aashe stars conference community hub bulletin
Login Create an Account Become a Member

AASHE Campus Sustainability Hub
Browse All

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.

View all Air & Climate Submit a new resource

Featured Resources

Latest News from AASHE Bulletin

New Resources

1209 resources

CALPIRG Students Break Free From Plastics campaign

  • California Student Public Interest Research Group (CA)

The CALPIRG Students Break Free From Plastics campaign aimed to address the problem of plastic pollution at the source by phasing out single-use plastic items both at our university campuses …

President's Sustainability Research Fellowship Cohort

International Climate Engagement

  • Swarthmore College (PA)

Project Name: International Climate Engagement Name: Alfi Muhamad Project Mentor: Carr Everbach Faculty Advisor: Carol Nackenoff Project board members: Joy Charlton, Melissa Tier, Kyle Richmond-Crosset, Elizabeth Drake, Clare Hyre, …

Steam hub following conversion

Brown University's Thermal Efficiency Project-2

  • Brown University (RI)

Brown University is a 6.5 million sq. ft. research university campus founded in 1764 in Providence, Rhode Island. Its annual energy bill is $20 million. It serves 7,000 undergraduate students, …

Incorporating Social Equity and Climate Justice into Climate Action Planning in Higher Education

  • Portland Community College (OR)

Portland Community College’s 2021 Climate Action Plan: Resiliency, Equity and Education for a Just Transition (the CAP) centers people at the heart of creating benefits and solutions to the climate …

MaryPIRG Student Climate Action Coalition (MSCAC)

  • University of Maryland, College Park (MD)

The FUTURE Act is a piece of legislation which aims to commit all of Maryland’s Public Universities to carbon neutrality by 2035 or sooner. The legislation was introduced by Del …

President's Sustainability Research Fellowship 20-21: Climate Community

  • Swarthmore College (PA)

The 2020-2021 President's Sustainability Research Fellowship Climate Community project was conducted by Martin Tomlinson '23 and Maya Tipton '23 over the 2020-2021 Academic Year. The purpose of Climate Community was …

President's Sustainability Research Fellowship 20-21: Carbon Offsets

  • Swarthmore College (PA)

The 2020-2021 President's Sustainability Research Fellowship Carbon Offsets project was conducted by Olivia Stoetzer '23 over the 2020-2021 Academic Year. The purpose of the project was to help Swarthmore create …

Reducing Scope Three Carbon Emissions Through Behavior Change & Menu Labeling

  • University of California, Berkeley (CA)

In October 2020, UC Berkeley’s Cal Dining implemented carbon emission labels to better inform customers about the carbon impact of the recipes served in the dining hall. Student researchers, Alejandra …

Mitigating Carbon Emissions While Staying In Business: A Case Study of Longview Farm

  • Smith College (MA)

Smith College has aggressive goals for greenhouse gas emissions reduction and local food procurement. In an effort to understand supply chain emissions associated with food, students in the Environmental Science …

Implications of Massachusetts Climate Policy for Smith College

  • Smith College (MA)

Smith College has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. To meet this goal, Smith is considering transitioning its district energy system from steam heat generated with natural gas to …

The Climate Resiliency dashboard enables the MIT community to understand projected potential risk to the campus from flooding and heat (heat to be added in 2021) under both today's climate and a future changed climate.

MIT Climate Resiliency Initiative

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)

MIT’s Climate Resiliency initiative was launched in 2016 as a multifaceted, collaborative effort centered on preparing the campus community in collaboration with the City of Cambridge for the impacts of …

Guide to Estimating Multi-Modal Commuting Greenhouse Gas Emissions

  • University of Illinois Chicago (IL)

A greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory is emerging as the preferred tool used to address a climate action plan. It enables an institution to measure progress toward desired goals, including reducing …

Carbon Neutrality at Higher Education Institutions: A Case Study Analysis of Arizona State University

  • Arizona State University (AZ)

Campus sustainability and the goal of reaching carbon neutrality have become a major trend among many Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) globally, and many of them have taken public pledges to …

Influence of landscape management practices on urban greenhouse gas budgets

  • Boston University (MA)
  • Brown University (RI)

