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
New Resources
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
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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 ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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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 ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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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
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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 ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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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
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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 ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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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 ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Piloting of a Hybrid Continuous, Live, Virtual, and Traditional Energy Audit Methodology
- Florida Gulf Coast University (FL)
This poster showcases a comprehensive, student-driven energy efficiency study at Florida Gulf Coast University. This case study examines best practices for energy metering and benchmarking in a single campus building ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Estimating the financial feasibility and technical potential for solar PV on all U.S. schools
- Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
In 2016, approximately 64% of total electricity generated in the United States came from fossil fuel sources, while approximately 2% came from solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation. Due to this ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Bates College Conversion to Burn New Wood-Based, Liquid Fuel in Central Steam Plant
- Bates College (ME)
Bates College has begun burning a new, wood-based liquid fuel in its central steam plant - the first college in the country to do so. This new fuel, called Renewable Fuel ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Reduce Peak Demand and Increase Grid Stability With On-Site Energy Storage
- Austin Community College (TX)
The Austin Community College District (ACC) has installed a 72kW energy storage system on their Eastview campus. The grant funded battery project, known as Sustainable and Holistic Integration of Energy ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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So You've Got Energy Meters - Now what? Dealing With the Other Challenges to Getting Energy Data
- Amherst College (MA)
- Smith College (MA)
- Williams College (MA)
It's hard to manage what you don't measure, and this is especially true with energy. We are strong believers in the role energy data analysis plays in helping ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Step Changes in Climate Action: Data-Driven Plans to Decarbonize Campus Energy Systems
- Amherst College (MA)
- Smith College (MA)
- Integral Group (CA)
Answering the call to address the climate crisis is one of the central themes of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Colleges and universities have been working to deploy energy ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Re-Design Certificate: Regenerative Ecological Design
- Ecosa Institute (AZ)
United Nations Environmental Program has claimed that our planet is amid its sixth major extinction of biological diversity. U.N. scientists estimate that 150-200 species become extinct every 24 hours ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Mindful Unbuilding: A Zero Waste Campus-Community Adventure
- DePauw University (IN)
What does a university do with a vacant old house that cannot be restored? Ordinarily: bulldoze it and haul it away to a landfill. But what if you were to ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Leverage Key Facilities Metrics to Advance Sustainability - Survey Could be 'Gateway Drug' to STARS
- National Association of College & University Business Officers (NACUBO) (DC)
Most participants know that STARS is a holistic value laden intensive survey that has produced fantastic results and encouraged sustainability success from campuses. Overall, by reviewing and implementing the AASHE ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Campus Central Plants - Assets or Liabilities in Achieving Carbon and Resiliency Goals
- Pratt Institute (NY)
Pratt Institute along with many other Colleges have central plants that provide power and HVAC to campus buildings. How do these plants fit into the new carbon restrained world with ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Extending Sustainability Practices to Tenant Spaces: Green Leasing at Portland State University
- Portland State University (OR)
Portland State University (PSU) is home to approximately 60 commercial tenants. Tenants range from food service and retail, to offices, banks, ATMs, and advertising. To encourage sustainability practices and behaviors ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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How Knowledge Can Create a Culture of Sustainability
- Gonzaga University (WA)
- Atrius (CA)
In the United States, buildings account for nearly 70 percent of electricity consumption. According to the EPA, up to 30 percent of electricity is inefficiently or unnecessarily used. In light ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Sustainability in Corl Street Elementary School
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
Corl Street Elementary is undergoing a renovation to meet the gold standard LEED Certification. The certification is more likely to be awarded if the school building serves as a teaching ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Phase Change Materials
- Northern Arizona University (AZ)
The phase change material is an easy solution to temperature fluctuations from the weather outside. These materials are a new way to insulate a building. The materials go into the ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Making Positive Impacts With Zero Energy Buildings
- California State University, Northridge (CA)
- Millersville University (PA)
- Spillman Farmer Architects (PA)
Zero Energy buildings generate all the energy that they need onsite from renewable sources. Getting there requires significant energy efficiency, onsite renewable energy generation, ongoing occupant engagement, and performance-based energy ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Green Nerds in FM: Building Automation Strategies to Support Sustainability Goals
- Eastern Mennonite University (VA)
Efficient use of energy is an important part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 of affordable and clean energy. While many building systems efficiency improvements require a capital ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Optimizing Sustainability Over a Building's Lifecycle
- AKF Group (NJ)
From the U.S. Department of Energy Website: 'The higher education sector spends over $6 billion on annual energy costs and totals about 5 billion square feet of floor space ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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State of Sustainability in Higher Education: Charting a Course for Continued Success
- Texas A&M University (TX)
- Gordian (SC)
