Energy
Introduction
For most institutions, energy consumption is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, which cause global climate change. Implementing conservation measures and switching to renewable sources of energy can help institutions save money and protect them from utility rate volatility. Renewable energy may be generated locally and allow campuses to support local economic development. Furthermore, institutions can help shape markets by creating demand for cleaner, renewable sources of energy.
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Combine biomass DES and Low Carbon Electrification approaches to eliminate 100% GHG emissions from natural gas
- Thompson Rivers University (BC)
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) has met or exceeded Global, National and Provincial GHG reduction targets over past 10 years. Since 2010 TRU has reduced GHG emissions by more than 35 …
- Posted May 20, 2019
- Case Studies
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Our Solar Potential
- University of Saskatchewan (SK)
Farm the Sun with Us is a term project led by students working on an assessment to determine the feasibility of implementing a campus solar farm. The project continues to …
- Posted May 17, 2019
- Case Studies
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Founder, Students on Sustainability
- University of Calgary (AB)
I founded Students on Sustainability, a student society at the University of Calgary that educates grade school students on sustainability topics linked to climate change, and supports student action projects. …
- Posted May 13, 2019
- Case Studies
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British Columbia (BC) Cool Campus Challenge
- British Columbia Institute of Technology (BC)
- Selkirk College (BC)
- Simon Fraser University (BC)
- The University of British Columbia (BC)
- Thompson Rivers University (BC)
- University of British Columbia Okanagan (BC)
The BC Cool Campus Challenge (the Challenge) was launched in 2019 as a province-wide energy conservation challenge led by five post-secondary institutions in British Columbia, Canada. This was the first …
- Posted May 13, 2019
- Case Studies
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Creating Campus Revenue Streams to Support Sustainability Initiatives
- Brown University (RI)
- Ecosystem (QC)
- Ithaca College (NY)
- Michigan State University (MI)
Educational institutions across North America are aiming to reduce both energy spend and GHG emissions, with targets ranging from 10%-50% by 2030, 2025, or even 2020. At the same time, …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Thompson Rivers University - The Solar Compass: A Case Study on Ground Mounted Solar Modules
- Thompson Rivers University (BC)
In the summer of 2017, a collective of faculty, students, industry professionals and an innovative photo voltaic manufacturer installed North America's first ground mounted solar array. The installation is on …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Developing ecological footprint scenarios on university campuses: A case study of the University of Toronto at Mississauga
- University of Toronto Mississauga (ON)
The ecological footprint represents a simple way to assess the amount of materials consumed and waste produced by a given entity. The approach has been applied to countries, towns, households, …
- Posted June 28, 2018
- Publications
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Deep Energy Retrofits at Humber College's Building N
- Humber Polytechnic (ON)
In 2015, the College developed an Integrated Energy Master Plan (IEMP) with impressive goals to greatly reduce energy and water use by 2034. Specifically, Humber’s IEMP sets the following targets: …
- Posted May 21, 2018
- Case Studies
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Ontario Helping Colleges and Universities Fight Climate Change
- Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (ON)
- Fairtrade Canada (ON)
- Niagara College Canada
- Ontario Tech University (ON)
- Sheridan College (Ontario) (ON)
- Upper Canada College (ON)
Ontario is investing in colleges and university campuses to improve energy efficiency while also fostering student involvement. Ontario is helping fund green projects such as installing energy-efficient windows, high-efficiency boilers, …
- Posted May 8, 2018
- Videos & Webinars
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Sustainable & Renewable Energy Engineering (BEng)
- Carleton University (ON)
This program provides analytical and hands-on skills for designing, building, operating and enhancing sustainable energy systems that combine energy generation, distribution and utilization in an environmentally responsible and economically beneficial …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Master in Energy Engineering: Renewable Energy
- Polytechnique Montréal (QC)
The Sustainable Design and Manufacturing of Modular Mastery in Mechanical Engineering course is designed for applicants who wish to further their training in the design and manufacturing of products and …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Visualization of energy and water consumption and GHG emissions: A case study of a Canadian University Campus
- Carleton University (ON)
Campuses, communities, and other building clusters are major users of energy and water and thus can have a significant environmental impact. Frequently, their buildings’ resource consumption is metered to various …
- Posted Dec. 22, 2017
- Publications
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Analyzing Barriers to Energy Conservation in Residences and Offices: The Rewire Program at the University of Toronto
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
- University of Toronto (ON)
- Yale University (CT)
Conducting a barriers analysis is an important first step when designing proenvironmental behavior change interventions. Yet, detailed information on common barriers to energy conservation campaigns remains unavailable. Using a pair …
- Posted June 8, 2017
- Publications
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Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions at the University of Calgary
- University of Calgary (AB)
At University of Calgary, our buildings are very large contributors to our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. With the goal of being a leading Canadian post-secondary institution in the area of …
- Posted May 22, 2017
- Case Studies
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LED Light Bulbs at Yukon College
- Yukon University (YT)
inCharge exists to put some power back in your hands. Yukon’s two electrical utilities have come together to create the territory-wide inCharge program, offering electricity-saving rebates and incentives, Yukon-based research, …
- Posted April 20, 2017
- Photographs
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122 kW Building Integrated Solar Array: Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre
- University of Alberta (AB)
The Performing Arts Centre has the distinction of being Canada’s largest facility to integrate solar photovoltaic (PV) technology into the construction. A unique part of this facility is the fly …
- Posted Dec. 9, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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22 kW Array: Physical Activity and Wellness (PAW) Centre
- University of Alberta (AB)
Sunlight at the center is controlled through 22 KW solar PV solar shades and high-performance glazing on the windows.
