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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Community tour of UMN Morris 240kW solar PV agrivoltaic field
- University of Minnesota, Morris (MN)
During the UMN WCROC Midwest Farm Energy Confererence, Vice Chancellor of Finance and Facilities, Bryan Herrmann gave visitors a tour of the new 240kW solar PV agrivoltaic field. This installation …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
- Photographs
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Agnes Scott College - Rebekah Scott Hall LEED Platinum Renovation / Restoration
- Agnes Scott College (GA)
Rebekah Scott Hall is the third LEED-certified building on Agnes Scott’s 100 acre campus. The 1905 new Italian Renaissance Revival structure underwent renovation between May 2017 to August 2018. Rebekah …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
- Photographs
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Notre Dame, Indiana Michigan Power 'flip the switch' on new solar facility
- University of Notre Dame (IN)
Notre Dame Solar investment - In 2021, University of Notre Dame and Indiana Michigan Power held a ribbon cutting for St. Joseph Solar Farm, a 210-acre solar facility located about …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
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The David A. Tepper Quadrangle at Carnegie Mellon University
- Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
Carnegie Mellon University's David A. Tepper Quadrangle, home of the university's Coulter Welcome Center and the Tepper School of Business, earned LEED Gold certification in 2019.
CMU will be recognized …
- Posted July 27, 2022
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Luther College Gateway Prairie
- Luther College (IA)
Gateway Prairie, a 39.3-acre prairie and oak savanna, a part of 90 acres of restored prairies at Luther College. Students are drawn to prairies for restoration activities, research and enjoyment.
- Posted July 25, 2022
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How to reach net-zero emissions? Extract CO2 and put it to better use
- Texas A&M University (TX)
Excess carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere can be isolated and transformed into value-added chemicals for fuels, a team of researchers in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering say in …
- Posted July 25, 2022
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Trimming Energy use in Buildings
- Texas A&M University (TX)
Because climate change is fueled in part by buildings’ energy use, Manish Dixit, Texas A&M assistant professor of construction science, is studying how to reduce structures’ energy needs with a …
- Posted July 25, 2022
- Photographs
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Climate Action Plan RFP Guidelines: an open-source collaboration
- Brailsford & Dunlavey (DC)
Overview The purpose of this document is to support staff members tasked with writing an RFP for a: * Climate Action Plan * Carbon Mitigation Plan * Climate Action and …
- Posted July 18, 2022
- Tools
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Campus Garden to Bring New Opportunities for Self-Sustainability
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
Cal State Fullerton recently broke ground on a new campus garden that will serve as a tool for hands-on student learning. The ceremony was part of Cal State Fullerton’s 12th …
- Posted July 18, 2022
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Webinar: Strategic Planning and Pathway Development for Significantly Reducing GHG Emissions (Scopes 1 and 2)
- University of Chicago (IL)
- AASHE (MA)
- Edison Energy (CA)
Meeting the urgent call to mitigate the impacts of climate change: Given the early success with meeting GHG reduction targets by 2025, the University of Chicago has developed more ambitious …
- Posted June 14, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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Scope 3 Business-related air travel Greenhouse Gas emissions at Royal Roads University, Victoria BC
- Royal Roads University (BC)
I completed an analysis of GHG emissions for all air travel during the 2019 calendar year at Royal Roads University; this analysis included travel emissions of the University Executive; its …
- Posted June 13, 2022
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Anthropology - Climate Change and Human Solutions BA
- University of California, San Diego (CA)
This is an major in climate change solutions that will give students the knowledge and skills needed to help the world meet the challenges of climate change. It combines the …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Climate Change Studies Minor
- University of California, San Diego (CA)
This interdisciplinary minor curriculum highlights UC San Diego’s broad campus expertise in understanding and responding to the challenges of climate change. The minor covers an understanding of the scientific, social, …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Graduate Certificate in Climate Change, Hazards & Green Infrastructure Planning
- University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)
The Graduate Certificate in Climate Change, Hazards and Green Infrastructure Planning provides students with a credential showing that they have unique skills in one of the most pressing topic areas …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Environmental Engineering BEng
- University of Guelph (ON)
This interdisciplinary major fuses engineering and science principles together. Students will design treatment processes and systems to identify, prevent and clean up pollution of our land, water and air. Gain …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Climate Science and Solutions MS
- Northern Arizona University (AZ)
The Climate Science & Solutions (CSS) Professional Science Master’s program combines a foundation of climate science and sustainable systems studies with professional training and organizational skills to help graduates succeed …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Atmospheric Sciences BS
- University of Utah (UT)
The Department of Atmospheric Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree and a minor for undergraduate students. Students with interest in severe weather, climate change, forecasting, broadcast meteorology, atmospheric …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Enviornmental Geoscience Emphasis
