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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6 kW Solar Charging Station
- Green Mountain College (VT)
The 5.8 kW solar array between Dunton and Richardson was installed as an electric vehicle charging station in 2013 under the leadership of Professor Steve Letendre. The project cost $32,400. …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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4 kW Rooftop Array: Solar Garage
- Green Mountain College (VT)
The garage known as Olwen was built in 2014 by renewable energy and ecological design students in only one semester. Under the leadership of professors Lucas Brown, Steve Letendre, and …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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A geographic approach to facilitating local climate governance: From emissions inventories to mitigation planning
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
It is increasingly recognized that municipal and regional scale governments play a vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. While universities possess many resources that …
- Posted Dec. 2, 2016
- Publications
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Community support for campus approaches to sustainable energy use: The role of “town–gown” relationships
- American University (DC)
- Cornell University (NY)
Across the United States, universities are grappling with challenges associated with adopting approaches to more sustainable energy use. One approach has been to develop energy-related projects in their local, host …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2016
- Publications
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An overview of life cycle assessment (LCA) and research-based teaching in renewable and sustainable energy education
Engineers working as designers, managers and policy-makers play a key role in decision-making got sustainable energy solutions. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a key decision-making and benchmarking tool used for …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2016
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182 kW Rooftop Array: El Pomar Sports Center
- Colorado College (CO)
The newest solar panel additions are located on the roofs of the El Pomar Sports Center and the Edith Kinney Gaylord Cornerstone Arts Center. The panels on El Pomar generate …
- Posted Nov. 30, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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101 kW Rooftop Array: EKG Cornerstone Arts Center
- Colorado College (CO)
The newest solar panel additions are located on the roofs of the El Pomar Sports Center and the Edith Kinney Gaylord Cornerstone Arts Center. The panels on Cornerstone produce approximately …
- Posted Nov. 30, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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50 kW Canopy Array: Deep Green Residence Hall
- Berea College (KY)
This array of 114 photovoltaic (PV) panels will generate electricity to meet just over 15% of the building’s energy needs: at 50 kW. This rooftop system utilizes a series of …
- Posted Nov. 30, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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35 kW Rooftop Array: Worner Campus Center
- Colorado College (CO)
Approximately 144 solar panels producing 35KW were installed on the Worner Center roof to help offset the electrical usage in the building. An interactive flatscreen on the main floor monitors …
- Posted Nov. 30, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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20 kW Rooftop Array: Children's Center
- Colorado College (CO)
The Children’s Center at Colorado College received solar panels, which produce 414,000 kilowatt hours a year.
- Posted Nov. 30, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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18 kW Rooftop Array: Spencer Center
- Colorado College (CO)
An 18kW array was installed as part of building renovations in 2014.
- Posted Nov. 30, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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11 kW Rooftop Array: Dean of Students' Residence
- Colorado College (CO)
A 10.7kW array.
- Posted Nov. 30, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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7 kW Rooftop Array: President's House
- California State University, Monterey Bay (CA)
The 21 roof-mounted photovoltaic cells were installed by Western Sun Systems and produce 6.9 kilowatts of power. That’s enough electricity to meet about 80 percent of the total power need …
- Posted Nov. 30, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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7 kW Rooftop Array: Synergy House
- Colorado College (CO)
The Synergy House is Colorado College's first net-zero energy building, designed as a prototype for students to study and discuss as the college moves toward carbon neutrality. House features include …
- Posted Nov. 30, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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1 kW Rooftop Array: KRCC Radio Station
- Colorado College (CO)
Radio station KRCC, an NPR-member station and home of Radio Colorado College, has installed a rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar power system, making it the first solar installation on a radio …
- Posted Nov. 30, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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Best Practices for Solar PPAs
- State University of New York at Cortland (NY)
- Dallas College (TX)
Solar energy is now economically feasible in many states of the U.S. The question is who pays for the solar panels? The costs of design, installation, operation and maintenance of …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Institutional Change through Student-Led Initiatives: The Appalachian State University Renewable Energy Initiative
- Appalachian State University (NC)
The ASUREI is a student-led, student-funded organization that reduces the environmental impact of Appalachian State University by implementing renewable energy technologies, investing in sustainable energy practices, and promoting campus engagement. …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Powering a New South: Sustainability and Energy in the Southern US
- Coastal Carolina University (SC)
Through an examination of the processes and experiences of a yearlong, multi-disciplinary university press project, students, instructors, and press advisors will examine energy through the lens of our local experience …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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We're Divesting! Where can we Move our Money?
