aashe stars conference community hub bulletin
Login Create an Account Become a Member

AASHE Campus Sustainability Hub
Browse All

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.

View all Energy Submit a new resource

Featured Resources

Latest News from AASHE Bulletin

New Resources

2564 resources

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
  • Academic Programs
  • View more

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
  • Academic Programs
  • View more

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
  • Academic Programs
  • View more

Water–energy–carbon nexus at campus scale: Case of North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power

  • North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power
  • Nanjing University

Clarifying the nexus between water, energy, and carbon has great importance regarding regional sustainable development. A university campus is a multifunctional comprehensive community attribute suitable for exploring campus–scale water–energy–carbon nexus …

BU Wind

  • Boston University (MA)
  • Edison Energy (CA)
  • ENGIE (TX)

BU Wind is a clean energy project in South Dakota that the University enabled, fulfilling a key goal of the University’s Climate Action Plan (CAP). A central element of Boston …

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 …

UBC Sustainability Scholars Program

  • University of British Columbia (BC)

Since 2010, the creativity, skills and passion of close to 600 UBC graduate students in the Sustainability Scholars Program have made a positive impact on sustainability issues in the Vancouver …

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, …

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 …

Enhancing the accountability and comparability of different campuses’ energy profiles through an energy cluster approach

  • Università degli Studi di Torino
  • Politecnico di Torino

International sustainability ranking systems generally set criteria in order to monitor global achievement of universities in terms of sustainability. However, current sustainability ranking systems do not provide specific consumption thresholds …

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 …

The influence of group-level factors on individual energy-saving behaviors in a shared space: The case of shared residences

  • Swinburne University of Technology
  • Shenzhen University

In business and service buildings, shared spaces constitute large areas where occupants share energy resources and manage them. Changing people's behaviors toward conscious and efficient energy use within shared spaces …

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 …

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 …

Cooling supply costs of a university campus

  • Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
  • EIFER - European Institute for Energy Research

Global climate change and growing research activities lead to increasing cooling demands and related supply costs at universities, while at the same time ambitious goals towards carbon neutral campuses are …

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 …

Higher Education Interdisciplinarity: Addressing the Complexity of Sustainable Energies and the Green Economy

  • Sapienza Università di Roma

Universities play a strategic role towards a sustainable future, as they address the complex scientific research on green transition and enable students from diverse backgrounds to acquire different skills, integrate …

Investigating barriers to efficient electricity management practices in government-owned tertiary institutions: a case of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

  • Obafemi Awolowo University
  • City University of Hong Kong
  • Federal University of Technology Akure

Energy efficiency is a cost-effective way to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions; however, certain barriers have hindered its adoption in public universities. Hence, it is essential to identify and analyze the …

Measuring interdisciplinarity in the context of sustainability research projects toward capacity building in higher education

  • Technische Universität Dresden (Dresden)

The purpose of this paper is to develop an analytical framework toward facilitating the quantitative measurement of interdisciplinary understanding regarding sustainable energy systems with an application in the area of …

One Year Real Data Rooftop PV System Performance Analysis of a University Academic Campus

  • Philadelphia University (Jordan)

This paper presents the details of 13 rooftop PV systems installed at Philadelphia University (PU) in Amman-Jordan and gives an assessment of these PV systems in terms of the design …

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 …

Market Assessment of Energy Efficiency Opportunities in Laboratories

  • My Green Lab (CA)
  • San Diego Gas & Electric (CA)
  • Southern California Edison (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
  • Publications
  • View more

Determining key drivers of efficient electricity management practices in public universities in Southwestern Nigeria: An empirical study

  • Obafemi Awolowo University
  • City University of Hong Kong
  • Federal University of Technology Akure

University campuses are one of the major consumers of electricity. Therefore, it is important to investigate factors related to electricity saving. This study aims to examine the key drivers in …

  • Posted April 28, 2022
  • Publications
  • View more

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
  • Publications
  • View more
Attendees use pedal power to make smoothies with all vegan ingredients

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
  • Photographs
  • View more

