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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Solving Climate Change Problems: CSUF Presents Energy and Sustainability Summit
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
More than 100 people packed the room at Cal State Fullerton’s first Energy and Sustainability Summit, held Oct. 26.
The summit, sponsored by Edison International, featured three panels of industry …
- Posted Nov. 21, 2022
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University of Costa Rica makes biodiesel from Jack Fruit seed oil
- Springboard Biodiesel (CA)
- University of Costa Rica
In celebration of Campus Sustainability Month here is the University of Costa Rica in San Jose. They are conducting research on various inedible indigenous seed oils including jack fruit seed …
- Posted Nov. 10, 2022
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Farmington Solar Facility
- Amherst College (MA)
- Bowdoin College (ME)
- Hampshire College (MA)
- Smith College (MA)
- Williams College (MA)
Farmington Solar Project - The New England College Renewable Partnership (NECRP) is a consortium of five small New England liberal arts colleges - Smith, Amherst, Bowdoin, Hampshire, and Williams - …
- Posted Aug. 8, 2022
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Center for Development Economics at Williams College
- Williams College (MA)
The Center for Development Economics (CDE) at Williams College offers an intensive, 10 month (one academic year), master’s degree program designed for economists from low and middle-income countries who have …
- Posted Aug. 3, 2022
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Princeton Builds Sustainability
- Princeton University (NJ)
Princeton recycles at least 95% of its materials in construction and demolition projects, while investing in water-saving and emissions-reducing technologies in and around its new buildings such as the construction …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
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Community tour of UMN Morris 240kW solar PV agrivoltaic field
- University of Minnesota, Morris (MN)
During the UMN WCROC Midwest Farm Energy Confererence, Vice Chancellor of Finance and Facilities, Bryan Herrmann gave visitors a tour of the new 240kW solar PV agrivoltaic field. This installation …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
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Agnes Scott College - Rebekah Scott Hall LEED Platinum Renovation / Restoration
- Agnes Scott College (GA)
Rebekah Scott Hall is the third LEED-certified building on Agnes Scott’s 100 acre campus. The 1905 new Italian Renaissance Revival structure underwent renovation between May 2017 to August 2018. Rebekah …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
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Stanford Solar Generating Station #2 (SSGS2)
- Stanford University (CA)
Stanford Solar Generating Station #2 (SSGS2), Stanford’s portion of a larger solar and energy storage project called Slate, began commercial operation in mid-March 2022.
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
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Notre Dame, Indiana Michigan Power 'flip the switch' on new solar facility
- University of Notre Dame (IN)
Notre Dame Solar investment - In 2021, University of Notre Dame and Indiana Michigan Power held a ribbon cutting for St. Joseph Solar Farm, a 210-acre solar facility located about …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
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Solar tracker at Furman Farm
- Furman University (SC)
A solar panel on a tall pole is the centerpiece of the Furman Farm. It automatically adjusts to follow the most efficient angle of the sun's rays.
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
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The David A. Tepper Quadrangle at Carnegie Mellon University
- Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
Carnegie Mellon University's David A. Tepper Quadrangle, home of the university's Coulter Welcome Center and the Tepper School of Business, earned LEED Gold certification in 2019.
CMU will be recognized …
- Posted July 27, 2022
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Energy Systems Minor
- Syracuse University (NY)
This minor option will provide students enrolled within the College of Engineering and Computer Science with a grouping of courses/electives that will provide academic depth in the field of energy …
- Posted June 13, 2022
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Energy Efficiency Minor
- University of California, Davis (CA)
Development and implementation of more energy efficient technologies and practices has been identified as the most rapid approach to reduce dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuel resources. Individuals with …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Mechanical Engineering with a Specialization in Renewable Energy and Environmental Flows
- University of California, San Diego (CA)
The specialization in renewable energy and environmental flows is designed for students who are interested in technologies that enable sustainable growth, in flow and transport in atmosphere, ocean, and groundwater, …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Graduate Certificate/Concentration in Wind Power Engineering
- University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)
The Graduate Certificate/Concentration in Wind Power Engineering is the first ever wind energy certificate/concentration program in the U.S. This 15 credit program offers a unique opportunity for students or professionals …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology
- College of Lake County (IL)
This Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program provides instruction in air conditioning, heating and refrigeration. Introductory courses in electricity, electric motors and theory of refrigeration are included. Advanced work …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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M.Eng in Transmission and Distribution Engineering
- Gonzaga University (WA)
Gonzaga students learn from industry leaders. Designed in collaboration with power experts, our program provides the necessary technical and managerial skills to advance careers in the rapidly-evolving power industry. This …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Wind Energy Graduate Certificate
