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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Management Strategies for Carbon and Nitrogen: Using a Combined Footprint Tool to Reduce Environmental Impact
- University of Virginia (VA)
How can institutions assess and manage their impact on the environment? A newly combined tool for carbon and nitrogen footprints offers a platform for institutions to manage their emissions both …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Carbon and the Compost Cats: Evaluation of Carbon Offset Impacts for a University Affiliated Compost Program
- University of Arizona (AZ)
The University of Arizona Compost Cats program has performed a life cycle assessment (LCA) greenhouse gas emissions analysis to quantify the benefits of composting waste from campus and local participating …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Meeting a Nitrogen Footprint Reduction Goal: A Case Study at the University of Virginia
- University of Virginia (VA)
The University of Virginia has three 'firsts' with respect to controlling nitrogen pollution. In 2009 it was the first to calculate its nitrogen footprint (492 tonnes N); in 2013 it …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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How Carbon and Nitrogen Footprints Can Inform Sustainability Practices at Colorado College
- Colorado College (CO)
This case study analyzes the carbon and nitrogen savings associated with opportunities Colorado College, a small liberal arts school in the Rocky Mountains, has for sustainability. By analyzing the current …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Supporting community engagement in clean energy by making the purchase of electric vehicles and solar simple and affordable
- University of Utah (UT)
U Drive Electric and U Community Solar are the University of Utah's community-based programs that brought together local partners and companies to offer discounts and a streamed-lined process for purchasing …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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GreenCampusPoints Shop to Save the Planet
- Boston University (MA)
There are 20.2 million college students in the US, which together account for over 150 billion dollars in discretionary spending each year. Imagine if for every one of those dollars …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Institutional Nitrogen Footprint: A Case Study at Oregon State University
- Oregon State University (OR)
Many insitutions of higher education are measuring and consciously managing their impact on the environment, using metrics of energy use, recycling, alternative transporation or local foods. While the carbon footprint …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Student Internships Mobilizing From Coal to Carbon Neutrality Efforts
- Oberlin College (OH)
Carbon neutrality efforts require high level planning and coordination; meanwhile, sustainability offices often have few staff and full plates. This case study highlights efforts of two Oberlin College students who, …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Post-Paris: Climate Commitments in Action Across Higher Ed, Business, and Cities
- George Washington University (DC)
- Second Nature (MA)
- Urban Sustainability Directors Network (IL)
- Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (VA)
The Paris climate agreement heralded a new form of international governance combining commitments by countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with commitments from many other sectors-including universities, local governments, and …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Virginia Power Dialog: Lessons Learned and What's Next in the Commonwealth
- University of Richmond (VA)
- Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)
Motivated by the historic international climate agreement reached in Paris in December 2015 and by the adoption of the Clean Power Plan, The Virginia Power Dialog engaged college and university …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Utilizing Carbon Offsets To Fulfil the Second Nature Climate Leadership Commitments
- Ball State University (IN)
- Colgate University (NY)
- Oberlin College (OH)
- Second Nature (MA)
This session will give an overview of the new guidelines for utilizing carbon offsets as part of the Second Nature Climate Commitments and highlight a sampling of some of the …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Combat global warming for free? Find out how with UCapture (in partnership with TerraPass)
- UCapture
As a consumer you face a moral dilemma: Your consumption emits greenhouse gases which cause global warming...however, the cost of offsetting your own CO2 emissions can be costly. UCapture solves …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Achieving the Impossible: How the Millennial Generation is Winning a Just & Sustainable Future in the Age of Climate Change
- Elected Officials to Protect America (SC)
Outspoken advocate and internationally-recognized former elected official Dominic Frongillo will share his perspective as the youngest-ever councilmember in Caroline, NY, and delegate to UN climate talks on how young people …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Getting Real About Climate Change: Grading Your University on What It's Actually Doing
- The City College of New York (NY)
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (IL)
We've been graded by our schools all our lives - now, we're going to grade them. Is your school doing its part to end the climate crisis, or is it …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Can carbon offsets be community-based, educational, and affordable? The results of a 4 college collaborative research project.
- Amherst College (MA)
- Hampshire College (MA)
- Smith College (MA)
- Williams College (MA)
What would be the best carbon offset? Can carbon offsets achieve measurable carbon reductions, as well as support the health and sustainability of our local communities and provide educational and …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Obama, Bill Gates to lead major effort to spur spending on climate research
- The Washington Post (DC)
This article describes the launch of two separate initiatives to invest billions of dollars in clean energy research and development. "Mission Innovation” is a commitment by countries - including United …
- Posted Nov. 14, 2016
- Publications
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Harvard to limit greenhouse gas emissions in new Allston construction
- Harvard University (MA)
This article describes Harvard University's agreement to limit greenhouse gas emissions from new buildings constructed on its Allston campus. The agreement between the University and the Executive Office of Energy …
- Posted Nov. 1, 2016
- Publications
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Master of Climate Change
- University of Waterloo (ON)
The University of Waterloo’s Master of Climate Change (MCC) program focuses on the multiple ways climate change interacts with society and the environment. The MCC program provides a unique educational …
- Posted Oct. 31, 2016
- Academic Programs
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Making the invisible visible: how students make use of carbon footprint calculator in environmental education
- University of Gothenburg
Problems concerning carbon dioxide emissions and other climate change-related issues are on the global political agenda and constantly debated in media. Such issues are important for individuals to enable active …
- Posted Oct. 28, 2016
- Publications
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A Nearly Carbon-Neutral Conference Model: White Paper & Practical Guide
- University of California, Santa Barbara (CA)
This document was created to help stage nearly carbon-neutral (NCN) conferences based on a model first implemented at UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) in May of 2016. Compared to fly-in conferences, …
- Posted Oct. 28, 2016
- Publications
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Report: Options for Achieving a Carbon Neutral Campus by 2035
- Cornell University (NY)
Created by the Senior Leaders Climate Action Group at Cornell University to better inform decision-making on reaching carbon neutrality by 2035. The report focuses on cost-benefit analysis of solutions to …
- Posted Oct. 21, 2016
- Publications
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Teaching Climate Change in the Humanities
Climate change is an enormous and increasingly urgent issue. This important book highlights how humanities disciplines can mobilize the creative and critical power of students, teachers, and communities to confront …
- Posted Oct. 20, 2016
- Publications
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Sustainability Photos from Colorado State University
- Colorado State University (CO)
- Posted Sept. 23, 2016
- Photographs
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Climate & Energy Strategy
- University of California, Santa Cruz (CA)
UC Santa Cruz convenes staff, students and faculty to discuss how to meet the UC systemwide goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2025 and next steps for implementation of the …
- Posted Sept. 14, 2016
- Photographs
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UVic Administrative Services Building LEED Gold
- University of Victoria (BC)
University of Victoria's Administrative Services Building LEED Gold
- Posted Sept. 14, 2016
- Photographs
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UConn Reserach Gathers Critical Information Needed in Fight to Save Wildlife
- University of Connecticut (CT)
An international group of top biologists led by UConn ecologist Mark Urban is calling for a coordinated effort to gather important species information that is urgently needed to improve predictions …
- Posted Sept. 14, 2016
- Photographs
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Summer 2016 - St. John's University upgraded 41,000 lamps and 6,000 fixtures to LED
- St. John's University, New York (NY)
In Summer 2016, St. John's University invested $1.4 million to upgrade 41,000 lamps and 6,000 light fixtures to LED technology. Highlights of the project include:
- Utility company will share up …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
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Columbia University Bike-Share Program
- Columbia University (NY)
- Zagster (MA)
Columbia recognizes the many benefits of bicycle travel and is continuing its efforts towards growing bike culture as part of the University’s commitment to a healthy and sustainable Columbia. Creating …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
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UBC Sustainability - University Boulevard
- University of British Columbia (BC)
Using our campus as a living lab model, we are treating our campus as one interconnected system. We are continuously implementing strategies to effectively manage campus energy, water, waste, food …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
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UBC Sustainability - CIRS Building
- University of British Columbia (BC)
CIRS was conceived as a building in which to push the envelope of sustainable design by integrating passive design strategies with innovative sustainable technologies.
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
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Renewable Energy Projects at UC Santa Cruz
- University of California, Santa Cruz (CA)
At the University of California, Santa Cruz, a cross-disciplinary group of engineering undergraduates--the "Green Wharf Renewable Energy Project" team--shows off its senior capstone design project, a low-impact marine microgrid energy …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
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Ball State University Campus-Wide Clean Energy Efficiency Geothermal Project
- Ball State University (IN)
The system implementation demonstrates that geothermal energy coupled with ground source heat pump technology can be used on a large-scale district distribution system.