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
  • View more

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
  • Publications
  • View more

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 …

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 …

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
  • View more
Eastside Parking Structure 2

500 kW Solar Canopy: Eastside 2 Parking Structure

  • California State University, Fullerton (CA)

Completed in fall 2020, the new parking structure at CSU Fullerton is a state-of-the-art facility that is a mirror image of the existing structure IPD designed and completed in 2010. …

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2022
  • Green Power Projects
  • View more

From Waste to Fuel: An Interactive Introduction to Community-Based Biodiesel Production

  • John Brown University (AR)
  • Springboard Biodiesel (CA)

Making biodiesel from waste oils, locally, is a community-based act of collaboration and empowerment that has a significant positive impact on the environment and saves money on any institution's fuel …

  • Posted Jan. 21, 2022
  • Conference Presentations
  • View more

Building a Clean Energy Revolution in Your Community - Solar Ambassadors Bring Solar to Nonprofits

  • RE-Volv (CA)

RE-volv helps empower people to bring solar energy to nonprofits in their communities. Through our Solar Seed Fund, community-serving nonprofits can go solar for zero down and save 15% or …

  • Posted Jan. 21, 2022
  • Conference Presentations
  • View more

Going Big on Renewables: How to Kick-Start Renewables With Second Nature's Pro Bono Consulting

  • Davidson College (NC)
  • Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
  • Coho Climate Advisors (MD)

Do you want to go big on renewables but you don't have the funds to get started, or need a way to get traction with internal stakeholders? In 2020, Second …

  • Posted Jan. 21, 2022
  • Conference Presentations
  • View more

Designing Buildings for Future Climate Realities

  • University of California, Office of the President (CA)
  • Arup (NY)

The University of California launched the Designing Buildings for Future Climate Realities project to optimize buildings and infrastructure to the changing climate in which they will be operating. Standard industry …

  • Posted Jan. 21, 2022
  • Conference Presentations
  • View more

Life Cycle Analysis in Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting: Capturing the Whole Picture

  • Polytechnique Montréal (QC)

Polytechnique Montréal produced what we believe is the most comprehensive carbon footprint reporting of any higher learning institution by using a life cycle analysis (LCA) approach. Many institutions have pledged …

  • Posted Jan. 21, 2022
  • Conference Presentations
  • View more

Accelerating Big Levers of Change: Heat Trading, Ground Source Heating and Cooling, and Carbon Pricing - Second Nature Solution Center

  • Carleton College (MN)
  • Stanford University (CA)
  • Brailsford & Dunlavey (DC)

We have the tools to solve climate change today. The challenge is how to deploy these solutions fast enough, at a large enough scale and in a way that promotes …

  • Posted Jan. 21, 2022
  • Conference Presentations
  • View more

Taking Action on Sustainability Commitments Using IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)

  • Clemson University (SC)
  • Duke Energy (NC)

The future will require ingenuity and innovation as well as capital to move the needle on sustainability commitments. The past decade has clearly demonstrated that our previous capitalization and decision-making …

  • Posted Jan. 21, 2022
  • Conference Presentations
  • View more

Setting a Path for Elimination of Carbon Emissions through Electrification of Natural Gas Equipment

  • Stanford University (CA)

Stanford University has reduced its carbon emissions by 69% from peak levels in 2011 and is on track to achieve 80% reduction in the next year through procurement of 100% …

  • Posted Jan. 21, 2022
  • Conference Presentations
  • View more

Renewable Energy and Carbon Offset Discussions: Peer to Peer Strategy Share

  • Chatham University (PA)
  • University at Buffalo (NY)
  • Swarthmore College (PA)
  • Center for Resource Solutions | Green-e (CA)

Renewable energy and carbon offsets are key components for decarbonization and therefore higher education institutions must develop sourcing strategies both to be good stewards to their community and planet as …

  • Posted Jan. 21, 2022
  • Conference Presentations
  • View more

Is Carbon Neutrality the Right Goal? Lessons From Leaders in the Second Nature Carbon Commitment

  • Smith College (MA)

The most important number in climate policy is zero – we need to achieve global carbon neutrality as quickly as possible to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Nearly …

  • Posted Jan. 21, 2022
  • Conference Presentations
  • View more

Grassroots to Green Energy: How Five Students Brought Five Acres of Solar to UW-Platteville.

