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

Navigating GHG Inventory Methodologies: Comparing Experiences at Harvard and Clark University

  • Clark University (MA)
  • Environmental Health & Engineering, Inc. (MA)

This presentation explores the inventory tools and methods institutions of higher education might consider when approaching a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory of their campus. To elucidate the different calculation and ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The Presidents Climate Commitment and the University of Maine Master Plan

  • University of Maine (ME)
  • Sasaki Associates, Inc. (MA)

The American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) is guiding over 500 institutions toward the ultimate goal of climate neutrality. As a charter signatory of the ACUPCC, the University ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Comparison of How Colleges Promote Greenhouse Gas Inventory Strategies

  • Bridgewater State University (MA)

Ideally, everyone should care the environment because a clean planet is a necessity for the survival of the human race. The problem is however, not all students or college campuses ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb Exchange Programs as a Potentially Cost Effective and Socially Beneficial Approach to Offsetting Carbon Emissions Locally

  • Oberlin College (OH)

To achieve carbon neutrality, organizations can balance unavoidable emissions by purchasing "carbon offsets" that provide credit for emissions captured or reduced elsewhere. Locally managed and implemented offset programs can provide ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Life Cycle Assessment of a Banana Split

  • Central Piedmont Community College (NC)

It seems everyone is talking about sustainability. We are bombarded with news, businesses, governments, parents, and academia about products ranging from cars to household cleaning agents. However, when one asks ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Ithaca College's Greenhouse Gas Emissions

  • Ithaca College (NY)

Ithaca College has estimated its greenhouse gas inventory for the last seven years using the Clean-Air Cool-Planet excel-based calculator. The emissions inventory has been accomplished each year by an undergraduate ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Carbon Budgets as a Teachable Moment

  • Union College - NY (NY)

The calculation of a college's carbon budget one of the most important steps toward assessing an institution's sustainability and creating a plan to improve operations. Calculating carbon budgets ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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University Leadership in Island Climate Mitigation

  • University of Hawaii at Manoa (HI)

Islands are uniquely affected by climate change. Rising sea levels threaten coastal infrastructure and fresh water aquifers ocean acidification deteriorates coral reefs ecosystems and native forests are susceptible to new ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Fiscal Year 2008 Greenhouse Gas Inventory for Cornell University

  • Cornell University (NY)

Cornell University has been reporting GHG emissions associated with Central Utilities for the past decade. However, FY 2008 marks the first year of reporting GHG emissions associated with commuting and ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
  • Conference Presentations
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Using IPCC DDC Scenarios and MAGICC-SCENGEN Model for Teaching Global Climate Change

  • Grand Valley State University (MI)

Global climate change is a very complex phenomenon: students need to understand the causes of climate change, its potential environmental and socio-economic consequences, and the adaptation and mitigation options to ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Focusing Again: The National Teach-in on Global Warming Solutions

  • Lewis & Clark College (OR)

February 2009 will be a watershed for the United States, and indeed, the planet. Decisions made in the first hundred days of the new congress will determine whether serious action ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
  • Conference Presentations
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Principles and Practices for Effective Sustainability Education

  • Luther College (IA)

So your president signed the President's Climate Commitment, and you've completed a carbon footprint analysis. What do you do about the education component? This presentation will provide an ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
  • Conference Presentations
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The Next Step: Developing and Implementing Climate Action Plans for Reducing Net GHG Emissions

  • National Wildlife Federation (VA)

With the challenge so critical and the stakes so high, the need for climate leadership has never been greater. The good news is that the higher education sector is responding ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
  • Conference Presentations
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Establishing Carbon Offsets for Univerities through Tree Planting in Rural Africa

  • Northern Arizona University (AZ)

In February of 2008, a representative of The International Small Group & Tree Planting Program (TIST), gave a presentation at Northern Arizona University outlining the function and methods used by ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Learning from Experience: Collaboration for Campus Carbon Cutbacks

  • Rocky Mountain Institute (CO)

This poster will reveal some preliminary findings from Rocky Mountain Institute's (RMI) new research project: Accelerating Campus Climate-Change Initiatives. RMI is partnering with AASHE to develop a comprehensive research ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
  • Conference Presentations
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The Triple Bottom Line on Campus - Walking the Talk, Saving Money and Saving the Planet

  • Sterling Planet, Inc. (GA)

Through our experience with several colleges and universities, this presentation will discuss how college and universities have implement measures to lower there green house gas emissions, save money and create ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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UBC Okanagan Campus Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality: Geothermal District Energy System

  • University of British Columbia (BC)

The purpose of this brief is to share information about UBC Okanagan's campus roadmap to carbon neutrality, featuring the Geothermal District Energy System and related green building strategies.

