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

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MS in Sustainable Design

  • Philadelphia University (PA)

The MS in Sustainable Design is an award winning degree program that offers the the opportunity to explore sustainability through different avenues of study, ranging from design exploration to applied ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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MS in Sustainable Design

  • University of Texas at Austin (TX)

The MSSD, or Master of Science in Sustainable Design program, is designed for students who wish to prepare for the PhD or for employment in research, activism, or public policy ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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MS in Sustainable Design

  • The Catholic University of America (DC)

The School of Architecture and Planning's mission, Building Stewardship, focuses on preparing architects and designers to assume a personal responsibility for the welfare of the world. We stress the ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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MSc in Renewable Energy & the Built Environment

  • Graduate School of the Environment

The masters examines the theory and practice of renewable energy technologies and the built environment. It places this topic within the political, economic and social background of energy issues, including ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Sustainable Architecture Track (MS in Architecture)

  • New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJ)

The articulated MS Arch in Sustainable Architecture program, which extends the four-course Certificate in Sustainable Architecture Program into a full 30-credit Masters degree, is shown below. Students with other areas ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Minor in Sustainable Design

  • Western Washington University (WA)

Huxley College of the Environment and the Engineering Technology Department jointly offer a minor in Sustainable Design. Design is the process of conceptualizing, representing, and creating projects, processes, or products ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Sustainability in the Built Environment Minor

  • Drexel University (PA)

The intent of the Minor is to prepare students to engage and analyze future design challenges from a sustainability perspective. Students completing this Minor will be able to approach these ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Sustainable Built Environments Minor

  • University of Arizona (AZ)

Students from other undergraduate degree programs may declare a Minor in Sustainable Built Environments which consists of seven courses (18 credit hours). The minor is available both on Main Campus ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Sustainable Energy & Building Technology Diploma

  • Humber College (ON)

Humber's Sustainable Energy and Building Technology (SEBT) diploma program helps you develop the skills needed for a career in the growing "green" economy. Become skilled at providing integrated solutions ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Concentration in Building Energy Engineering (MS in Technology)

  • Appalachian State University (NC)

This concentration is recognized for its emphasis on energy efficient building design, construction, and testing, as well as use of alternative building materials. Focuses on efficient building systems and the ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Concentration in High Performance Buildings (MS in Architecture)

  • Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)

The Master of Science with a major in Architecture and a concentration in High Performance Buildings is focused around the use of building physics and building technology for sustainable architectural ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Concentration in Sustainable Design & Construction (MS in Technology)

  • Appalachian State University (NC)

Designed for individuals with backgrounds in architecture, engineering, construction science/managment, interior design, or related fields who are interested in the integrative design process. The program includes a strong technical ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Ecological & Sustainable Design Emphasis (MS in Architecture)

  • Kansas State University (KS)

Ecological and Sustainable Design (ESD) focuses on the theory and practice of architectural and environmental design that makes maximum use of the same renewable energy flows and material cycling processes ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Sustainability & Green Design Concentration (Civil & Environmental Engineering)

  • Carnegie Mellon University (PA)

The concept of sustainability seeks to meet the needs of current generations without compromising those of future generations. This EESS concentration aims to create context for engineering decisions in the ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Sustainability Buildings Program Concentration (MS in Architecture)

  • University of Oklahoma (OK)

The Graduate Program consists of four semesters of study leading to an accredited Master of Architecture degree with a focus on sustainability and regional response. Candidates need to have a ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Building Efficiency & Sustainable Technology (BEST) Certificate Program

  • Norwalk Community College (CT)

The Building Efficiency & Sustainable Technology Certificate Program prepares the students for employment in the field of sustainable building, building performance and energy consumption auditing. Utilizing the latest environmental science ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Certificate in Green Buildings: Environmental Design, Energy Management & Performance Based Construction

  • Cosumnes River College (CA)

The purpose of this certificate is to develop job skills and an understanding of green strategies for high performance buildings and livable communities. It is focused at students and professionals ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Green Building Technician Certificate

  • Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GA)

The Green Building Technician program introduces students to the tenets and practices behind the sustainable construction movement. Students are introduced to the methods and philosophies behind green building, energy efficient ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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STARS Findings on Campus Infrastructure and Sustainable Development