- Northern Arizona University (AZ)
Students that complete the graduate certificate in wind energy will be prepared for professional practice in the wind industry. This includes the ability to design wind turbines and wind turbine …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Energy Engineering BS
- Indiana University Indianapolis (IN)
We combine courses from chemistry, mechanical engineering, physics and electrical engineering to create a strong knowledge base essential to success in this industry. Students also have the opportunity to take …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Solar Energy Graduate Certificate
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
The graduate certificate in Solar Energy requires completion of the following four courses:
EME 810: Solar Resource Assessment and Economics (Fall, Spring) EME 812: Utility Solar Power and Concentration (Summer) …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Solar Installation Technical Certificate
- Western Technical College (WI)
The Solar Installation Technician certificate is designed to address the needs of regional utility power suppliers that offer renewable energy options, as well as private companies that provide solar solutions …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Master of Energy Systems Engineering
- Lehigh University (PA)
The main focus of the Professional Master’s Degree Program in Energy Systems Engineering is to prepare new engineering graduates for energy-oriented careers -- a new generation of technical leaders for …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Professional Master’s in Sustainable Electrical Energy
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
This master’s degree is targeted to working engineers in the electrical energy and power industry. The Professional Master’s in Sustainable Electrical Energy (PMSEE) program is structured to bring in students …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Energy Environments MS
- West Virginia University (WV)
The Energy Environments graduate program (M.S.) is designed to prepare students with the advanced coursework, practical work and research experience needed to succeed in professions that are rapidly developing at …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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AAS Energy Management
- Lane Community College (OR)
Energy Management is the strategic evaluation of energy use. In large commercial facilities, that means looking at the energy consumed by motors, HVAC systems, lighting, and even how people engage …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Energy Management Certificate
- Lane Community College (OR)
This is the application of engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing energy-efficient systems or monitoring energy use. Includes instruction in principles …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Graduate Certificate in Power Electronics and Systems
- University of St. Thomas (MN)
This certificate addresses the microgrid and the penetration of alternative energy systems (Distributed Energy Resources - DERs) into the legacy power grid and the humanitarian/sustainable evolution in developing countries where …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Master of Technology specialization in Sustainable Systems
- Kent State University (OH)
The Master of Technology specialization in Sustainable Systems option allows students to take advanced courses in sustainability, Life Cycle Design and Analysis, and sustainable energy. The program prepares students to …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Energy and Sustainability Certificate
- University of Denver (CO)
For this certificate, study how non-renewable and renewable energy sources are developed, used, regulated, and financed. Learn strategies, sustainability concepts, and energy systems throughout your experience in the graduate certificate …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Natural Resources, Energy, and Environmental Law Graduate Certificate
- Boston University (MA)
The Energy Technologies concentration is designed for undergraduate engineering students to acquire a fundamental understanding of the environmental impacts of various energy technologies and put them in a position to …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Minor in Energy with a focus in Renewable Energy
- Colorado School of Mines (CO)
In this undergraduate minor program with a focus in renewable energy, students address the scientific and technical aspects of energy production and use as well as its broader impacts on …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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MS in Natural Resources and Energy Policy
- Colorado School of Mines (CO)
The Natural Resources and Energy Policy (NREP) graduate degree program is part of the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences department at Colorado School of Mines. In this program, a multidisciplinary …
- Posted June 10, 2022
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Renewable Energy Technology and Integration Graduate Certificate
- Marquette University (WI)
The graduate certificate in renewable energy technology and integration is intended to develop the capabilities required to solve complex energy problems. As energy sources transition to lower carbon emitting technologies, …
- Posted May 23, 2022
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Improving Laboratory Water and Energy Efficiency at Tufts University
- Tufts University (MA)
The Biomedical Engineering (BME) and Chemical and Biological Engineering (CHBE) Departments at Tufts University installed a small autoclave (a laboratory sanitation machine) to reduce energy and water consumption in our …
- Posted May 20, 2022
- Case Studies
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Geothermal District Heating Feasibility Study for Duke University
- Duke University (NC)
Recognizing the importance of renewable energy in combating climate change, Duke University has set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2024 from a 2007 baseline. To fulfill the goal, …
- Posted May 20, 2022
- Publications
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An analysis of building energy submetering and its uses for colleges and universities
