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
Reducing Energy in the Campus Theatre Complex
- Texas A&M University (TX)
Rudder Theatre Complex (RTC) supports a large variety of campus events. Whether it is a Broadway show or new student and family orientation session, the RTC experiences high usage year-round. …
- Posted May 22, 2023
- Photographs
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Community Solar: Supercharging the Equitable Energy Transition
- Solar Energy Industries Association (DC)
The U.S. is at a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change and must take decisive action to build an equitable clean energy economy. In this presentation, David Gahl …
- Posted May 17, 2023
- Conference Presentations
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Lightning Talks: Campus Operations (Group 2)
- Stanford University (CA)
- Center for Resource Solutions | Green-e (CA)
- Timber Framers Guild (NH)
This session consists of 3 15-minute Lightning Talk sessions related to campus operations. The Lightning Talks are: Stanford Shines: A Decade-Long Decarbonization Journey .. and We've Just Gotten Started - …
- Posted May 17, 2023
- Conference Presentations
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Dynamic Cooling Load Management via Room Set Point Adjustments
- Stanford University (CA)
Stanford University’s COOLER research program began in the summer of 2020 and ran through 2022. This unique collaboration between the Land, Buildings, and Real Estate’s (LBRE) “Operations” team and a …
- Posted May 17, 2023
- Conference Presentations
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Dissecting Decarbonization: Proven Clean Energy Solutions for Campuses
- Bard College (NY)
- Colorado State University (CO)
- Pace University (NY)
- United States Department of Energy (DC)
Decarbonization is the latest buzzword around energy and climate solutions. What do campus decarbonization projects look like on the ground? How are they financed and implemented? Which technologies are proven, …
- Posted May 17, 2023
- Conference Presentations
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Energy and carbon reduction - A total holistic approach by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Nanyang Technological University
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has been actively implementing various energy reduction efforts to promote sustainability and reduce its carbon footprint. The university recognizes the importance of energy conservation and has …
- Posted May 17, 2023
- Case Studies
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The State of Renewable Energy In Higher Education
- AASHE (MA)
- Coho Climate Advisors (MD)
This slide deck identifies and summarizes important renewable energy trends in higher education so that campuses can learn from each other as they transition to renewable energy. It is based …
- Posted May 12, 2023
- Publications
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CSUF Unleashes 1.16MW of Solar Power
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
With a flip of the switch, Cal State Fullerton continues to capitalize on the power of the sun.
The university today celebrated the completion of a solar-energy network for the …
- Posted April 19, 2023
- Photographs
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Renewable Energy Trends in Higher Ed: Different Solutions for Different Institutions
- Brown University (RI)
- Loyola University Chicago (IL)
- Michigan State University (MI)
- AASHE (MA)
- Coho Climate Advisors (MD)
Colleges and universities are buying more renewable energy than ever. Their strategies are evolving and increasing, including: onsite, offsite, PPAs, Utility Green Tariffs, Retail Renewables, unbundled RECs, and emerging approaches. …
- Posted March 23, 2023
- Videos & Webinars
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Energy Sustainability Graduate Certificate
- University of South Florida (Tampa) (FL)
- University of South Florida (FL)
Concerns about future economic growth, standards of living, and environmental quality have made sustainable energy a top priority worldwide. The goal of this certificate program is to provide students with …
- Posted Feb. 23, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Academic Collaborations that Achieve Sustainable Operations
- The Ohio State University (OH)
- AASHE (MA)
- ENGIE (TX)
This webinar will explore how innovative universities are leveraging comprehensive energy management partnerships to collaborate with private industry, research and deploy new technologies, and meet sustainability goals.
In 2017, The …
- Posted Feb. 16, 2023
- Videos & Webinars
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Citrus College Educational Development Center
- Citrus College (CA)
Citrus College was recognized with an excellence in Energy & Sustainability Award for the Educational Development Center modernization project:
"Best innovative project -Medium size District" Award
- Posted Feb. 2, 2023
- Photographs
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McGill Sustainable Labs Guide
- McGill University (QC)
The McGill Sustainable Labs Guide contains a variety of actionable steps that lab users can take to make their lab operations more sustainable. Some of these practices can be applied …
- Posted Jan. 17, 2023
- Tools
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Campus Recognized for Energy, Water Efficiency
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
Cal State Fullerton has been honored with two Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Best Practice Awards and will be recognized in June at the California Higher Education Sustainability Conference.