Facilities leaders have invested a great deal of effort and financial resources towards pursuing the ideals enumerated in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Transforming Existing, Iconic, Landmark Buildings Into Modern, High-Performance Buildings
- Duquesne University (PA)
- AUROS Group (PA)
The challenge most universities face today is modernizing building performance (high indoor environmental quality and low energy consumption) cost effectively, while preserving the image of iconic structures dedicated to learning ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Green Globes Certification: A Practical Approach for Sustainable Campuses
- University of Florida (FL)
- Green Building Initiative (OR)
Green Globes is an affordable and practical, yet comprehensive nationally recognized sustainability certification for commercial and multifamily buildings. The Green Globes platform was modified and developed through the public, collaborative ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Evolving Building Sustainability: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Framework Principles
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
- Rochester Institute of Technology (NY)
- University College Dublin, National University of Ireland
Buildings consume 40% of energy globally. As buildings are continuously enhanced to be more sustainable and healthy, a number of strategies have been employed to achieve energy reduction targets. This ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Green Revolving Reserve and LEED Platinum buildings at the U
- University of Miami (FL)
Poster will explain: - The mechanisms of the U Green revolving Reserve that has been financing close to $1 million in energy efficiency retrofit. - Highlight of the sustainable features of a ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Performing at a Higher Level - Healthy Buildings for Your Campus
- Agnes Scott College (GA)
- U.S. Green Building Council (DC)
- JLL (IL)
University campuses offer a unique opportunity to drive progress at the intersection of sustainability, education, public health, and the built environment. This session will explore how one institution is leveraging ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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New Best Practices for Resilient Design: From Theory to Application
- Arup (NY)
- HGA (MN)
Taking resilient design beyond theory, speakers will illustrate how new tools and resources can inform design, including developing and piloting resilient design guidelines for university campuses. When clients, designers, engineers ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Computer Networks Doing Their Part to be Sustainable - New Industry Standards
- The Sextant Group (PA)
College and University planners are challenged by the exploding demand for data services, as more and more devices are added to campuses. Administrators and students are asking whether this trend ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Becoming BREEAM: How UC Davis Achieved the First Institutional BREEAM In-Use Certification in the US
- University of California, Davis (CA)
- Healthy Buildings (VA)
In November 2017, University of California at Davis became the first academic institution in the country to achieve BREEAM In-Use (BIU) Certification for a building on their campus. BREEAM stands ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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US Department of Energy Funding to Simplify Sustainable Campus Design
- Seventhwave (WI)
- MIST (IL)
Campuses that use fewer natural resources and buoy health, learning and happiness are increasingly vital for educational institutions, as students and faculty voice demand for it. To deliver a sustainable ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Biophilic Design Principles and Green Infrastructure: Forging New Possibilities for Nature, Harmony and Resiliency in Urban Environments
- Urban Horticulture Consulting, LLC (GA)
- GreenStructure, Ltd (IL)
Green Infrastructure practices are being mandated and implemented in urban communities for multiple beneficial outcomes. Often referred to as grey infrastructure alternatives, these practices include the design, installation, and maintenance ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Earning AASHE STARS credits via the ENERGY STAR Buildings program
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
Colleges and universities can use ENERGY STAR's free tools and resources to earn credits in all four categories of AASHE STARS v2.1 -- Academics; Engagement; Operations; and Planning & ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Hampshire College's R.W. Kern Center- A Living & Learning Building
- Hampshire College (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 ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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The Trials and Tribulations of Building a Living-Learning Sustainable Campus
- Chatham University (PA)
What does it truly mean to be a living-learning sustainable campus? Eden Hall, just outside Pittsburgh, is a new 388 campus site, encompassing farmland, forests and two head-water catchments. Acquired ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Rising to the Challenge of Creating and Maintaining Living Buildings and a Living Campus Community
- International Living Future Institute (WA)
Campuses have been early adopters of livability, equity, and climate commitments. This session takes a deep look at how campuses can and are taking action to achieve these commitments and ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Evolving Pennsylvania State University's Sustainability Policy Within a Regenerative Paradigm
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
Penn State University (PSU) is a public research university serving Pennsylvania and the global community with a vision to integrate sustainability throughout its campuses and to prepare students to be ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Creating an Ecologically Restorative, Socially Just, and Culturally Rich Campus
- International Living Future Institute (WA)
The higher education campus, what better place to implement the most innovative & forward-thinking design frameworks? As HEIs support the next generation's transition into the workforce, it's time ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Nailing Net Zero, From Design to Certification
- Allegheny College (PA)
- Community College of Allegheny County (PA)
- United States Department of Energy (DC)
More than 400 firms have signed onto the American Institute of Architects' (AIA) 2030 Commitment, targeting 70%+ EUI savings; however a 2016 AIA survey of participating firms revealed the portfolios ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Green Infrastructure Planning on Campus: Case Studies from University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)
College campuses pride themselves in being leaders in promoting innovation in both technical and theoretical aspects of all fields of study, including sustainability. The drive for sustainability in higher education ...
- Posted Nov. 2, 2018
- Publications
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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. Additional content and advanced benchmarking tools will be added to this tab over time.
Programs and Initiatives
The following links connect to specific Content Displays on the STARS website (AASHE membership and log-in required).
- Operations and Maintenance
- New Construction and Major Renovation
Scores
The following link connects to the Score Display on the STARS website (AASHE membership and log-in required).