  • AASHE (PA)

This article looks at infrastructure development among colleges and universities participating in STARS. Data related to building construction and maintenance, GHG emissions, and energy consumption can shed light on how ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Holdsworth Retrofit and Renovation

  • University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)

The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMA) has a rapidly evolving commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the environmental sustainability of its operations. According to the 2007 Intergovernmental Panel ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Funding & Incentivizing Energy Conservation at the University of Texas

  • University of Texas at Austin (TX)

In February 2011, the University of Texas at Austin's (UT) President Power's Sustainability Steering Committee identified the need to reduce demand-side energy consumption and create new, consistent funding ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Measuring, Managing and Visualizing Building Energy Consumption & Carbon Emissions

  • University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)

How much energy do the buildings at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMA) consume? The answer to this question is of interest to those tracking energy efficiency and greenhouse gas ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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NYU LEED NC Pre-Certification Strategies: Opportunities for Streamlining the Green Building Certification Process

  • New York University (NY)

A Student Technical Assistance Team of NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate' Center for the Sustainable Built Environment (SBE) was engaged to evaluate four current NYU LEED for New Construction ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Thermal Modeling with eQUEST Of Winthrop House: Engineering Sciences 96 Final Report

  • Harvard University (MA)

This abstract applies to all four papers written for Engineering Sciences 96.

In the coming decade, Harvard University will confront a system-wide student housing renovation project. For the past eighty ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Harvard House Renewal Program Energy Monitoring and Control Group

  • Harvard University (MA)

This abstract applies to all four papers written for Engineering Sciences 96.

In the coming decade, Harvard University will confront a system-wide student housing renovation project. For the past eighty ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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House Life: A closer look at the fundamental underpinnings of the House Renewal Project (Engineering Sciences 96 Final Report)

  • Harvard University (MA)

This abstract applies to all four papers written for Engineering Sciences 96.

In the coming decade, Harvard University will confront a system-wide student housing renovation project. For the past eighty ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Rethinking Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) in Harvard University's River Houses: Engineering Sciences 96 Final Report

  • Harvard University (MA)

This abstract applies to all four papers written for Engineering Sciences 96.

In the coming decade, Harvard University will confront a system-wide student housing renovation project. For the past eighty ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Higher Education Green Building Sector Analysis

  • University of Michigan (MI)

This sector analysis describes the growing focus on green building in higher education. It then explores key drivers of the increased attention to green buildings and examines the remaining obstacles ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Roadmap to a Green Campus

  • U.S. Green Building Council (DC)
  • AASHE (PA)

This U.S. Green Building Council publication, with support from AASHE, provides strategies for using the LEED green building certification program as a framework for developing campus-wide sustainability plans. The ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Building Retrofit Strategies

  • California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (CA)

The objective of our project was to identify and analyze building retrofit strategies that can reduce kWhs or Btus and associated greenhouse gas emissions on the Cal Poly Pomona campus ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Feasibility of Green Building at WPI

  • Worcester Polytechnic Institute (MA)

College campuses, with significant numbers of older facilities, have the opportunity to lead the green building movement while reaping economic, health, environmental, educational, and marketing benefits. This project assessed the ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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A university's responsibility to campus sustainability: An analysis of the social and fiduciary responsibilities associated with sustainable building

  • Florida State University (FL)

This study deals with a university's responsibility to adopt sustainable practices in both education and building. The study places emphasis on both the social and fiduciary responsibilities that affect ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Simulating energy efficiency in laboratory buildings

  • Iowa State University (IA)

Today's laboratory buildings are large consumers of energy. The ventilation requirements of these buildings mandate that large quantities of outside air be brought into the building. The advent of ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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An optimal investment tool for "greening the campus"

  • Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)

Buildings consume about 40% of total global energy production, and their greenhouse gas emissions and solid waste generation constitute a major part of global environmental impacts. Current "greening the built ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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A sense of power: an energy analysis of the University of Cincinnati's west campus

  • University of Cincinnati (OH)

This study consists of an energy analysis of UC's west campus. The central component of this thesis examines the Aronoff Center, analyzing its design and function in relation to ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Design of energy efficient building with radiant slab cooling

