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
Energy Hog in the House: Bringing Energy Efficiency to Life
- Alliance to Save Energy (CA)
The Energy Hog program is an entertaining and extremely effective outreach tool for college students to engage interested audiences from their community on topics related to energy. For many people …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
A trans-disciplinary strategy to energy efficiency at a university
- University of Johannesburg (Gauteng)
In recent years, the costs of electricity in South Africa have increased significantly (cumulative 230% increase between 2008 and 2014), thus many institutions of higher education are seeking ways to …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Navigating the Renewable Road at Appalachian State University
- Appalachian State University (NC)
With seventeen standalone systems built on campus over the past seven years, Appalachian State University has the most diverse portfolio of renewable energy systems in the University of North Carolina …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Modernizing your Microscopes: Light Source Retrofits
- Alliance to Save Energy (CA)
Research laboratories are a universal fixture on higher education campuses, and as a result of outdated technology, present a prime opportunity for energy efficiency upgrades. Many of these labs rely …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Smart Labs: Because no one wants a dumb one
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
The University of Minnesota’s 2011 Climate Action Plan identified laboratory energy consumption as a key driver of campus emissions and as a prime opportunity for reducing those emissions. At the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Energy Reduction in Campus Labs—Equipment Inventory and the UF Freezer Challenge
- University of Florida (FL)
In 2014, the University of Florida implemented a pilot program of the Freezer Challenge. This friendly competition is geared towards university lab staff around the nation to encourage good laboratory …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Developing partnerships with students around energy use: the role of energy literacy
- Simon Fraser University (BC)
- University of Plymouth (Devon)
Carbon reduction and climate change are key agendas in UK higher education (HE), as they are internationally. Existing research has highlighted the importance of developing partnerships for sustainable development in …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Cornerstone of Sustainability: Implementing an Efficiency Master Plan
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
- Smith College (MA)
- ERS (MA)
Across the nation, campuses striving for leadership on sustainability and climate change need to make energy efficiency the cornerstone of their efforts. The first step to achieving every aspect of …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Off-site Power Purchase Agreements for Renewable Electricity
- The Ohio State University (OH)
- Edison Energy (CA)
Colleges and universities are committing to aggressive emission reduction goals as part of their efforts to reduce their carbon footprints and meet their commitments under the ACUPCC. Electricity use commonly …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Solar Potential: GIS Assessment using LiDAR Data
- Southwestern University (TX)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has become one of the most widely used tools across various fields of study, with applications for natural disaster preparation, conservation, transportation, education and real estate. …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Solar Procurement Templates & Tools for Higher Education
- Edison Energy (CA)
Is your institution interested in solar, but unsure how to begin the solar procurement process? Or is your institution inundated with unsolicited solar proposals from vendors, but is unable to …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Know Watts Cooking - The Physics of Energy Efficient Cooking Course
- Appalachian State University (NC)
In an effort to provide first year freshmen with an innovative, hands-on, conceptual science-based sustainable education experience, a new freshmen seminar class entitled “Know Watts Cooking – The Physics of …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The University North Carolina’s System-Wide Energy Initiative
- Appalachian State University (NC)
The 2014 Appalachian Energy Summit is the third annual gathering for the University of North Carolina Energy Leadership Challenge. Through this ongoing, year-round initiative, campus leaders from across higher education …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Energy Efficiency at Carleton University.
