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.
Featured Resources
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New Resources
AASHE Webinar: Retrofitting Existing Buildings for Energy Efficiency and Demand Response
- Western Michigan University (MI)
- AASHE (MA)
- Cypress Envirosystems (CA)
This is an educational webinar presented by AASHE Business Leader Cypress Envirosystems.
Compared with new facilities, existing buildings and plants often have legacy equipment which waste energy, require more maintenance, …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Videos & Webinars
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Bioenergy Minor
- Oregon State University (OR)
The Bioenergy Minor focuses on bioenergy concepts and issues and offers students an opportunity to gain significant research experience and skills. This interdisciplinary minor is open to all majors. It …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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BioRenewable Systems (MS)
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
Biorenewable Systems are the structures and processes that create and support biologically-based products capable of being continuously replaced through sound technology and management. BRS is positioned to be a world-renowned …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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BioRenewable Systems (PhD)
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
Biorenewable Systems are the structures and processes that create and support biologically-based products capable of being continuously replaced through sound technology and management. BRS is positioned to be a world-renowned …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable & Renewable Energy Engineering (BEng)
- Carleton University (ON)
This program provides analytical and hands-on skills for designing, building, operating and enhancing sustainable energy systems that combine energy generation, distribution and utilization in an environmentally responsible and economically beneficial …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Renewable (Solar) Energy Option, Energy Engineering (MS)
- University of Massachusetts Lowell (MA)
The UMass Lowell graduate program in Energy Engineering offers professional training at the master's degree level designed to prepare the student to perform state-of-the-art work on energy systems.
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Energy Systems Concentration, Engineering (MS)
- San Francisco State University (CA)
Issues related to limited energy resources, energy efficiency and conservation, and renewable energy, as well as the effects of ever-increasing energy production and consumption are prompting a significant surge in …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Wind Energy Minor
- Iowa State University (IA)
The curriculum of the newly approved PhD degree program for WESEP, as part of our IGERT project: A new PhD Program on Wind Energy Science, Engineering and Policy (WESEP), includes …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Wind Energy Science, Engineering & Policy (PhD)
- Iowa State University (IA)
The curriculum of the newly approved PhD degree program for WESEP, as part of our IGERT project: A new PhD Program on Wind Energy Science, Engineering and Policy (WESEP), includes …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Electric Power & Energy Systems Concentration, Electrical Engineering (BSE)
- Arizona State University (AZ)
The goal of the electric power and energy systems concentration is to prepare graduates for positions in industries dealing with generation, transmission and utilization of electric power. Generation includes conventional …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Alternative Energy Concentration, Electronics Engineering Technology (BS)
- Arizona State University (AZ)
The alternative energy technologies concentration explores the demands of energy resources in the new economy. This program strives to educate individuals in the use of energy sources such as solar, …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Master in Energy Engineering: Renewable Energy
- Polytechnique Montréal (QC)
The Sustainable Design and Manufacturing of Modular Mastery in Mechanical Engineering course is designed for applicants who wish to further their training in the design and manufacturing of products and …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Environmental & Renewable Resource Economics Minor
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
This minor introduces students to how fundamental economic principles can be used to explain and seek solutions for problems related to the degradation of the environment and unsustainable use of …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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BA/MA in Energy & Environment
- Boston University (MA)
The program in Energy & Environment offered through the Department of Earth & Environment combines advanced undergraduate and graduate coursework to provide students with the foundational knowledge and advanced analytical …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Energy (MS/MPS)
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (NY)
The Sustainable Energy area of study examines the biological, technical, economic, environmental, business, and policy feasibility and life cycle impacts of sustainable energy systems, with a particular focus on biobased …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Energy (PhD)
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (NY)
The Sustainable Energy area of study examines the biological, technical, economic, environmental, business, and policy feasibility and life cycle impacts of sustainable energy systems, with a particular focus on biobased …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Energy Minor
- Boston University (MA)
The Minor in Sustainable Energy, open to all undergraduates, teaches students the interdisciplinary nature of energy studies. The curriculum includes the essential elements of energy from the business, economics, policy …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Energy & Sustainability Certificate
- Arizona State University (AZ)
The transdisciplinary certificate examines current energy systems and what would be required to create a sustainable energy future. Students begin with an overview of how energy affects peoples' lives, the …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Power Systems & Sustainable Energy (MS)
- Santa Clara University (CA)
Santa Clara's MS in Sustainable Energy introduces graduate students to an multi-disciplinary approach to designing sustainable energy systems. The master program's mission is to provide a strong curriculum in engineering …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Renewable Energy Minor
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (NY)
This minor will provide students an opportunity to examine different sources of traditional and renewable energy simultaneously in the context of our total energy use using a systems perspective. Students …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Renewable Energy Graduate Certificate
- University of South Florida (Tampa) (FL)
The Graduate Certificate program in Renewable Energy recognizes post-bachelor preparation for the engineering and design of modern renewable energy systems such as solar thermal, concentrated solar thermal (CSP), photovoltaic, etc. …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Graduate Certificate in Energy Conversion & Transport
- Missouri University of Science and Technology (MO)
Certificate is focused on energy production, fuels, and energy transportation. Possibly sustainability related through optional Fuel Cell course.
