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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Northwestern University Comprehensive Building Energy Data Audit
- Northwestern University (IL)
Northwestern University is committed to fostering environmental and ethical stewardship. The University’s Strategic Sustainability Plan establishes a vision for reducing environmental impacts. In terms of the University’s built environment, the …
- Posted May 17, 2018
- Case Studies
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The ripple effect: Hydo-Aeorponics growing on campus
- Missouri Southern State University (MO)
- Chartwells Higher Education (NY)
In August of 2016 Missouri State University brought 2 zip grow towers( a Hydo-Aeorponics vertical grow tower system) to campus in partnership to display a hyper-local growing option for produce. …
- Posted May 11, 2018
- Case Studies
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Implementation of a Green Labs Program in Campus Laboratories
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (AL)
UAB Green Labs Program is an institution-wide, voluntary program designed to reduce the university’s carbon output while simultaneously reducing operation costs of research buildings. The program accomplishes its goals by …
- Posted May 11, 2018
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Solarizing UC Santa Barbara
- University of California, Santa Barbara (CA)
In 2017 UCSB increased its onsite renewable energy generating capacity tenfold through a multi-site Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). UCSB now has over 5.3 megawatts (MW) of on-site solar capacity which …
- Posted May 11, 2018
- Case Studies
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Michigan Tech Sustainability Demonstration House
- Michigan Technological University (MI)
The goal of Sustainability Demonstration House (SDH) project is to retrofit the former University President’s residence, built in 1953, titled the Kettle-Gundlach Building into a sustainability demonstration house. The SDH …
- Posted May 11, 2018
- Case Studies
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Enable by House by Northwestern - a 2017 U.S. DOE Solar Decathlon Team
- Northwestern University (IL)
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon showcases innovative solar powered houses that are designed, built, and operated by collegiate teams. It is a collegiate competition of 10 contests that …
- Posted May 10, 2018
- Case Studies
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Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Upgrade Project
- Northwestern University (IL)
Northwestern University is committed to fostering environmental and ethical stewardship. The University’s Strategic Sustainability Plan establishes a vision for reducing the University’s environmental impacts. In the area of transportation, the …
- Posted May 10, 2018
- Case Studies
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Fashion Institute of Technology Energy Master Plan
- Fashion Institute of Technology (NY)
- NYC Mayor's Office of Sustainability (NY)
The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a leading art and design school in New York City, has made impressive strides to reduce its energy and carbon footprints. By implementing an …
- Posted May 8, 2018
- Case Studies
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Purchasing Carbon Offsets 101
- Second Nature (MA)
"Join this webinar for an introduction to purchasing carbon offsets through the voluntary carbon market. The webinar will cover how schools can use verified carbon offsets to meet emissions reduction …
- Posted May 8, 2018
- Videos & Webinars
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Rutgers Energy Institute
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick Campus (NJ)
The Rutgers Energy Institute (REI) has four main purposes: to educate undergraduate and graduate students, to pioneer in energy research and innovation, perform community outreach to share information and engage …
- Posted May 8, 2018
- Research Centers & Institutes
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The Solar Institute
- George Washington University (DC)
The Solar Institute identifies, generates, and shares pragmatic policy solutions to catalyze the adoption and scale of solar energy. Serving this mission, the Institute conducts objective research to advance politically …
- Posted May 8, 2018
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Earth Institute Center for Environmental Sustainability
- Columbia University (NY)
The Earth Institute Center for Environmental Sustainability is dedicated to the development of a rich, robust and vibrant world within which we can secure a sustainable future. Through a diverse …
- Posted May 8, 2018
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Graduate Certificate in Energy
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick Campus (NJ)
The Graduate Certificate in Energy is offered by the Rutgers Energy Institute to graduate students in a large variety of graduate programs at Rutgers. During the program, students are required …
- Posted May 8, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Earth Tones - Earth Day Concert and Expo
- Appalachian State University (NC)
Appalachian State hosts an annual "Earth Tones" concert, with bands powered by solar panels, on the Duck Pond Field. Sponsored by ASUSES, the festival includes representatives from the SDSA, ASUREI, …
- Posted May 1, 2018
- Photographs
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Smoothie Bike at Elon University
- Elon University (NC)
Elon student uses human power to blend a delicious smoothie during Party for the Planet, a celebration of all things sustainable at Elon University!
