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.
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Sustainability and academic air travel in Australian universities
- RMIT University
Air travel is becoming increasingly recognized as a source of greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change. This is particularly relevant for the university sector, which relies heavily on staff …
- Posted Dec. 11, 2018
- Publications
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Assessment of Ecological Footprint and Sustainability Analysis of Debre Berhan University in Ethiopia
- Debre Berhan University
Ecological footprint is an environmental tool to assess the environmental impacts and resource consumption by the operations and activities in a given area. This approach, to make university campus area …
- Posted Nov. 26, 2018
- Publications
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Do Dorm Move-Out Waste Reduction Programs Really Reduce Carbon Emissions?
- University of Arizona (AZ)
A team of engineering researchers at the University of Arizona, led by Dr. Paul Blowers and undergraduate student Nick Deak, measured the carbon footprint associated with materials collected during a …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Mitigating Air Travel Emissions: Measuring, Pricing and Collaboration
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Duke University (NC)
- University of California, Los Angeles (CA)
- University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
Presenters will discuss their approaches to tracking airline miles, estimating emissions, and counter-acting these emissions. Carbon neutral air travel requires data availability to accurately estimate emissions, but perhaps a larger …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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A Sustainable Parking Framework and Strategies to Encourage More Sustainable Transportation
- Thompson Rivers University (BC)
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is transitioning from a commuter campus to an urban campus with a vibrant heart. Guiding the process are strategic sustainable priorities consistent with the United Nations …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Environmental Impact and Cost Savings Data for Low Speed Electric Vehicles on College Campuses
- Polaris Industries (MN)
In this discussion we will review environmental and financial data from two separate universities that have reduced their carbon footprint and the cost of their campus fleet operations through the …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Sustainable for Your Bottom Line: Electric Buses and Simple Infrastructure for Your Campus Fleet.
- Proterra (CA)
Campuses are growing and evolving, and with that, our transportation needs are changing. Now more than ever, we need smart solutions that provide safer, more reliable and cleaner transit. As …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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How University Transportation Practitioners are Transforming USGBC's Global Transportation Emphasis
- Cornell University (NY)
- Stanford University (CA)
- U.S. Green Building Council (DC)
- Massachusetts State College Building Authority (MA)
Transportation is the fastest growing source of global C02 emissions. Two years ago, the USGBC added Parksmart, a parking-structure and transportation certification program, into its suite of offerings. Universities have …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Internal Carbon Tax: Methods and Results from the First Rigorous Willingness-to-Pay Study
- University of Oregon (OR)
Internal carbon fees raise awareness, incentivize behavior changes, and create revenue streams to reduce emissions. While there are a substantial number of internal carbon pricing programs in the private sector, …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Urban Forestry and Community Engagement - the Chemis-tree of Successful Partnerships
- Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is an urban research university located in downtown Richmond, Virginia. With greenhouse gas mitigation goals looming, VCU established the VCU Urban Forestry Collaborative (VUFC) - a …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Climate Lab: Taking the Gloom out of the Doom
- University of California, Office of the President (CA)
Let's face it - thinking about climate change and sustainability - and what to do about these pressing issues - can be downright depressing. People don't want to hear about …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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UC3: The Research University's Role in Place-Based, Cross-Sector Climate Action
- University of California, Office of the President (CA)
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
- Second Nature (MA)
The University Climate Change Coalition, or UC3, is a coalition of 13 leading North American research universities that are prototyping a collaborative model designed to help local communities achieve their …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Learning from our Future: Engaging Youth in Climate Justice
- University at Buffalo (NY)
How do we build a truly inclusive climate justice movement that values every voice and experience? Engage young people. They have a lot to say, and are eager to say …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Climate Memes: Undergraduates Making Climate Data Go Viral
- University of California, Irvine (CA)
