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.
Featured Resources
New Resources
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
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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 ...
- Posted Oct. 23, 2020
- Publications
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Universite Laval - High Performance Greenhouse Complex
- Universite 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 ...
- Posted Oct. 19, 2020
- Photographs
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Universite Laval - Photo of a discussion on campus
- Universite 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 ...
- Posted Oct. 19, 2020
- Photographs
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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 ...
- Posted Oct. 19, 2020
- Photographs
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Developing University-Initiated Offsets and Using Peer Verification
- Duke University (NC)
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
- University of California, Davis (CA)
- AASHE (PA)
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
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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 ...
- Posted Oct. 14, 2020
- Photographs
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Raritan Valley Community College Living Wall
- Raritan Valley Community College (NJ)
RVCC students enjoy the two-story living wall in the student center. Captured rainwater feeds the living wall and the building's toilets.
- Posted Oct. 14, 2020
- Photographs
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Humber College - 700 KW solar array
- Humber College (ON)
Select photos of highlighting Humber College's Sustainability program, in relation to our STARS 2019 report, and for inclusion in 2020 SCI publication.
Opened in 2019, a new Commuter Hub ...
- Posted Oct. 14, 2020
- Photographs
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American University Solar Installation
- American University (DC)
Photo Submission for the 2020 Sustainable Campus Index.
In this image, contractors install solar panels on the School of International Service at American University in Washington, DC. American University uses ...
- Posted Oct. 14, 2020
- Photographs
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Central Community College - Hastings Wind Turbine for SCI 2020
- Central Community College (NE)
SCI Overall Top Performer, Associates Institutions
The long- and near-term Central Community College action plan is to provide students and the community with a campus-wide living learning laboratory for resiliency ...
- Posted Oct. 13, 2020
- Photographs
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Colorado College Carbon Neutral 2020
- Colorado College (CO)
Colorado College's Office of Sustainability Interns display the college's carbon neutrality banner on Autrey Field.
- Posted Oct. 8, 2020
- Photographs
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ACUPCC Selected Bibliography
- Second Nature (MA)
Doctoral and Masters theses and peer reviewed research on climate commitments related to the Presidents' Climate Leadership Commitment (formerly the ACUPCC).
- Posted Oct. 6, 2020
- Tools
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Polytechnique Montreal - PolyCarbone climate activist group
- Polytechnique Montreal (QC)
The PolyCarbone program was founded by a group of Engineering graduate students at Polytechnique Montreal. Since 2017, PolyCarbone has helped the Polytechnique Montreal community fight climate change by organizing a ...
- Posted Sept. 29, 2020
- Photographs
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Cal Poly SLO Gold Tree Solar Farm
- California Polytechnic State University (CA)
Large-scale solar farm and laboratory - The recently completed 4.5 megawatt Gold Tree Solar Farm at California Polytechnic State University is currently the largest solar array in the CSU system ...
- Posted Sept. 29, 2020
- Photographs
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University of Wisconsin-Madison - Charter Street Heating & Cooling Plant
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
Image of UW-Madison's Charter Street Heating & Cooling Plant
- Posted Sept. 29, 2020
- Photographs
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Mahamana Center of Excellence in Climate Change Research
- Banaras Hindu University (Uttar Pradesh)
DST - Mahamana Centre of Excellence in Climate Change Research (MCECCR) is an initiative taken at BHU under Prime Minister's National Action Plan on Climate Change. The centre started in ...
- Posted Sept. 22, 2020
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Carbon Negative: Reducing Dining’s Carbon Foodprint at Penn State
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
Abstract Diet is an often unrecognized, but large contributor to our carbon footprint. An average American diet has a carbon footprint of 1.72 metric tons of CO2-eq every year ...
- Posted Sept. 11, 2020
- Publications
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Cost Savings and Carbon Reduction through DERs -- GridMarket Facilitated Project at Paul Quinn College
- Paul Quinn College (TX)
- GridMarket (NY)
GridMarket worked with Paul Quinn College to help them identify and maximize their unique DER opportunities.
