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
Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Performance and Energy Use Tests
- University of California, Riverside (CA)
During fall 2015 and winter 2016, staff and students from the University of California , Riverside Office of Sustainability evaluated three energy efficient Ultra Low Temperature Freezers. This study tested …
- Posted Oct. 7, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Professional Master’s Degree in Energy & Environment
- Boston University (MA)
The professional master’s degree in Energy & Environment provides a professional training degree for the student with an undergraduate degree in the natural sciences, the social sciences, the humanities, or …
- Posted Sept. 26, 2016
- Academic Programs
- View more
SCI - Waste - UCCS
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs (CO)
- Waste Management (TX)
Students volunteer at the annual Mt. Trashmore event. This event provides a visual display of a day's worth of campus trash, which is then sorted to determine how much of …
- Posted Sept. 23, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Sustainability Photos from Colorado State University
- Colorado State University (CO)
- Posted Sept. 23, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Energy Efficient Residence Hall
- Unity Environmental University (ME)
Unity College completed a new two-story, 18,200-square-foot, 76-bed residence hall in August 2016. The ADA-compliant building houses incoming freshmen and features multiple common spaces for group studying, private bathrooms and …
- Posted Sept. 23, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry sustainability and research photos
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (NY)
ESF is unique among colleges and universities in that all educational and research programs are oriented toward natural resources, and toward the natural and designed environments. All that ESF is …
- Posted Sept. 20, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Cornell University Energy & Engagement
- Cornell University (NY)
- Posted Sept. 16, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Arizona State University's Help Center
- Arizona State University (AZ)
The ASU Help Center provides support to students, faculty and staff sustainably due to ASU’s Green Purchasing Policy. The Help Center uses personal computers that meet the IEEE 1680 Standard …
- Posted Sept. 15, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Center Renewable Energy System plant
- University of Nebraska - Lincoln (NE)
The picture highlights the main plant of CRES project.
- Posted Sept. 14, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Furnace Brook Center Smart Home Laboratory
- Onondaga Community College (NY)
Onondaga Community College has created a smart home laboratory at the College's Furnace Brook Center with the help of a $2.5 million grant from the Department of Energy. The building …
- Posted Sept. 14, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Summer 2016 - St. John's University upgraded 41,000 lamps and 6,000 fixtures to LED
- St. John's University, New York (NY)
In Summer 2016, St. John's University invested $1.4 million to upgrade 41,000 lamps and 6,000 light fixtures to LED technology. Highlights of the project include:
- Utility company will share up …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Draft Horses on the Farm
- Green Mountain College (VT)
Sustainable Agriculture & Food Production Gwilym Walker ' 17 drives draft horses on the college farm.
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Renewable Energy Projects at UC Santa Cruz
- University of California, Santa Cruz (CA)
At the University of California, Santa Cruz, a cross-disciplinary group of engineering undergraduates--the "Green Wharf Renewable Energy Project" team--shows off its senior capstone design project, a low-impact marine microgrid energy …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Energy Initiatives at Mohawk College
- Mohawk College (ON)
Applied wind and solar energy projects at the Fennell Campus of Mohawk College support teaching, learning and research on campus.
PV Solar panels on the roof of the David Braley …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
The Learning Exchange
- Mohawk College (ON)
The Learning Exchange is LEED® Gold Certified, incorporating technologies that reduce the building’s overall energy consumption. Building systems are exposed to create a living lab for Engineering Technology students and …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Mohawk Energy Research Centre
- Mohawk College (ON)
An Engineering Technology student monitors a solar panel as part of the Mohawk Energy Research Centre (MERC).
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Peacock Hall photovoltaic array
- Appalachian State University (NC)
Appalachian State University currently has 17 renewable energy projects on or near campus, with plans to double the amount of energy generated by renewables in the near future.