On Earth Day 2017, Climatepedia boothed in Pershing Square at the March for Science-Los Angeles. Students from the University of California, Irvine branch of the organization displayed their signs at …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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All We Need is Political Will: Empowering Students on Civic Engagement on Climate Change
- Juniata College (PA)
- University of Pittsburgh (PA)
- U.S. Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development
- Citizens' Climate Lobby (CA)
At this critical time in our nation's history, the need to transition to a clean energy economy and a just and equitable society is more urgent than ever. Young people …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Adapting Portfolios to Climate Change: 2 Degrees Investing
- Natixis Investment Managers (MA)
Green bonds are growing: Between 2015 and 2016 worldwide issuances of green bonds nearly doubled from $41 billion to $80 billion. The growth trajectory continued in 2017, as issuances for …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Solutions for Evaluating Projects: Quadruple Bottom Line & Financial Models for Climate Neutrality
- Cornell University (NY)
It's time to move the conversation beyond 'financing climate neutrality.' In order to move away from traditional financial, single bottom line decision making for large capital investments, institutions must create …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Grounds for Change: Electrifying CSUN's Landscaping Equipment
- California State University, Northridge (CA)
Driven by CSUN's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality, Facilities Planning staff worked with The University's Grounds Shop to test and purchase electric string trimmers, leaf blowers and a riding lawnmower …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Estimating Greenhouse Gas and Water Reduction Through Food Labeling at a University Dining Facility
- Villanova University (PA)
As one of the most basic requirements for survival, food plays a massive role in how humans interact, not merely with one another, but also with the environment. The diet …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Scaling UP Renewable Energy Beyond Campus
- Cornell University (NY)
- State University of New York at Cortland (NY)
The Paris Agreement (at the moment) represents civilizations best path forward for global action and accountability of our collective reduction in harmful greenhouse gas emissions. What happens when a significant …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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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 is …
- 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 …
- 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
- Conference Presentations
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Sustainability Goal Setting at Universities: A Nitrogen Action Plan at the University of Virginia
- University of Virginia (VA)
A nitrogen (N) footprint is the amount of reactive N released to the environment as a result of an entities' resource use. In 2010, the University of Virginia (UVA) became …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Resiliency in the Face of Global Change: Developing a Sustainability Program That Thrives
- Dartmouth College (NH)
In December 2017, China announced a waste importing ban that upended the global recycling markets. In January 2018, the U.S. imposed a 30% tariff on solar equipment manufactured abroad. In …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Three Zeros Environmental Initiative at UNC Chapel Hill: The Chancellor's Sustainability Charge
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (NC)
- SmithGroup (MI)
The University of North Carolina (UNC) has set a new global standard for sustainability in higher education's constantly evolving environment. UNC is scaling its impact through the Three Zeros Environmental …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Designing a Realistic, Challenging, and Effective Climate Action Plan: Options and Best Practices
- Concordia College - Moorhead (MN)
This session will present the results of a research project aimed at understanding how institutions of higher education have developed and structured their Climate Action Plans. The goal of the …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Organizing a Campus-Community Resilience Building Workshop
- Second Nature (MA)
- The Nature Conservancy (VA)
This workshop will train participants in how to organize and facilitate a Community Resilience Building (CRB) Workshop. The CRB Workshop is a community-driven process, rich with information, experience, and dialogue …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Projection and Scenario Analysis for Climate and Nitrogen Action Planning
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
- University of Virginia (VA)
Campuses are now calculating their carbon and nitrogen footprints together in SIMAP, a web-based platform launched in fall 2017. Once you have calculated your campus' footprints, how might you use …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Achieving SDG Targets: The European Approach: Compliance - The Case of Energy & Irish Universities
- Chatham University (PA)
- Technological University Dublin (Dublin)
Ireland, as a nation, has signed up to the SDGs. The main drivers in reaching these targets will be through a set of interventions that are encompassing - legislation - …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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How Do Sustainability and Resilience Work Together in Practice?
