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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Getting to 30% Greenhouse Gas Reduction from Energy Consumed in Buildings
- St. John's University, New York (NY)
St. John's University - New York (STJ), a leader in PLaNYC 2030's "University Challenge", first private university to sign a MOU with EPA, and charter participant in AASHE STARS contracted …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Student Center Features New High Efficiency Central Geothermal Technology
- Trane (TX)
In July 2010 the school broke ground on a three-story, 70,000-square-foot student center scheduled for November 2011 completion. The new building is slated to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The Path to Energy Independence: Green Workforce Development on the Most Remote Islands in the World
- University of Hawaii Maui College (HI)
The Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) calls for 70% energy independence in the State of Hawaii by 2030. A recent Hawaii Green Workforce Development Report claimed that the future is …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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How to (Not) Build a Wind Turbine
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (IL)
On-campus wind energy is a strategy often considered by institutions in plans to reduce carbon emissions, hedge against volatile energy costs and meet renewable energy goals. However, such projects can …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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EMpowered: Using Web-Based Energy Dashboards as a Delivery Platform for Culture Change Programming
- University of Kentucky (KY)
Energy dashboards have become a common tool for providing feedback regarding resource consumption and conducting energy reduction competitions. Our approach in developing the EMpowered project was to significantly broaden this …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Community organizing for energy conservation: The Power Police
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
The Power Police is a project of the Energy Efficiency Student Alliance (EESA) and Energy Management. The Power Police install powerstrips, timers, and light switch stickers in consenting offices during …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Capping campus energy consumption despite massive growth: The Oregon Model for Sustainable Development
- University of Oregon (OR)
The Oregon Model for Sustainable Development is a new policy that places a firm ceiling on campus energy consumption. To achieve it, new construction projects must meet aggressive energy efficiency …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Generating Real Savings: Williams College's Integrated Energy Management Strategy a Year Later
- Williams College (MA)
Instituting a comprehensive energy management strategy was an opportunity for Williams College to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy and money, drive behavioral changes, and bring together diverse stakeholders with …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Driving Down Energy Use While Your IT Load Increases
- Stanford University (CA)
In January 2009 Stanford University undertook the challenge of reducing electricity and chilled water usage in the main 20,000 square foot datacenter.
A year later, IT Load is up 10%, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Cutting Carbon through Energy Efficiency, Technology, and Behavior Change
- University of Florida (FL)
A review of programs at the University of Florida addressing structural and behavioral energy savings.
Buildings account for ~70% of the UF's GHG emissions, and energy efficiency is a priority …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Enterprising Students Lead Campus Sustainability Initiatives at Michigan Tech
- Michigan Technological University (MI)
Michigan Technological University's innovative, student-centered educational initiative, the Enterprise Program, now has a team focused on advancing campus sustainability. Students enrolled in a variety of Enterprises form interdisciplinary teams to …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainable Scientists: Integrating Lab Users into Sustainable Laboratory Solutions
- University of Notre Dame (IN)
Research laboratories are typically the most energy-intensive spaces on university campuses. While energy usage is largely driven by ventilation needs, plug loads and user behavior are significant factors. Barriers to …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Green Billion-Dollar Challenge: Innovative Endowment Investing in Energy Efficiency
- Sustainable Endowments Institute (MA)
- Clean Air-Cool Planet (NH)
- GreenerU (MA)
Facing burdensome budget cuts and unstable energy costs, many colleges are grappling with how to finance urgently needed, but capital-intensive, energy efficiency retrofits. In response to this need, the panel …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainable Building Energy Systems: Independent Evaluation for Improved Decision-Making
- EarthLinked Technologies (FL)
- Southern Research Institute (NC)
Southern Research Institute - an affiliate of UAB - operates the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Technology Center for the U.S. EPA. The GHG Center evaluates technologies that provide improved energy efficiency, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Building a sustainable data center
- Johnson County Community College (KS)
Between 2000 and 2005 the footprint of our data center grew by 1000%. Clear patterns evolved showing the growth rate would continue and we were on an unsustainable path. Beginning …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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LED University - Sharing the Experience, Expertise and Excitement of LED Lighting
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Marquette University (WI)
- North Carolina State University (NC)
- University of California, Davis (CA)
- Cree (NC)
The LED University® program helps colleges and universities around the world begin deploying LED lighting to significantly reduce energy use for lighting while dramatically lowering maintenance costs. According to the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The End of Oil: A Model Course for Sustainability Education
- Prescott College (AZ)
Because energy is central to all socio-ecological systems, a course on energy can easily become a course on everything. Therein lies both the promise and the challenge of a course …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Financing Renewable Energy Installations on University and College Campuses
- Eastern Connecticut State University (CT)
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (NC)
- University of Minnesota, Morris (MN)
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (WI)
When you evaluate the plans filed with ACUPCC for achieving Zero-Carbon by 2050, virtually every plan dependents on the installation and operation of on-site renewable energy. With today's difficult economic …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Room Temperature Biologial Sample Storage Programs at Stanford
- Stanford University (CA)
Researchers at Stanford University and the School of Medicine can make a direct contribution to energy and resource conservation targets by replacing aging biological sample storage freezers with more efficient …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Energy Competitions: Challenges and Opportunities
- Green Mountain College (VT)
- Old Dominion University (VA)
- Williams College (MA)
- Northwestern University (IL)
- Atrius (CA)
- University at Albany (NY)
How can institutions of higher education leverage resource reduction competitions to engage, educate, and motivate student behavior change?
Campus resource reduction competitions are a powerful platform to engage students in …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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How Academia Can Support Appalachian Coalfield Communities Transitioning Towards Sustainability
- University of Hawaii Honolulu Community College (HI)
- University of Vermont (VT)
- Queen's University
- Clearfork Community Institute (TN)
The Appalachian Transition Initiative (ATI) is a collaborative effort to develop a just, sustainable and desirable future in Central Appalachia. ATI is a partnership with over 40 different nonprofits, businesses …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Ground Source In-Depth: Two Systems, Three Years of Data
- Pacific Lutheran University (WA)
- Portland State University (OR)
- ZGF Architects (OR)
- PAE Consulting Engineers (OR)
Ground Source Heat Pump systems, in which the relatively constant temperature of the earth is used to heat and cool a building, can be a significant energy efficiency strategy for …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Energy Storage Can Benefit Your Campus, Finances and Community!
- Duquesne University (PA)
- Trane (TX)
- CALMAC (NJ)
Overall, today's electric utilities have twice the capacity they need, but they still run short of power to meet air conditioning demands during peak summer days. According to a recent …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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UNCP Initiative - Performance Contracting as a Catalyst for Sustainability
- University of North Carolina, Pembroke (NC)
- