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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Latest News from AASHE Bulletin
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1.5 MW Solar Field
- Santa Fe College (FL)
- Positive Energy Solar (NM)
Santa Fe Community College’s commitment to renewable energy continues with the recent 1.5 MW solar system installation by Positive Energy Solar – one that will produce a full 44 percent …
- Posted Dec. 7, 2016
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156 kW Rooftop & Canopy Arrays: Santa Fe Higher Education Center
- Santa Fe College (FL)
- Positive Energy Solar (NM)
Positive Energy Solar has completed a new 156 kW solar array for Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) in Santa Fe, N.M. The array joins two existing solar installations built in …
- Posted Dec. 7, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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96 kW Solar Array: The Village Student Housing
- Prescott College (AZ)
100 percent of electricity production at The Village comes from a 96 kW solar photovoltaic system, making it a net zero building.
- Posted Dec. 7, 2016
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12 kW Ground Mount Demonstration Array
- Santa Fe College (FL)
- Positive Energy Solar (NM)
The college announced a partnership with Positive Energy Solar on two major projects impacting both student learning and campus sustainability. The first of those projects is an 11.8kW array comprised …
- Posted Dec. 7, 2016
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5 kW Rooftop Array: Science, Research & Teaching Center
- Portland State University (OR)
Roof-top Photovoltaic Test Facility researches effects of combining solar panels with eco-roof technology.
- Posted Dec. 7, 2016
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4 kW Rooftop Array: Academic & Student Recreation Center
- Portland State University (OR)
Key strategies include solar electricity generation that provides power to the student rec center.
- Posted Dec. 7, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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2.9 MW Ground Mount Arrays
- Oregon State University (OR)
- SolarCity
Since 2013, five large grid-tied, ground-mounted solar electric (photovoltaic) arrays have been installed on agricultural lands operated by Oregon State University as part of “Solar by Degrees,” a large-scale photovoltaic …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2016
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61 kW Rooftop Array: Storage Shed
- Ohio University (OH)
- Dovetail Solar & Wind (OH)
This project was completed in 2012 and included: the installation of a 61.1 kW photovoltaic array by Dove Tail Solar and Wind on the roof of the storage shed adjacent …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2016
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48 kW Rooftop Array: Student Experience Center
- Oregon State University (OR)
Advanced Energy Systems completed a 48 kW solar electric system for OSU Student Experience Center in 2014. The array consists of 188 SolarWorld 255 watt modules, and three SMA 12000 …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2016
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2 kW Rooftop Array: Kelley Engineering Center
- Oregon State University (OR)
A 2.4 kilowatt photovoltaic system was installed on the Kelley Engineering Center during its construction in 2004. While this relatively small system provides a fraction of the power this large …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2016
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2 kW Solar Trailer
- Oregon State University (OR)
The OSU Solar Trailer is a portable device that captures and stores solar energy. Its purpose is to educate about photovoltaic (solar electric) energy technologies and provide a renewable, portable …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2016
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1 kW Rooftop Array: Hatfield Marine Science Center
- Oregon State University (OR)
A 1.1 kilowatt array at HMSC in Newport demonstrates, renewable energy technology to visitors and reflects OSU's commitment to education in sustainable practices. HMSC has also implemented campus-wide energy conservation …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2016
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108 kW Solar Carport: Parking Lot 100
- New Mexico State University (NM)
New Mexico State University has partnered with Ameresco Inc. on a solar panel project, saving the university energy, money and lowering its carbon footprint. The solar panel canopy, located in …
- Posted Dec. 5, 2016
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25 kW Sunflower Solar Array
- New Mexico State University (NM)
New Mexico State University's Institute for Energy and the Environment (IEE) recently completed installation of a data acquisition system and information kiosk at PNM's new Sunflower solar panel array at …
- Posted Dec. 5, 2016
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22 kW Rooftop Array: Partners I Building
- North Carolina State University (NC)
Nearly 100 solar panels generating approximately 29,000 kwh of electricity annually were installed in April 2015 and are expected to produce energy for at least 25 years. The panels were …
- Posted Dec. 5, 2016
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2.4 MW Solar Field
- Las Positas College (CA)
The 2.4 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) field was installed in 2012.Together with 1.1 MW of parking lot-canopy solar arrays installed in 2008, these panels provide almost two-thirds of the campus’ …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2016
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150 kW Rooftop Solar System on Campus
- Green Mountain College (VT)
This large solar farm was built in the fall of 2013 with the help of several student volunteers and several alumni who are now working in the solar industry, such …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2016
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150 kW Rooftop Array: Benson Solar System
- Green Mountain College (VT)
In 2014, the College finalized a partnership with Aaron Kelly, an investor and solar installer who built a 150 kW system on his land in Benson, VT in order to …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2016
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113 kW Rooftop Array: Batten Hall, Harvard Business School
