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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Medium-scale Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine
- Iowa Lakes Community College (IA)
Wind is something Iowa Lakes Community College knows well. After two years of solid engineering, one of its partners has donated a game-changing turbine prototype to their school. Because of …
- Posted May 15, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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An Economical Analysis of the USFSP Solar Parking Garage
- University of South Florida St. Petersburg (FL)
This undergraduate student paper was accepted without revision as an oral presentation at the ICES 2016: 18th International Conference on Energy held in Paris. The topic is an economical analysis …
- Posted May 13, 2016
- Publications
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A Statistical Analysis of the USFSP Solar Parking Garage
- University of South Florida St. Petersburg (FL)
This undergraduate student paper was accepted without revision as an oral presentation at the ICES 2016 : 18th International Conference on Energy held in Paris. The topic is a statistical …
- Posted May 13, 2016
- Publications
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Going Geothermal: The Project Dedication Video
- Ball State University (IN)
True to our tradition of innovation, Ball State continues to be revolutionary and responsible. We are creating the nation's largest ground-source, closed-loop district geothermal energy system, benefiting both the economy …
- Posted May 13, 2016
- Videos & Webinars
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Geothermal A-Maze!
- University of Illinois Chicago (IL)
Part of your legacy at UIC could be #AMaze! Help us to design it!
There is a deep hole next to University Hall. As deep as University Hall is tall. …
- Posted May 13, 2016
- Photographs
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Zygmunt, the electric car
- Universidad de Monterrey
Monterrey is the third largest city in Mexico, and there is about 2 million cars. This amount of vehicles creates traffic jams, pollute the air and chaos. According to the …
- Posted May 10, 2016
- Case Studies
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Lights Out Starter Kit
- University of Texas at Austin (TX)
In April 2013, a student energy conservation organization, Longhorn Lights Out, began on the UT Austin campus. This organization, sponsored by UT's Energy and Water Conservation Program, encouraged students, faculty, …
- Posted May 9, 2016
- Case Studies
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Pedal-powered smoothies to celebrate Earth Day at Case Western Reserve University!
- Case Western Reserve University (OH)
We borrowed a bike-powered blender (a Fender Blender) from our on-site gym and had a few of our Sustainability Ambassadors help students and visiting families make their own pedal-powered smoothies …
- Posted May 5, 2016
- Photographs
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ENERGY STAR Photo Booth at Northwestern University
- Northwestern University (IL)
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program that helps organizations and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency. Northwestern is an ENERGY STAR partner, …
- Posted May 4, 2016
- Photographs
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Campus Environment 2008: A National Report Card on Sustainability in Higher Education
- National Wildlife Federation (VA)
This comprehensive study by National Wildlife Federation and Princeton Survey Research Associates International reviews trends and new developments in environmental performance and sustainability at 1,068 institutions. It recognizes colleges and …
- Posted May 2, 2016
- Publications
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Earth Day at California State University, East Bay!
- California State University, East Bay (CA)
The Zero Waste Team was out tabling this Earth Day along with the Solar Club, GIS, ASI, the Biology Department, Transportation and Parking Services, and other organizations on campus!
- Posted April 28, 2016
- Photographs
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Going Geothermal At Ball State University
- Ball State University (IN)
Ball State University has created the nation’s largest ground-source, closed-loop district geothermal energy system, benefiting the statewide social, economic and environmental context.
The system’s implementation demonstrates that geothermal energy storage …
- Posted April 26, 2016
- Videos & Webinars
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Center for Energy, Economic & Environmental Policy (CEEEP)
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick Campus (NJ)
The Center for Energy, Economic & Environmental Policy (CEEEP) conducts applied research to evaluate and help develop energy policy at the state, regional, national, and international levels. The Center explores …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Using Power Purchase Agreements for Solar Deployment at Universities
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (CO)
This fact sheet may be useful to colleges and universities interested in using PPAs for solar deployment. Page four includes a figure drawing from AASHE's Campus Solar PV database. …
- Posted April 22, 2016
- Publications
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Center for Applied Energy Research
- University of Kentucky (KY)
The University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy (CAER) investigates energy technologies to improve the environment. Researchers contribute to technically-sound policies related to fossil and renewable energy. CAER is one …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI)
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
RASEI (pronounced RAY-see) is a joint institute between the University of Colorado Boulder (CU-Boulder) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) addressing important, complex problems in energy that require a …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Center for Sustainable Energy at Notre Dame
- University of Notre Dame (IN)
The Center for Sustainable Energy at Notre Dame (ND Energy) is a University Research Center whose mission is to foster and grow energy-related research toward sustainable and affordable energy solutions, …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Energy Institute
- University of Michigan (MI)
The University of Michigan Energy Institute builds on the University of Michigan’s strong energy research heritage at the heart of the nation’s automotive and manufacturing industries to develop and integrate …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Center for Energy and Environmental Resources (CEER)
- University of Texas at Austin (TX)
The Center for Energy and Environmental Resources (CEER) serves as the central liaison for energy and environmental research, education, and public service at the University of Texas at Austin. It …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Energy and Sustainability Specialization (Master's in Mechanical Engineering)
- Northwestern University (IL)
This interdisciplinary mechanical engineering concentration engages both deep technical courses in energy and technology topics as well as critically important courses in the policy, law and economics of energy.
