Air & Climate

Introduction

Global climate change is having myriad negative impacts throughout the world, including increased frequency and potency of extreme weather events, sea level rise, species extinction, water shortages, declining agricultural production, and spread of diseases. The impacts are particularly pronounced for low-income communities and countries. In addition, institutions that inventory and take steps to reduce their air pollutant emissions can positively impact the health of the campus community, as well as the health of their local communities and regions.

1187 resources

Designing an extension Climate Stewards volunteer program: incorporating sense of community, social practice, and self-efficacy theories

  • Cornell University (NY)

This paper examines the feasibility of developing a new Master Volunteer training program to help communities adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Traditional models of volunteer training ...

  • Posted April 22, 2021
  • Publications
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Geographic Education in the Anthropocene: Cultivating Citizens at the Neoliberal University

  • University of Delaware (DE)

In the Anthropocene, the charge to address climate change has been taken up by youth. From the landmark climate lawsuit filed in 2015 by twenty-one young people to secure the ...

  • Posted April 22, 2021
  • Publications
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Engage in Climate Solutions: Help Get the Climate Policies We all Need

  • AASHE (PA)
  • Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium (HEASC) (PA)

Do your students and staff want to do something more for climate change that creates a large positive impact? The Beyond Doom and Gloom: Climate Solutions initiative is collaborating with ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2021
  • Videos & Webinars
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Trends in research on the carbon footprint of higher education: A bibliometric analysis (2010–2019)

  • National Sun Yat-sen University
  • South China Normal University

Reducing carbon footprints is an important part of sustainable development. Although there has been increasing research attention to this topic, little is known about the status of research on the ...

  • Posted Feb. 19, 2021
  • Publications
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The carbon footprint of a UK University during the COVID-19 lockdown

  • Bournemouth University (Dorset)

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a unique opportunity to compare the carbon intensity of higher education delivered on- and off-campus. This is attributed to governmental lockdown orders that have forced ...

  • Posted Feb. 19, 2021
  • Publications
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Campus Forest Carbon Sequestration: An Undergraduate Project Experience

  • State University of New York Polytechnic Institute (NY)

Predicted changes in climate have generated interest in strategies to mitigate emissions of greenhouse gases and increase education on the topic. Our study involved an instructor-led team of 19 biology ...

  • Posted Feb. 10, 2021
  • Publications
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Determinants of Carbon Emission Disclosures and UN Sustainable Development Goals: The Case of UK Higher Education Institutions

  • Tallinn University
  • Newcastle University
  • Durham University

In recent years, organisational sustainability has become a topical issue in many institutional fields and a number of calls have been made to improve the disclosure of carbon information as ...


Envisioning planetary health in every medical curriculum: An international medical student organization’s perspective

  • University Hassan II (Casablanca-Settat)
  • Federal University of Roraima
  • University of Dhaka
  • University of Khartoum
  • International Federation of Medical Students' Associations
  • University of Delhi (Delhi)
  • University Tunis El Manar (El Omrane Superieur)
  • University of Barcelona

Background With deteriorating ecosystems, the health of mankind is at risk. Future health care professionals must be trained to recognize the interdependence of health and ecosystems to address the needs ...


Decarbonising academia: confronting our climate hypocrisy

  • University of Otago (Otago)
  • University of Surrey

Academia is generally carbon intensive. Many academics are highly aeromobile to an extent that is now being framed as a form of ‘climate hypocrisy’. Technological advances are not enough to ...


Carbon Footprint of Academic Air Travel: A Case Study in Switzerland

  • École Polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

Relatively low travel costs and abundant opportunities for research funding in Switzerland and other developed countries allow researchers large amounts of international travel and collaborations, leading to a substantial carbon ...


3D Printer Safety: A Guide for Institutions of Higher Education to Support Indoor Air Quality & Human Health

  • Chemical Insights (GA)

Thanks to the development of affordable, compact, and user-friendly 3D printers, consumer use is booming, particularly in institutions of higher education. 3D printers have become a valuable tool in classrooms ...