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
Resilience and sustainability have had a confusing relationship over the past decade. While resilience has long been an important element of sustainability, for example going back to the work of …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Resilience Bootcamp - Turning Threats into Opportunities
- Rochester Institute of Technology (NY)
- St. Lawrence University (NY)
- Second Nature (MA)
Resilience is a hot topic for those who work within the campus operational and built environment. But what does it really mean for a campus community and how does it …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Breaking Down 'Drawdown' - Explaining Global Sustainability Solutions at the Community Level
- University of Virginia (VA)
There's a new framework for climate action in town - Project Drawdown is self-described as a comprehensive efforts to 'identify, research, and model the 100 most substantive, existing solutions to …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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The Fossil Fuel Divestment Movement and Student Activism at Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF
- The Ohio State University (OH)
On April 1, 2015, Syracuse University announced that it would divest its $1.18 billion endowment from fossil fuels. Shortly thereafter, its partner institution, SUNY-ESF, made the same commitment. These moves …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Achieving Large-Scale Campus Emissions Reductions: The Plan, Team, & Relationships Required
- University of Dayton (OH)
After President Trump announced plans to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accord, numerous Institutions indicated they would rise to the challenge by signing the 'We Are Still …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Carbon Pricing on Campus: Four Models for Higher Ed Engagement on a Climate Solution
- Smith College (MA)
- Swarthmore College (PA)
- University of Oregon (OR)
- Yale University (CT)
To combat climate change, schools are using carbon pricing as a powerful tool for reducing campus emissions and advancing national policy solutions. Pricing has been used by both governments and …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Do It Yourself Green Challenge - Cost Effective Way to Improve Health, Environment, & Climate Change
- My Open Road (CA)
87% of all human produced CO2 emissions comes from burning fossil fuel for electricity/heat, transportation, and industry. The transportation sector is the second largest source of CO2 emission. The Green …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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GHG Accounting in Higher Education - The Case for Forging Our Own Path
- Amherst College (MA)
Quantifying Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission inventories and setting reduction goals started at the national level in the 1990's with the formation of UNFCCC and the first guidelines for inventory development …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Beyond Offsetting: Onsetting Scope 3 Emissions and Supporting Innovative Local Projects
- Earth Deeds (MA)
Universities struggle to find meaningful ways to address their Scope 3 emissions, especially with regard to staff travel and study abroad. This session will explain carbon 'onsetting' as a positive …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Creative Approaches for Engaging People in Climate Action
- Care About Climate, Inc (AZ)
During this workshop participants will discuss innovative ways to engage both their campus population and general public in climate action initiatives. These approaches may include incentivizing people to take responsible …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Understanding the Entire Campus Carbon Footprint: How and Why to do Comprehensive Scope 3 Reporting
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
- University of Texas at Austin (TX)
Scope 3' emissions (i.e., those from upstream and downstream activities, such as producing the goods purchased by a campus, extracting and refining fuels, or commuting/business travel) are notoriously difficult to …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Profitable Carbon Capture Technology for Campus Power Plants
- University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
The University of Maryland is pursuing a partnership with technology firm, HY-TEK Bio, to install an algae based carbon capture system to mitigate emissions from UMD's combined heat and power …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Examining Data from Across Higher Ed: Does a Commitment Drive More Progress?
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
In November 2017, the University of New Hampshire (UNH) launched the Sustainability Indicator Management and Analysis Platform (SIMAP™), a new inventory tool replacing the Campus Carbon Calculator and the CarbonMAP …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Climate Resiliency Planning: What We're Learning
- Black Hills State University (SD)
- Verdis Group (NE)
Black Hills State University is in the process of creating a Climate Resiliency Plan in partnership with city and county partners and facilitated by Verdis Group. The planning process will …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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NE Drawdown: A Multi-College Effort to Adapt & Implement Impactful Regional Climate Change Solutions
- Amherst College (MA)
- Smith College (MA)
- Williams College (MA)
This past summer, students from Amherst, Smith, and Williams colleges investigated the global Drawdown methodology, compiled regional climate data to determine the top priorities for the area, and conducted a …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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OffsetNetwork.org: Higher Ed's Hub for Self-Generated Offset Projects and Peer Verification
- American University (DC)
- Duke University (NC)
- Second Nature (MA)
The Offset Network is an online platform for colleges and universities to share experience, lessons learned and tell the stories behind developing their own carbon offset projects. The site provides …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Approaches to Carbon Offset Procurement
- Colgate University (NY)
- Duke University (NC)
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
- Second Nature (MA)
This presentation will feature a diversity of institutions and their approaches to carbon offset procurement in pursuit of carbon reduction goals. The institutions represented on this panel share the perspective …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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Boston University's Climate Action Plan and The Public Process
- Boston University (MA)
Boston University's Climate Action Plan provides a roadmap to address energy use and sourcing, resiliency and climate preparedness, transportation, supply chain, and waste. Moreover it recommends the creation of an …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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From Incremental to Transformative Climate Action: Lessons Learned From Addressing Barriers
- University of California, Office of the President (CA)
- University of California, Los Angeles (CA)
What are the most fundamental and challenging barriers to achieving carbon neutrality at a large research university? The first University of California campus to publish a climate action plan (CAP) …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Leverage Your Renewable Energy Impact Through Emerging Avoided Emissions PPA Strategies
- Boston University (MA)
- Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
- Edison Energy (CA)
- WattTime (CA)
Renewable energy procurement is a critical strategy for reducing an institution's greenhouse gas emissions. However, not all renewable energy projects avoid the same amount of GHG emissions per kWh. The …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
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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.