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Academic Programs
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Energy and Sustainability Undergraduate Certificate
- Northwestern University (IL)
The Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern University (ISEN) Undergraduate Certificate provides a means for Northwestern students to pursue multi-disciplinary instruction in the increasingly important areas of sustainability and …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Academic Programs
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Minor in Energy Systems
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
The Energy Systems Minor provides students a 15-hour multidisciplinary educational opportunity to study energy systems. Requirements include courses which provide depth in an area relevant to energy that is within …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Academic Programs
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Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern University (ISEN)
- Northwestern University (IL)
The Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern was established in 2008 as an umbrella organization whose unique mission is to advance global energy and sustainability solutions through transformational research, …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Alaska Jones - The Quest for the Source of Heat and Power
- University of Alaska Fairbanks (AK)
What is district energy? Learn how the University of Alaska Fairbanks heats and cools their buildings with this fun and entertaining introduction to district energy.
- Posted April 15, 2016
- Videos & Webinars
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LEED Certification of Campus Buildings - A Cost-Benefit Approach
This is the first comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) buildings certified within the higher education sector. 16 institutions of higher education (IHEs) were surveyed …
- Posted April 14, 2016
- Publications
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Center for Energy Research/Education/Service
- Ball State University (IN)
The Center for Energy Research/Education/Service (CERES) at Ball State University, is an interdisciplinary academic support unit focused on issues related to energy and resource use, alternatives and conservation. As described …
- Posted April 12, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Berkeley Energy and Climate Institute (BECI)
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
Berkeley Energy and Climate Institute (BECI) is the coordinating hub for energy and climate research at UC Berkeley. BECI fosters collaboration between UC Berkeley, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) …
- Posted April 11, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Precourt Energy Efficiency Center
- Stanford University (CA)
The Precourt Energy Efficiency Center promotes economically efficient reductions in energy demand through research, education and dissemination of information. PEEC is an independent research lab that works with all seven …
- Posted April 11, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Powering A Bright Future Discussion Activity on Energy Issues
- EcoChallenge.org (OR)
Active, personally relevant learning is at the heart of an effective education. This activity takes students and other campus participants through a process of exploring sustainability through small group discussion …
- Posted April 11, 2016
- Course Materials
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ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is an online tool you can use to measure and track energy and water consumption, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Use it to benchmark the …
- Posted March 29, 2016
- Tools
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Green Power Partnership
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
The Green Power Partnership is a free, voluntary program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that encourages organizations to use green power as a way to reduce the environmental …
- Posted March 28, 2016
- Tools
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New Energy for Campuses: Energy-Saving Policies for Colleges and Universities
- Energy Action Coalition
New Energy for Campuses highlights more than 30 universities in 24 states that have implemented a range of programs including improving the energy efficiency of classrooms, putting solar panels on …
- Posted March 28, 2016
- Publications
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The Energy Smart Guide to Campus Cost Savings
- APPA: Leadership in Educational Facilities (VA)
- National Association of College & University Business Officers (NACUBO) (DC)
- United States Department of Energy (DC)
Rebuild America created The Energy Smart Guide to Campus Cost Savings to help college and university managers sort through the opportunities and possibilities for saving energy and money on their …
- Posted March 28, 2016
- Publications
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Leading Techniques for Energy Savings in Colleges and Universities
- Schneider Electric (TX)
This paper describes how building automation products and services can reduce energy costs at colleges and universities. It outlines proven techniques to achieve energy conservation results with an attractive return …
- Posted March 28, 2016
- Publications
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The State of Sustainability in Higher Education 2015: Emissions Metrics, Consumption Trends & Strategies for Success
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
- Gordian (SC)
Over the past decade, campuses across North America have invested significant effort, attention, and money toward the key challenges of sustainability in higher education, which are embodied by the carbon …