- National Union of Students
Working with others in the Divest-Invest movement this workshop will present the steps that can be taken once a fossil fuel divestment commitment has been secured. The workshop will cover: …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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LEED Green Associate Training V4
- Leonardo Academy (WI)
LEED Green Associate Training covers information needed for preparation for the GBCI LEED Green Associate exam. Presented by Leonardo Academy staff: Michael Arny, President of Leonardo Academy who was the …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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How to Use Renewables to Cut Carbon and Boost the Bottom Line
- Howard University (DC)
- Edison Energy (CA)
- Dallas College (TX)
This workshop will help participants develop comprehensive renewable energy plans that educate campus stakeholders, dramatically reduce GHGs, and provide cost savings and budget certainty by avoiding volatile conventional energy costs. …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Energy Engineering for Non-Engineers
- GreenerU (MA)
Much of the change we need to make in order to address climate change and sustainability challenges relates to engineering, but that doesn't mean everyone needs an engineering degree to …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Using Campus Solar Deployment Roadmaps to Guide University Investment
- Second Nature (MA)
- Intentional Endowments Network (MA)
- Midwest Renewable Energy Association (WI)
With support from the U.S. Department of Energy's SunShot Initiative, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) has been working to develop approaches and define opportunities for on- and off-campus solar …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Ganging Up to Go Big: Campus Collaborations to Achieve Scale with Renewables
- University at Buffalo (NY)
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (WI)
- Edison Energy (CA)
Electricity is the single largest source of emissions for most campuses, and renewable energy is the only way to eliminate those emissions. But renewable energy is still unfamiliar territory for …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Getting it Done - Building a Team and Value Proposition for Large Scale Renewables - Part 2
- American University (DC)
- George Washington University (DC)
- Second Nature (MA)
- Coho Climate Advisors (MD)
This two part working session will help participants overcome two hurdles that have held back a wider adoption of large-scale renewable projects in the higher education: (1) establishing a team …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Getting it Done - Building a Team and Value Proposition for Large Scale Renewables - Part 1
- American University (DC)
- George Washington University (DC)
- Second Nature (MA)
- Coho Climate Advisors (MD)
This two part working session will help participants overcome two hurdles that have held back a wider adoption of large-scale renewable projects in the higher education: (1) establishing a team …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Assessing the Campus Sector's Renewable Energy Performance
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
- Edison Energy (CA)
While colleges and universities across the U.S. have invested significant effort and resources towards using renewables for their operations, much is unknown about the campus sector's overall performance in this …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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University of California's Presidential Initiative for Carbon Neutrality: A Multi-Institutional, Multi-Dimensional Perspective
- University of California, Office of the President (CA)
- University of California, Riverside (CA)
- University of California, San Diego (CA)
- University of California, Santa Cruz (CA)
- University of California, Merced (CA)
The 2014 UC Carbon Neutrality Initiative builds on pioneering work on climate research to make all ten campuses carbon neutral in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025. All UC …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Embolden Facilities and Finance Office Collaborations for Sustainability
- APPA: Leadership in Educational Facilities (VA)
- National Association of College & University Business Officers (NACUBO) (DC)
Two major national association organizations - representing facilities and business offices - will highlight collaborations, programs, and developments regarding sustainability that cross boundaries for success. Collaboration with these units, within …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Financing Sustainability and How to REALLY Talk to the Business Office
- Edinboro University of Pennsylvania (PA)
- Slippery Rock University (PA)
- National Association of College & University Business Officers (NACUBO) (DC)
Two experienced vice presidents of finance will briefly discuss some of their accomplishments in sustainability and their partners at the campus that have helped or hindered. They have changed laws, …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Open Sesame: Low-Cost Sub-Meter Data Visualization
- Macalester College (MN)
Learn how Macalester, as the next step of the College's sub-metering initiative, has leveraged no-cost and open-source solutions through HTML and XML, Google Apps, and Tableau to display utilities consumption …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Engaging Laboratories in Sustainability
- Harvard University (MA)
- Stanford University (CA)
- My Green Lab (CA)
Laboratories contribute significantly to a university's environmental footprint. At research institutions they can account for more than half of the campus energy consumption, consume hundreds of thousands of gallons of …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Building Sustainable Communities: an International Collaboration Between Island Communities and Academia
- College of the Atlantic (ME)
Through community engagement and a plan for economic rejuvenation Samsø¸ Island, Denmark became one of the first carbon negative communities in the world. In 2014, an international partnership between Samsø's …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Student Activism for Community Energy Efficiency: Harnessing ENERGY STAR Activities and Resources for the Public Good
- American University (DC)