Reducing Dining Emissions: An Analysis of Beef and Milk Substitutions

  • Smith College (MA)
  • AASHE (PA)

The life cycle of food is responsible for over a quarter of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through production, processing, distribution, and waste. The environmental impact of specific foods varies ...

  • Posted Jan. 28, 2021
  • Videos & Webinars
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Carbon pricing approaches for climate decisions in U.S. higher education: Proxy carbon prices for deep decarbonization

  • Princeton University (NJ)
  • Smith College (MA)

Given the slow policy response by governments, climate leadership by other institutions has become an essential part of maintaining policy momentum, driving innovation, and fostering social dialogue. Despite growth in ...

  • Posted Jan. 12, 2021
  • Publications
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Additional Benefits to Sustainability in Higher Education? The Effect of the American College and University President's Climate Commitment on Undergraduate Admissions Outcomes

  • Colgate University (NY)

Hart assesses the possible impact that signing a campus climate commitment, specifically the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), has on college attractiveness, which is measured in terms ...

  • Posted Jan. 12, 2021
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Looking Beyond Fossil Fuel Divestment: Combating Climate Change in Higher Education

  • Northwestern University (IL)

The fossil fuel divestment movement is altering the landscape of climate activism on US campuses. Student-run divestment campaigns are now pushing for college Boards of Trustees to withdraw investments from ...

  • Posted Jan. 12, 2021
  • Publications
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The “carbon-neutral university” – a study from Germany

  • University of Greifswald

Nowadays, several higher education institutions around the world are integrating sustainability topics into their daily operations, functionality and education systems. This paper presents a case study from a pilot project ...

  • Posted Jan. 12, 2021
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Recommendations for Preparation of Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gases Emission Inventory for University Campuses

  • University of São Paulo

Most of the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change come from urban areas, and cities are at the forefront of low-carbon initiatives, playing a crucial role into ...

  • Posted Jan. 12, 2021
  • Publications
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Role of Universities Towards Achieving Climate Change-Related SDGs: Case of Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe

  • University of São Paulo

Institutions of Higher Education, particularly universities contribute immensely to the United Nations landmark 2030 agenda and the achievement of its Sustainable Development Goals—the SDGs. Universities are uniquely placed to ...

  • Posted Oct. 23, 2020
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A universal method for accounting greenhouse gas emissions from the activities of higher education institutions using a hybrid life-cycle approach

  • University of Southampton

A critical assessment of common organisational greenhouse gas assessment methodologies was undertaken and a gap in knowledge highlighted. Whilst theoretical environmental standards are designed to be universally applicable, their practical ...

  • Posted Oct. 23, 2020
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An Analysis of Greenhouse-Gas Reduction Commitment, Diffusion and Success in the Higher Education Sector

  • North Carolina A&T State University (NC)

This research evaluates the GHG reduction progress of higher-education institutions (HEIs) working with these organizations. Data on these HEIs was analyzed statistically to answer four questions: First, do the HEIs ...

  • Posted Oct. 23, 2020
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The carbon footprint of a public university campus in Mexico City

  • Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Azcapotzalco

The Cuajimalpa campus of the Autonomous Metropolitan University (UAM) is located in the western region of Mexico City. In 2016, its global average population (students, faculty and staff) was around ...

  • Posted Oct. 23, 2020
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Climate change is increasingly causes mental health problems among college students

  • Tufts University (MA)

This is a literature review of peer-reviewed papers, news articles, and polls that illustrate the impacts of climate change on mental health among college students.

  • Posted Oct. 23, 2020
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Better Buildings Challenge Learnings: 3 Ways to Reduce Energy Use on Campus

  • Evolution Energy Partners (PA)

Universities across the country are committing to reduce their energy usage to save money, create jobs, and avoid significant emissions of CO2. By joining the Better Buildings Challenge, universities commit ...

