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
Latest News from AASHE Bulletin
New Resources
Renewable and Alternative Energy Projects at Rutgers University
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick Campus (NJ)
The presentation Informs you about various Renewable and Alternative Energy projects Rutgers University has done.
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Net Zero 24/7: How Colorado College's 94k Square Foot Library Became a Carbon Reduction Strategy
- Colorado College (CO)
Colorado College's 94,000 square-foot library is the first to be built for the college's unique block plan. It's also the first known library of it's scale and scope to be …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Searching for the Higher Ed Context in the Analysis of Green Building Costs and Benefits
- Virginia Tech (VA)
Green building certification on campuses is relatively new. When determining the financial feasibility of a certified green building at an Institution of Higher Education (IHE), the full building lifecycle perspective …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Cutting Carbon Through Electricity Diversification
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
Renewable energy procurement can be a complicated process and projects are often not implemented due to institutional financial requirements, unclear or unfamiliar decision making processes, organizational inertia, concerns about technology, …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Bridging the Gap Between Economic Viability and Environmental Sustainability with Solar on University Campuses
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
Over the past two years, University of Minnesota students, staff, and faculty have collaborated with solar and financial consultants to encourage the University of Minnesota to invest in solar energy. …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Passive House Applications for Campus Buildings
- FXCollaborative (NY)
- Local Practice Architecture + Design
This session will focus on the feasibility implementing the Passive House Standard in University Campus applications. FXFOWLE will share the results of a research study investigating the viability of implementing …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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A model of partnership between private sector and public universities in Brazil: investment in within campus infrastructure.
- Université de l'État de Santa Catarina
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
The project proposes the development of a public-private partnership to raise funds for Brazil's net of public universities, nowadays with very narrow budgets, to invest in within campus infrastructure for …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Getting to Zero: Integrating Carbon Neutrality Planning with a Campus Utility Master Plan at a Small Liberal Arts College
- Swarthmore College (PA)
- Stone House Group (PA)
This presentation will cover how a small liberal arts college undertook an integrated Campus Utility Master Plan and Net Zero Carbon Strategy. It will explore how the Director of Sustainability …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Energy Security, Resilience, and Cost Savings: Solar Can Do More Than Save the Planet
- Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (VA)
- Institute for Sustainable Communities (VT)
Installing a solar PV array on campus is one way campuses across the country are working toward their climate and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals. But with the cost of …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Power in Numbers: Collaborative Solar Procurement in Virginia
- 3Degrees (CA)
- Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (VA)
The Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV) will provide an overview of the first collaborative procurement of on-campus solar energy in Virginia. This session will help participants understand their …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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California's Campuses Light the Way to a Clean Energy Future: Best Practices in Solar Project Planning
- SunPower Corp (CA)
Until recently, the majority of solar PV capacity in the US has been installed in California. As new states emerge as leaders in solar-friendly policies, decision makers at campuses across …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Energy Engineering for Non-Engineers
- 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 Dec. 1, 2017
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Energizing Campuses & Communities Through More Meaningful and Applied Learning
- Skyline College (CA)
- Strategic Energy Innovations (CA)
This networking meeting is open to all campus stakeholders interested in the Energize Colleges program. Current and potential future campus partners are invited to discuss year one successes and challenges, …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Arizona State University's Laboratory Standard and Design Guide
- Arizona State University (AZ)
Laboratory ventilation and conditioning on university campuses can be responsible for one quarter or more of greenhouse gas emissions, so climate neutrality will be difficult without dramatic gains in efficiency …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Students Counting Kilowatts - Student-engagement in energy conservation and master planning
- Loyola University Chicago (IL)
- Stanford University (CA)
Universities are constantly undertaking studies and master planning efforts for all kinds of functions. These are opportunities for student learning and can be an important role for sustainability staff. Join …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Green Labs at The University of Texas at Austin
- University of Texas at Austin (TX)
The Office of Sustainability's Green Labs program at The University of Texas at Austin is a student-led initiative that serves as a resource to help researchers run a more sustainable …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Building Blocks for Assessing the Impact of Energy Dashboards
- Princeton University (NJ)
Energy Dashboards can be effective tools in communicating about sustainability by providing real-time feedback on campus energy usage. The challenge many schools are faced with is how to use their …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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A Sustainable Energy Laboratory Course for Non-Science Majors
- Eastern Connecticut State University (CT)
- Trinity University (TX)
Using sustainable energy to address climate change is of growing importance as society tries to balance its energy needs while minimizing environmental impacts. To help students better understand this balance, …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Saving Energy and Creating a Constant, Consistent, Repeatable Lab Environment at The University of Maryland IBBR
- University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
- Optimum Energy (WA)
The University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research will outline the steps they took to reduce their energy consumption, further improve their environmental stabilization plant's reliability and improve …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Tracking Campus Energy & Water Performance with ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
- University of North Carolina, Charlotte (NC)
Keeping a university campus sustainable can start with tracking energy and water performance for a building. In this session, we will describe our experience with tracking building performance with an …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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The Growth of Renewable Energy in Higher Education: Can It Get Us to Our GHG Goals?