- Harvard University (MA)
436 solar panels on the Batten Hall green roof are converting the intense summer sun into electricity that provides power to the Harvard Innovation Lab and modular, learning spaces clustered …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2016
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98 kW Rooftop Array: Wasserstein Hall, Harvard Law School
- Harvard University (MA)
The 97.6 kW solar installation on the roof of Wasserstein Hall is the first renewable project for the Law School. The ballasted system uses weight to hold down the hundreds …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2016
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71 kW Rooftop Array: Tata Hall, Harvard Business School
- Harvard University (MA)
One of the most visible examples of Tata Hall’s sustainability features is a 71kW rooftop photovoltaic installation. 320 AC modules generate AC power directly from each solar panel for use …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2016
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48 kW Rooftop Array: Morgan Hall, Harvard Business School
- Harvard University (MA)
There are five solar PV systems installed at Harvard Business School, on the roofs of Batten, Shad, Tata, Morgan and Travis Halls, totaling around 300 kW. In total, over 1 …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2016
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37 kW Rooftop Array: Shad Hall, Harvard Business School
- Harvard University (MA)
In September 2003, an ambitious student-initiated project at the Harvard Business School led to the installation of a 192 panel photovoltaic array above Shad Hall. The 36 kilowatt installation prevents …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2016
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34 kW Rooftop Array: 25 Travis Street, Harvard Business School
- Harvard University (MA)
There are five solar PV systems installed at Harvard Business School, on the roofs of Batten, Shad, Tata, Morgan and Travis Halls, totaling around 300 kW. In total, over 1 …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2016
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31 kW Rooftop Array: Arnold Arboretum, Hunnewell Garage
- Harvard University (MA)
This fall of 2015, with support from the Harvard Office for Sustainability’s Green Revolving Fund, the Arboretum installed 108 solar panels on the roof of the Hunnewell Building maintenance garage. …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2016
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20 kW Rooftop Array: Center for World Religions, Harvard Divinity School
- Harvard University (MA)
In October 2014 the Center for the Study of World Religions installed 70 solar panels on its roof, capable of producing enough energy to cover 25 percent of the Center's …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2016
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11 kW Rooftop Array: Science Center, Faculty of Arts & Sciences
- Harvard University (MA)
Harvard’s Schools and administrative departments have installed a wide variety of renewable and alternative energy systems on campus and on University-owned property. The alternative energy installations (such as solar thermal …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2016
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6 kW Solar Charging Station
- Green Mountain College (VT)
The 5.8 kW solar array between Dunton and Richardson was installed as an electric vehicle charging station in 2013 under the leadership of Professor Steve Letendre. The project cost $32,400. …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2016
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4 kW Rooftop Array: Solar Garage
- Green Mountain College (VT)
The garage known as Olwen was built in 2014 by renewable energy and ecological design students in only one semester. Under the leadership of professors Lucas Brown, Steve Letendre, and …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2016
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A geographic approach to facilitating local climate governance: From emissions inventories to mitigation planning
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
It is increasingly recognized that municipal and regional scale governments play a vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. While universities possess many resources that …
- Posted Dec. 2, 2016
- Publications
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Community support for campus approaches to sustainable energy use: The role of “town–gown” relationships
- American University (DC)
- Cornell University (NY)
Across the United States, universities are grappling with challenges associated with adopting approaches to more sustainable energy use. One approach has been to develop energy-related projects in their local, host …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2016
- Publications
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182 kW Rooftop Array: El Pomar Sports Center
- Colorado College (CO)
The newest solar panel additions are located on the roofs of the El Pomar Sports Center and the Edith Kinney Gaylord Cornerstone Arts Center. The panels on El Pomar generate …
- Posted Nov. 30, 2016
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101 kW Rooftop Array: EKG Cornerstone Arts Center
- Colorado College (CO)
The newest solar panel additions are located on the roofs of the El Pomar Sports Center and the Edith Kinney Gaylord Cornerstone Arts Center. The panels on Cornerstone produce approximately …
- Posted Nov. 30, 2016
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50 kW Canopy Array: Deep Green Residence Hall
- Berea College (KY)
This array of 114 photovoltaic (PV) panels will generate electricity to meet just over 15% of the building’s energy needs: at 50 kW. This rooftop system utilizes a series of …
- Posted Nov. 30, 2016
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35 kW Rooftop Array: Worner Campus Center
- Colorado College (CO)
Approximately 144 solar panels producing 35KW were installed on the Worner Center roof to help offset the electrical usage in the building. An interactive flatscreen on the main floor monitors …
- Posted Nov. 30, 2016
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20 kW Rooftop Array: Children's Center
- Colorado College (CO)
The Children’s Center at Colorado College received solar panels, which produce 414,000 kilowatt hours a year.