UBC ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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No Mow Zone Sign

  • Rosemont College (PA)

In 2008, Rosemont College created a No Mow Zone along a creek bed between Cardinal Hall & Alumni Hall. The no mow zone conservation area is intended to prevent sediment ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Outreach Materials
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The Earth Institute

  • Columbia University (NY)

The Earth Institute brings together the people and tools needed to address some of the world's most difficult problems, from climate change and environmental degradation, to poverty, disease and ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Research Centers & Institutes
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Emmett Institute on Climate Change & the Environment

  • University of California, Los Angeles (CA)

The Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment is the leading law school center focused on climate change and other critical environmental issues. Founded in 2008 with a generous ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Research Centers & Institutes
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BS in Atmospheric Science

  • University of California, Berkeley (CA)

Atmospheric Science includes the physics of climate variability and climate change, changes in stratospheric ozone, coupling of atmospheric chemistry and climate, changes in the oxidation capacity of the troposphere, smog ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Academic Programs
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PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering, Atmosphere/Energy

  • Stanford University (CA)

Atmosphere and energy are linked in two primary ways. First‚ fossil-fuel energy contributes directly to air pollution and climate change. Second‚ atmospheric winds‚ solar radiation and precipitation are sources of ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Academic Programs
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PhD in Energy, Civil Infrastructure & Climate

  • University of California, Berkeley (CA)

The objective of the Energy, Civil Infrastructure and Climate (ECIC) program is to educate a cadre of professionals who will be able to analyze from engineering, environmental, economic, and management ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Academic Programs
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Certificate in Climate Change Management & Policy

  • George Washington University (DC)

The six-course, 18 credit Certificate in Climate Change Management and Policy offers instruction in technological approaches to solving key planning issues. It focuses on the technical side of sustainability; the ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Academic Programs
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PgCert Carbon Innovation

  • University of Edinburgh

The online PG Certificate in Carbon Innovation is a ground-breaking development of the award-winning MSc in Carbon Management programme at the University of Edinburgh. Building on the proven success and ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Academic Programs
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PgCert Climate Change Management

  • University of Edinburgh

The online PG Certificate in Climate Change Management is a ground-breaking development of the award-winning MSc in Carbon Management programme at the University of Edinburgh. Building on the proven success ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Academic Programs
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Climate Change and Environmental Policy MSc

  • University of Leeds (West Yorkshire)

This programme provides a unique combination of training on the physical, social and policy aspects of climate change and on broader environmental policy and governance. Students receive a solid foundation ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Academic Programs
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MS in Energy Policy & Climate

  • Johns Hopkins University (MD)

The program will prepare the next generation of interdisciplinary professionals to address the challenges of climate change and sustainable energy systems. Graduates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Academic Programs
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MSc in Carbon Management

  • University of Edinburgh

Carbon management is at the heart of tackling climate change and has rapidly become a central part of the global business environment. This is a growing sector with excellent employment ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Academic Programs
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MSc in Carbon Storage & Capture

  • University of Edinburgh

Geological reservoirs are vital for the hydrocarbon industry, drinking water supply and geological carbon storage. This programme provides training in reservoir geology and an overview of geological carbon storage including ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Academic Programs
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Takeaways from UConn at COP21

  • University of Connecticut (CT)

Now that we’ve had a month or so since our return from Paris to reflect, what are the key takeaways from UConn’s first-ever participation in the UN’s ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Guest Post: UConn COP21 Update

  • University of Connecticut (CT)

Gazing out at the cacophony of asphalt, metal, and concrete, an inner conflict is brewing. As the scenes of Connecticut civilization blur by the bus window on the first leg ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Guest Post: Bonjour from UConn @ COP21

  • University of Connecticut (CT)

We have finally arrived in Paris at the UN’s 21st annual international climate summit or Conference of the Parties (aka COP21). After a 3-hour bus ride from Storrs to ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Universities, Colleges and Students Mobilize for Paris Climate Action