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
- Edison Energy (CA)
Is higher ed on track to achieve its GHG reduction targets? Not without massively ramping up renewables. A new study by the University of New Hampshire and Altenex compiles and …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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How a New Learning Lab Becomes a Continuous Career Fair and Sustainability Jobs Hub
- Sacramento City College (CA)
- Trane (TX)
The Sacramento City College Mechanical Electrical Technology (MET) Program has been in place for decades. In recent years, enrollment has leveled off but local industry still has a relative high …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Featuring the Chemistry Department in Campus Sustainability Initiatives: Best Practices in the Lab and Curriculum
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
- My Green Lab (CA)
- Beyond Benign (MA)
Chemistry laboratories have a long-standing reputation of being energy, water, and waste intensive. The emergence of high standards of environmental and social responsibility have lead to a particular need for …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Leveraging ENERGY STAR to Increase Campus Efficiency: A Northwestern University Case Study
- Northwestern University (IL)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
Attendees will learn how to implement best practices in energy efficiency and engage the campus community in behavior change. ENERGY STAR® guidelines and assessment tools provided the foundation for Northwestern …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Free, Open Source Energy Dashboard: A Platform for Collaboration Between Students, Faculty, and Facilities Management
- Beloit College (WI)
- Central College (IA)
- Macalester College (MN)
Beloit College is spearheading an effort to create a free, open source energy dashboard that will be usable and customizable across a range of institutions. Features include: acquiring, archiving and …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Developing Carbon Credits on Your Campus through the Voluntary Carbon Market
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (WI)
- Second Nature (MA)
For the past year, a handful of schools have been third party verifying and selling carbon credits on the Voluntary Carbon Market through Second Nature's Carbon Credit and Purchasing Program. …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Barriers and Breakthroughs On the Road to Large-Scale Renewable Energy PPAs
- Boston University (MA)
- University of Richmond (VA)
- Edison Energy (CA)
Conventional power prices are at historic lows. Yet, wind and solar power costs are still able to compete with 'brown' power. A new renewable energy trends report by the University …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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From Gown to Town: Bringing the Benefits of Solar Energy to the Community
- University of Minnesota, Duluth (MN)
- Midwest Renewable Energy Association (WI)
- Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (VA)
- Institute for Sustainable Communities (VT)
Solar energy programs present a unique opportunity between colleges and their communities. We'll explore three areas where collaboration on and off campus are making a difference, including programs that create …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Innovative Financing Options and the University Solar Deployment Process
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
- Intentional Endowments Network (MA)
- Midwest Renewable Energy Association (WI)
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (CO)
This workshop session will highlight new, high-impact ways in which higher education institutions can finance solar deployment, including making investments via endowments. In this session, EPA will review emerging solar …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Getting Traction with Large-Scale Renewable Energy Procurement: Finding Your Sweet-Spot and Effectively Communicating About It
- George Washington University (DC)
- Michigan State University (MI)
- Coho Climate Advisors (MD)
Technology cost reductions and favorable market economics make large-scale renewable energy an increasingly compelling choice for campuses to make step-change improvements in their GHG footprint while also reducing long-term cost …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Being a RE-Volv Solar Ambassador on your Campus and in your Community: Practical and Curricular Training and Experiences
- Coastal Carolina University (SC)
- RE-Volv (CA)
Re-Volv is a solar seed fund non-profit organization from San Francisco. It sponsors teams of college students each year to work with community non-profits and provide them solar energy. Establishing …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Secrets to Campus Energy Success: Constructing a Comprehensive Renewable Energy Strategy
- University of Richmond (VA)
- Edison Energy (CA)
Energy is one of the largest non-payroll operating costs for most colleges and universities. Campus budgets are exposed to volatile energy price fluctuations, rising over time. Electricity and natural gas …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Submetering: Identify, Integrate, Fix-and Cruise
- Princeton University (NJ)
- Smith College (MA)
- GreenerU (MA)
Submetering is amazing! Submetering is frustrating!' It's a roller coaster to deal with submetering technology sometimes. You finally have granular data to help you identify energy hogs on campus, but …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Diverse Paths to Success: Three High-Impact Infrastructure Projects that Reduced Energy Consumption and Emissions
- Bowling Green State University (OH)
- Rider University (NJ)
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania (PA)
- Gordian (SC)
Despite lower utility costs and longer payback periods, sustainability outcomes across Higher Education continue to improve through investment in utility & systems upgrades. According to data from the joint 2016 …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Guide to Making Claims About Your Solar Power Use
