̇ (BDesign)
- Fiba Holding
- Fundacion Circe Centro De Investigacion De Recursos Y Consumos Energeticos (CIRCE)
- DIRCO S.R.L.
- SP Sveriges Tekniska Forskningsinstitut Ab (SP)
- Vue Sur Mons S.A (VSM)
- D´appolonia Spa (Dappo)
- Acciona Infraestructuras S.A. (Acciona)
- Université de Mons
- Imprima Costruzioni Srl (Imprima)
- Derome Hus Ab (Derome)
- M5
- Ingenieria Y Control Electronico, S.A. (Ingecon)
- Bureau D'architectes Format D2 Sprl (FD2)
- Intesasanpaolo Eurodesk S.P.R.L. (ISPE)
This AASHE application is about a high-performance energy-efficient sustainable building of The School of Foreign Languages (SCOLA) at the Ozyegin University (OzU) Campus as a sustainability initiative OzU has constructed …
- Posted May 13, 2019
- Case Studies
- View more
UMCycle Bike Kiosk and Cycle Plaza
- University of Manitoba (MB)
The UMCycle Bike Kiosk offers a four-season community bike shop where University students, faculty, staff and surrounding community can come together to get their bikes serviced; connect with other cycle …
- Posted May 13, 2019
- Case Studies
- View more
The Carleton Utility Master Plan: Transitioning a 100-year Legacy of Campus Steam to 21st Century Geothermal
- Carleton College (MN)
The last time Carleton College made a major shift in its campus utilities was over 100 years ago with construction of the central plant in 1910. Before that, each building …
- Posted May 13, 2019
- Case Studies
- View more
Integrated Teaching and Practice: Green Infrastructure Planning and Green Roof Performance in a Semi-Arid Campus Environment, USA
- University of Arizona (AZ)
- Utah State University (UT)
This paper presents an integrated education and research program that involves extensive participation from stakeholders on campus and beyond. The resultant water conscious design proposal promotes efficient stormwater management on …
- Posted April 29, 2019
- Publications
- View more
Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Roofs and Pavements: A Case Study at Sapienza University Campus
- University of Rome Tor Vergata
The progressively emerging concept of urban resilience to climate change highlights the importance of mitigation and adaptation measures, and the need to integrate urban climatology in the design process, in …
- Posted April 29, 2019
- Publications
- View more
Piloting Sustainability in UVA Research Labs
- University of Virginia (VA)
A one-year, comprehensive study in three campus research labs illustrates the benefits of small-scale infrastructural improvements paired with occupant engagement techniques . Lighting upgrades, equipment timers, and freezer set-points were …
- Posted April 29, 2019
- Publications
- View more
Sustainability Quest
- University of Illinois Chicago (IL)
Students Hula hooped 64 rotations for the 64 geothermal wells on University of Illinois at Chicago's campus! This was one of four stops on the Sustainability Quest to spread awareness …
- Posted April 29, 2019
- Photographs
- View more
Hampshire College’s R.W. Kern Center- A Living & Learning Building
- Hampshire College (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
Located at the heart of Hampshire College campus, the R.W. Kern Center is a certified Living Building: generating its own energy, capturing and treating its own water, and processing and …
- Posted March 21, 2019
- Videos & Webinars
- View more
Looking for Sustainable Systems on Campus
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
- State University of New York at New Paltz (NY)
Higher education campuses play an important role in developing visionary models of sustainability that integrate campus facilities, student learning, and research. We reflect on a series of visits to campuses …
- Posted Jan. 11, 2019
- Publications
- View more
Reflections of a green university building: from design to occupation
- RMIT University
The purpose of this paper is to present outcomes from a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) of a sustainable university building development.
A POE was conducted for a sustainable university building in …
- Posted Jan. 11, 2019
- Publications
- View more
AASHE STARS Credits through ENERGY STAR®
- AASHE (MA)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
Download this five-page guide for a summary of ENERGY STAR tools and resources that could be used to earn AASHE STARS credits (version 2.1, July 2017), including credit descriptions and …
- Posted Dec. 11, 2018
- Tools
- View more
Energy and Climate Planning at Rice University
- Rice University (TX)
Rice University completed the Rice Integrated Climate and Energy Master Plan (RICEMaP) in 2013. Since that time, the world has arguably entered into a period of significant transition with respect …
- Posted Nov. 8, 2018
- Conference Presentations
- View more
How a College Student Turned His Campus Sustainability Program Into a Fortune 500 Company
- Atrius (CA)
As a student at Oberlin, Vladi Shunturov gained his passion in buildings and was determined to find a way to make the built environment more sustainable and efficient. Vladi and …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Redefining Sustainable Campuses and Development Through the Lens of Health and Wellness
- Consigli Construction Co., Inc. (MA)
Our understanding of how the built environment impacts health and wellness has increased significantly in recent years; however, the human and social elements of sustainability are frequently given less attention …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Saving Water in University Library
- Indiana University Indianapolis (IN)
Being an urban campus the preservation of resources such as water are becoming more and more crucial. This project is a move in that direction, as well as that it …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
- View more
A Comparison of four Campuses Water Usage: A look at contrasting water profiles in the Southwest.
