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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How to Achieve 70% Carbon Footprint Reduction for Minimal Cost and Beyond
- University of Toledo (OH)
The University of Toledo has achieved approximately 70% carbon footprint reduction, saves millions in energy costs, and has one of the lowest energy usages in the region. This technical presentation …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
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Fostering Collaborative Action to Meet Voluntary and Regulatory Climate Goals
- Harvard University (MA)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
- Tufts University (MA)
- PowerOptions, Inc (MA)
The Cities of Cambridge and Boston have recently passed some of the most advanced building-level climate action targets in the country. This field report-style panel will discuss and explore the …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
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University of Rochester’s Analysis of WexWindows
- University of Rochester (NY)
A pilot study was conducted at the Medical Center G7011 area to evaluate the effectiveness of WexWindows as a potential retrofit solution for University of Rochester’s aging and underperforming windows. …
- Posted Jan. 10, 2024
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Renewable & Clean Energy (MS)
- University of Dayton (OH)
Students will take in-depth courses in solar engineering, geothermal engineering, wind engineering, biofuels, building and industrial energy efficiency develop, and energy data analytics. Project-based experiences linked to industrial and governmental …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Energy Engineering (Minor)
- Lehigh University (PA)
The mechanical engineering curriculum provides the fundamental knowledge in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and other related areas leading up to the courses for the energy engineering minor. The courses offer a …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Wind Energy (Minor)
- Texas Tech University (TX)
The Wind Energy Minor requires 18 credit hours of undergraduate wind energy courses, nine of which must be completed at either the Junior or Senior level. Prepares students for a …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Renewable Energy and Island Sustainability Graduate Certificate
- University of Hawaii at Manoa (HI)
Provides students with an opportunity to get both breadth and depth in energy and sustainability curriculum. Students will take classes in different colleges to get a broad perspective on energy …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Engineering for Energy Sustainability (Certificate)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
The Engineering for Energy Sustainability Certificate offers undergraduate students a suite of courses addressing energy sustainability. These courses span the engineering curriculum, with firm roots in real-world design and engineering …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Energy Analysis and Policy (Certificate)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
Energy Analysis and Policy program (EAP) has provided students with the skills and knowledge needed by professionals in government, energy companies, consulting firms, and other organizations.
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Energy (Bachelor)
- Miami University (OH)
Provide students with core interdisciplinary training in energy that complements their disciplinary majors in engineering, natural sciences, architecture, business, and the social sciences. This co-major exposes students to the principles …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Energy (Minor)
- Ball State University (IN)
Gives students an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the development, use, and conservation of energy. Students may focus on solar and alternative energy systems, energy policy, economics, or planning. …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Integrated Energy Policy (Bachelor)
- Central Washington University (WA)
Program specializes in training students in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), planning, and policy analysis as it relates to energy production, distribution and consumption with particular attention to the environment.
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Renewable Energy Assessment (Minor)
- North Carolina State University (NC)
The minor in Renewable Energy Assessment provides students the opportunity to assess and implement renewable energy technologies. The minor is intended to provide students with the ability to assess facilities …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Offshore Wind Energy Engineering (MS)
- Tufts University (MA)
The M.S. program offers graduate-level training in offshore wind engineering, policy, and project management training for students seeking jobs in the emerging global offshore wind energy industry. A full-time student …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Sustainable Energy Management (Certificate)
- State University of New York at Farmingdale (NY)
The Sustainable Energy Management Certificate has been designed to respond to the rapidly expanding need for skilled professionals in sustainable energy-related occupations. The certificate provides fundamental information about emerging sustainable …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Sustainable Energy Systems (Minor)
- Northeastern University (MA)
The sustainable energy systems minor is an interdisciplinary selection of courses designed to offer flexibility and exposure to the principles and applications of sustainable energy systems that are needed to …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Sustainable Energy Systems (Certificate)
- Northeastern University (MA)
The Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Energy Systems focuses on the integration of energy systems engineering technology with sustainable building systems, including the design and operation of buildings with minimal energy …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Renewable Energy, (Certificate)
- Northeastern University (MA)
The Graduate Certificate in Renewable Energy focuses on the combination of analysis and integration of energy systems engineering technology with key renewable engineering technology, including solar and wind generation, with …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Renewable Energy (BS)
- Texas Tech University (TX)
The Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy offered through the College of Arts and Sciences, prepares students for a career in many segments of the industry by offering courses on …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Renewable Energy (Minor)
- Texas Tech University (TX)
This minor consists of 18 hours of undergraduate wind energy courses. A minimum of 9 hours of RE coursework must be taken at the 3000 level or above. All courses …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Energy Technology (AAS)
- Central Community College (NE)
Students in the Energy Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program are prepared to enter the field as installation or maintenance technicians in energy technology, such as photovoltaic or …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Advanced Energy (Certificate)
- Central Community College (NE)
The purpose of the Advanced Energy Certificate is to provide students with the skills needed for employment in the Energy Technology industry.