- University of Utah (UT)
The Department of Geology and Geophysics offers Bachelors of Science (B.S.) degree programs that are designed for students who wish to pursue professional careers in the Earth sciences or in …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Atmospheric Sciences MS
- University of Utah (UT)
The graduate program has been carefully designed to provide students with a solid foundation in a broad spectrum of the atmospheric sciences while allowing students to specialize for their thesis …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Atmospheric Sciences PhD
- University of Utah (UT)
The graduate program has been carefully designed to provide students with a solid foundation in a broad spectrum of the atmospheric sciences while allowing students to specialize for their thesis …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Climate Change Minor
- Texas A&M University (TX)
The Climate Change minor emphasizes both the science and politics of climate change
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Climate Science MS
- George Mason University (VA)
The MS in Climate Science educates students to be climate professionals who can analyze and model advanced climate data. Students in the program learn to solve quantitative problems about atmospheric …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Earth Systems Science Minor
- Clark University (MA)
ESS examines the structure and function of the parts of the Earth's lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere and how these system interact with one another. This integrated science, which focuses …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Climate Science Minor
- Northland College (WI)
The Climate Science minor helps students become informed citizens as they understand and articulate why climate change is happening. Students will study the interactions between Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere, …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
The mission of the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences is to realize the vision through building pillars of excellence in the following three areas: Breakthrough discoveries through research in …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Minor in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences - School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
The School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences offers a minor with seven different tracks. These specific tracks are designed to give non-majors a background in the environmental and global change …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Global Climate Change Minor
- University of California, Riverside (CA)
The Global Climate Change option immerses students in the first principles of studying and interpreting the record of climate change. Students explore the sciences of climate change and its impact …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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MS in Global Climate and Environmental Change
- University of California, Riverside (CA)
Global climate change is one of the most pressing scientific issues of our time, and has created an acute need for well-trained scientists versed in the complexity of the Earth's …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Climate Change Science and Adaptation Minor
- Portland State University (OR)
Students will need to complete at least 27 credits to complete the Climate Change Science and Adaptation Minor. The minor may be earned simultaneously with a BA or BS degree …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Climate Studies Minor
- Boise State University (ID)
The Climate Studies Minor aims to help students understand past, current and future changes in climate and the effects of climate change on Earth’s atmospheric, biologic, hydrologic and ecologic systems. …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Graduate Diploma in Climate Risk Management
- University of Waterloo (ON)
The CRM diploma is for the early-to mid-career professionals who must integrate climate risk management into their regular professional duties. This part-time, entirely online program focuses on applied skills that …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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PhD in Environmental Science and Technology
- National Tsing Hua University
To face the new challenges in the pollution of air, soil, and water brought on by environmental change and global warming, our program is designed to equip students with superb …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Climate Adaptation Certificate
- North Carolina State University (NC)
As the climate change crisis continues there is an increasing need for professionals versed in climate adaptation. This certificate provides courses that will provide knowledge in the various ways to …
- Posted May 23, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Water–energy–carbon nexus at campus scale: Case of North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power
- North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power
- Nanjing University
Clarifying the nexus between water, energy, and carbon has great importance regarding regional sustainable development. A university campus is a multifunctional comprehensive community attribute suitable for exploring campus–scale water–energy–carbon nexus …
- Posted May 20, 2022
- Publications
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Engaging with Indigenous Communities for Climate Action: The Bayano-McGill Reforestation Project
- McGill University (QC)
The Bayano-McGill Reforestation Project is an initiative that is at the leading edge of carbon offsetting projects in higher education. The multi-faceted initiative, financed by the University, provides benefits to …
- Posted May 20, 2022
- Case Studies
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CSU Faculty Learning Community in Teaching Climate Change and Resilience
- California State University, Chico (CA)
- California State University, San Marcos (CA)
- California State University, Monterey Bay (CA)
- Cal Poly Humboldt (CA)
- California State University, Stanislaus (CA)
- California Polytechnic State University (CA)
- Strategic Energy Innovations (CA)
In the Spring of 2022, 62 faculty from six different California State University campuses representing over 30 disciplines participated in the CSU Faculty Learning Community in Teaching Climate Change and …