- Posted Sept. 9, 2016
- Photographs
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Business Instructional Facility Solar Array at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (IL)
- Posted Sept. 8, 2016
- Photographs
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UOIT Borehole Thermal Energy Storage System
- Ontario Tech University (ON)
Located underneath the Campus Polonsky Commons shown here is the second largest geothermal well system in North America. The system serves all north campus buildings and is made up of …
- Posted Sept. 6, 2016
- Photographs
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Certificate in Greenhouse Gas Management
- George Washington University (DC)
- Greenhouse Gas Management Institute (MD)
The Certificate in Greenhouse Gas Management is designed to prepare students professionally to contribute to the coming low carbon future. The George Washington University partnered with the Greenhouse Gas Management …
- Posted Aug. 24, 2016
- Academic Programs
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Master of Science in Energy Systems Management
- University of San Francisco (CA)
The Master of Science in Energy Systems Management is designed for people seeking the skills and knowledge to work in the fast changing world of electrical generation, distribution, conservation, and …
- Posted Aug. 12, 2016
- Academic Programs
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The health effects of climate change: What does a nurse need to know?
- University of Plymouth (Devon)
The scientific evidence for anthropogenic climate change has been established with increasing precision and there are widespread concerns about its potential to undermine the public health gains of the past …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2016
- Publications
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Guidelines for College-Level Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories
- Lewis & Clark College (OR)
- National Wildlife Federation (VA)
- Second Nature (MA)
This guide is the product of a summer research project performing a GHG emissions inventory for Lewis & Clark College and a full school year refining the method. It includes …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2016
- Publications
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Achieving Carbon Neutrality at UCSB by 2025: A Critical Analysis of Technological and Financial Strategies
- University of California, Santa Barbara (CA)
In 2013, University of California (UC) President Janet Napolitano established the Carbon Neutrality Initiative (CNI), a commitment to eliminate all Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2025. As one …
- Posted July 28, 2016
- Publications
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Co-designing research on transgressive learning in times of climate change
- Wageningen University
This paper reflects on the epistemological context for the co-design of a research programme on transformative, transgressive learning emerging at the nexus of climate change, water and food security, energy …
- Posted July 21, 2016
- Publications
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Boldly Sustainable: Hope & Opportunity for Higher Education in the age of Climate Change
- National Association of College & University Business Officers (NACUBO) (DC)
Sustainability is a powerful strategy for higher education to achieve renewal, reformation, and relevance in the 21st century. Boldly Sustainable examines how colleges and universities can leverage their commitment to …
- Posted July 21, 2016
- Publications
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Pre-Service Teachers and Climate Change: A Stalemate?
- James Cook University (Queensland)
Findings from the second phase of a study of pre-service teachers’ attitudes to environmental education and knowledge of climate change are reported in this paper. A sample of 87 pre-service …
- Posted June 20, 2016
- Publications
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Center for Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation
- University of California, San Diego (CA)
Climate change is in motion. If societies do not respond, their populations face water and food shortages and severe economic disruptions. Countless plant and animal species will be at risk. …
- Posted June 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Master of Advanced Studies in Climate Science and Policy
- University of California, San Diego (CA)
The master of advanced studies (MAS) in Climate Science and Policy is a unique program of study providing advanced training in climate science and policy for working professionals in government, …
- Posted June 20, 2016
- Academic Programs
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Atlanta People's Climate March and Climate Summits
- Georgia State University (GA)
Sustainable Energy Tribe (SET), the largest student environmental group on Georgia State University's campus, worked to make climate change and environmental justice major themes for the year. These efforts had …
- Posted June 16, 2016
- Case Studies
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UCSC Climate & Energy Strategy- A Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality by 2025
- University of California, Santa Cruz (CA)
Over the past 18 months, UCSC has been implementing a process to develop a comprehensive Climate and Energy Strategy (CES) to support its goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2025. …
- Posted June 11, 2016
- Case Studies
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Middlebury College's Innovative Land Conservation and Financing Project
- Middlebury College (VT)
In 1915, a visionary Vermont environmentalist bequeathed to Middlebury College a large tract of land, located 12 miles from the main campus, part of which became home to the College’s …
- Posted June 11, 2016
- Case Studies
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Carbon Neutrality at Université Laval
- Université Laval (QC)
As the first voluntarily carbon neutral university in Canada, Université Laval (UL) made sure its process was transparent so that any organization looking to combat climate change could refer to …
- Posted June 10, 2016
- Case Studies
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The Morris Model: Catalyzing Community Resilience, Energy Conservation and Clean Energy Planning and Action
- University of Minnesota, Morris (MN)
The University of Minnesota, Morris (UMM) has demonstrated a successful planning approach with partners across the state to build climate resilience into the consciousness and planning efforts of the city …
- Posted June 10, 2016
- Case Studies
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Carbon management at universities: a reality check
- University of Southampton
Carbon dioxide emissions from the higher education sector are globally significant. This study compares the performance of 20 institutions in English research-intensive universities to their self-set targets, using three key …
- Posted June 10, 2016
- 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 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.