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.
Featured Resources
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Campus Bloom Day
- Instituto de Empresa SL
Campus Bloom Day is a community-driven event where students, faculty, and staff come together to plant pollinator-friendly flowers and greenery across campus! We created vibrant habitats for bees, butterflies, and …
- Posted April 24, 2025
- Photographs
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Earth Day 2025 at Stellenbosch University
- Stellenbosch University (Western Cape)
Stellenbosch University’s students and staff took to the streets on campus to celebrate Earth Day 2025 with a walk and clean-up on 22 April 2025, committing to this year’s theme …
- Posted April 24, 2025
- Photographs
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Balik Buhay: Garden and Greenhouse Rehabilitation
- De La Salle Lipa (BATANGAS)
De La Salle Lipa Partners engaged in the rehabilitation of the campus garden, where life and plants once thrived and blossomed. In nurturing the land, they shared a common purpose …
- Posted April 23, 2025
- Photographs
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Earth Day at Cuyahoga Community College
- Cuyahoga Community College (OH)
Campus events have been pretty slow-going since COVID, but we had a fantastic turnout today. Students received free books and aluminum water bottles after answering climate-related trivia questions. They learned …
- Posted April 22, 2025
- Photographs
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Deree Science Day 2025
- The American College of Greece (Aghia Paraskevi)
Deree Science Day 2025 brought together students, faculty, and science enthusiasts for a dynamic day of discovery, innovation, and hands-on learning. Featuring engaging workshops, interactive experiments, and expert-led discussions, the …
- Posted April 17, 2025
- Photographs
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University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA)’s Green Fee Board evaluates student sustainability awareness and engagement through their Campus Sustainability Survey
- University of Alaska Anchorage (AK)
University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA)’s Green Fee Board evaluates student sustainability awareness and engagement through their Campus Sustainability Survey
Sustainability awareness and engagement are imperative for creating a greener campus. …
- Posted April 8, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Tree-Growing Activity
- De La Salle Lipa (BATANGAS)
Tree planting activities continuously educate Lasallian partners from De La Salle Lipa to appreciate nature and its preservation for the next generation.
- Posted April 8, 2025
- Photographs
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Climate Risks and Resilience at Dickinson College: Strategies for Continuity of Operations
- Dickinson College (PA)
Prepared for Building Climate Resilience at Dickinson and in Central Pennsylvania, an initiative of Dickinson College, the Borough of Carlisle, and Cumberland County, PA, as part of Dickinson’s Baird Sustainability …
- Posted April 3, 2025
- Publications
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Climate Risks and Resilience at Dickinson College: Strategies for College Finances
- Bard College (NY)
- Dickinson College (PA)
Prepared for Building Climate Resilience at Dickinson and in Central Pennsylvania, an initiative of Dickinson College, the Borough of Carlisle, and Cumberland County, PA, as part of Dickinson’s Baird Sustainability …
- Posted April 3, 2025
- Publications
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Engaging our Emotions for Climate Anxiety Programming
- Reed College (OR)
- University of Oregon (OR)
Climate anxiety is prevalent among those who study and work in sustainability in higher education. The stress, anxiety, guilt, and other difficult emotions we face as sustainability practitioners have the …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Reducing Transportation Emissions: Climate Action & Mobility Justice
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
The transportation sector is the largest source of climate pollution in the U.S. California has a goal of carbon neutrality by 2045, and bold action is required for Cal State …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Who's Afraid of Goods & Services? Prioritization in a Vast Scope 3 Category
- Yale University (CT)
Has your institution struggled with choosing which categories within “Purchased Goods and Services” and “Capital Goods” to focus your efforts on? This session aims to help you assess this, not …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Tackling Scope 3 in any Universities Supply Chain
- American University (DC)
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Aramark (PA)
- Persefoni (AZ)
Scope 3 is a global blind spot for most universities, as well as most organizations. Scope 3 - Category 1 - Purchased Goods and Services - provides universities with a …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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It's Time to Address Financed Emissions From University Endowments
- Northern Arizona University (AZ)
As the urgency of climate change grows, universities and other higher education institutions are increasingly accounting and reporting their annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Hundreds of higher education institutions participate …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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TASTE Food: The Automated Scope 3 Tool for Tracking Emissions From Food
- Stanford University (CA)
Currently, estimating purchased food emissions requires time intensive methods and cost prohibitive software which are limited to estimating emissions based on spend. To improve this process, The Automated Scope 3 …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Transforming Campus Food Systems: Cutting Scope 3 Emissions with Plant-Based Defaults
- University of San Diego (CA)
- Better Food Foundation (DC)
Join us for an inspiring, interactive networking session focused on transforming campus food systems to reduce Scope 3 emissions. If you’re a sustainability professional, faculty member, or advocate aiming to …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Leveraging IRA Incentives for Campus Decarbonization
- KPMG (NY)
In the evolving landscape of higher education, sustainability has become a cornerstone for institutional development and social responsibility. Please join KPMG subject matter experts for an engaging presentation and discussion …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Climate Action Planning, Different Approaches, Common Themes, and Resources
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (WI)
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (WI)
- University of Wisconsin-River Falls (WI)