- Posted Nov. 30, 2016
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18 kW Rooftop Array: Spencer Center
- Colorado College (CO)
An 18kW array was installed as part of building renovations in 2014.
- Posted Nov. 30, 2016
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11 kW Rooftop Array: Dean of Students' Residence
- Colorado College (CO)
A 10.7kW array.
- Posted Nov. 30, 2016
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7 kW Rooftop Array: President's House
- California State University, Monterey Bay (CA)
The 21 roof-mounted photovoltaic cells were installed by Western Sun Systems and produce 6.9 kilowatts of power. That’s enough electricity to meet about 80 percent of the total power need …
- Posted Nov. 30, 2016
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7 kW Rooftop Array: Synergy House
- Colorado College (CO)
The Synergy House is Colorado College's first net-zero energy building, designed as a prototype for students to study and discuss as the college moves toward carbon neutrality. House features include …
- Posted Nov. 30, 2016
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1 kW Rooftop Array: KRCC Radio Station
- Colorado College (CO)
Radio station KRCC, an NPR-member station and home of Radio Colorado College, has installed a rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar power system, making it the first solar installation on a radio …
- Posted Nov. 30, 2016
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Best Practices for Solar PPAs
- State University of New York at Cortland (NY)
- Dallas College (TX)
Solar energy is now economically feasible in many states of the U.S. The question is who pays for the solar panels? The costs of design, installation, operation and maintenance of …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Institutional Change through Student-Led Initiatives: The Appalachian State University Renewable Energy Initiative
- Appalachian State University (NC)
The ASUREI is a student-led, student-funded organization that reduces the environmental impact of Appalachian State University by implementing renewable energy technologies, investing in sustainable energy practices, and promoting campus engagement. …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Powering a New South: Sustainability and Energy in the Southern US
- Coastal Carolina University (SC)
Through an examination of the processes and experiences of a yearlong, multi-disciplinary university press project, students, instructors, and press advisors will examine energy through the lens of our local experience …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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LEED Green Associate Training V4
- Leonardo Academy (WI)
LEED Green Associate Training covers information needed for preparation for the GBCI LEED Green Associate exam. Presented by Leonardo Academy staff: Michael Arny, President of Leonardo Academy who was the …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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How to Use Renewables to Cut Carbon and Boost the Bottom Line
- Howard University (DC)
- Trio (CA)
- Dallas College (TX)
This workshop will help participants develop comprehensive renewable energy plans that educate campus stakeholders, dramatically reduce GHGs, and provide cost savings and budget certainty by avoiding volatile conventional energy costs. …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Energy Engineering for Non-Engineers
- GreenerU (MA)
Much of the change we need to make in order to address climate change and sustainability challenges relates to engineering, but that doesn't mean everyone needs an engineering degree to …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Using Campus Solar Deployment Roadmaps to Guide University Investment
- Second Nature (MA)
- Intentional Endowments Network (MA)
- Midwest Renewable Energy Association (WI)
With support from the U.S. Department of Energy's SunShot Initiative, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) has been working to develop approaches and define opportunities for on- and off-campus solar …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Ganging Up to Go Big: Campus Collaborations to Achieve Scale with Renewables
- University at Buffalo (NY)
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (WI)
- Trio (CA)
Electricity is the single largest source of emissions for most campuses, and renewable energy is the only way to eliminate those emissions. But renewable energy is still unfamiliar territory for …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Getting it Done - Building a Team and Value Proposition for Large Scale Renewables - Part 2
- American University (DC)
- George Washington University (DC)
- Second Nature (MA)
- Coho Climate Advisors (MD)
This two part working session will help participants overcome two hurdles that have held back a wider adoption of large-scale renewable projects in the higher education: (1) establishing a team …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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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.