- Kansas State University (KS)
The intent of this report is to cover the topic of building energy submetering. Utilizing submeters to quantify building and sub-building energy usage can lead to reduced utility consumption, increased …
- Posted May 20, 2022
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The Potential for Electricity-use Reduction in Grinnell College Residence Halls through Behavioral Manipulation
- Grinnell College (IA)
I studied the potential for electricity-use reduction through behavioral change in on-campus residence halls. I used social comparisons to induce behavioral change in the residents. The results did not show …
- Posted May 19, 2022
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The Role of Simulation and Serious Games in Teaching Concepts on Circular Economy and Sustainable Energy
- Boston University (MA)
- Technische Universiteit Delft
- University of Southampton
- Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (Barcelona)
- Universidad Pública de Navarra
The prevailing need for a more sustainable management of natural resources depends not only on the decisions made by governments and the will of the population, but also on the …
- Posted May 11, 2022
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Scalable pathways to net zero carbon in the UK higher education sector: A systematic review of smart energy systems in university campuses
- Buro Happold (NY)
- University College London (London)
The following literature review sets out the state-of-the-art research relating to smart building principles and smart energy systems in UK higher education university campuses. The paper begins by discussing the …
- Posted May 11, 2022
- Publications
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Motion and Sash Height (MASH) alarms for efficient fume hood use
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
Ventilation, including fume hoods, consumes 40–70% of the total energy used by modern laboratories. Energy-conscious fume hood usage—for example, closing the sash when a hood is unused—can significantly reduce energy …
- Posted May 11, 2022
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Pathways to eliminate carbon emissions via renewable energy investments at higher education institutions
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark Campus (NJ)
Higher education institutions are among the many public and private sector entities that have committed to long-term sustainability goals in response to the threat of climate change. A key challenge …
- Posted May 11, 2022
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Market Assessment of Energy Efficiency Opportunities in Laboratories
- My Green Lab (CA)
- San Diego Gas & Electric (CA)
- Edison International (DC)
- Pacific Gas and Electric Company
A combination of market research, online surveys, in-person interviews, and a broad literature review of previous industry reports was used to estimate the potential for energy efficiency in laboratory facilities, …
- Posted April 28, 2022
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A Solar Market Pathway for Independent Colleges in Virginia
- Appalachian School of Law (VA)
- Bridgewater College (VA)
- Eastern Mennonite University (VA)
- Emory & Henry College (VA)
- Ferrum College (VA)
- Hampton University (VA)
- Hollins University (VA)
- University of Lynchburg (VA)
- Mary Baldwin University (VA)
- Marymount University (VA)
- Randolph College (VA)
- Roanoke College (VA)
- Shenandoah University (VA)
- Virginia Union University (VA)
- Washington and Lee University (VA)
- United States Department of Energy (DC)
- Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (VA)
The Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV) was founded in 1971 and currently operates as Virginia Private Colleges, a nonprofit, 501(c)(6) organization representing 28 accredited nonprofit independent colleges and …
- Posted April 28, 2022
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Earth Fest 2022
- University of Wisconsin-River Falls (WI)
River Falls, WI Community Celebrates Sustainability Over 1,000 people gathered in Glen Park on Sunday, April 24th despite cold and windy conditions to experience Earth Fest 2022. The event featured …
- Posted April 28, 2022
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Sustainable design of Cornell University campus energy systems toward climate neutrality and 100% renewables
- Cornell University (NY)
In this paper, the sustainable design of carbon-neutral energy systems is addressed, considering earth source heat, lake source cooling, on-site renewable electricity generation, and sustainable peak heating systems. The electricity …
- Posted April 25, 2022
- Publications
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Capturing Energy Savings from Correcting VAV Box Minimums on Campus
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
The Office of Sustainability at UC Berkeley leads energy and water saving campaigns on campus and has set the goal to reduce energy use intensity by an average of at …
- Posted April 25, 2022
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Energy Efficiency Reserve
- Washington University in St. Louis (MO)
Consistent with the intent of the Missouri Energy Efficiency Investment Act (MEEIA) and Ameren’s BizSavers program, Washington University’s Energy Efficiency Reserve provides a dedicated funding source for energy efficiency and …
- Posted April 8, 2022
- Green Funds
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Student Green Energy Fund
- University of South Florida (FL)
The Student Green Energy Fund was launched in 2011 to support the University of South Florida's commitment to reduce and eventually eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from the Tampa campus. In …
- Posted April 1, 2022
- Green Funds
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Recalculating Sustainability: A Fresh Lens on Energy Efficiency, Technologies and Financing Trends
- University of Central Florida (FL)
- Duke Energy (NC)
- AASHE (MA)
- TLC Engineering Solutions (FL)
A new era in sustainability commitments begins with a roadmap on the clean energy transformation journey. As with any great journey, careful planning is essential to make certain that you …
- Posted March 31, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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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.