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
SUNY Polytechnic Institute Campus Conservation Nationals Flyers
- State University of New York Polytechnic Institute (NY)
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Outreach Materials
- View more
Writing Solar Requests for Proposals (RFPs): Lessons from NREL’s University PV Implementation Assistance Program
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (CO)
With funding from the Department of Energy’s SunShot program, NREL is assisting higher education institutions with solar PV procurement. Universities issue RFPs as a way to get competitive bids on …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Supporting Solar Energy through a Student-Financed Renewable Energy Initiative
- Appalachian State University (NC)
- Second Nature (MA)
- Midwest Renewable Energy Association (WI)
The "Solar University Network: Innovation in Solar Energy Finance & Development" case study series highlights higher education investment in solar energy projects. The purpose of these case studies is to …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Public College Foundation Investment in Solar
- Wake Technical Community College (NC)
- Second Nature (MA)
- Midwest Renewable Energy Association (WI)
The “Solar University Network: Innovation in Solar Energy Finance & Development” case study series highlights higher education investment in solar energy projects. The purpose of these case studies is to …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Third-Party, Supporter-Financed Campus Solar: An Approach and a Partnership that Works
- Luther College (IA)
- Second Nature (MA)
- Midwest Renewable Energy Association (WI)
The “Solar University Network: Innovation in Solar Energy Finance & Development” case study series highlights higher education investment in solar energy projects. The purpose of these case studies is to …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Appalachian State University students have a hands-on sustainability experience
- Appalachian State University (NC)
Appalachian State University’s leadership in sustainability education can be traced back to more than 25 years. The university houses the nation’s longest running Sustainable Development Program (est. 1991) and has …
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
SUNY Polytechnic Institute Building Energy Dashboard
- State University of New York Polytechnic Institute (NY)
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
SUNY Polytechnic Institute Sustainability Path
- State University of New York Polytechnic Institute (NY)
Solar PV and small wind turbine demonstration project funded by SUNY Small Grant Sustainability Fund
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
NC State Students Champion Solar Installation
- North Carolina State University (NC)
In 2016, the Park Scholarships program celebrates its 20th year. Each class of Park Scholars chooses a legacy gift to leave the university, and the Class of 2015 chose to …
- Posted Sept. 9, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Solar field and rooftop installations at the David Ames Clock Farm at Stonehill College
- Stonehill College (MA)
The 15 acre solar field and two rooftop installations include 9,625 panels with a combined production of 3.384 million kWh per year, which covers 20% of Stonehill’s annual electrical consumption.
- Posted Sept. 9, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Ball State University Campus-Wide Clean Energy Efficiency Geothermal Project
- Ball State University (IN)
The system implementation demonstrates that geothermal energy coupled with ground source heat pump technology can be used on a large-scale district distribution system.
- Posted Sept. 9, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Tour of Residence Hall Rooftop Solar
- Babson College (MA)
Sustainability Office staff and interns touring new rooftop solar thermal system.
- Posted Sept. 9, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Ecoroof Management Plan
- Portland State University (OR)
The Broadway Residence Hall at Portland State University received LEED Silver certification in 2004,with a combination of sustainable construction practices and green building features, including a 18,000 square foot ecoroof, …
- Posted Sept. 9, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Cal State LA Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility (H2 Station)
- California State University, Los Angeles (CA)
The California State University, Los Angeles Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility (H2 Station) opened on May 7, 2014. The station is capable of producing hydrogen onsite from 100% renewable energy …
- Posted Sept. 8, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Stanford's Building Sustainability Rating System
- Stanford University (CA)
Stanford's building sustainability rating system recognizes buildings that are meeting their performance targets and motivates occupants to reduce their environmental footprint to improve their building's performance score.
- Posted Sept. 8, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Installation of Coiled Heat Exchange at Miami University
- Miami University (OH)
Miami University’s new stormwater installation combines stormwater treatment and management, geothermal heating and cooling, energy reduction and water conservation. Through this system, rainwater is collected, slowed, cooled and cleaned using …
- Posted Sept. 8, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Business Instructional Facility Solar Array at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (IL)
- Posted Sept. 8, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Harnessing the Power of Solar
- University of California, Merced (CA)
The Science and Engineering Building 2 features solar panels on the outside to help power the building and provide shade during the hottest months.