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Energy Management (MS, EM)
- The University of Texas at Dallas (TX)
The Master of Science in Energy Management is a 36 semester credit hours STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) degree program. This program is designed to train the next generation …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Sustainable Energy Systems (Minor)
- South Dakota State University (SD)
The Sustainable Energy Systems Minor is appropriate for students interested in gaining a background in sustainability, energy efficiency, and renewable energy technologies. The minor helps to prepare graduates with training …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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50001 Ready Energy Management Assessment
- United States Department of Energy (DC)
Using this Excel-based tool, you can assess what management practices you already have in place that can be leveraged to meet ISO 50001 requirements, and get valuable insight into “gaps” …
- Posted Nov. 6, 2023
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Lighting up the lab
- University of Southern California (CA)
A graduate fellow with the USC Dornsife Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies, Thabassum Ahammad, demonstrates the research they're conducting in the lab.
- Posted Sept. 2, 2023
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Optimizing kelp growth
- University of Southern California (CA)
A USC diver attaches seaweed to a prototype of a device called the “kelp elevator.” Raising and lowering kelp on the elevator accelerates its growth, proving the potential for mass-produced …
- Posted Sept. 2, 2023
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JHU achieves greenhouse gas reduction goal through solar agreement
- Johns Hopkins University (MD)
Johns Hopkins University exceeded its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 51% by 2025 several years early through a long-term agreement with Constellation. The solar agreement is the largest among …
- Posted Sept. 2, 2023
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W&L's new off-site solar array
- Washington and Lee University (VA)
W&L partnered with solar developer SE1 to construct an array that generates electricity equal to 100% of W&L's annual electricity consumption. The solar power will go onto the regional power …
- Posted Sept. 2, 2023
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Austin Community College, Rio Grande Campus LEED Platinum Renovation Project
- Austin Community College (TX)
Austin Community College LEED Platinum Renovation - The Rio Grande Campus project involved the renovation of a nearly 100-year-old campus building, and is the first LEED Platinum certification for Austin …
- Posted Sept. 2, 2023
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Colorado Mountain College Spring Valley campus solar array
- Colorado Mountain College (CO)
- Ameresco, Inc. (MA)
The Colorado Mountain College Spring Valley at Glenwood Springs is one of the college's 11 campuses. and is home to one of the largest solar arrays in Colorado. Besides providing …
- Posted Aug. 31, 2023
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Central Community College-Hastings Fall Friday Bike Ride
- Central Community College (NE)
CCC's environmental sustainability office held a bike ride from the Hastings Campus to the wind turbine in 2020. The activity was to stress the importance of alternate transportation and to …
- Posted Aug. 29, 2023
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Scientists study solar panel-topped ponds
- Cornell University (NY)
Reseach into preserve agricultural land for crops and conservation lands for wildlife, place floating photovoltaic panels on lakes, rivers and reservoirs.
- Posted Aug. 28, 2023
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Earth Source Heat (ESH) is Cornell's version of a deep geothermal system
- Cornell University (NY)
Cornell constructed a 10,000-foot deep observatory borehole, the Cornell University Borehole Observatory (CUBO). CUBO will enable researchers to study how much heat can be produced by geothermal energy.
- Posted Aug. 28, 2023
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Bennington College Commons Building
- Bennington College (VT)
This holistic remaking of the historic and beloved center of campus community life combines dining, social, and academic areas within a collection of dynamic spaces. The building is animated by …
- Posted Aug. 25, 2023
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Solar Panels at The Catholic University of America
- The Catholic University of America (DC)
Solar Panels at The Catholic University of America.