- Posted Dec. 9, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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Sustainable Buildings: Utilizing BOMA BEST (Green Globes EB in Canada) to Enhance the Sustainable Operations of Your Campus
- University of Alberta (AB)
As part of The University of Alberta´s institutional Sustainability Plan we build all our new buildings to LEED or Green Globes standards. But as we operate and manage ± 200 …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Capitalizing on Local Renewable Resources for Campus Energy Needs: The Williams Lake Campus Bio-Mass System
- Thompson Rivers University (BC)
Campuses across North America are increasingly looking to renewable energy sources to help reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and provide reliable and consistent energy costs. Each university has different …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Energy Initiatives at Mohawk College
- Mohawk College (ON)
Applied wind and solar energy projects at the Fennell Campus of Mohawk College support teaching, learning and research on campus.
PV Solar panels on the roof of the David Braley …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
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The Learning Exchange
- Mohawk College (ON)
The Learning Exchange is LEED® Gold Certified, incorporating technologies that reduce the building’s overall energy consumption. Building systems are exposed to create a living lab for Engineering Technology students and …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
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Mohawk Energy Research Centre
- Mohawk College (ON)
An Engineering Technology student monitors a solar panel as part of the Mohawk Energy Research Centre (MERC).
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
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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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Art meets sustainability in new mural at Sheridan College
- Sheridan College (Ontario) (ON)
On April 27, 2016 Sheridan College unveiled ‘Woven Stories’, a colourful, two-storey public art mural, on the western façade of the Rob Turner Building at its Davis Campus in Brampton, …
- Posted June 2, 2016
- Case Studies
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University of Alberta - Leaders in Energy Management since 1975
- University of Alberta (AB)
A very successful Energy Management Program has been in place at the University of Alberta since the mid-1970s. In the four decades since, the university has reduced its energy costs …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Developing partnerships with students around energy use: the role of energy literacy
- Simon Fraser University (BC)
- University of Plymouth
Carbon reduction and climate change are key agendas in UK higher education (HE), as they are internationally. Existing research has highlighted the importance of developing partnerships for sustainable development in …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Energy Efficiency at Carleton University.
- Carleton University (ON)
The Carleton University Campus, in Ottawa, Canada, consists of 44 main buildings built between 1960 and 2013 that range in type of usage: Housing, Laboratories, an Athletic Centre, Commercial Businesses, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Two models of leveraging campus initiatives to enhance sustainability at the University of British Columbia
- The University of British Columbia (BC)
With the aim to reduce carbon footprint of campus operations at the University of British Columbia, biomass is utilized for energy production. Campus as a living lab initiative established the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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University of Northern BC Renewable Energy Feasibility Study, with Primary Consideration to Wind Energy
- University of Northern British Columbia (BC)
This project performed through the University of Northern BC and funded by the UNBC Green Fund. The primary objective of the study was to examine the wind energy potential for …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Integrating Teaching, Research and Operational Sustainability: Utilization of Bio-Energy at UNBC, Canada's Green University
- University of Northern British Columbia (BC)
Located in the centre of Canada's most western province, the University of Northern British Columbia is poised to be a leader in demonstrating and developing renewable energy technology. To complete …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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University of Northern BC Campus Bio-energy System
- University of Northern British Columbia (BC)
The University of Northern BC (UNBC) is located in Prince George, BC - Canada. The main campus of UNBC was opened in 1994 and currently hosts a student enrollment, faculty …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Launching Web-Enabled, Real-Time, Energy Management Software in Campus Buildings at 4 Canadian Universities
- The University of British Columbia (BC)
- University of Toronto (ON)
As universities and colleges across Canada ramp up efforts in campus sustainability the need for mechanisms to exchange information and best practice, and build networks for dialogue specific to the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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UBC Okanagan Campus Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality: Geothermal District Energy System
- The 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 Okanagan …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Centre for Applied Business Research in Energy and the Environment
- University of Alberta (AB)
The Centre for Applied Business Research in Energy and the Environment (CABREE) is an independent research centre located within the Alberta School of Business at the University of Alberta. Given …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Bio-Energy Research Centre
- Confederation College (ON)
The new Bio-Energy Learning and Research Centre will allow students to continue groundbreaking research in the clean energy field.