- Posted Sept. 7, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
UOIT Borehole Thermal Energy Storage System
- Ontario Tech University (ON)
Located underneath the Campus Polonsky Commons shown here is the second largest geothermal well system in North America. The system serves all north campus buildings and is made up of …
- Posted Sept. 6, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Spartan Treasure Hunt
- Michigan State University (MI)
In these photos, Michigan State University facilities employees observe equipment while participating in a Spartan Treasure Hunt.
- Posted Sept. 6, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Furman's CCC weatherizes it's 100th home
- Furman University (SC)
The Community Conservation Corps (CCC), coordinated by Furman's David E. Shi Center for Sustainability, partners with a local utility company and Habitat for Humanity to provide needed home weatherization services …
- Posted Sept. 1, 2016
- Photographs
- View more
Solar Energy on Campus - Part I: Renewable Energy Usage Claims
- Center for Resource Solutions | Green-e (CA)
This report describes renewable energy certificates (RECs), why they are important, and what kinds of statements can be made depending on who owns them.
- Posted Sept. 1, 2016
- Publications
- View more
AAS in Sustainability Technologies
- Cape Fear Community College (NC)
The Sustainability Technologies program is designed to prepare students to meet the challenges of the new energy economy. The program’s three focus areas – Sustainability, Renewable Energy, and Buildings – …
- Posted Aug. 23, 2016
- Academic Programs
- View more
AAS in Electrical Engineering Technology - Sustainable Energy Systems
- Gateway Technical College (WI)
Students learn the foundation of “green” electrical systems. They can perform system maintenance and repair of solar photovoltaic systems. Hands-on lab-based learning is incorporated into all course work. Study areas …
- Posted Aug. 22, 2016
- Academic Programs
- View more
Master of Science in Energy Systems Management
- University of San Francisco (CA)
The Master of Science in Energy Systems Management is designed for people seeking the skills and knowledge to work in the fast changing world of electrical generation, distribution, conservation, and …
- Posted Aug. 12, 2016
- Academic Programs
- View more
Implementation Model: Tying Energy Costs to Building Occupants
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
- United States Department of Energy (DC)
UC Berkeley's Energy Management Initiative (EMI) targets building occupants through building surveys and energy dashboards, and allocates energy cost responsibility to individual campus operating units to achieve savings of $6.5 …
- Posted Aug. 8, 2016
- Tools
- View more
Interdepartmental Undergraduate Minor in Energy
- Ball State University (IN)
This interdepartmental minor gives students an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the development, use, and conservation of energy. Students may focus on solar and alternative energy systems, energy policy, …
- Posted Aug. 8, 2016
- Academic Programs
- View more
Economic feasibility of campus-wide photovoltaic systems in New England
- University of New Haven (CT)
Compared to the national average residential retail electricity price, Connecticut (CT) had the 4th highest electricity price in the country with 19.23 cents/kWh in September 2015, nearly 50% higher than …
- Posted Aug. 3, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Northern Arizona University Energy Mentor Program
- Northern Arizona University (AZ)
This is a how-to guide for higher education institutions who wish to carry out behavior based energy conservation programs. The guide is based on a program that has been implemented …
- Posted Aug. 3, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Achieving Carbon Neutrality at UCSB by 2025: A Critical Analysis of Technological and Financial Strategies
- University of California, Santa Barbara (CA)
In 2013, University of California (UC) President Janet Napolitano established the Carbon Neutrality Initiative (CNI), a commitment to eliminate all Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2025. As one …
- Posted July 28, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Icebox Detox Challenge
- Arizona State University (AZ)
The Icebox Detox Challenge addresses environmental stewardship activities by promoting an environment where laboratories have an accurate inventory of all biological samples at ASU. This innovative approach allows researchers to …
- Posted July 27, 2016
- Case Studies
- View more
Campus Environmental Resource Center (CampusERC)
- APPA: Leadership in Educational Facilities (VA)
- Campus Consortium for Environmental Excellence (MA)
- National Association of College & University Business Officers (NACUBO) (DC)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
- Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association (IN)
The Campus Environmental Resource Center - CampusERC - is a library of resources to support campus environmental performance improvement. Developed collaboratively by NACUBO, C2E2, CSHEMA, APPA and the EPA, the …
- Posted July 21, 2016
- Tools
- 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
- 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.