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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Economies of Scale - Reducing Overhead and Increasing Efficiency Across the Organization
- University of Vermont (VT)
At colleges and universities everyone consumes energy, from the underground classrooms up to the president's office. But only a few of the staff are accountable for the incurred energy costs …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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Stronger Together - Aligning Milwaukee's Institutions and Civic Agencies for Large-Scale Renewables
- Marquette University (WI)
- Milwaukee Area Technical College (WI)
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (WI)
Urban land use, regulated utility markets, and up-front financing play into the challenges for renewable energy in Milwaukee, WI, as it does for many institutions across the country. On-site installations …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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Economically and Environmentally Sustainable Utilities and Energy
- Texas A&M University (TX)
Texas A&M University (TAMU) in College Station, Texas is one of the largest universities in the country, experiencing significant growth while fulfilling a mission of world class teaching, research, and …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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Broadening the Impact of Renewable Energy Purchases: A Case Study
- Low Impact Hydropower Institute (MA)
Current trends in the renewable energy market, particularly in the growing PPA procurement segment, have focused on energy usage and supporting new development. This limited focus has been directed primarily …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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The Energy Challenge at IUPUI
- Indiana University Indianapolis (IN)
The IUPUI Energy Challenge is a brand-new engagement program between the buildings on campus to reduce their energy use. This is achieved through encouraging behavior changes of the people who …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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Making the Case for Campus-Wide Energy Monitoring and Student-Led Initiatives for Implementation
- Creighton University (NE)
We present the case for campus-wide energy monitoring, a community-engaged energy dashboard, and how these initiatives become feasible with student leadership. At Creighton University, we have developed a holistic, detailed, …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Data, Data, Data: Longitudinal Importance of Assessing Student Energy Behaviors
- University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (MA)
- NORESCO (NC)
UMass Dartmouth has partnered with NORESCO for eight years on a behavior change program called Energy Conservation Through Behavior Change® as a part of a larger energy savings project. The …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Vampire Energy Slayers 2.0
- University of San Diego (CA)
The Vampire Energy Slayers program was first developed at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). At the University of San Diego, we have embraced the program and aim …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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University of Denver's Renter Efficiency Program for Students
- University of Denver (CO)
The Renter Efficiency Program for Students (REPS), at the University of Denver, provides free energy audits to students who rent off campus. The audits consist of teaching the tenants about …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Building Envelope Energy Performance Ranking & Archetype Energy Models: A Case Study
- Morrison Hershfield (ON)
The University of Victoria (UVic) is undergoing a capital planning process and commissioning a comprehensive building investigation to prioritize and plan envelope rehabilitation work across their portfolio, intending to incorporate …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Low Carbon Electrification
- Thompson Rivers University (BC)
- Creative Energy (BC)
As Institutions across North America continue to expand, they are struggling to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets due to the significant capital investments required for net zero construction. Many institutions …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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On the Cutting Edge: Great Results From New Approaches to Behavioral Change Cues
- Stanford University (CA)
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
- Atrius (CA)
- Kriegh Architecture Studios (WA)
The next frontier in energy efficiency is occupants and how they interact with the buildings. Once we have the prescriptive things like codes and building envelopes done, it's about how …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Understanding Decision Making for Building Energy Efficiency at a Higher Education Institution
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
The built environment provides significant opportunities to lower greenhouse gas emissions by increasing energy efficiency (EE). In the United States, campuses have been major beneficiaries of EE programs and services. …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Solar Energy Systems: Site Assessment of Eureka College
- Eureka College (IL)
Students in the Environmental Science and Environmental Studies majors at Eureka College are required to complete both an internship for college credit and a capstone course to earn their degree. …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Campus Energy Master Planning: Innovations and Best Practices
- Michigan State University (MI)
- Stanford University (CA)
- ICF International (VA)
- United States Department of Energy (DC)
Hundreds of colleges and universities have publicly committed to carbon neutrality, with over 120 targets in the next 15 years. How are schools addressing often the largest source of emissions: …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Using Technology to Achieve Sustainability
- University of Mississippi (MS)
Numerous academic and residential buildings, thousands of people subsisting together, and various facilities to support the establishment, it won't be wrong to compare a college campus to a small town. …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Energy Performance Improvement: Energy Savings and Occupant Awareness Program at Texas A&M University
- Texas A&M University (TX)
Utilities & Energy Services (UES) Division at Texas A&M University strives to bridge the gap between implementing energy conservation measures and its success through increasing occupant engagement and empowerment. UES …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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An In-House Energy Dashboard: Challenges and Achievements from Oregon State University
- Oregon State University (OR)
Digital energy dashboards have proven to be a convenient tool for energy data management, analysis and reporting. Dashboard software can be leveraged to not only support campus operations, but also …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Energizing a Growing Urban Campus: Taking Data to Implement Energy Savings & Sustainability at UW Tacoma
- University of Washington, Tacoma (WA)
- McKinstry (WA)
How do you take conventional building system surveys, upgrades and sub-metering data to the next level: comprehensive energy savings and genuine campus sustainability? How can you empower meaningful sustainability stewardship …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Exploring Deep Decarbonization on a Research Intensive Campus