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Natural Resources, Energy & Environmental Law (PGCert)
- University of Calgary (AB)
The Faculty of Law now offers a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law. This Certificate program is intended for lawyers who wish to supplement or update their …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
- Academic Programs
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LLM in Natural Resources, Energy & Environmental Law
- University of Calgary (AB)
Since 1988, students studying natural resources, energy and environmental law from around the world have come to the University of Calgary to pursue their thesis-based LLM degrees. In September 2007 …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
- Academic Programs
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Master in Sustainable Energy Engineering & Policy
- Carleton University (ON)
The Master’s program in Sustainable Energy prepares students for employment related to sustainable energy in government, business, or the civil society sector, and/or to serve as a foundation for further …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Energy & Building Technology Diploma
- Humber Polytechnic (ON)
Humber's Sustainable Energy and Building Technology (SEBT) diploma program helps you develop the skills needed for a career in the growing "green" economy. Become skilled at providing integrated solutions with …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
- Academic Programs
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AASHE Interview Series: John Robinson, Executive Director, UBC Sustainability Initiative
- The University of British Columbia (BC)
John Robinson, the Executive Director of the University of British Columbia's Sustainability Initiative sat down with AASHE to discuss the recently opened Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS) building. …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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University of Northern BC Renewable Energy Feasibility Study, with Primary Consideration to Wind Energy
- University of Northern British Columbia (BC)
This study examined the feasibility of UNBC's on-campus renewable energy opportunities with primary consideration to wind energy potential. Solar and hydro electrical energy opportunities, along with geoexchange, solar heating, were …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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Policy and Behaviour: Exploring Energy Use by Computers in the Marion McCain Building
- Dalhousie University (NS)
Our research explores the overnight energy consumption of computers in one Dalhousie computer lab, room 2019 in the Marion McCain building. Our research had three objectives. The first was to …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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Wood Pellets for UBC Boilers Replacing Natural Gas
- The University of British Columbia (BC)
This report studies the feasibility of replacing natural gas with wood pellets for UBC boilers. A gasification system is proposed to be installed in the UBC boiler house to convert …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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Design of energy efficient building with radiant slab cooling
- University of Calgary (AB)
Air-conditioning comprises a substantial fraction of commercial building energy use because of compressor-driven refrigeration and fan-driven air circulation. Core regions of large buildings require year-round cooling due to heat gains …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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An Integrated Approach to Energy and Climate Planning
- Sheridan College (Ontario) (ON)
In 2010, Sheridan's Office for Sustainability recommended that the institution undertake strategic planning to examine the long-term economic and environmental risks surrounding energy use at Sheridan. Sheridan's executive quickly grasped …
- Posted June 8, 2015
- Case Studies
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Solar E-Charging Station
- Camosun College (BC)
With funding from President's Funds 2013 grants and the Camosun College Student Society, Camosun College has installed a 4 KW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) array to offset the charging of electric …
- Posted April 11, 2014
- Case Studies
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22 kW Building Integrated Solar Array: Medical Isotope and Cyclotron Facility
- University of Alberta (AB)
In 2013 the Medical Isotope and Cyclotron Facility opened with the university’s first solar-electric array. Like the one in the Performing Arts Centre, this was a building-integrated solar array, one …
- Posted Oct. 28, 2013
- Green Power Projects
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55 kW Wind Turbine
- Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles (QC)
The Gaspé campus of Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles installed a 55 kW Bonus turbine that had been previously installed in 1987 in Kuujjuaq. The Integrated Centre for …
- Posted May 18, 2012
- Green Power Projects
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44 kW Vergnet Turbine at Windmill Point
- St. Lawrence College (ON)
The Cornwall Campus of St. Lawrence College, in collaboration with Ontario Power Generation, installed a 44 kW Vergnet turbine at Windmill Point in 2001. The 30 m unit has worked …
- Posted May 18, 2012
- Green Power Projects
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30 kW Sault College gets wind power
- Sault College (ON)
MET Energy along with Sault College have designed a new 30kW wind turbine on campus. It is located between the general parking lot of J-wing and the Outback Student Life …
- Posted May 18, 2012
- Green Power Projects
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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 5: Building Energy Efficiency
- Total performance year site energy consumption per unit of floor area
- Total performance year source energy consumption per unit of floor area
- Percent reduction in total source energy consumption per unit of floor area from baseline
- Description of initiatives to shift individual attitudes and practices in regard to energy efficiency
- Description of energy use standards and controls employed by the institution
- Description of LED lighting and other energy-efficient lighting strategies
- Description of passive solar heating, geothermal systems, and related strategies
- Description of co-generation employed by the institution
- Description of initiatives to replace energy-consuming equipment with high efficiency alternatives
- Website URL - Energy conservation and efficiency program
OP 6: Clean and Renewable Energy
- Percent of total energy consumption from clean and renewable sources
- Website URL - Clean and renewable energy programs
- Percent of electricity from coal
- Percent of electricity from geothermal
- Percent of electricity from hydro
- Percent of electricity from natural gas
- Percent of electricity from nuclear energy
- Percent of electricity from solar photovoltaic
- Percent of electricity from wind
- Percent of electricity from wind
Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.