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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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
- Conference Presentations
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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
- Conference Presentations
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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 …
- 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 us identify …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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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
- Conference Presentations
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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. The …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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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
- Conference Presentations
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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.' Higher …
- 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 …
- 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
- Conference Presentations
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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 & Administration. …
- 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 and …
- 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 to design …
- 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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University Buildings: The Push and Pull for Sustainability
- RMIT University
Universities are a key stakeholder in our built environment with buildings in many major cities around Australia and the world. Due to their primarily urban locations, size and number of …
- Posted Nov. 2, 2018
- Publications
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EPA’s new ENERGY STAR College Course
- Murray State University (KY)
- AASHE (MA)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
ENERGY STAR now offers an updated curriculum on commercial building efficiency. The three-unit, college-level curriculum is more focused and interactive, and can be integrated as a module into existing courses …
- Posted Oct. 11, 2018
- Videos & Webinars
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Sustainable Building Systems Concentration (Building Sciences BS)
- Appalachian State University (NC)
Energy efficiency matters. As state and federal agencies prioritize energy efficiency, they need leaders who understand how buildings work and how to find ways to make them work better.
Appalachian …
- Posted Aug. 30, 2018
- Academic Programs
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1 MegaWatt Battery Energy Storage System
- California State University, Long Beach (CA)
In 2017, California State University, Long Beach installed a 1 Megawatt energy storage system on campus as part of a multiphase project with Advanced Microgrid Solutions (AMS) made possible through …
- Posted Aug. 7, 2018
- Photographs
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South Seattle College SBST Students Engage with Energy Dashboard
- South Seattle College (WA)
Students in South Seattle College’s Sustainable Building Science Technology BAS program use an energy dashboard to help track utilities at SSC’s Georgetown campus.
- Posted Aug. 1, 2018
- Photographs
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Colorado College Net-Zero Library
- Colorado College (CO)
Main entrance of Colorado College's net-zero energy/net-zero carbon Tutt Library. Sustainable features highlighted in the photo include a rain screen, open design and natural lighting, green roofs and planters, photovoltaic …
- Posted July 31, 2018
- Photographs
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Colorado College Net-Zero Energy/Carbon Tutt Library
- Colorado College (CO)
Balcony view of Colorado College's net-zero energy/net-zero carbon Tutt Library. Highlighting rainscreen, shading structures, black locust domestic hardwoods, green roofs and planters, photovoltaic shade structures, and open views.
- Posted July 31, 2018
- Photographs
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Temple Tiny House
- Temple University (PA)
The Temple University Tiny House project is a student designed and student constructed sustainable building located at Temple Community Garden on main campus. Completed in spring 2017, the 175 square …
- Posted July 30, 2018
- Photographs
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University of Dayton Green Roof Installation
- University of Dayton (OH)
Kennedy Union Green roof
In September 2017, HSI, in collaboration with facilities management and Enterprise Roofing, led the installation of UD's first green roof on the Kennedy Union patio. The …
- Posted July 30, 2018
- Photographs
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Delta College Living Wall
- Delta College (MI)
The campus Health Professions Building North atrium at Delta College showcases a living wall, an architectural feature and natural ventilation system that acts as a bio filter to improve air …
- Posted July 26, 2018
- Photographs
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University of Dayton Student Neighborhood
- University of Dayton (OH)
The University of Dayton owns more than 400 residences in its student neighborhood. Launched in fall 2017, the Energy GPA program provides students in University-owned neighborhood housing with a grade …
- Posted July 24, 2018
- Photographs
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Architectural Studies: Environment and Behavior Studies (MA/MS)
- University of Missouri (MO)
Environment-behavior research explores a variety of environments, linking them to a range of behavioral concerns. This program is suitable for persons who seek careers in research, consulting, and/or teaching in …
- Posted July 5, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Ecological Footprinting as a Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approach to Complete Campus Engagement and Transformation Towards the One Planet Goal
- Macquarie University (NSW)
Enabling students to apply well-informed and skill-based understandings to their own decision-making about the dynamic relationships between individuals, societies, environments and economies in a resource constrained world is a central …
- Posted June 25, 2018
- Publications
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Leadership for Sustainability in Higher Education
- Canterbury Christ Church University
- Manchester Metropolitan University
Sustainability is a complex concept, and the challenge of understanding it and applying it to a diverse, multi-agent, organizational setting with its potentially conflicting priorities cannot be underestimated. Leadership for …
- Posted May 30, 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.
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.