- Arizona State University (AZ)
We will introduce you to four campuses of varying sizes, disciplines, histories - all located in the Southwest and part of one University. Each campus has its own water profile …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
- View more
How University Transportation Practitioners are Transforming USGBC's Global Transportation Emphasis
- Cornell University (NY)
- Stanford University (CA)
- U.S. Green Building Council (DC)
- Massachusetts State College Building Authority (MA)
Transportation is the fastest growing source of global C02 emissions. Two years ago, the USGBC added Parksmart, a parking-structure and transportation certification program, into its suite of offerings. Universities have …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Gold 1 Garage - Parksmart Case Study
- WTW Architects (PA)
Sustainable parking structures are being designed and constructed across the country and around the world. Parksmart℠ is the world's only rating system defining and recognizing sustainable practices in parking structure …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Co-Designing a Sustainable, Native American Cultural Center with the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate
- University of Virginia (VA)
Public engagement is a crucial way for higher education institutions to align their teaching and research activities around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This case study examines how an interdisciplinary …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
- View more
How Higher Ed Helps Enact Tomorrow's Climate Change Legislation, Today!
- New York University (NY)
New York City is poised to enact the world's most sweeping climate change legislation, based on the innovation, validation, and support of higher education. How did NYU lead in making …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Campus-Wide Change: Turn Down for Watt
- Northern Michigan University (MI)
Northern Michigan University's EcoReps and Facilities Management hosted the first Turn Down the Lights campaign during Sustainability Week in March 2018. During this week, corridor lights were turned off in …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
- View more
How to Benchmark Your Building in Five Minutes or Less
- Atrius (CA)
As a management practice, benchmarking involves tracking building performance by regularly measuring key performance indicators such as energy use and periods of peak and low demand. Benchmarking then compares current …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Occupant Engagement and Centralized Controls: a Hybrid Energy Management Solution With Major Savings
- Keewi Inc. (CA)
Introduction: Plug loads (PL), devices plugged into wall outlets, comprise approximately 1/3 of electricity use of commercial buildings, and are expected to rise to 1/2 by 2030. Traditional PL reduction …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Using Sub-Metering to Prioritize and Measure Energy Management Projects
- Macalester College (MN)
Every institution faces limitations as it relates to spending money. These limitations can be on operating budgets, staffing levels, or both. It is paramount while operating within these limits to …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Paying for Sustainable Development from Wasted Energy
- NORESCO (NC)
The World Green Building Council posits that green buildings support nine UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Public-Private Partnerships (P3) have become a popular mechanism for higher education institutions to transform …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Turning Energy Challenges into Solutions at Higher Education Facilities
- Constellation Energy (MD)
While budget cuts and finite resources can often act as hurdles to enacting energy efficiency improvements, these investments can produce long-term and unmatched benefits that significantly reduce overall energy expenses …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Infusing Energy Management with Classroom Scheduling
- Western Technical College (WI)
Western Technical College integrated its classroom scheduling software with its building automation system software in the summer of 2017. This project allows us to control the heating and cooling of …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Student-Developed Energy Management Information System
- Macalester College (MN)
Like many other educational institutions, our college cares about the efficient use of energy and seeks ways to reduce its impact on the environment. We promote energy-wise behavior among students, …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Creating a Successful Campus Temperature Policy
- Wesleyan University (CT)
Heating and cooling account for more than 60% of Wesleyan's energy and carbon footprint. In 2013, Wesleyan's Utilities Manager estimated that we could reduce our energy consumption 20%, or approximately …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Impact of Real-time Visual Feedback on Electric Consumption at Middlebury College
- Middlebury College (VT)
The typical associations with 'energy efficiency' are production oriented. However, in order to make a meaningful impact, these innovative production solutions need to be matched equally with creative ways to …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
- View more
University of Denver's Renter Efficiency Program for Students
- University of Denver (CO)
The University of Denver's Renter Efficiency Program for Students offers free energy audits to students who are renting off campus houses or apartments. The goal of these energy audits is …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Upgrade Alternative: When Energy Upgrades Prove Cost Prohibitive, Microgrids Offer Another Path
- SimpliPhi (CA)
K-12 and higher education systems across the U.S. and beyond often struggle to upgrade or install energy efficient HVAC and other energy equipment in the face of shrinking budgets, escalating …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
- 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.