  • AASHE (PA)

The time to address climate change is now. AASHE believes the higher education community is poised to find and implement solutions to the drastically changing climate patterns that are sure ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Climate Change Resiliency: Campus Microgrid Feasibility Study

  • Middlebury College (VT)

Background: The submitted research paper "Campus Microgrid Feasibility Study" is the result of a combination of learning opportunities that evolved into the final product. It began in summer 2014 at ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 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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Envisioning the Carbon-Neutral Campus: Planning for Reduced Energy Consumption at St. Olaf College

  • St. Olaf College (MN)
  • University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)

Four practices impacting campus carbon neutrality are increasingly common at Colleges and Universities in the United States: faculty and students are engaging in hands-on sustainability curriculum, facilities personnel are analyzing ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Federal Advisory Committee Draft Climate Assessment Report

  • U.S. Global Change Research Program (DC)

The U.S. Global Change Research Program has released the Third National Climate Assessment. A 60-person Federal Advisory Committee (The "National Climate Assessment and Development Advisory Committee" or NCADAC) oversaw ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Rio+20 Outcomes Document-What will it say?

  • AASHE (PA)

As the heads of state have been meeting in Rio the past two days there appears to be little effort or desire to take on changing the text of the ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Rio+20 Has Officially Begun

  • AASHE (PA)

Earlier this morning the official opening of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) occurred amid dreams, hopes and disappointment. The watering down of the language to achieve ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Rio+20 - Fear and Hope

  • AASHE (PA)

As the negotiations continue at both Rio+20 and the G-20 Summit I'm seeing reports of both hope and fear. The hope seems to be coming from the non-government ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Rio Update – Monday June 18, 2012

  • AASHE (PA)

The international sustainability scene is getting increasingly complex. Not only is UNCSD aka Rio+20, the world’s biggest meeting on sustainability, taking place this week but the agenda for ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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What’s going on at Rio+20

  • AASHE (PA)

As we go into the last few days before the official Rio+20 conference, I think it is important to reflect on not only what is happening there but how ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Converting university spending to greenhouse gas emissions: A supply chain carbon footprint analysis of UC Berkeley

  • University of California, Berkeley (CA)

This senior thesis study calculates a supply chain carbon footprint for UC Berkeley based on procurement expenses in fiscal year (FY) 2009. The study presents recommendations to reduce supply chain ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Cool Campuses?! The National Movement for Campus Climate Action Deserves High Grades But a Greater Effort is Needed to Address the Growing Climate Crisis

  • University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
  • Cornell University (NY)
  • Ithaca College (NY)
  • University of California, Irvine (CA)
  • Tompkins Cortland Community College (NY)
  • Ball State University (IN)

Who will lead this energy revolution? One hopeful possibility is higher education. As one example, many institutions of higher education are already involved through the American College & University Presidents ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Reducing Dickinson's Carbon Footprint

  • Dickinson College (PA)

Findings from an evaluation of Dickinson College's Climate Action Plan and recommendations are presented. The evaluation was conducted by students in the spring 2011 course Practicum in Sustainability: Reducing ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Cross-Border Carbon Footprints: University Study Abroad and Carbon Offsetting Programs

  • American University (DC)

The progress made in the past decade in incorporating higher education institutions into the carbon emissions reduction equation is remarkable. Organizations like the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Financing Models of Campus Charging Infrastructures For Electric Vehicles

  • University of California, Berkeley (CA)

California is always a leader in mitigating and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions in coordination with our climate change mitigation policies as outlined in AB32. UC Berkeley, one of the ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Creating Carbon Offsets: A New Alternative for Colleges and Universities?

  • Whitman College (WA)

Mandatory and voluntary carbon offsets have been promoted as an important part of the solution to the climate crisis. They are touted for their economic and environmental efficiency as well ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Accelerating Campus Climate Initiatives: Breaking Through Barriers

  • Rocky Mountain Institute (CO)
  • AASHE (PA)

Published by Rocky Mountain Institute with support from AASHE, this is a practical guide for anyone working to reduce GHG emissions on campus. Offering real-world examples, the book helps readers ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 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

OP 2: Greenhouse Gas Emissions

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

Air & Climate Partners