- Posted March 21, 2016
- Publications
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The Role of IT in Campus Sustainability Efforts
- EDUCAUSE
As the impact of worldwide carbon emissions comes into sharper focus, college and university sustainability efforts are increasingly turning green, focusing on ways to use resources more efficiently, consume less, …
- Posted March 21, 2016
- Publications
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University of Texas at Austin's Energy Conservation Campaign
- University of Texas at Austin (TX)
Aligning with a building energy audit case study, UT Austin developed outreach materials to encourage technical and behavioral energy conservation. Areas covered include Conservation Conversations; Freezer Loaner Program; Horns Up, …
- Posted March 12, 2016
- Outreach Materials
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Time Lapse of Harvard's Largest Solar Project Being Installed at Harvard Athletics
- Harvard University (MA)
In May 2012 Harvard Athletics completed a six week renewable project as it installed a layer of 2,275 solar panels on the roof of Gordon Track. The 600kW installation is …
- Posted March 11, 2016
- Videos & Webinars
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232 kW Sangren Hall Solar Array
- Western Michigan University (MI)
- Cascade Engineering, Inc. (MI)
Sangren Hall hosts a 232 kW solar array, which helps limit the university's greenhouse gas emissions and offsets energy costs. The most recent solar installation offers nearly five times the …
- Posted March 9, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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50 kW Miller Solar Array
- Western Michigan University (MI)
The Miller Solar Array consists of 216 solar panels organized in 18 separate unites, which cumulatively add up to 50 kW of power production. The use of the micro-inverters for …
- Posted March 9, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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12 kW Wood Hall Solar Array
- Western Michigan University (MI)
The Wood Hall Solar Array is a 12 kW array, which consists of three different types of solar panels: mono-crystalline, poly-crystalline, and thin film amorphous silicon. Throughout its lifetime, WMU …
- Posted March 9, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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Boston University Institute for Sustainable Energy
- Boston University (MA)
The Institute for Sustainable Energy is a university-wide center for research, academic program enhancement, and engagement with industry and the energy policy community.
We work with faculty in many departments …
- Posted March 8, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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University of Maryland Center for Global Sustainability
- University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
Global sustainability depends on a robust global economy, a healthy environment, clean energy services, and a stable climate. Yet these issues are major policy challenges on which progress has been …
- Posted March 8, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Shut the Sash Sticker
- Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
This sticker is intended to remind lab workers to shut the sash of their fume hood.
- Posted March 3, 2016
- Outreach Materials
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Shalini Gupta Presents AASHE 2015 Closing Keynote Address
- AASHE (MA)
- Center for Earth, Energy and Democracy (MN)
Co-founder and Executive Director of the Center for Earth, Energy and Democracy Shalini Gupta presented the closing keynote address for the AASHE 2015 Conference & Expo.
Ms. Gupta's extensive experience …
- Posted March 3, 2016
- Videos & Webinars
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Solar Thermal Systems on Campus, Seven years of hard knock lessons learned.
- Appalachian State University (NC)
Appalachian State University has been installing renewable energy systems on campus since 2006. This has been largely due to the student led REI (Renewable Energy Initiative) that adds a $5 …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Building Renewable Energy Infrastructure On a Growing Campus
- Skidmore College (NY)
This case study will show attendees how one institution was able to dramatically reduce its GHG emissions while simultaneously growing in both institutional square footage and enrollment. From the year …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Campus-wide plug load inventory and resulting energy reduction programs
- Stanford University (CA)
- My Green Lab (CA)
Stanford University completed a comprehensive equipment inventory in 2014, collecting detailed plug load data to inform targeted energy reduction strategies. Twelve student interns inventoried 55 types of electronic equipment in …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Using Retro-Commissioning to Increase Climate Action Plan Resiliency
- Seattle Pacific University (WA)
- Paladino and Company (WA)
Seattle Pacific University created a climate action plan in June 2010. The goal of the plan is to reduce natural gas consumption 20% by 2015 and be a carbon neutral …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
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Spartan Treasure Hunt: Direct Engagement of Building Occupants in Energy Saving Opportunities
- Michigan State University (MI)
The Spartan Treasure Hunt is an early step in the building commissioning process. It engages building occupants to help identify opportunities for energy savings and system improvements during a building …
- Posted Feb. 26, 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.