  • University of Calgary (AB)

Air-conditioning comprises a substantial fraction of commercial building energy use because of compressor-driven refrigeration and fan-driven air circulation. Core regions of large buildings require year-round cooling due to heat gains ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Survey of LEED Water Efficiency Credits and Strategies in the Southeastern United States

  • University of South Carolina (SC)

Sustainable building design is growing in popularity partly due to the success of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Rating System. LEED is becoming more common in the ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Making The Business Case For Sustainability: It's Not Just About Getting Points

  • Virginia Tech (VA)

Architects and designers have done an admirable job of bringing sustainability and “green” buildings to the front of our consciousness in recent years. Once only the battle cry of environmental ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Integrating Sustainability in the Learning Community

  • Second Nature (MA)

Buildings have a significant impact on the environment, accounting for one-sixth of the world’s freshwater withdrawals, one-quarter of its wood harvest, and two-fifths of its material and energy, leaving ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Campuses get a 'Sustainable' Look

  • California Polytechnic State University (CA)
  • Stanford University (CA)
  • Rocky Mountain Institute (CO)
  • Association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future (DC)

Universities are often some of the bigger developers in communities, with construction of a new alumni center, dormitory, or research space always looming. But on many campuses nationwide, core groups ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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The Mueller Report: Moving Beyond Sustainability Indicators to Sustainability Action at Penn State

  • Pennsylvania State University (PA)

The assignment that we gave ourselves was: Cut the ecological impact of Mueller Building in half while creating healthier working conditions for all building occupants. The analysis on the following ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Reducing UMKC Energy Consumption Using Occupancy Sensors

  • University of Missouri, Kansas City (MO)

As part of a class sustainability project, Ms. Harrell conducted an energy consumption Cost Benefit Analysis of four older buildings on the University of Missouri Kansas City Volker Campus. She ...

  • Posted June 19, 2015
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Learning by Living: The Berea College Deep Green Student Residence

  • Berea College (KY)
  • Hellmuth + Bicknese Architects (MO)

The Berea College Deep Green Student Residence was envisioned from the very beginning to be a special building yet in keeping with the college's commitment to "Simple Living" meant ...


22 kW Rooftop Array: Powerhouse Energy Campus

  • Colorado State University (CO)

The Colorado State University Powerhouse Energy Campus is located near the heart of downtown Fort Collins. The 100,000 square-foot Powerhouse Energy Campus consists of two parts; the CSU Engines ...

  • Posted June 2, 2014
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Massachusetts Green High Performing Computing Center

  • Harvard University (MA)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts along with 5 research institutions in the Greater Boston area built a state of the art 377 square feet data center dedicated to research computing on ...

  • Posted April 11, 2014
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Rainwater Harvesting and Green Wall in LEED Gold building

  • Raritan Valley Community College (NJ)

RVCC has just built the Ray Bateman Center for Student Life and Leadership, which was built to LEED Gold Standards and opened in February 2014. It has a rainwater harvesting ...

  • Posted April 8, 2014
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Engineering Innovation Building (EIB) | University of Arizona - Where Big Ideas Come to Life

  • University of Arizona (AZ)

A collective team process to clearly state and re-identify "the users" as the main idea behind University of Arizona's Iconic Engineering Building. The users in lieu of Flexibility, Collaboration ...

  • Posted March 20, 2014
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University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point LEED Gold Residence Hall

  • University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (WI)

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point constructed the Suites @ 201 to further its efforts and dedication to sustainability. It is a model for green building standards and energy efficiency. It aligns ...


The University at Albany Liberty Terrace: Socially Conscious Building and Living

  • University at Albany (NY)

Liberty Terrace is the newest Residence Hall on the University's uptown campus with 500 apartment-style units. The building utilizes a ground source heat pump to provide 100% of its ...


Energy Efficiency at Valencia College: A Case Study of Retrofits and Building Automation, Green Construction, and Behavioral Savings

  • Valencia College (FL)

Valencia College constructed 66 buildings between 1971 and 2012. Six buildings, 25% of total the college's 2.1 million square feet, were built to LEED Gold standards with energy ...

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

OP 4: Building Design & Construction

Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.

Buildings Partners