- Posted April 25, 2018
- Photographs
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Green Your Room
- Princeton University (NJ)
This is an educational video created by James Tralie, Princeton University student, to inform students about how to be sustainable in dorm rooms. He describes ways to conserve energy including …
- Posted April 23, 2018
- Videos & Webinars
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Sustainability: Why Universities Can Lead by Example
- North Central College (IL)
This TEDx Talk describes the benefits of adopting more energy-efficient systems and technology on college campuses. Such practices pay off for these institutions in the long run while also helping …
- Posted April 23, 2018
- Videos & Webinars
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Reducing Electricity Use in Campus Residence Halls
- Radford University (VA)
- AASHE (MA)
Our quasi-experimental design exposed first-year students in four matched residence halls to three different interventions designed to encourage energy conservation, specifically electricity conservation. We employed active and passive programming and …
- Posted April 20, 2018
- Videos & Webinars
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AASHE Webinar: Retrofitting Existing Buildings for Energy Efficiency and Demand Response
- Western Michigan University (MI)
- AASHE (MA)
- Cypress Envirosystems (CA)
This is an educational webinar presented by AASHE Business Leader Cypress Envirosystems.
Compared with new facilities, existing buildings and plants often have legacy equipment which waste energy, require more maintenance, …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Videos & Webinars
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Bioenergy Minor
- Oregon State University (OR)
The Bioenergy Minor focuses on bioenergy concepts and issues and offers students an opportunity to gain significant research experience and skills. This interdisciplinary minor is open to all majors. It …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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BioRenewable Systems (MS)
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
Biorenewable Systems are the structures and processes that create and support biologically-based products capable of being continuously replaced through sound technology and management. BRS is positioned to be a world-renowned …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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BioRenewable Systems (PhD)
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
Biorenewable Systems are the structures and processes that create and support biologically-based products capable of being continuously replaced through sound technology and management. BRS is positioned to be a world-renowned …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Renewable (Solar) Energy Option, Energy Engineering (MS)
- University of Massachusetts Lowell (MA)
The UMass Lowell graduate program in Energy Engineering offers professional training at the master's degree level designed to prepare the student to perform state-of-the-art work on energy systems.
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Energy Systems Concentration, Engineering (MS)
- San Francisco State University (CA)
Issues related to limited energy resources, energy efficiency and conservation, and renewable energy, as well as the effects of ever-increasing energy production and consumption are prompting a significant surge in …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Wind Energy Minor
- Iowa State University (IA)
The curriculum of the newly approved PhD degree program for WESEP, as part of our IGERT project: A new PhD Program on Wind Energy Science, Engineering and Policy (WESEP), includes …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Wind Energy Science, Engineering & Policy (PhD)
- Iowa State University (IA)
The curriculum of the newly approved PhD degree program for WESEP, as part of our IGERT project: A new PhD Program on Wind Energy Science, Engineering and Policy (WESEP), includes …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Electric Power & Energy Systems Concentration, Electrical Engineering (BSE)
- Arizona State University (AZ)
The goal of the electric power and energy systems concentration is to prepare graduates for positions in industries dealing with generation, transmission and utilization of electric power. Generation includes conventional …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Alternative Energy Concentration, Electronics Engineering Technology (BS)
- Arizona State University (AZ)
The alternative energy technologies concentration explores the demands of energy resources in the new economy. This program strives to educate individuals in the use of energy sources such as solar, …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Environmental & Renewable Resource Economics Minor
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
This minor introduces students to how fundamental economic principles can be used to explain and seek solutions for problems related to the degradation of the environment and unsustainable use of …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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BA/MA in Energy & Environment
- Boston University (MA)
The program in Energy & Environment offered through the Department of Earth & Environment combines advanced undergraduate and graduate coursework to provide students with the foundational knowledge and advanced analytical …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Energy (MS/MPS)
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (NY)
The Sustainable Energy area of study examines the biological, technical, economic, environmental, business, and policy feasibility and life cycle impacts of sustainable energy systems, with a particular focus on biobased …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Energy (PhD)
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (NY)
The Sustainable Energy area of study examines the biological, technical, economic, environmental, business, and policy feasibility and life cycle impacts of sustainable energy systems, with a particular focus on biobased …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Energy Minor
- Boston University (MA)
The Minor in Sustainable Energy, open to all undergraduates, teaches students the interdisciplinary nature of energy studies. The curriculum includes the essential elements of energy from the business, economics, policy …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Energy & Sustainability Certificate
- Arizona State University (AZ)
The transdisciplinary certificate examines current energy systems and what would be required to create a sustainable energy future. Students begin with an overview of how energy affects peoples' lives, the …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Power Systems & Sustainable Energy (MS)
- Santa Clara University (CA)
Santa Clara's MS in Sustainable Energy introduces graduate students to an multi-disciplinary approach to designing sustainable energy systems. The master program's mission is to provide a strong curriculum in engineering …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Renewable Energy Minor
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (NY)
This minor will provide students an opportunity to examine different sources of traditional and renewable energy simultaneously in the context of our total energy use using a systems perspective. Students …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Renewable Energy Graduate Certificate
- University of South Florida (Tampa) (FL)
The Graduate Certificate program in Renewable Energy recognizes post-bachelor preparation for the engineering and design of modern renewable energy systems such as solar thermal, concentrated solar thermal (CSP), photovoltaic, etc. …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Graduate Certificate in Energy Conversion & Transport
- Missouri University of Science and Technology (MO)
Certificate is focused on energy production, fuels, and energy transportation. Possibly sustainability related through optional Fuel Cell course.