- Carleton University (ON)
The Carleton University Campus, in Ottawa, Canada, consists of 44 main buildings built between 1960 and 2013 that range in type of usage: Housing, Laboratories, an Athletic Centre, Commercial Businesses, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Understanding Your Campus Solar Energy Potential
- EcoMotion (CA)
Solar energy is a rapidly developing and changing technology. Costs for solar installations have never been cheaper. Understanding how solar energy can work on your campus, learning how it impacts …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Students Heat Up Las Pintas: An immersive service experience in solar technology
- Johnson County Community College (KS)
Water is a necessity for all of us, but to some, heating it is a luxury. Now in its second year, the Las Pintas Solar Experience takes Johnson County Community …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Solar Village Community Microgrid- Four Homes, Focused on Energy
- Missouri University of Science and Technology (MO)
The solar village at the Missouri University of Science and Technology has installed a functioning microgrid to study power and energy systems at the residential and community level. This system …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Sponsored Theater Presentation: Sterling Planet
- Sterling Planet, Inc. (GA)
Even with recent impressive gains in energy efficiency on college campuses, there is still significant room for improvement. At issue is how to implement energy conservation and load management measures …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Two models of leveraging campus initiatives to enhance sustainability at the University of British Columbia
- University of British Columbia (BC)
With the aim to reduce carbon footprint of campus operations at the University of British Columbia, biomass is utilized for energy production. Campus as a living lab initiative established the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Integrating Sustainability Initiatives and Green Energy Infrastructure on Engineering College Campuses
- Stevens Institute of Technology (NJ)
Emphasis on sustainability in higher education over the last decade prompted the formation of nonprofit organizations, like the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), which administers …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
A History of Resiliency and Adaptation: The Renewable Energy Initiative at Appalachian State University
- Appalachian State University (NC)
The nature of how we interact with the world has been affected by global climate change—we must be resilient. Appalachian State University (ASU) is adapting through the student-led Renewable Energy …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Designing an Energy-Saving Campaign
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
Our myPower campaign envisions a future where all campus stakeholders take action to save energy. The initiative combines campus commitment, coordination with a larger energy effort, communications strategies based on …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Establishing a Campus Energy Use Policy for UC Berkeley
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
UC Berkeley is adopting a campus energy policy this spring after almost 2 years of process. The policy is part of the campus’ groundbreaking UC Berkeley Energy Management Initiative and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Appalachian State University Renewable Energy Initiative
- Appalachian State University (NC)
Appalachian State University Renewable Energy Initiative (REI) is motivated to reduce ASU’s carbon footprint. Using a budget of about $170,000 in student fees each year, we consider renewable energy projects …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Current On-Campus Attitudes toward Energy Usage, Efficiency, and Emerging Technologies
- Manhattan College (NY)
- Stevens Institute of Technology (NJ)
- University of Southern California (CA)
The need to innovate comprehensive, long-term sustainability solutions is among the most imminent challenges facing the world today. Sustainably delivering the basic food, water, and energy supplies to people throughout …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
ASU Carbon Neutrality: Go BIG or Watch Everyone Else Pass You By - Campus Energy Efficiency at Scale
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Rocky Mountain Institute (CO)
Universities and Colleges are leading the way toward a carbon neutral future for all of us. Arizona State University is an inspirational example of a campus on the frontlines of …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Student and Community Outreach on Rental Energy
- University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (WI)
The $CORE (Student and Community Outreach on Rental Efficiency) Program was created by the Energy Program at the University of Colorado- Boulder Environmental Center and was adapted by the Student …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Planning for the Future: Climate and Energy Action at Stanford
- Stanford University (CA)
Stanford Energy System Innovations (SESI) is a first-of-its-kind energy facility and distribution system that will reduce the campus' carbon emissions by 50%, cutting water use by 18% and saving an …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
UAF Firefighters Help Install Solar Panels
- University of Alaska Fairbanks (AK)
The students involved in the fire science program here at UAF are not here to simply be fire fighters. You do not need a college education to do that, they …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Benchmark-based Whole-Building Energy Performance Targets for UC Buildings
- University of California, Office of the President (CA)
Most efforts to improve energy performance in campus buildings use efficiency standards as a reference point. Programs often specify energy efficiency at ten to thirty percent beyond ASHRAE 90.1 or …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Plenary: Investing in Energy Efficiency through Green Revolving Funds
- Agnes Scott College (GA)
- Catawba College (NC)
- Harvard University (MA)
- Sustainable Endowments Institute (MA)
An increasing number of colleges are establishing green revolving funds to tap into new sources of capital and scale up their institution's commitment to investing in reducing carbon emissions and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
On-site Power Purchase Agreements 101: What you really need to know
- Yale University (CT)
- Community Energy, Inc. (PA)
- Second Nature (MA)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
In an effort to address climate change universities across the nation have made formal commitments and set targets to reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions. They are now grappling with how …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Show Me the Money! The Benefits of Investing in Energy Efficiency through Green Revolving Funds