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
This guide describes best practices for appropriately explaining and characterizing solar power activities and the fundamental importance of renewable energy certificates (RECs) for solar power use claims. This guidance is …
- Posted Nov. 16, 2017
- Publications
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3.3 MW Wind Purchase from Roth Rock Wind Farm
- University System of Maryland Office (MD)
The University of Maryland System and the Maryland Department of General Services are jointly purchasing 20% of the output of the 50 MW Roth Rock Wind Farm via a 20 …
- Posted Nov. 13, 2017
- Green Power Projects
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18 MW Wind Purchase from Pinnacle Wind Farm
- University System of Maryland Office (MD)
The University of Maryland System is purchasing 33% of the output of the 55 MW Pinnacle Wind Farm via a 20 year power purchase agreement. The Maryland Department of General …
- Posted Nov. 13, 2017
- Green Power Projects
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1.4 MW Solar Array on Pecos Campus
- Chandler-Gilbert Community College (AZ)
- SolarCity
Chandler-Gilbert Community College partnered with SolarCity to install a 1.38 MW solar power system at its Pecos Campus. It was constructed on land leased from CGCC. The college purchases the …
- Posted Nov. 13, 2017
- Green Power Projects
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52 MW Capital Partners Solar Project
- American University (DC)
- George Washington University (DC)
- Duke Energy (NC)
- Coho Climate Advisors (MD)
The Capital Partners Solar Project (CPSP) is a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) under which Duke Energy Renewables (DER) installed 52-megawatts (AC) of ground-mount solar across three sites in North …
- Posted Nov. 13, 2017
- Green Power Projects
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Ten Tools for Moving Your Campus to 100% Clean Energy
Environment America designed a series of 10 fact sheets as a resource for students, faculty and administrators interested in moving their campus toward sustainability. The fact sheets have been crafted …
- Posted Nov. 8, 2017
- Publications
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New Drivers for Campus Microgrids: Resiliency, Community, Research, Jobs & Cost Savings
Colleges and universities were among the first to adopt microgrid technology in North America. Initially they did so to ensure electric reliability on a grid that had yet to fully …
- Posted Oct. 25, 2017
- Publications
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Bates College Students Install Solar
- Bates College (ME)
Working with local solar installer Revision Energy, Bates College students work on the roof of our Shortridge Research Facility to install enough solar panels to cover 100% of the building's …
- Posted Oct. 20, 2017
- Photographs
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Bates College Students Install Solar Panels on Research Faciltiy
- Bates College (ME)
Working with local solar installer Revision Energy, Bates College students work on the roof of our Shortridge Research Facility to install enough solar panels to cover 100% of the building's …
- Posted Oct. 20, 2017
- Photographs
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Bates College's New Wood-based, Liquid Fuel Boiler
- Bates College (ME)
In January of 2017, Bates College began using a fuel which no other college or university in the United States has used before. Known as Renewable Fuel Oil, it is …
- Posted Oct. 20, 2017
- Photographs
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Skidmore College Geothermal Node
- Skidmore College (NY)
Skidmore College's first geothermal energy node distributes geothermal energy from the Arts Quad bore field to Zankel Music Center, Filene Hall, and Saisselin Art Building.
- Posted Oct. 20, 2017
- Photographs
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Solar Trackers on Sterling College Campus, Craftsbury Common, VT
- Sterling College (VT) (VT)
Sterling College has been a leader in seeking alternative sources of energy and even investments to fuel our endeavors. Sterling produces about 80 percent of its energy through solar power …
- Posted Oct. 14, 2017
- Photographs
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4.5 MW of Rooftop Solar Installations
- Stanford University (CA)
- SunPower Corp (CA)
In February 2017, Stanford completed the installation of 4.5 MW of solar spread across the roofs of 15 campus buildings: Braun Music Center; Automotive Innovation Facility; 340 Bonair Siding, home …
- Posted Oct. 14, 2017
- Green Power Projects
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44MW Solar Purchase from Summit Farms
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
- Coho Climate Advisors (MD)
In the fall of 2016, MIT joined with two local partners (Boston Medical Center and Post Office Square Redevelopment Corporation) in a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Dominion Resources, …
- Posted Oct. 14, 2017
- Green Power Projects
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67 MW Stanford Solar Generating Station
- Stanford University (CA)
- SunPower Corp (CA)
Covering approximately 200 acres in a western valley of the Mojave Desert, the 67 MW (DC) Stanford Solar Generating Station produces the equivalent of about half of the electricity used …
- Posted Oct. 11, 2017
- Green Power Projects
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60 MW Wind Energy Purchase: Cowboy Wind Farm
- Oklahoma State University (OK)
On January 1, 2013, Oklahoma State began purchasing 110 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of wind energy annually under a 20 year power purchase agreement with Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co. This …
- Posted Oct. 11, 2017
- Green Power Projects
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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.