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Energy Studies Minor
- Yale University (CT)
Energy Studies is a multidisciplinary academic program (MAP) in Yale College. The curriculum is designed to provide selected undergraduates with the knowledge and skills needed for advanced studies, leadership, and …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Alternative Energy Certificate
- College of Lake County (IL)
This certificate provides entry level technical instruction on wind, solar and geothermal energy sources. Courses in this certificate may also apply to certificates specific to solar, wind or geothermal energy …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Renewable Energy Certificate
- Santa Clara University (CA)
The main goal of this certificate is to introduce students to the field of renewable energy. The intent is to help equip professionals in Silicon Valley with the knowledge that …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Wind Energy (BS)
- Texas Tech University (TX)
Wind Energy is the premiere multidisciplinary program developing transformational experts who apply knowledge, skills, and conviction to lead in the advancement of sustainable renewable power solutions with positive regional, national, …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Duke University Carbon Policy on the Road to 2024: Policy Proposals
- Duke University (NC)
The goal of our Bass Connections in Energy Team (henceforth “the Team”) was to research ways to measure and influence both individual and institutional change to reduce Duke University’s carbon …
- Posted April 11, 2018
- Publications
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Daylighting and Occupant Density: an indoor environmental quality analysis of Appalachian State University classrooms
- Appalachian State University (NC)
This study examined a variety of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) attributes in classrooms across the Appalachian State University campus. The study focused on daylighting (the ability for natural light to …
- Posted April 11, 2018
- Publications
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Energy Storage Strategies for the University of New Hampshire: A Feasibility Analysis of Energy Storage Opportunities on the Durham Campus
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
Energy storage systems manage the power supply in order to create a more resilient energy structure, incorporate cleaner energy sources, and to bring cost savings to utilities and consumers. [2] …
- Posted April 11, 2018
- Publications
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Building a Carbon Footprint of Clemson University's Main Campus
- Clemson University (SC)
Greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories have become a popular means for colleges and universities to better understand their environmental impact and quantify sustainability efforts. Clemson University is one of the many …
- Posted April 6, 2018
- Publications
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Innovative Solutions for Reducing Waste at Skidmore College: Analyzing the Carbon Footprint & Economics of Paper Towels vs. Electric Hand Dryers
- Skidmore College (NY)
The purpose of this capstone project is to create the most culminating analysis of all of the available hand drying methodologies, and utilize this research in order to integrate the …
- Posted April 6, 2018
- Publications
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Example RFP and Scorecard for Procurement/Advisory Services for Large Scale Renewable Energy
- AASHE (MA)
This is an example RFP for a professional services firm to provide renewable energy procurement services that include the development and execution of an integrated strategy to procure renewable energy …
- Posted April 6, 2018
- Tools
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Promoting Sustainability Science on Campus: Renewable Energy Workshops Hosted at Kean University in New Jersey
- Kean University (NJ)
The project provides workshops for high school/college students and educators to learn the basics, application, and impacts of renewable energy through hands-on activities and software tools. The workshops cover many …
- Posted April 3, 2018
- Case Studies
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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.