  • Posted Oct. 23, 2020
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Universite Laval - High Performance Greenhouse Complex

  • Université Laval (QC)

The High Performance Greenhouse Complex is a reference as a research infrastructure. Its equipment is among the most sophisticated in North America. The High Performance Greenhouse Complex distinguishes itself from ...


Universite Laval - Photo of a discussion on campus

  • Université Laval (QC)

There is multiple place to hang out on campus while being outside. The balance of inside and outside education is very important. Our community cherish the space and take multiple ...


Humber College - Forest Nature Program

  • Humber College (ON)

The Forest and Nature Program (FNP) is a unique play and learning experience that offers children the opportunity to succeed and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in ...


Developing University-Initiated Offsets and Using Peer Verification

  • Duke University (NC)
  • University of California, Berkeley (CA)
  • University of California, Davis (CA)
  • AASHE (PA)

The Offset Network is an online platform for colleges and universities considering the development of their own emission-reducing projects to fulfill carbon neutrality commitments. Self-generated offsets offer greater flexibility than ...

  • Posted Oct. 15, 2020
  • Videos & Webinars
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Portland State University - Smart Trees Researcher

  • Portland State University (OR)

In this photo, Portland State University graduate and postdoctoral researcher Hannah Prather climbs a Douglas fir in the early morning to collect samples as part of a smart trees research ...


Raritan Valley Community College Living Wall

  • Raritan Valley Community College (NJ)

RVCC students enjoy the two-story living wall in the student center. Captured rainwater feeds the living wall and the building's toilets.


Humber College - 700 KW solar array

  • Humber College (ON)

Select photos of highlighting Humber College's Sustainability program, in relation to our STARS 2019 report, and for inclusion in 2020 SCI publication.

Opened in 2019, a new Commuter Hub ...


American University Solar Installation

  • American University (DC)

Photo Submission for the 2020 Sustainable Campus Index.

In this image, contractors install solar panels on the School of International Service at American University in Washington, DC. American University uses ...


Central Community College - Hastings Wind Turbine for SCI 2020

  • Central Community College (NE)

SCI Overall Top Performer, Associates Institutions

The long- and near-term Central Community College action plan is to provide students and the community with a campus-wide living learning laboratory for resiliency ...


Colorado College Carbon Neutral 2020

  • Colorado College (CO)

Colorado College's Office of Sustainability Interns display the college's carbon neutrality banner on Autrey Field.


ACUPCC Selected Bibliography

  • Second Nature (MA)

Doctoral and Masters theses and peer reviewed research on climate commitments related to the Presidents' Climate Leadership Commitment (formerly the ACUPCC).


Polytechnique Montreal - PolyCarbone climate activist group

  • Polytechnique Montréal (QC)

The PolyCarbone program was founded by a group of Engineering graduate students at Polytechnique Montreal. Since 2017, PolyCarbone has helped the Polytechnique Montreal community fight climate change by organizing a ...

  • Posted Sept. 29, 2020
  • Photographs
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Cal Poly SLO Gold Tree Solar Farm

  • California Polytechnic State University (CA)

Large-scale solar farm and laboratory - The recently completed 4.5 megawatt Gold Tree Solar Farm at California Polytechnic State University is currently the largest solar array in the CSU system ...

  • Posted Sept. 29, 2020
  • Photographs
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University of Wisconsin-Madison - Charter Street Heating & Cooling Plant

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)

Image of UW-Madison's Charter Street Heating & Cooling Plant

  • Posted Sept. 29, 2020
  • Photographs
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Mahamana Center of Excellence in Climate Change Research

  • Banaras Hindu University (Uttar Pradesh)

DST - Mahamana Centre of Excellence in Climate Change Research (MCECCR) is an initiative taken at BHU under Prime Minister's National Action Plan on Climate Change. The centre started in ...