This learning lab highlights climate action planning, stakeholder identification & engagement ideas, hazard & impact mapping, resources, etc. The Universities of Wisconsin include 13 public universities across the state. Eight …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Decarb Buy-In: Creating a Culture of Decarbonization
- California State University, Chancellor's Office (CA)
- University of California, Davis (CA)
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
- WRNS Studio (CA)
Decarbonization sits at the nexus of integrated planning. It requires thinking big and working together. Universities are uniquely positioned to model innovative planning approaches to decarbonization, revealing what's possible at …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Internal Carbon Pricing in a Decentralized Budget Environment: RCM and Environmental Incentives
- University of Vermont (VT)
In a higher education environment where universities are quickly shifting from centralized to decentralized budget models (RCM), it is vital to understand how institutional budgets can be leveraged to promote …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Advancing Climate Action: Reflections from UBC's Experience
- The University of British Columbia (BC)
This session offers a comprehensive overview of the Climate Emergency Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Framework developed by the Sustainability Hub at the University of British Columbia (UBC). This framework …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Reaching for the High Hanging Fruit: Climate Action After 80% Reduction
- Stanford University (CA)
In 2023 Stanford achieved a 80% reduction in its Scope 1 and 2 emissions based on a 2011 baseline and is now focusing on the remaining 20% through a comprehensive …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Scope 3: Calculating a carbon footprint with purchasing data
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
In greenhouse gas accounting, calculating indirect emissions (scope 3 sources) is notoriously challenging and daunting. In this session, we will provide detailed guidance on an accessible entry point into scope …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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The Use of Carbon Offsets for Carbon Neutrality Commitments
- Duke University (NC)
- University of California, Office of the President (CA)
Carbon offseting can be a controversial topic on campus, especially as institutions get closer to their climate commitments and neutrality dates. However, they can be an integral part of an …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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The HBCU Climate Action Blueprint: Sustainable Campuses, Empowered Communities
- United Negro College Fund (GA)
Released at the 2024 Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit, "The HBCU Climate Action Blueprint: Sustainable Campuses, Empowered Communities" explores the current activities and future aspirations of Historically Black Colleges and …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Insights from UBC's Climate Action Journey
- The University of British Columbia (BC)
- University of British Columbia Okanagan (BC)
UBC has made strong commitments to be a global leader on sustainability, with climate action specifically seen as a strategic priority. The university’s Climate Action Plan 2030 (CAP2030) builds on …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Scope 3 Networking
- Indiana University Indianapolis (IN)
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
- University of Nebraska - Lincoln (NE)
As integrating Scope 3 emissions into commitments becomes more standard practice, opportunities and barriers to integration need to be recognized and addressed. This session is designed to be an open …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Next Generation of Higher Ed Climate Action: A Presentation and Discussion with Second Nature
- Loyola University Chicago (IL)
- Second Nature (MA)
Since 2006, Second Nature has been the organization facilitating appropriate guidance for climate action in the higher education sector. The Climate Leadership Commitments and the network of schools implementing this …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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A Zero-Carbon Campus For ALL
- Mt. San Antonio College (CA)
Collaboration between all campus units-- from governance to instruction to facilities and beyond-- is key to achieving a climate justice-centric campus. Mt. San Antonio Community College (Mt. SAC) strives to …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Deep Decarbonization: Insights, Strategies, and Collaborative Solutions
- Tufts University (MA)
- University of Oregon (OR)
- AASHE (MA)
- Edison International (DC)
This engaging session features a conversation with a panel of representatives from leading campuses who will share insights into their unique approaches to decarbonization initiatives. The panel, moderated by Aurora …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Next Generation Climate Goal Leadership and Offset Strategy
- Harvard University (MA)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
- Stanford University (CA)
- University of California, Office of the President (CA)
- University of Michigan (MI)
Join senior sustainability leaders to explore how leadership in climate goals and offset strategies have evolved over time, and take part in defining what leadership and transparency around this looks …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Cat Trax Bike Share Program
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
Cat Trax bike share is a collaborative program between the town of Durham, NH and the UNH Sustainability Institute. We manage and maintain a fleet of 30 bikes that are …
- Posted Jan. 27, 2025
- Case Studies
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Tackling Scope 3 Emissions at CSUN – A Commitment to Comprehensive GHG Reporting
- California State University, Northridge (CA)
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) has taken strides in addressing Scope 3 transportation emissions as part of its sustainability and climate action initiatives over the past seven years. This encompasses …
- Posted Jan. 27, 2025
- Case Studies
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Leading Campus Decarbonization Efforts
- Tufts University (MA)
- University of Oregon (OR)
- AASHE (MA)
- WRNS Studio (CA)
- Trio (CA)
Join this engaging session featuring a dynamic panel of experts from diverse higher education institutions—spanning private and public, large and small campuses—who are driving innovative decarbonization initiatives. Panelists will share …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
- Videos & Webinars
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Northeastern's Climate Justice Action Plan