- California Institute of Technology (CA)
- Affiliated Engineers, Inc. (WI)
Caltech is a private research university located in Pasadena, California, whose mission is to expand human knowledge and benefit society through research integrated with education. For the past decade, Caltech …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Bioenergy & Land Use Meetup
- Colgate University (NY)
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
- Second Nature (MA)
The University of New Hampshire Sustainability Institute (UNHSI) and Second Nature are facilitating a Bioenergy Working Group that is looking to answer the following questions: - Are biogenic emissions carbon …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Partners in Greening the Economy: Clean Energy and Electrification on Campus and in the Community
- Weber State University (UT)
For sustainability, we collectively need to green our economy to improve environmental and human health and wellbeing. One aspect of this larger process is to shift to clean energy sources …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Lots of Watts: Building an Energy Cohort to Buy Big Renewables
- Lafayette College (PA)
- Coho Climate Advisors (MD)
As campuses face climate action targets, or seek to manage energy budgets, large-scale renewable energy power purchase agreements (PPAs) have emerged as a practical and cost-effective way to reduce greenhouse …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Incorporating Stakeholder Values: Assessing Renewable Energy Options at Portland State University
- Portland State University (OR)
To determine options for renewable energy development and procurement, the Campus Sustainability Office at Portland State University (PSU) turned to it's Living Lab program to engage students in this key …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Committing your campus to 100% renewable energy
- Environment America (MA)
It's 2019. We have the power to harness clean, abundant energy from the sun and the wind, and we can do it more efficiently and cheaply than ever before. Yet …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Preparing and Implementing an Energy Master Plan
- St. John's University, New York (NY)
- Antares Group Inc. (MD)
The Energy Master Plan completed for the St. John's University Queens campus provided a Roadmap for the campus to meet the GHG and energy reduction targets as a member of …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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The Future of ENERGY STAR in Higher Education
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
- RE Tech Advisors (VA)
This networking session will focus on the support ENERGY STAR can offer to colleges and universities to help improve building efficiency. We'll recap the recent work ENERGY STAR has done …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Care Enough 2B Energy Aware: Using Submetering & Energy Models 4 Curriculum Dev. & Community Action
- St. Louis University High School (MO)
St. Louis University High School's faculty-coached and student led Energy Reduction team uses Energystar Portfolio, electric and solar panel submetering data, and energy modeling to create accessible curriculum for various …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Faculty Sharing Success Stories of Teaching with Paul Hawken's Book DRAWDOWN
- Fort Hays State University (IL)
- Project Drawdown (CA)
CALLING ALL FACULTY: Have you taught with Paul Hawken's best-seller book 'Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming'?? Bring your stories to share during this informal …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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The Energy Challenge as a Tool for Campus Engagement and Sustainability Education
- University of Denver (CO)
The Center of Sustainability's Energy Challenge was redesigned from previous years which involved competitions between residence halls to reduce their electricity, natural gas and water consumption. The new structure of …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Empowering Energy and Resource Conservation in University Faculty and Staff
- Northern Arizona University (AZ)
This presentation is an informative and engaging seminar on two of Northern Arizona University's (NAU) Conservation Programs, The Green Office Certification Program (GOC), and Energy Mentor Program (EM). These conservation …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Installing Solar on Campus: A Student-Led Action Plan
- Gonzaga University (WA)
Gonzaga Renewable Investment Group will discuss options for financing renewable investments and describe how we have analyzed Gonzaga's buildings for solar panel installment. These important components are combined into one …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Maximizing Campus Sustainability through Student/Staff-Driven Energy Efficiency and Engagement
- Colorado School of Mines (CO)
- McKinstry (WA)
Learn about driving behavioral/engagement strategies to increase campus sustainability from two universities leveraging energy-saving programs to accomplish this. These campuses are utilizing social science-based behavioral principles to break down barriers …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Reducing Energy Costs and Improving Sustainability while Improving Indoor Air Quality
- Dynamic Air Quality Solutions (AR)
The lowest hanging fruit for energy-saving initiatives has been lighting. Today, designers are looking for other places to find savings. Air filtration and IAQ offer huge opportunities for energy efficiency. …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Design and Operational Consideration for Sustainable Maker Environments
- Bohlin Cywinski Jackson (PA)
With the recent surge of interest surrounding the Maker Movement, many universities have allocated resources to developing their own maker spaces. The benefits of a maker education are vast, providing …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Smart Control Heating Ventilation and Cooling Systems on College Campuses
- Appalachian State University (NC)
An in-depth look at Events2HVAC software and Smart HVAC system analysis regarding energy efficiency and economic viability on college campuses. Events2HVAC software integrates scheduling as building automation, allowing HVAC systems …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Institutional and Industry Partnership Yields Spokane's First Net Zero Energy Building
- Eastern Washington University (WA)
- McKinstry (WA)
Many higher education campuses across the globe are committing to sustainable operations with some charting pathways toward zero energy and net positive campuses. This session will highlight Eastern Washington University's …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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Panel Primer: A How-To from Colleges and Universities that have Earned ENERGY STAR Certification
- American University (DC)
- Colorado State University (CO)
- Texas A&M University (TX)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
This focused panel session will bring to bear the experiences of a cross-section of colleges and universities that have earned ENERGY STAR certification for their buildings in the past few …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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Are Electric Buildings a Feasible Carbon Neutrality Strategy?
