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
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
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
- View more
Ten Years and Counting: Navigating the First Decade of Utility-Scale Campus Wind Turbine Operation
- Carleton College (MN)
- St. Olaf College (MN)
For a town of just over 20,000 people, it's thrilling to see three utility-scale wind turbines on the Northfield, MN horizon. Carleton College installed its first wind turbine - a …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Reimagining the 21st Century Research Library
- BNIM Architects (MO)
- Integral Group (CA)
The university is transforming; the ivory tower is shifting towards a porous campus. How do you transform a library of books into a trans-disciplinary hub for collaboration and innovation? As …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Engaging Students in Energy Reduction - on and off campus
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
At CU boulder, Residence Life and the Environmental Center are working together to provide all our students with what that they need to practice energy efficiency at home – whether …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Setting Building Energy Use Goals: Tracking Climate Action Plan targets and successes
- Ball State University (IN)
- Loyola University Chicago (IL)
- Stanford University (CA)
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville (TN)
This panel discussion will share the experience of three campuses in setting energy use goals for campus facilities. As energy and sustainability managers, the presenters will share their approaches to …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Educating Energy Professionals of the Future
- The Ohio State University (OH)
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
- Xcel Energy
What's needed in our programs to educate future energy leaders? How will the gap of 50% of the utility workforce retiring in the next decade be filled? How can women …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Measuring and Addressing Impacts of Campus Oil and Gas Consumption
- University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)
- Equitable Origin (NY)
Calculation and offsetting of campus carbon emissions are valuable tools to educate students about their contributions to GHG emissions and climate change. However, the external costs of oil and gas …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
How an ESCO Brought a 'Just in Time' Sustainability Teaching Opportunity to NMSU's 'Conservation and Modernization' project
- New Mexico State University (NM)
- Ameresco, Inc. (MA)
The 'Conservation and Modernization' project at New Mexico State University is about sustainability education on all levels for campus occupants while doing the tough work of mechanical upgrades and lighting …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Net Zero Energy: The Growing National Landscape + Profiles from Three Institutions
- Cornell University (NY)
- Washington University in St. Louis (MO)
- Sasaki Associates, Inc. (MA)
Net zero energy (NZE) buildings are becoming more prevalent through advancements in design, construction, technology, and building operations. The last five years have been a significant period of growth, with …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Renewable and Carbon Free: Aiming for net zero energy and net zero greenhouse gas
- University of California, Merced (CA)
Since Campus opened in 2005, UC Merced has demonstrated success in everything from green building to energy efficiency to waste diversion. These successes combined with what we have learned has …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Tools for Sustainability Master Plans: Key Performance Indicators & Campus Investments
- Kirksey Architecture (TX)
A rapid growth of STARS in last decade has established Sustainability Master Plans (SMPs) at over 300 universities nationwide. SMPs are using metrics like 'Energy Use Intensity', '% total expenditures' …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Beyond Boundaries in Oberlin, Ohio: College and Community Collaboration for Developing Sustainable and Resilient Energy Systems
- Oberlin College (OH)
What does it mean to be a leader and create transformational change in a community and beyond? This is the profound experiment happening in Oberlin, Ohio. Here, we are daring …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Driving Energy Efficiency through Higher Education Collaboration
- Heartland Community College (IL)
- Loyola University Chicago (IL)
- Rocky Mountain Institute (CO)
- APTIM (IL)
Alliance to Retrofit Chicago Higher Ed (ARCH) brings together higher education institutions in the Chicago area to share best practices and lessons learned around expanding efficiency in existing buildings and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Zero Net Energy Tiny Houses: A Campus Sustainable Housing Solution
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
The THIMBY (Tiny House in My Backyard) Student Group from UC Berkeley will be presenting on the design process of building a pilot, zero net energy tiny house on a …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Green and Sustainable Energy Systems
- Kent State University (OH)
A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power system technology is one of the greenest and sustainable energy technologies that tackle the global energy-environmental challenges. In the U.S., approximately 70% of …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Combined Heat and Power: Bridge to a Carbon Neutral Future
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
Universities and colleges often use district energy systems to supply heat to campus buildings. Most of these systems are fossil fueled and comprise a significant percentage of an institution's carbon …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Strategic Energy & Utility Strategies
- Saint Louis University (MO)
Saint Louis University (SLU) is motivated to work towards sustainable energy solutions and committed to the reduction of energy consumption. The Division of Facilities Services has recognized this need and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Solar Endowment: A PV Investment Roadmap for US Universities
- Illinois State University (IL)
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
- Missouri University of Science and Technology (MO)
- Purdue University (IN)
- Midwest Renewable Energy Association (WI)
US colleges and universities are currently in a position to make substantial solar project investments on their campuses and associated properties. With the near nationwide adoption of the Prudent Management …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Getting it Done - Removing Roadblocks to Renewables
- George Washington University (DC)
- Michigan State University (MI)
- Second Nature (MA)
- Coho Climate Advisors (MD)
This interactive, problem solving workshop will explore and highlight solutions to overcome bottlenecks to implementing large scale renewable projects for your university. We will delve into internal as well as …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Ramping Up Renewables in Higher Education
- Cornell University (NY)
- University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
- Edison Energy (CA)
You are responsible for managing your institution's energy-related emissions and costs: You may have implemented on-campus projects or have aspirations to do so. Maybe you are buying unbundled Renewable Energy …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Institutional Performance Energy Optimization: How a Management Model and Skilled Workforce Embed Efficiency
- University of California, Irvine (CA)
- ICF International (VA)
- United States Department of Energy (DC)
University of California, Irvine has achieved 23% energy savings over 5 years, the 20% goal of U.S. Department of Energy's Better Buildings Challenge, 7 years early. The Smart Labs program …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Students Powering the Energy Transition
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
How can students make a positive impact on public policy and decision makers to help our energy system transition to a sustainable future? Ellen Anderson, former energy advisor to Governor …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Renewable Energy Workshop: Design Your Plan
- Boston University (MA)
- Edison Energy (CA)
This is an interactive, working session that will help attendees: 1. Identify the key issues to consider re: renewable energy and their institutions, including product configurations and financing options; 2. …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- 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.