- Posted Aug. 22, 2023
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Greening the Bottom Line: Advancing Institutional Sustainability Goals With Green Revolving Funds
- Sustainable Endowments Institute (MA)
Greening the Bottom Line: Advancing Institutional Sustainability Goals with Green Revolving Funds tracks the latest trends and highlights best practices to enable more institutions and communities to learn about and …
- Posted Aug. 17, 2023
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Rethinking education for SDG 7: A framework for embedding gender and critical skills in energy access masters programmes in Africa
- University of Cape Town
To address the complex energy access challenges on the African continent a local skilled workforce is needed. Considering the crucial role distributed and renewable energy (DRE) is expected to play …
- Posted June 15, 2023
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Understanding the impact of state-level financial incentives on the deployment of renewable energy at colleges and universities
- Georgia State University (GA)
Over 400 colleges and universities have signed carbon reduction pledges through Second Nature. Nonetheless, a review of their greenhouse gas inventories shows that many universities continue to show limited or …
- Posted June 15, 2023
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What is Ecological Economics?
- United States Society for Ecological Economics (PA)
This document is a very brief description of the field of ecological economics, which purports to be more trans-disciplinary than environmental economics. The former also claims to have closer ties …
- Posted June 8, 2023
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Food Waste to Energy: From Pilot Scale Biogas to Grid Tied CHP on a Campus Farm
- Dickinson College (PA)
The Dickinson College Farm is culminating a multi-year project to convert campus food waste to sustainable energy through a grid-connected biogas system. Biogas is a carbon neutral, renewable alternative to …
- Posted May 31, 2023
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University of Cincinnati Utilities Water Reclamation Project
- University of Cincinnati (OH)
This is a water reclamation project from the on campus utility plant. Wastewater collection piping was installed running through the power plant, a catch basin for the collected water including …
- Posted May 31, 2023
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Yale Undergrad Confronts the Emanating Climate Threat of Refrigerant Leaks through the Yale Refrigerants Initiative (YRI)
- Yale University (CT)
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many (if not all) universities’ sustainability offices had to reimagine what engaging with their communities looked like and how they’d meet campus sustainability …
- Posted May 31, 2023
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Ameresco leads partnership in establishing Colorado’s largest of its kind battery energy storage system complex at Colorado Mountain College
- Colorado Mountain College (CO)
- Ameresco, Inc. (MA)
As the largest installation of its kind in Colorado, completed in September 2022, the combined solar and battery work furthers HCE’s goal of increasing the clean energy sources it provides …
- Posted May 31, 2023
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Reducing Energy in the Campus Theatre Complex
- Texas A&M University (TX)
Rudder Theatre Complex (RTC) supports a large variety of campus events. Whether it is a Broadway show or new student and family orientation session, the RTC experiences high usage year-round. …
- Posted May 22, 2023
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Community Solar: Supercharging the Equitable Energy Transition
- Solar Energy Industries Association (DC)
The U.S. is at a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change and must take decisive action to build an equitable clean energy economy. In this presentation, David Gahl …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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Lightning Talks: Campus Operations (Group 2)
- Stanford University (CA)
- Center for Resource Solutions | Green-e (CA)
- Timber Framers Guild (NH)
This session consists of 3 15-minute Lightning Talk sessions related to campus operations. The Lightning Talks are: Stanford Shines: A Decade-Long Decarbonization Journey .. and We've Just Gotten Started - …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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Dynamic Cooling Load Management via Room Set Point Adjustments
- Stanford University (CA)
Stanford University’s COOLER research program began in the summer of 2020 and ran through 2022. This unique collaboration between the Land, Buildings, and Real Estate’s (LBRE) “Operations” team and a …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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Dissecting Decarbonization: Proven Clean Energy Solutions for Campuses
- Bard College (NY)
- Colorado State University (CO)
- Pace University (NY)
- United States Department of Energy (DC)
Decarbonization is the latest buzzword around energy and climate solutions. What do campus decarbonization projects look like on the ground? How are they financed and implemented? Which technologies are proven, …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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The State of Renewable Energy In Higher Education
- AASHE (MA)
- Coho Climate Advisors (MD)
This slide deck identifies and summarizes important renewable energy trends in higher education so that campuses can learn from each other as they transition to renewable energy. It is based …
- Posted May 12, 2023
- Publications
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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.