With a lack of United States federal policy to address climate change, cities, the private sector, and universities have shouldered much of the work to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) and …

Carbon footprinting of universities worldwide: Part I—objective comparison by standardized metrics

  • Nanyang Technological University
  • Trier University of Applied Sciences

Background Universities, as innovation drivers in science and technology worldwide, should be leading the Great Transformation towards a carbon–neutral society and many have indeed picked up the challenge. However, only …

Keynote Speaker Michelle Gabrieloff-Parish

SUNY Broome Virtual Earth Fest

  • SUNY Broome Community College (NY)

Equity: The Greatest Opportunity for the Sustainability & Climate Movements?

http://earthdaysoutherntier.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Earth-Fest-2021-Events-Flyer.pdf

SUNY Broome Earth Fest Lecture – Saturday, April 24th Schedule of Events: 10:00 am: Reducing Household Waste, Chris Burger, …

  • Posted April 30, 2021
  • Photographs
  • View more
Buea University CVE100 Students celebrating World Earth Day 2021

CVE 100 students, University of Buea: Cerebration of World Earth Day 2021

  • University of Buea

CVE100 Students University of Buea, Cameroon. Campus clean up campaign activities for celebrating World Earth Day - 22nd April 2021 Supervision and coordination, Dr. Frida Besong, University of Buea.

  • Posted April 30, 2021
  • Photographs
  • View more

Climate change advocacy: exploring links between student empowerment and civic engagement

  • Illinois State University (IL)
  • Northern State University (SD)

This study identified the attitudes and behaviors of college students regarding their advocacy for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Specifically, perceptions of climate change were assessed and advocacy activities were …

  • Posted April 23, 2021
  • Publications
  • View more
Climate & Sustainability Ambassador with saplings.

Saplings for Earth Day

  • Ohio University (OH)

For the second consecutive year Ohio University's Office of Sustainability has partnered with the local Arbor Day Foundation chapter to collect and test acorns in the fall from a red …

  • Posted April 23, 2021
  • Photographs
  • View more
Students Celebrate the Earth with Tree Plantings at Bowling Green State University

"When it Comes to Sustainability, the Earth is Our Nest," say BGSU Falcons

  • Bowling Green State University (OH)

In celebration of Earth Month and sustainability on campus, students from Bowling Green State University came together to plant trees for the benefit of the University community. BGSU's Office of …

  • Posted April 23, 2021
  • Photographs
  • View more
A group photo of DIU Rover Scout Group worked Earth Day initiative

DIU, Bangladesh observed Earth Day 2021 with an initiative of Tree Plantation

  • Daffodil International University (Dhaka)

Air Rover Scout Group of Daffodil International University (DIU), Bangladesh observed Earth Day 2021 with an initiative of tree plantation on campus as well as the nearby community. The motto …

  • Posted April 23, 2021
  • Photographs
  • View more

Assessing the carbon footprint of a university campus using a life cycle assessment approach

  • Clemson University (SC)

To respond to anthropogenic effects on the global climate system, higher education institutions are assessing and aiming to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The objective of this paper was to …

  • Posted April 23, 2021
  • Publications
  • View more

Designing an extension Climate Stewards volunteer program: incorporating sense of community, social practice, and self-efficacy theories

  • Cornell University (NY)

This paper examines the feasibility of developing a new Master Volunteer training program to help communities adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Traditional models of volunteer training …

  • Posted April 22, 2021
  • Publications
  • View more

Geographic Education in the Anthropocene: Cultivating Citizens at the Neoliberal University

  • University of Delaware (DE)

In the Anthropocene, the charge to address climate change has been taken up by youth. From the landmark climate lawsuit filed in 2015 by twenty-one young people to secure the …

  • Posted April 22, 2021
  • Publications
  • View more

Engage in Climate Solutions: Help Get the Climate Policies We all Need

  • AASHE (MA)
  • Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium (HEASC) (PA)

Do your students and staff want to do something more for climate change that creates a large positive impact? The Beyond Doom and Gloom: Climate Solutions initiative is collaborating with …

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2021
  • Videos & Webinars
  • View more

Trends in research on the carbon footprint of higher education: A bibliometric analysis (2010–2019)

