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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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SUNY Polytechnic Institute Campus Conservation Nationals Flyers
- State University of New York Polytechnic Institute (NY)
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Outreach Materials
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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SUNY Polytechnic Institute Building Energy Dashboard
- State University of New York Polytechnic Institute (NY)
- Posted Sept. 12, 2016
- Photographs
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Business Instructional Facility Solar Array at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (IL)
- Posted Sept. 8, 2016
- Photographs
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Energy Performance of Campus LEED Buildings: Implications for Green Building and Energy Policy
- The Ohio State University (OH)
Many university campuses in the United States are working toward their sustainable goals by adopting energy or green building policies, which require Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification …
- Posted July 21, 2016
- Publications
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Critical Issues in Facilities Management: Energy Efficiencies
- APPA: Leadership in Educational Facilities (VA)
Energy Efficiencies is an anthology of 15 chapters and an extensive resource list on topics related to campus energy management and conservation.
Contents:
- Financing the Future: How Green Revolving Funds …
- Posted July 21, 2016
- Publications
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The Business Case for Renewable Energy: A Guide for Colleges and Universities
- National Association of College & University Business Officers (NACUBO) (DC)
Growing numbers of colleges and universities are making the leap to renewable energy. And some are not only saving money - they’re making money on their renewable energy purchases. This …
- Posted July 21, 2016
- Publications
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Reshaping the Education of Energy Managers
Newly educated Energy managers will play a key role in the unfolding global transition to renewable energy and sustainability. We describe a new approach to energy management education via a …
- Posted July 21, 2016
- Publications
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Solar Energy on Campus: Opportunities and Common Pitfalls in Communicating Renewable Energy Use in Higher Education
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (CO)
- Center for Resource Solutions | Green-e (CA)
As universities and colleges nationwide green their electricity with solar through onsite generation, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and renewable energy certificate (REC) purchases, these institutions must be clear and accurate …
- Posted July 21, 2016
- Videos & Webinars
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Solar Market Pathways: Solar for Colleges and Universities Toolkit
- United States Department of Energy (DC)
This toolkit provides guidance and resources from Solar Market Pathways projects to inform the development and implementation of targeted solar programs and policies for higher education institutions. Specifically, these resources …
- Posted July 21, 2016
- Tools
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The value of adding ambient energy feedback to conservation tips and goal-setting in a dormitory
- Middlebury College (VT)
Purpose The majority of research on energy feedback has been conducted in residential households; in this study, the authors aim to examine the effectiveness of similar initiatives in a college …
- Posted July 18, 2016
- Publications
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What goes on behind closed doors?: How college dormitory residents change to save energy during a competition-based energy reduction intervention
- University of Southern California (CA)
Purpose The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the impact of a competition-based intervention combining high-resolution electricity feedback, incentives, information and prompts on college dormitory residents’ energy consumption and …
- Posted July 18, 2016
- Publications
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AAS Degree in Energy Management
- Tunxis Community College (CT)
The Applied Associate of Science Degree in Energy Management is a two-year technical training program that prepares students for a career in commercial building energy analysis and energy management.
Students …
- Posted July 7, 2016
- Academic Programs
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ENERGY STAR Commercial Buildings College Course Materials Package
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
The ENERGY STAR college-level course, Introduction to Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Through EPA's ENERGY STAR Program, gives students practical, hands-on experience with commercial building energy efficiency. This course was …
- Posted June 27, 2016
- Course Materials
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Net Impact Energy Efficiency Project
- Saint Joseph's University (PA)
- Net Impact (CA)
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The Saint Joseph's University Net Impact Undergraduate chapter has been collaborating with R World Energy Solutions—a sustainable energy consultant to business—over the past year in order to conduct an energy …
- Posted June 11, 2016
- Case Studies
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UCSC Climate & Energy Strategy- A Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality by 2025
- University of California, Santa Cruz (CA)
Over the past 18 months, UCSC has been implementing a process to develop a comprehensive Climate and Energy Strategy (CES) to support its goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2025. …
- Posted June 11, 2016
- Case Studies
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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.