As part of an annual elective course in Sustainable Design, American University (AU) graduate students in the Global Environmental Politics program in the School of International Service undertake a real-world …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Paving the Way for Increased Solar Utilization in Higher Education
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
- Center for Resource Solutions | Green-e (CA)
- Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (VA)
Colleges and universities are increasingly interested in deploying solar technologies to power and green up their campuses. However, financing, legal, administrative, and policy barriers can often get in the way …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Integrating Solar PV in Building Overhauls
- Chesapeake College (MD)
- United States Department of Energy (DC)
The Health Professions and Athletics Center at Chesapeake College received a complete overhaul before its re-opening in August, 2015. Aiming for LEED Platinum certification, a 1.7 MW solar project has …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Energize Colleges: Energy Education and Internships for the Campus and Community
- Skyline College (CA)
- Strategic Energy Innovations (CA)
Energize Colleges is an innovative program bringing energy education and project-based internships to 12 California community colleges and universities. Launched earlier this year, the program employs clean energy as the …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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A Zero Net Energy Teaching Laboratory
- Sasaki Associates, Inc. (MA)
- BR+A (MA)
The ACUPCC and the 2030 Challenge set the trajectory for a carbon-neutral future in the building industry. This goal may seem out of reach for laboratory buildings with high plug-loads …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Collaborative Research to Improve Dorm Heating Performance: Improved comfort and energy efficiency
- Boston University (MA)
A common problem observed in small dorms in winter is open windows due to overheated rooms. We present results from a study by students, facilities staff, and faculty of the …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Using the Social Cost of Carbon as an Ingredient to Minimize Life Cycle Cost and Carbon
- Miami University (OH)
Optimizing a campus's utility master plan to minimize its twenty-five year life cycle cost is one thing, but add the social cost of carbon to the mix and the results …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Energy Feedback Sculpture: Using Public Art to Motivate Sustainable Behavior
- Iconic Energy Consulting
Public art, particularly interactive art, is uniquely positioned to communicate and engage. How might universities, institutions, and cities take advantage of public art to motivate sustainable behaviors among their constituencies? …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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WattTime: Energy Management to Reduce Emissions and Support Clean Energy Future
- WattTime (CA)
Every time any device in a building on any campus turns on, a single power plant must produces slightly more electricity to power it. But what kind of power plant? …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Sustainable Energy: Research and Innovation to Commercialization at the University of Missouri
- University of Missouri (MO)
In addition to leading research and innovation in alternative energy, University of Missouri has demonstrated a commitment to sustainable energy by taking discoveries to applications in the real world. In …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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The Green Rehab Experiment: Charting a Path to NZE for Market Rate Off-Campus University-Owned Housing Renovations
- Washington University in St. Louis (MO)
The Green Rehab Experiment is a multi-disciplinary applied research project that aims to chart a path towards net-zero energy performance for the renovation of 100-year old, off-campus, multi-family apartment buildings …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Sustainable Buildings: Utilizing BOMA BEST (Green Globes EB in Canada) to Enhance the Sustainable Operations of Your Campus
- University of Alberta (AB)
As part of The University of Alberta´s institutional Sustainability Plan we build all our new buildings to LEED or Green Globes standards. But as we operate and manage ± 200 …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Zero Net Energy Campus Master Planning
- BR+A (MA)
Colleges and Universities are targeting carbon neutrality in the coming decades; some are on track to achieve these goals ahead of schedule. We have gathered data on over 100 campuses …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Assessing the Carbon Footprint of Higher Education: Factors Influencing the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- North Carolina A&T State University (NC)
Thanks to the leadership of AASHE and Second Nature almost 20% of all higher education institutions have committed to making significant greenhouse gas emission reductions, and many have made substantial …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Small Scale Biogas for Energy Sustainability and Education
- Dickinson College (PA)
This presentation will describe the science and practical logistics of running a small scale biogas system on campus. Biogas (also known as biomethane) is a climate-friendly, renewable alternative to natural …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Capitalizing on Local Renewable Resources for Campus Energy Needs: The Williams Lake Campus Bio-Mass System
- Thompson Rivers University (BC)
Campuses across North America are increasingly looking to renewable energy sources to help reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and provide reliable and consistent energy costs. Each university has different …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Sustainable and Comprehensive Utilities and Energy Management
- Texas A&M University (TX)
Texas A&M University embarked on a comprehensive program, in 2002, to better understand and improve operational efficiency and effectiveness of campus facilities. The result has been a decrease in campus …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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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.