  • Posted Sept. 22, 2020
  • Research Centers & Institutes
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Carbon Negative: Reducing Dining’s Carbon Foodprint at Penn State

  • Pennsylvania State University (PA)

Abstract Diet is an often unrecognized, but large contributor to our carbon footprint. An average American diet has a carbon footprint of 1.72 metric tons of CO2-eq every year ...

  • Posted Sept. 11, 2020
  • Publications
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Cost Savings and Carbon Reduction through DERs -- GridMarket Facilitated Project at Paul Quinn College

  • Paul Quinn College (TX)
  • GridMarket (NY)

GridMarket worked with Paul Quinn College to help them identify and maximize their unique DER opportunities.

GridMarket -- an energy consumer advocate and distributed energy resources project facilitation platform -- conducted a ...

  • Posted Sept. 11, 2020
  • Case Studies
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#MakeClimateaClass: Resources for Online Education on Climate Solutions and Justice

  • Bard College (NY)
  • AASHE (PA)
  • Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium (HEASC) (PA)

Solve Climate by 2030 is mobilizing US educators of any discipline to engage their students in dialog about ambitious stabilizing the climate over the next decade. This project offers a ...

  • Posted Aug. 13, 2020
  • Videos & Webinars
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Integrating climate and food policies in higher education: a case study of the University of California

  • University of California, Office of the President (CA)
  • University of California, Los Angeles (CA)
  • University of California, Santa Barbara (CA)

Most climate change mitigation policies, including those of higher education institutions, do not include food system greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). Yet the food system contributes ~30% of anthropogenic GHGE, mostly ...

  • Posted July 10, 2020
  • Publications
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Addressing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Business-Related Air Travel at Public Institutions: A Case Study of the University of British Columbia

  • University of British Columbia (BC)

Aviation is one of the fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions, yet is not addressed in most national-, regional-, municipal-, or institutional-level climate action plans. There is a tremendous ...

  • Posted July 10, 2020
  • Publications
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Power Dialog 2020

  • Bard College (NY)

In April 2020, over 6,500 people joined our Power Dialog, a series of live seminars where local speakers discuss solutions to climate change and climate justice. But this is ...

  • Posted July 9, 2020
  • Videos & Webinars
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Achieving Carbon Neutrality at Arizona State University

  • Arizona State University (AZ)

In 2019, Arizona State University achieved carbon neutrality for scope 1 and 2 emissions. Through this accomplishment, ASU seeks to inspire immediate action to address the climate emergency. Despite reaching ...


How to Solve Climate By 2030

  • Bard College (NY)

Eban Goodstein, Director of the Center for Environmental Policy at Bard College, discusses how to solve climate change by 2030.

  • Posted June 12, 2020
  • Videos & Webinars
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National Climate Seminar: How to Solve Climate Change By 2030

  • Bard College (NY)

Hunter Lovins discusses how to solve climate change by 2030.

  • Posted June 12, 2020
  • Videos & Webinars
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Engaging Students in Citizen Science: Guiding Inquiry to Action

  • Teachers College, Columbia University (NY)

The webinar series -- Thinking Global, Educating Local -- is intended to serve as professional development for educators who are interested in reducing the ecological footprint of their school and enhancing their ...

  • Posted May 28, 2020
  • Videos & Webinars
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Solve Climate by 2030: Solar Dominance + Civic Action

  • Bard College (NY)

A nationwide series of campus and community Power Dialogs will educate students about Power as clean energy, but also about Power as engaged citizen action. Dialogs will spotlight how transforming ...

  • Posted May 28, 2020
  • Videos & Webinars
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Carbon footprint as an environmental sustainability indicator for a higher education institution

  • University of Haripur (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)
  • Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA)
  • International Islamic University (Islamabad)

This study aimed to quantify carbon footprint of the University of Haripur (UoH), Pakistan for one fiscal year (July 2016-June 2017). Primary data was collected through questionnaire surveys, interviews, personal ...

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 1: Emissions Inventory & Disclosure

OP 2: Greenhouse Gas Emissions

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

Air & Climate Partners