- Agnes Scott College (GA)
- Western Michigan University (MI)
- Sustainable Endowments Institute (MA)
Whether your college is striving to reach its carbon-reduction goals or is considering divesting from fossil fuel companies, green revolving funds (GRFs) offer a compelling investment opportunity. With a median …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Implementing Behavior Change and Energy Efficiency Programs
- College of Lake County (IL)
- Heartland Community College (IL)
Learn how the Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN) offered three distinct initiatives designed to promote behavior change and measurable energy reduction within the business and higher education sectors in Illinois. …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Passive Strategies: The Common Sense Approach to Energy Reduction
- Lipscomb University (TN)
- Lake Flato Architects (TX)
The path to Carbon Neutrality or Net Zero starts with intelligent passive strategies that reduce loads and minimize a building’s reliance on carbon based energy before active strategies and equipment …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Using Intelligent HVAC Controls to Reduce Energy Usage in Residence Halls
- Columbia University (NY)
- New York University (NY)
Technology can be used to reduce heating and cooling energy use by 25-32% in Residence Halls while keeping students climatically comfortable. The panelists will explain how they each captured these …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Renewable Energy Market Transformation Efforts by Illinois Community Colleges
- Heartland Community College (IL)
- Southwestern Illinois College (IL)
The Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN) is building the capacity of Illinois community colleges to identify and fill gaps in the renewable energy market transformation efforts across Illinois. Attend this …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Off-site Power Purchase Agreements: How Long-term Contracts Can Reduce Emissions and Energy Costs
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
- ERG Consulting Firm (MA)
Colleges and universities are committing to aggressive emission reduction goals as part of their efforts to reduce their carbon footprints and meet their commitments under the ACUPCC. Electricity use commonly …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Building and Maintaining a System-Wide, 22-Campus Sustainable Energy Initiative
- Appalachian State University (NC)
- University of North Carolina System Office (NC)
Appalachian State University, in conjunction with the 17-institution University of North Carolina system, is hosting the Appalachian Energy Summit on July 17-19, 2013 in Boone, North Carolina. This July’s event …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
New Funding Sources to Drive Campus Clean Energy/GHG Leadership and Innovation
- Ball State University (IN)
- Valencia College (FL)
This workshop introduces an entirely new funding source for colleges dedicated to pursuing aggressive clean energy efficiency goals: the voluntary carbon market. With announcements poised to be made at the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Comparative Analysis of Fuel Source Consumption and Economic Costs of Razorback Transit Among Alternative Fuel Sources
- University of Arkansas (AR)
Razorback Transit is the public transit system of the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. This transit system serves the University of Arkansas community (population ca. 25,000) and residents of Fayetteville, AR (population …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Behavior Change for Energy Efficiency: A Literature Review
- Western Michigan University (MI)
The first Earth Day in 1970 spurred a heightened interest in environment-focused behavior change research among social scientists. Psychologists, in particular, enthusiastically rose to the challenge. Multiple review papers have …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Design and Construction of an Anaerobic Digestion Laboratory: An Addition to the Biofuels Education and Research Facility at Appalachian State University
- Appalachian State University (NC)
The Biofuels Education and Research Facility (BERF) at Appalachian State University (ASU) originally funded by an EPA P3 grant in 2007 for the planning and construction of a closed cycle …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Pumping Kilowatts: A Look at Energy Efficiency in Fitness Centers
- Chapman University (CA)
Chapman University recently installed SportsArt’s Eco-Green cardio equipment in one of our residential fitness facilities. The SportsArt equipment captures kinetic energy and turns it into electrical energy that is then …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Driving the Clean Energy Revolution: Student Entrepreneurial Leaders Wanted - Apply Here!
- Chevrolet (OR)
As Chevrolet prepares to support a cleaner, energy efficient future for US campuses as part of its Carbon Reduction Initiative, it will also be challenging students to help engage their …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
A Design-Build Block Semester: Student Engagement Through the Creation of a Solar Garage
- Green Mountain College (VT)
This presentation tells the story of twenty-one students and one building, where pedagogy revolved around a single goal: the design and construction of a solar garage. The fifteen-credit semester was …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Energy from the Sun = Food + Electricity + Innovation
- Metropolitan Community College (NE)
MCC embarked on a project to integrate its solar energy program with an existing symbiotic horticulture and culinary arts program. The project seeks to provide hands-on learning experiences for solar …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Opportunities for Wind and Solar Technology Education: Stabilize Energy Costs
- MV Green Power LLC (TX)
The presenters will also describe methods of incorporating the latest information on renewable energy technologies, solar and wind, into college course curricula. We also discuss ways of integrating these renewable …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Energy-Saving In Student Accommodation In The UK - The Student Switch Off
- National Union of Students
This session will provide a case study of the leading student energy-saving campaign in the UK, the Student Switch Off, run by the National Union of Students. The presentation will …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Creating Awareness: A Student's Quest For Reducing Energy Consumption
- Paul Smith's College of Arts & Sciences (NY)
Our College has been dedicated to reducing and eventually eliminating its carbon emissions. In doing so, we hope to become a carbon neutral campus by 2029. Since the majority of …
- 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.