- Northeastern University (MA)
Northeastern University’s Climate Justice Action Plan (CJAP) is a comprehensive, forward-thinking initiative designed to integrate climate justice principles into the institution’s sustainability framework. At the heart of this plan is …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
- Case Studies
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CSUN’s CA Climate Action Corps Workforce Development Service Program
- California State University, Northridge (CA)
The California State University, Northridge (CSUN) CA Climate Action Corps (CCAC) program is part of California’s statewide effort to address climate change through community-focused action. Launched in 2021, the program …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
- Case Studies
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Multi-modal Commute Matching to Build Community and Reduce Scope 3 Emissions
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
Provide Cal State Fullerton students, faculty, and staff with a way to find each other according to commute point of origin, schedule, and travel mode in order to form carpools, …
- Posted Jan. 14, 2025
- Case Studies
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The ASU Eco Reps Program
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Coca-Cola (GA)
The Eco Reps program is a student sustainability engagement joint initiative between Coca-Cola and University Sustainability Practices with additional funding from internal units. Spring 2025 marks the sixth semester of …
- Posted Jan. 14, 2025
- Case Studies
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Net Zero on Campus: A Guide and Accompanying Toolkit for Universities and Colleges to Accelerate Climate Action Worldwide
- AASHE (MA)
- United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (NY)
Universities are uniquely positioned to be agents of change as living labs, testing innovations and educating on tools and resources in their institutions, communities, and beyond. With university net zero …
- Posted Dec. 18, 2024
- Tools
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A Learning Landscape: Living, Maintaining and Teaching Sustainability
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
It’s the 1980s and the Southland is a thriving, bustling region criss-crossed by freeways and almost notorious for the slight gray haze that can be seen against the backdrop of …
- Posted Dec. 11, 2024
- Photographs
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CSU Faculty Learning Community in Teaching Climate Change and Resilience 2024
- California State University, Chico (CA)
In the Spring of 2024, 210 faculty from twenty-one California State University campuses and three California Community College campuses participated in the second CSU Faculty Learning Community in Teaching Climate …
- Posted Dec. 2, 2024
- Case Studies
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Climate Action Clinic at UNH: Training Carbon Management Professionals in Collaboration with Community Organizations
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
The Climate Action Clinic is a high-impact learning opportunity that builds off UNH's decades-long role supporting carbon footprinting and climate action by other organizations--leveraging the expertise rooted in UNH’s own …
- Posted Oct. 24, 2024
- Case Studies
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TASTE Food: The Automated Scope 3 Tool for Tracking Emissions from Food
- Stanford University (CA)
TASTE Food was developed by Rebecca Grekin, a graduate student at Stanford University in the Benson Lab in the Energy Sciences Engineering department, as part of her Master’s work which …
- Posted Oct. 22, 2024
- Tools
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Sustainability - CSUF works on the economic as well as environmental impacts
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
June 13, 2019 | Orange County Register, The (Santa Ana, CA) Author/Byline: By Susan Gill Vardon sgvardon@scng.com
At Cal State Fullerton, the idea of sustainability involves more than coming up …
- Posted Oct. 10, 2024
- Photographs
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Is Carbon Neutrality Hiding the Real Leaders in Campus Decarbonization?
- Smith College (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
The most important number in climate policy is zero – we need to cut emissions as quickly as possible to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Over 600 U.S. …
- Posted Oct. 10, 2024
- Videos & Webinars
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Climate Action Unbound: A New Curricular Model Driving Institutional Change
- Hampshire College (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
Equipping students with both the knowledge and skills to be effective change agents is essential to solving the climate crisis. The inaugural Climate Action Semester Unbound at Hampshire College offered …
- Posted Sept. 20, 2024
- Videos & Webinars
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Research Overview on Plant-Based Nudges
- Better Food Foundation (DC)
This research, produced by Better Food Foundation and based on their DefaultVeg strategy, summarizes dozens of academic studies and explains how to apply their findings in food services.
- Posted Sept. 18, 2024
- Publications
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Air Travel Emissions Mitigation Initiative - The University of Toronto
- University of Toronto (ON)
- University of Toronto Mississauga (ON)
- University of Toronto Scarborough (ON)
Air travel emissions mitigation initiative - The University of Toronto mitigates emissions for business air travel by investing in university-based projects aimed at reducing the institution’s carbon footprint. Through the …
- Posted Aug. 21, 2024
- Photographs
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SunZia Wind
- University of California, Office of the President (CA)
Construction photos of SunZia Wind
- Posted Aug. 20, 2024
- Photographs
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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 1: Emissions Inventory & Disclosure
- Description of the methodology and/or tool used to complete the GHG emissions inventory
- GHG emissions inventory (upload)
- Brief description of the GHG inventory verification process
- Brief description of the methodology for completing an air emissions inventory
OP 2: Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Adjusted net Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions per weighted campus user, performance year
- Adjusted net Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions per unit of EUI-adjusted floor area, performance year
- A brief description of the institution’s GHG emissions reduction initiatives
- Website URL where information about the institution's GHG emissions is available
Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.