One of …
- Posted Nov. 29, 2022
- Photographs
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LEED Gold: Student Recreation Center
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
Going for the Gold has special meaning for Cal State Fullerton’s Student Recreation Center, which has the honor of being the first CSUF building awarded a Gold Leadership in Energy …
- Posted Nov. 29, 2022
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LEED Platinum: Student Housing Phase III
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
Cal State Fullerton’s newest student housing complex is a step ahead of any statewide — it is the first in California awarded the Platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design …
- Posted Nov. 29, 2022
- Photographs
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Solving Climate Change Problems: CSUF Presents Energy and Sustainability Summit
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
More than 100 people packed the room at Cal State Fullerton’s first Energy and Sustainability Summit, held Oct. 26.
The summit, sponsored by Edison International, featured three panels of industry …
- Posted Nov. 21, 2022
- Photographs
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University of Costa Rica makes biodiesel from Jack Fruit seed oil
- Springboard Biodiesel (CA)
- University of Costa Rica
In celebration of Campus Sustainability Month here is the University of Costa Rica in San Jose. They are conducting research on various inedible indigenous seed oils including jack fruit seed …
- Posted Nov. 10, 2022
- Photographs
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Farmington Solar Facility
- Amherst College (MA)
- Bowdoin College (ME)
- Hampshire College (MA)
- Smith College (MA)
- Williams College (MA)
Farmington Solar Project - The New England College Renewable Partnership (NECRP) is a consortium of five small New England liberal arts colleges - Smith, Amherst, Bowdoin, Hampshire, and Williams - …
- Posted Aug. 8, 2022
- Photographs
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Center for Development Economics at Williams College
- Williams College (MA)
The Center for Development Economics (CDE) at Williams College offers an intensive, 10 month (one academic year), master’s degree program designed for economists from low and middle-income countries who have …
- Posted Aug. 3, 2022
- Photographs
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Princeton Builds Sustainability
- Princeton University (NJ)
Princeton recycles at least 95% of its materials in construction and demolition projects, while investing in water-saving and emissions-reducing technologies in and around its new buildings such as the construction …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
- Photographs
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Community tour of UMN Morris 240kW solar PV agrivoltaic field
- University of Minnesota, Morris (MN)
During the UMN WCROC Midwest Farm Energy Confererence, Vice Chancellor of Finance and Facilities, Bryan Herrmann gave visitors a tour of the new 240kW solar PV agrivoltaic field. This installation …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
- Photographs
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Agnes Scott College - Rebekah Scott Hall LEED Platinum Renovation / Restoration
- Agnes Scott College (GA)
Rebekah Scott Hall is the third LEED-certified building on Agnes Scott’s 100 acre campus. The 1905 new Italian Renaissance Revival structure underwent renovation between May 2017 to August 2018. Rebekah …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
- Photographs
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University of Sydney technology spin-off Gelion delivers smart solar benches on campus
- University of Sydney (NSW)
SCI 2022
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
- Photographs
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Stanford Solar Generating Station #2 (SSGS2)
- Stanford University (CA)
Stanford Solar Generating Station #2 (SSGS2), Stanford’s portion of a larger solar and energy storage project called Slate, began commercial operation in mid-March 2022.
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
- Photographs
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Notre Dame, Indiana Michigan Power 'flip the switch' on new solar facility
- University of Notre Dame (IN)
Notre Dame Solar investment - In 2021, University of Notre Dame and Indiana Michigan Power held a ribbon cutting for St. Joseph Solar Farm, a 210-acre solar facility located about …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
- Photographs
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Solar tracker at Furman Farm
- Furman University (SC)
A solar panel on a tall pole is the centerpiece of the Furman Farm. It automatically adjusts to follow the most efficient angle of the sun's rays.
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
- Photographs
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The David A. Tepper Quadrangle at Carnegie Mellon University
- Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
Carnegie Mellon University's David A. Tepper Quadrangle, home of the university's Coulter Welcome Center and the Tepper School of Business, earned LEED Gold certification in 2019.