- Stanford University (CA)
- University of California, Office of the President (CA)
- University of California, Irvine (CA)
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (CA)
- EHDD (CA)
The path to campus carbon neutrality is becoming clearer: electrify everything and procure renewable electricity. Electrifying campus energy infrastructure is a complex undertaking that requires a significant financial investment. While …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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The Beneficial Intersections of Energy, Resilience, & Health
- Stantec Consulting, Ltd. (WA)
How can three important elements of sustainable buildings - energy efficiency, resiliency, and health and wellness - be integrated for better overall outcomes? How can the returns of sustainable building …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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The Road to Building a Zero Carbon Building
- Mohawk College (ON)
In October 2016, Mohawk College broke ground on a one-of-a-kind net zero energy project and opened its doors in Fall 2018. The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation at Mohawk …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Carbon Neutrality in a Cold Climate - A Portfolio Approach to GHG Emissions Reduction
- Bates College (ME)
We will be highlighting our multi-faceted approach to hitting carbon neutrality reduction goals - Fuels, Efficiency, and Culture. Bates College has begun burning a new, wood-based liquid fuel in its …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Strategic Electrification: Scenarios for How and Why Carbon Neutrality Depends on It
- Amherst College (MA)
- Carleton College (MN)
- Thompson Rivers University (BC)
- GreenerU (MA)
- Integral Group (CA)
More than 300 schools have pledged to achieve carbon neutrality at some point in the future through Second Nature's reporting platform. For nearly every school, carbon neutrality through means other …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Canada's colleges and universities among the greenest in the world
- University of Saskatchewan (SK)
- Dalhousie University (NS)
- Thompson Rivers University (BC)
- AASHE (MA)
- Nova Scotia Community College (NS)
- Mohawk College (ON)
CBC News shares the news that college and university campuses across Canada are some of the greenest schools in the world according to the 2019 Sustainable Campus Index.
- Posted Sept. 30, 2019
- Publications
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Utilizing Building Data for Modern Campus Sustainability
- Wentworth Institute of Technology (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
- Atrius (CA)
Debra Shepard, Principal at Riverstone Sustainability and Sustainability Advisor to Wentworth Institute of Technology, shares how the team has activated modern energy management practices to build a culture of sustainability …
- Posted Sept. 26, 2019
- Videos & Webinars
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Webinar: Sustainability Master Planning from All Perspectives
- Texas A&M University (TX)
- Ayers Saint Gross (MD)
- AASHE (MA)
Using Texas A&M University as a case study, staff will introduce integrated sustainability master planning from all perspectives: social, environmental, and economic. Both a campus level and department level plan …
- Posted Sept. 20, 2019
- Videos & Webinars
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Implementing Energy Efficiency through Sub-meters
- Macalester College (MN)
- AASHE (MA)
Participants will learn how to begin sub-metering utilities on their campus and how this data can inform and justify not only the cost of the sub-meters, but of energy efficiency …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2019
- Videos & Webinars
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Webinar: Student Power to Fund Renewable Energy: A New Take on the Solar PPA
- Southern Oregon University (OR)
- AASHE (MA)
As campuses look to expand on site renewable energy generation, one of the greatest barriers to implementation is often initial project funding. Over the last year and a half, students …
- Posted Aug. 29, 2019
- Videos & Webinars
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Sustainable Energy Development MSc
- University of Calgary (AB)
The University of Calgary’s Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Development (SEDV) is a combined offering through the Haskayne School of Business, Schulich School of Engineering and the Faculties of …
- Posted Aug. 2, 2019
- Academic Programs
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Ohio State Energy Partners Hosts Smart Campus Challenge
- The Ohio State University (OH)
The first Smart Campus Challenge, presented by Ohio State Energy Partners ENGIE and Axium Infrastructure, concluded with all six finalists winning $144,000 dollars, combined, for their project proposals to make …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2019
- Photographs
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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.