- Posted May 20, 2022
- Case Studies
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Establishing and sustaining Indiana’s first higher education chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby at Purdue University
- Purdue University (IN)
- Citizens' Climate Lobby (CA)
In an effort to learn how to meaningfully engage with my community on the issue of climate change, I joined Citizens’ Climate Lobby, a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization which advances …
- Posted May 20, 2022
- Case Studies
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Information Disclosure and Climate-Friendly Consumption: Assessing the Impact of Carbon Labelling at a University Dining Hall
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
Global dietary patterns are increasingly reliant on animal products, which are highly carbon intensive and significantly contribute to climate change. While transitioning towards plant-based diets is regarded as an important …
- Posted May 20, 2022
- Publications
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UM Scope 3 Purchased Goods & Services Emissions Footprinting
- University of Michigan (MI)
This project was conducted to address recommendations from the University of Michigan’s President’s Commission on Carbon Neutrality by footprinting the institution's Scope 3 purchased goods and services greenhouse gas emissions. …
- Posted May 20, 2022
- Publications
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SIMAP and Second Nature Reporting Webinar April 2021
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
- Second Nature
SIMAP and Second Nature Reporting Webinar April 2021
- Posted May 20, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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Climate Impact Offset Charge (CLIO) for University of Pennsylvania Air Travel
- University of Pennsylvania (PA)
As of July, 2021, the University of Pennsylvania enacted a University-wide travel sustainability policy that created the Climate Impact Offset (CLIO) charge to pay for projects that offset the carbon …
- Posted May 19, 2022
- Case Studies
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The Planetary Wellbeing Initiative: Pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education
- Pompeu Fabra University
- UNESCO
- University of Essex
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA)
- École d'économie de Paris
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
- Institut Barcelona d'Estudis Internacionals
- Barcelona Graduate School of Economics
We live in a time of pressing planetary challenges, many of which threaten catastrophic change to the natural environment and require massive and novel coordinated scientific and societal efforts on …
- Posted May 11, 2022
- Publications
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Research on low-carbon campus based on ecological footprint evaluation and machine learning: A case study in China
- Harvard University (MA)
- University of Perugia
- Northumbria University (Newcastle Upon Tyne)
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Universities, the important locations for scientific research and education, have the responsibility to lead ecological civilization and low carbon transition. Ecological footprint evaluation (EFE) is usually used to measure sustainability …
- Posted May 11, 2022
- Publications
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Introducing the Nitrogen Footprint in SIMAP: A Review of Improvements in Nitrogen Footprint Methodology for Institutions
- University of Virginia (VA)
- University of California, Davis (CA)
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
- Marine Biological Laboratory (MA)
- Colorado State University (CO)
- Eastern Mennonite University (VA)
- Brown University (RI)
Nitrogen (N) footprint assessments have served as tools for sustainability, research, and education at institutions of higher learning by connecting institutional activities and resource consumption with environmental impacts through the …
- Posted May 11, 2022
- Publications
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Assessment of the Ecological Footprint of Eskisehir Technical University–Iki Eylul Campus
- Eskişehir Technical University
- Kastamonu Universitesi
Sustainable development is a concept that has started gaining importance in recent years. It helps reduce the environmental impacts of cities with dense human populations. On a smaller scale, social …
- Posted May 11, 2022
- Publications
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Towards Carbon Neutrality in Higher Education Institutions: Case of Two Private Universities in Colombia
- Universidad EAN
- Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana
This paper addresses the path followed by two private higher education institutions (HEI) in Colombia towards achieving carbon neutrality. The methodology followed by these universities to achieve a carbon-neutral certification, …
- Posted May 11, 2022
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Quantitative assessment of environmental impacts at the urban scale: the ecological footprint of a university campus
- Università degli Studi di Torino
- Politecnico di Torino
This paper explores the consumption-based ecological footprint method and its application aiming at a quantitative assessment of the sustainability of a university campus. The goal is to inform the planning …
- Posted May 11, 2022
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Scalable pathways to net zero carbon in the UK higher education sector: A systematic review of smart energy systems in university campuses
- Buro Happold (NY)
- University College London (London)
The following literature review sets out the state-of-the-art research relating to smart building principles and smart energy systems in UK higher education university campuses. The paper begins by discussing the …
- Posted May 11, 2022
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Arranging university semester date to minimize annual CO2 emission: A UK university case study
- University of Edinburgh
- Tsinghua University
- Sichuan University
Existing methods of reducing carbon emissions on campus often require substantial investment, and the potential opportunities for carbon dioxide and energy savings in universities with existing infrastructure have not been …
- Posted May 11, 2022
- 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.