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Energy Studies Minor
- Yale University (CT)
Energy Studies is a multidisciplinary academic program (MAP) in Yale College. The curriculum is designed to provide selected undergraduates with the knowledge and skills needed for advanced studies, leadership, and …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Alternative Energy Certificate
- College of Lake County (IL)
This certificate provides entry level technical instruction on wind, solar and geothermal energy sources. Courses in this certificate may also apply to certificates specific to solar, wind or geothermal energy …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Renewable Energy Certificate
- Santa Clara University (CA)
The main goal of this certificate is to introduce students to the field of renewable energy. The intent is to help equip professionals in Silicon Valley with the knowledge that …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Wind Energy (BS)
- Texas Tech University (TX)
Wind Energy is the premiere multidisciplinary program developing transformational experts who apply knowledge, skills, and conviction to lead in the advancement of sustainable renewable power solutions with positive regional, national, …
- Posted April 12, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Duke University Carbon Policy on the Road to 2024: Policy Proposals
- Duke University (NC)
The goal of our Bass Connections in Energy Team (henceforth “the Team”) was to research ways to measure and influence both individual and institutional change to reduce Duke University’s carbon …
- Posted April 11, 2018
- Publications
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Daylighting and Occupant Density: an indoor environmental quality analysis of Appalachian State University classrooms
- Appalachian State University (NC)
This study examined a variety of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) attributes in classrooms across the Appalachian State University campus. The study focused on daylighting (the ability for natural light to …
- Posted April 11, 2018
- Publications
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Energy Storage Strategies for the University of New Hampshire: A Feasibility Analysis of Energy Storage Opportunities on the Durham Campus
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
Energy storage systems manage the power supply in order to create a more resilient energy structure, incorporate cleaner energy sources, and to bring cost savings to utilities and consumers. [2] …
- Posted April 11, 2018
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Building a Carbon Footprint of Clemson University's Main Campus
- Clemson University (SC)
Greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories have become a popular means for colleges and universities to better understand their environmental impact and quantify sustainability efforts. Clemson University is one of the many …
- Posted April 6, 2018
- Publications
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Innovative Solutions for Reducing Waste at Skidmore College: Analyzing the Carbon Footprint & Economics of Paper Towels vs. Electric Hand Dryers
- Skidmore College (NY)
The purpose of this capstone project is to create the most culminating analysis of all of the available hand drying methodologies, and utilize this research in order to integrate the …
- Posted April 6, 2018
- Publications
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Example RFP and Scorecard for Procurement/Advisory Services for Large Scale Renewable Energy
- AASHE (MA)
This is an example RFP for a professional services firm to provide renewable energy procurement services that include the development and execution of an integrated strategy to procure renewable energy …
- Posted April 6, 2018
- Tools
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Promoting Sustainability Science on Campus: Renewable Energy Workshops Hosted at Kean University in New Jersey
- Kean University (NJ)
The project provides workshops for high school/college students and educators to learn the basics, application, and impacts of renewable energy through hands-on activities and software tools. The workshops cover many …
- Posted April 3, 2018
- Case Studies
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Implementation Strategies for Campus Green Revolving Funds
- Agnes Scott College (GA)
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
- AASHE (MA)
- ICF International (VA)
Many colleges and universities have begun to adopt or seriously consider the green revolving fund model to help finance urgently needed energy efficiency upgrades on campus. This webinar will provide …
- Posted April 3, 2018
- Videos & Webinars
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Using Energy and Water Reduction Competitions to Effect Tangible Change
- AASHE (MA)
- Atrius (CA)
This webinar provides a better understanding of how to coordinate campus energy and water reduction competitions. Learn how to facilitate an effective competition on campus to inspire behavioral change and …
- Posted April 3, 2018
- Videos & Webinars
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Fall 2017 Immersive Learning: Brownfields to Brightfields
- Ball State University (IN)
With the support and facilitation of the Center for Energy Research/Education/Service (CERES) at Ball State University, a group of second year urban planning students in the College of Architecture and …
- Posted April 3, 2018
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Strategies for a sustainable campus in Osaka University
- Osaka University
This paper reports strategies toward achieving a sustainable campus at Osaka University, Japan. We advance a daily energy-use schedule for each building type to provide effective energy-saving strategies. We classify …