CMU will be recognized …
- Posted July 27, 2022
- Photographs
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Energy Systems Minor
- Syracuse University (NY)
This minor option will provide students enrolled within the College of Engineering and Computer Science with a grouping of courses/electives that will provide academic depth in the field of energy …
- Posted June 13, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Energy Efficiency Minor
- University of California, Davis (CA)
Development and implementation of more energy efficient technologies and practices has been identified as the most rapid approach to reduce dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuel resources. Individuals with …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Mechanical Engineering with a Specialization in Renewable Energy and Environmental Flows
- University of California, San Diego (CA)
The specialization in renewable energy and environmental flows is designed for students who are interested in technologies that enable sustainable growth, in flow and transport in atmosphere, ocean, and groundwater, …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Energy Sustainability Engineering Technology
- Nova Scotia Community College (NS)
This program prepares students to meet the growing needs of employers in the rapidly expanding field of alternative energy, sustainability and energy systems management. Students are involved in energy auditing …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Graduate Certificate/Concentration in Wind Power Engineering
- University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)
The Graduate Certificate/Concentration in Wind Power Engineering is the first ever wind energy certificate/concentration program in the U.S. This 15 credit program offers a unique opportunity for students or professionals …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology
- College of Lake County (IL)
This Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program provides instruction in air conditioning, heating and refrigeration. Introductory courses in electricity, electric motors and theory of refrigeration are included. Advanced work …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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M.Eng in Transmission and Distribution Engineering
- Gonzaga University (WA)
Gonzaga students learn from industry leaders. Designed in collaboration with power experts, our program provides the necessary technical and managerial skills to advance careers in the rapidly-evolving power industry. This …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Wind Energy Graduate Certificate
- Northern Arizona University (AZ)
Students that complete the graduate certificate in wind energy will be prepared for professional practice in the wind industry. This includes the ability to design wind turbines and wind turbine …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Master of Sustainable Energy (Management)
- University of Queensland (QLD)
This program is designed to address complex problems across disciplines and equip you with the knowledge and skills to progress to leadership positions in the energy sector. Local, regional, national …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Energy Field of Study
- University of Queensland (QLD)
The Sustainable Energy field of study caters to students seeking knowledge and application of innovative solutions to the energy grand challenges facing organisations and society. Options available in this field …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Energy Engineering BS
- Indiana University Indianapolis (IN)
We combine courses from chemistry, mechanical engineering, physics and electrical engineering to create a strong knowledge base essential to success in this industry. Students also have the opportunity to take …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Solar Energy Graduate Certificate
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
The graduate certificate in Solar Energy requires completion of the following four courses:
EME 810: Solar Resource Assessment and Economics (Fall, Spring) EME 812: Utility Solar Power and Concentration (Summer) …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Solar Installation Technical Certificate
- Western Technical College (WI)
The Solar Installation Technician certificate is designed to address the needs of regional utility power suppliers that offer renewable energy options, as well as private companies that provide solar solutions …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Master of Energy Systems Engineering
- Lehigh University (PA)
The main focus of the Professional Master’s Degree Program in Energy Systems Engineering is to prepare new engineering graduates for energy-oriented careers -- a new generation of technical leaders for …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Professional Master’s in Sustainable Electrical Energy
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
This master’s degree is targeted to working engineers in the electrical energy and power industry. The Professional Master’s in Sustainable Electrical Energy (PMSEE) program is structured to bring in students …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Energy Environments MS
- West Virginia University (WV)
The Energy Environments graduate program (M.S.) is designed to prepare students with the advanced coursework, practical work and research experience needed to succeed in professions that are rapidly developing at …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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AAS Energy Management
- Lane Community College (OR)
Energy Management is the strategic evaluation of energy use. In large commercial facilities, that means looking at the energy consumed by motors, HVAC systems, lighting, and even how people engage …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Energy Management Certificate
- Lane Community College (OR)
This is the application of engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing energy-efficient systems or monitoring energy use. Includes instruction in principles …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Graduate Certificate in Power Electronics and Systems
- University of St. Thomas (MN)
This certificate addresses the microgrid and the penetration of alternative energy systems (Distributed Energy Resources - DERs) into the legacy power grid and the humanitarian/sustainable evolution in developing countries where …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Master of Technology specialization in Sustainable Systems
- Kent State University (OH)
The Master of Technology specialization in Sustainable Systems option allows students to take advanced courses in sustainability, Life Cycle Design and Analysis, and sustainable energy. The program prepares students to …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Energy Management Certificate
- British Columbia Institute of Technology (BC)
The Sustainable Energy Management Advanced Certificate (SEMAC) program is a partnership between BC Hydro, FortisBC and BCIT, with initial funding support from the Natural Resources Canada – Office of Energy …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering BS
- University of Sharjah (Sharjah)
The Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering (SREE) is dedicated to preparing students for their future profession or graduate studies in sustainable and renewable energy fields. The program provides its graduate …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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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.