  • National Sun Yat-sen University
  • South China Normal University

Reducing carbon footprints is an important part of sustainable development. Although there has been increasing research attention to this topic, little is known about the status of research on the …

  • Posted Feb. 19, 2021
  • Publications
  • View more

The carbon footprint of a UK University during the COVID-19 lockdown

  • Bournemouth University (Dorset)

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a unique opportunity to compare the carbon intensity of higher education delivered on- and off-campus. This is attributed to governmental lockdown orders that have forced …

  • Posted Feb. 19, 2021
  • Publications
  • View more

Campus Forest Carbon Sequestration: An Undergraduate Project Experience

  • State University of New York Polytechnic Institute (NY)

Predicted changes in climate have generated interest in strategies to mitigate emissions of greenhouse gases and increase education on the topic. Our study involved an instructor-led team of 19 biology …

  • Posted Feb. 10, 2021
  • Publications
  • View more

Determinants of Carbon Emission Disclosures and UN Sustainable Development Goals: The Case of UK Higher Education Institutions

  • Tallinn University
  • Newcastle University
  • Durham University

In recent years, organisational sustainability has become a topical issue in many institutional fields and a number of calls have been made to improve the disclosure of carbon information as …

Envisioning planetary health in every medical curriculum: An international medical student organization’s perspective

  • University Hassan II (Casablanca-Settat)
  • Federal University of Roraima
  • University of Dhaka
  • University of Khartoum
  • International Federation of Medical Students' Associations
  • University of Delhi (Delhi)
  • University Tunis El Manar (El Omrane Superieur)
  • University of Barcelona

Background With deteriorating ecosystems, the health of mankind is at risk. Future health care professionals must be trained to recognize the interdependence of health and ecosystems to address the needs …

Decarbonising academia: confronting our climate hypocrisy

  • University of Otago (Otago)
  • University of Surrey

Academia is generally carbon intensive. Many academics are highly aeromobile to an extent that is now being framed as a form of ‘climate hypocrisy’. Technological advances are not enough to …

Carbon Footprint of Academic Air Travel: A Case Study in Switzerland

  • École Polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

Relatively low travel costs and abundant opportunities for research funding in Switzerland and other developed countries allow researchers large amounts of international travel and collaborations, leading to a substantial carbon …

3D Printer Safety: A Guide for Institutions of Higher Education to Support Indoor Air Quality & Human Health

  • Chemical Insights (GA)

Thanks to the development of affordable, compact, and user-friendly 3D printers, consumer use is booming, particularly in institutions of higher education. 3D printers have become a valuable tool in classrooms …

Reducing Dining Emissions: An Analysis of Beef and Milk Substitutions

  • Smith College (MA)
  • AASHE (MA)

The life cycle of food is responsible for over a quarter of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through production, processing, distribution, and waste. The environmental impact of specific foods varies …

  • Posted Jan. 28, 2021
  • Videos & Webinars
  • View more

Carbon pricing approaches for climate decisions in U.S. higher education: Proxy carbon prices for deep decarbonization

  • Princeton University (NJ)
  • Smith College (MA)

Given the slow policy response by governments, climate leadership by other institutions has become an essential part of maintaining policy momentum, driving innovation, and fostering social dialogue. Despite growth in …

  • Posted Jan. 12, 2021
  • Publications
  • View more

Additional Benefits to Sustainability in Higher Education? The Effect of the American College and University President's Climate Commitment on Undergraduate Admissions Outcomes

  • Colgate University (NY)

Hart assesses the possible impact that signing a campus climate commitment, specifically the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), has on college attractiveness, which is measured in terms …

  • Posted Jan. 12, 2021
  • Publications
  • View more

Looking Beyond Fossil Fuel Divestment: Combating Climate Change in Higher Education

  • Northwestern University (IL)

The fossil fuel divestment movement is altering the landscape of climate activism on US campuses. Student-run divestment campaigns are now pushing for college Boards of Trustees to withdraw investments from …

  • Posted Jan. 12, 2021
  • Publications
  • View more

The “carbon-neutral university” – a study from Germany

  • University of Greifswald

Nowadays, several higher education institutions around the world are integrating sustainability topics into their daily operations, functionality and education systems. This paper presents a case study from a pilot project …