GridMarket -- an energy consumer advocate and distributed energy resources project facilitation platform -- conducted a ...
- Posted Sept. 11, 2020
- Case Studies
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#MakeClimateaClass: Resources for Online Education on Climate Solutions and Justice
- Bard College (NY)
- AASHE (PA)
- Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium (HEASC) (PA)
Solve Climate by 2030 is mobilizing US educators of any discipline to engage their students in dialog about ambitious stabilizing the climate over the next decade. This project offers a ...
- Posted Aug. 13, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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Integrating climate and food policies in higher education: a case study of the University of California
- University of California, Office of the President (CA)
- University of California, Los Angeles (CA)
- University of California, Santa Barbara (CA)
Most climate change mitigation policies, including those of higher education institutions, do not include food system greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). Yet the food system contributes ~30% of anthropogenic GHGE, mostly ...
- Posted July 10, 2020
- Publications
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Addressing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Business-Related Air Travel at Public Institutions: A Case Study of the University of British Columbia
- University of British Columbia (BC)
Aviation is one of the fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions, yet is not addressed in most national-, regional-, municipal-, or institutional-level climate action plans. There is a tremendous ...
- Posted July 10, 2020
- Publications
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Power Dialog 2020
- Bard College (NY)
In April 2020, over 6,500 people joined our Power Dialog, a series of live seminars where local speakers discuss solutions to climate change and climate justice. But this is ...
- Posted July 9, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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Achieving Carbon Neutrality at Arizona State University
- Arizona State University (AZ)
In 2019, Arizona State University achieved carbon neutrality for scope 1 and 2 emissions. Through this accomplishment, ASU seeks to inspire immediate action to address the climate emergency. Despite reaching ...
- Posted July 9, 2020
- Case Studies
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How to Solve Climate By 2030
- Bard College (NY)
Eban Goodstein, Director of the Center for Environmental Policy at Bard College, discusses how to solve climate change by 2030.
- Posted June 12, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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National Climate Seminar: How to Solve Climate Change By 2030
- Bard College (NY)
Hunter Lovins discusses how to solve climate change by 2030.
- Posted June 12, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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Engaging Students in Citizen Science: Guiding Inquiry to Action
- Teachers College, Columbia University (NY)
The webinar series -- Thinking Global, Educating Local -- is intended to serve as professional development for educators who are interested in reducing the ecological footprint of their school and enhancing their ...
- Posted May 28, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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Solve Climate by 2030: Solar Dominance + Civic Action
- Bard College (NY)
A nationwide series of campus and community Power Dialogs will educate students about Power as clean energy, but also about Power as engaged citizen action. Dialogs will spotlight how transforming ...
- Posted May 28, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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Carbon footprint as an environmental sustainability indicator for a higher education institution
- University of Haripur (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)
- Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA)
- International Islamic University (Islamabad)
This study aimed to quantify carbon footprint of the University of Haripur (UoH), Pakistan for one fiscal year (July 2016-June 2017). Primary data was collected through questionnaire surveys, interviews, personal ...
- Posted May 18, 2020
- Publications
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Framework proposal for the environmental impact assessment of universities in the context of Green IT
- Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG) (GO)
The concept of Green IT refers to sustainable technologies and information systems as well as environmentally friendly IT practices. Universities, which hold responsibility for propagating and applying knowledge, play an ...
- Posted May 18, 2020
- Publications
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Priming the Sustainability Talent Pipeline: Indiana Sustainability Development Program
- Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
- Indiana University Kokomo (IN)
- Indiana University South Bend (IN)
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) (IN)
The Indiana Sustainability Development Program (ISDP) is a privately funded sustainability workforce development initiative led by Sustain IU (the Office of Sustainability at Indiana University), which pairs students with organizations ...
- Posted May 18, 2020
- Case Studies
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Multi-Campus Collaboration Kickstarts Solar Project to Cut 100% of GHG Emissions from Electricity
- Dickinson College (PA)
- Lafayette College (PA)
- Lehigh University (PA)
- Muhlenberg College (PA)
- Coho Climate Advisors (MD)
Four independent colleges and universities in Pennsylvania collaborated to explore renewable energy solutions, develop a strategy, and implement a combination of onsite and large-scale offsite projects that will result in ...