- Posted March 29, 2018
- Publications
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Green Gigawatt Partnership: Ramping Up Renewables in Higher Education
- Cornell University (NY)
- University of California, Office of the President (CA)
- AASHE (MA)
- Edison Energy (CA)
The Green Gigawatt Partnership seeks to catalyze one gigawatt of green power development by 2020 by recognizing colleges and universities who have signed long term contracts to purchase green power …
- Posted March 27, 2018
- Videos & Webinars
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New Trends in the Higher Education: Renewable Energy at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering
- Holon Institute Of Technology
Renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies are the key for creating a clean energy future for not only the nation, but the world.World Energy Consumption relies heavily on coal, oil, …
- Posted March 22, 2018
- Publications
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Integrated circular economy and education model to address aspects of an energy-water-food nexus in a dairy facility and local contexts
- Başkent University
Universities have responsibilities for accelerating pedagogical innovation to enable a more sustainable future. This research work develops a three-phased approach for integrating principles of a circular economy system within a …
- Posted March 22, 2018
- Publications
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1.7 kW Powerhouse Vertical Axis Wind Turbines
- Colorado State University (CO)
The Colorado State University Powerhouse Energy Campus is located near the heart of downtown Fort Collins. The 100,000 square-foot Powerhouse Energy Campus consists of two parts; the CSU Engines and …
- Posted March 20, 2018
- Green Power Projects
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Lab Building Benchmarking - Boston and Beyond
- Harvard University (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
- Boston Green Ribbon Commission (MA)
This webinar will present an important new benchmarking study of academic laboratory buildings from the Boston area, conducted by the Boston Green Ribbon Commission’s Higher Education Working Group. Lab buildings …
- Posted March 15, 2018
- Videos & Webinars
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Boston Area Lab Energy Benchmarking Study: Year 1 & Year 2
- Boston Green Ribbon Commission (MA)
Year 1 Report: Lab facilities are often the source of the greatest energy use at large research institutions, disproportionate to the square footage they occupy, so they are a key …
- Posted March 15, 2018
- Publications
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Energy Engineering for Non-Engineers: Sweetened and Condensed
- AASHE (MA)
- GreenerU (MA)
- Babson College (MA)
As a sustainability change agent, you may not have a background in engineering, but developing a basic fluency in energy engineering terms and concepts can empower you to participate in …
- Posted March 1, 2018
- Videos & Webinars
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Evaluation of an informational and behavior change program to increase students' self-reported energy conservation
- Hobart and William Smith Colleges (NY)
- State University of New York at Brockport (NY)
A systematic evaluation of a program, consisting of sustainability education, self-management strategies, and feedback, to decrease college students' energy use was conducted. During treatment, the experimental group showed increased self-reported …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2018
- Publications
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An aggregated and dynamic analysis of innovations in campus sustainability
- Smith College (MA)
Purpose: This paper aims to compose a systematic understanding of campus sustainability innovations and unpack the complex drivers behind the elaboration of specific innovations. More precisely, the authors ask …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2018
- Publications
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5.9 MW Wind Energy Purchase
- Southwestern University (TX)
In January 2010, Southwestern University signed an agreement with the City of Georgetown that enables the university to meet all its electric needs with wind power. Under the agreement, Southwestern …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2018
- Green Power Projects
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Energy use characteristics and benchmarking for higher education buildings
- Griffith University (Queensland)
Higher education buildings serve complex functions by providing spaces for various activities and disciplines. This study aims to understand energy use characteristics of different types of buildings in higher education …
- Posted Feb. 20, 2018
- Publications
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The Biochemistry Cell Culture Facility at CU Boulder: Avoided costs and other benefits resulting from shared equipment in collaborative research space
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
With scientists experiencing intense competition for federal biomedical research funding, efficiency and cost-saving measures are powerful tools to maximize the impact of those research dollars. The large environmental footprint of …
- Posted Feb. 15, 2018
- Publications
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Aggregating Higher Education Demand for Renewables: A Primer
- University at Buffalo (NY)
- AASHE (MA)
- Edison Energy (CA)
AASHE is excited to announce the release Aggregating Higher Education Demand for Renewables: A Primer, a new publication designed to help groups of colleges and universities use their collective …
- Posted Feb. 15, 2018
- 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.