  • University of Wisconsin-Platteville (WI)
  • McKinstry (WA)

While hundreds of United States colleges and universities have signed the Presidents' Climate Leadership Commitments, HOW to actually start and land renewable energy projects within the complex, frequently cash-strapped world …

  • Posted Jan. 21, 2022
  • Conference Presentations
  • View more

What's in Your Toolkit? Laboratory Efficiency for Cutting Edge Labs

  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory (CO)

Cutting-edge research often hosts hazards that must be contained effectively to maintain a safe work environment for researchers. As a result, laboratories are complex buildings that can be challenging and …

  • Posted Jan. 21, 2022
  • Conference Presentations
  • View more

How To Decarbonize With Renewable Natural Gas

  • University of New Hampshire (NH)
  • Vanguard Renewables (MA)
  • ONE Gas (OK)

Many colleges and universities have set aggressive carbon neutrality targets and are struggling to find practical ways to meet the numbers. As colleges move toward reducing their carbon footprint by …

  • Posted Jan. 21, 2022
  • Conference Presentations
  • View more

Electrification, Distributed Energy Solutions and Campus Economics - Re-Targeting Our Commitments!

  • Clemson University (SC)
  • Davidson College (NC)
  • Duke Energy (NC)

The future is.... all about ELECTRIFICATION, DISTRIBUTED ENERGY SOLUTIONS AND CAMPUS ECONOMICS. As we re-evaluate our commitments to sustainability, we must turn from broad goals to actionable strategies to make …

  • Posted Jan. 21, 2022
  • Conference Presentations
  • View more

Shaping the Future with Heat-Free Print Technology

  • Epson America (CA)

Institutions of higher learning are uniquely positioned to lead by example on environmental issues. One way to do this is by investing in heat-free printing technologies that reduce energy consumption …

  • Posted Jan. 21, 2022
  • Conference Presentations
  • View more

COVID or Us? Interpreting GHG Emission Reductions Amid a Pandemic While Improving Energy Efficiency

  • Bemidji State University (MN)

Located in Northern Minnesota, Bemidji State University (BSU) operates within a dispersed, rural, and diverse community. With a longstanding commitment to carbon reduction, BSU has strategically partnered with the university's …

  • Posted Jan. 21, 2022
  • Conference Presentations
  • View more

Additionality: How to Ensure Your Renewable Electricity Procurement Strategy Has Real Climate Impact

  • University of Dayton (OH)

Many higher education institutions are pursuing active decarbonization programs to demonstrate climate leadership. A key element in these programs is eliminating the climate impact of an institution's electricity procurement, which …

  • Posted Jan. 21, 2022
  • Conference Presentations
  • View more

Studying Plug Load Savings from Idle Devices in Unoccupied Buildings during the Pandemic

  • Stanford University (CA)

During the pandemic, some unoccupied buildings at Stanford were reaping less electricity savings than expected. In these particular buildings, heating and cooling had been turned off, and all occupants were …

  • Posted Jan. 21, 2022
  • Conference Presentations
  • View more

CSU Building Decarbonization: A Framework for Decarbonizing Existing Fossil Fuel Infrastructure on Higher Education Campuses

  • California State University, Chancellor's Office (CA)
  • Glumac (OR)

The California State University (CSU) provides high quality, affordable and inclusive public higher education throughout California. The CSU system has made significant strides to reduce its impact on the environment …

  • Posted Jan. 21, 2022
  • Conference Presentations
  • View more

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

OP 6: Clean and Renewable Energy

Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.

Energy Partners

All Material Copyright © 2005–2023 Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
AASHE reserves the right to control the reproduction and use of all material posted on this website.
For questions about this site, please email resources@aashe.org — Privacy Policy

About
Finding Resources
Submission Guidelines