- Posted May 18, 2020
- Case Studies
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Brown University's Thermal Efficiency Project-1
- Brown University (RI)
- Ecosystem Energy Services (MA)
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.
The campus undertook the ...
- Posted May 18, 2020
- Case Studies
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Enhancing Growth in Rooftop Gardens with CO2 from Human Respiration Inside Buildings
- Boston University (MA)
Cities are essential areas for human society. They face many environmental challenges while providing opportunities for integrating human infrastructure with the surrounding environment. This study proposes a system whereby carbon ...
- Posted May 15, 2020
- Publications
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Reducing Smith College’s Dining GHG emissions: An analysis of beef and milk substitutions
- Smith College (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 food varies by ...
- Posted May 15, 2020
- Publications
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Converting Miami University’s Goggin Ice Center from Steam to Heating Hot Water & HP Chiller: Reduced Energy Use, Carbon Emissions and Utility Costs
- Miami University (OH)
We recognize that this innovative large scale project is replicable only at other universities that have ice arenas. Ice arenas tend to be very energy intensive. We show that converting ...
- Posted May 15, 2020
- Case Studies
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Vision 2020 Climate & Sustainability Action Plan (2017-2020)
- McGill University (QC)
Vision 2020: Climate & Sustainability Action Plan 2017-2020 (hereinafter ‘Vision 2020’ or the ‘Action Plan’)—McGill’s second sustainability strategy and the first to incorporate climate action—institutionalized concrete initiatives ...
- Posted May 15, 2020
- Case Studies
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One Million Trees
- Pepperdine University (CA)
- Santa Monica College (CA)
- University of California, Los Angeles (CA)
- University of Southern California (CA)
This project started in 2015 and the goal was to plant one million trees by 2020 in partnership with the National Forest Foundation. Our team came up with the idea ...
- Posted May 15, 2020
- Case Studies
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Assessment of the car-free day implementation on UTM campus using a shortest path method
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
A Car-Free Day (CFD) initiative was introduced on the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) campus and intended to reduce vehicle emissions, promote healthy lifestyle modes of transportation and improve environmental sustainability ...
- Posted May 15, 2020
- Publications
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The role of climate change education on individual lifetime carbon emissions
- San Jose State University (CA)
Strategies to mitigate climate change often center on clean technologies, such as electric vehicles and solar panels, while the mitigation potential of a quality educational experience is rarely discussed. In ...
- Posted May 13, 2020
- Publications
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Carbon footprint assessment at Universitas Pertamina from the scope of electricity, transportation, and waste generation: Toward a green campus and promotion of environmental sustainability
- Universitas Pertamina (Jakarta)
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated directly or indirectly from the daily routine of human activities and is usually expressed by carbon dioxide equivalent ...
- Posted May 13, 2020
- Publications
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Ecological footprint: a tool for environmental management in educational institutions
- Universidad Icesi
Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, as few universities have assessed their ecological footprint (EF), a benchmark for Colombian universities is presented. Second, a practical calculation tool ...
- Posted May 13, 2020
- Publications
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Greenhouse Gas Footprints for Physicists
- University of Hawaii at Hilo (HI)
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
- University of Virginia (VA)
Our aim in this paper is to describe an opportunity for physics students and faculty to learn about an environmental issue of much current interest: the quantification, or footprint analysis ...
- Posted May 11, 2020
- Publications
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UI GreenMetric and campus sustainability: a review of the role of African universities
- Ural Federal University (Sverdlovskaya Oblast')
The desire to combat the negative externalities of climate change and its variability has gained a lot of ground over the last few decades. This has resulted in the development ...
- Posted May 11, 2020
- Publications
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Boston University Online Earth Day 2020
- Boston University (MA)
April 21, 2020: Boston University's online commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day featured conversations about our progress as an institution, how climate change relates to the novel ...
- Posted May 8, 2020
- Photographs
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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.