  • Posted Jan. 12, 2021
  • Publications
  • View more

Recommendations for Preparation of Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gases Emission Inventory for University Campuses

  • University of São Paulo

Most of the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change come from urban areas, and cities are at the forefront of low-carbon initiatives, playing a crucial role into …

  • Posted Jan. 12, 2021
  • Publications
  • View more

Role of Universities Towards Achieving Climate Change-Related SDGs: Case of Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe

  • University of São Paulo

Institutions of Higher Education, particularly universities contribute immensely to the United Nations landmark 2030 agenda and the achievement of its Sustainable Development Goals—the SDGs. Universities are uniquely placed to broken …

  • Posted Oct. 23, 2020
  • Publications
  • View more

A universal method for accounting greenhouse gas emissions from the activities of higher education institutions using a hybrid life-cycle approach

  • University of Southampton

A critical assessment of common organisational greenhouse gas assessment methodologies was undertaken and a gap in knowledge highlighted. Whilst theoretical environmental standards are designed to be universally applicable, their practical …

  • Posted Oct. 23, 2020
  • Publications
  • View more

An Analysis of Greenhouse-Gas Reduction Commitment, Diffusion and Success in the Higher Education Sector

  • North Carolina A&T State University (NC)

This research evaluates the GHG reduction progress of higher-education institutions (HEIs) working with these organizations. Data on these HEIs was analyzed statistically to answer four questions: First, do the HEIs …

  • Posted Oct. 23, 2020
  • Publications
  • View more

The carbon footprint of a public university campus in Mexico City

  • Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Azcapotzalco

The Cuajimalpa campus of the Autonomous Metropolitan University (UAM) is located in the western region of Mexico City. In 2016, its global average population (students, faculty and staff) was around …

  • Posted Oct. 23, 2020
  • Publications
  • View more

Climate change is increasingly causes mental health problems among college students

  • Tufts University (MA)

This is a literature review of peer-reviewed papers, news articles, and polls that illustrate the impacts of climate change on mental health among college students.

  • Posted Oct. 23, 2020
  • Publications
  • View more
Green Campus

Better Buildings Challenge Learnings: 3 Ways to Reduce Energy Use on Campus

  • Evolution Energy Partners (PA)

Universities across the country are committing to reduce their energy usage to save money, create jobs, and avoid significant emissions of CO2. By joining the Better Buildings Challenge, universities commit …

  • Posted Oct. 23, 2020
  • Publications
  • View more

Universite Laval - High Performance Greenhouse Complex

  • Université Laval (QC)

The High Performance Greenhouse Complex is a reference as a research infrastructure. Its equipment is among the most sophisticated in North America. The High Performance Greenhouse Complex distinguishes itself from …

Universite Laval - Photo of a discussion on campus

  • Université Laval (QC)

There is multiple place to hang out on campus while being outside. The balance of inside and outside education is very important. Our community cherish the space and take multiple …

Humber College Forest Nature Program - Watching for painted turtles

Humber College - Forest Nature Program

  • Humber College (ON)

The Forest and Nature Program (FNP) is a unique play and learning experience that offers children the opportunity to succeed and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in …

Developing University-Initiated Offsets and Using Peer Verification

  • Duke University (NC)
  • University of California, Berkeley (CA)
  • University of California, Davis (CA)
  • AASHE (MA)

The Offset Network is an online platform for colleges and universities considering the development of their own emission-reducing projects to fulfill carbon neutrality commitments. Self-generated offsets offer greater flexibility than …

  • Posted Oct. 15, 2020
  • Videos & Webinars
  • View more
A researcher from Portland State University climbs a tree in the early morning to collect samples

Portland State University - Smart Trees Researcher

  • Portland State University (OR)

In this photo, Portland State University graduate and postdoctoral researcher Hannah Prather climbs a Douglas fir in the early morning to collect samples as part of a smart trees research …

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

All Material Copyright © 2005–2023 Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
AASHE reserves the right to control the reproduction and use of all material posted on this website.
For questions about this site, please email resources@aashe.org — Privacy Policy

About
Finding Resources
Submission Guidelines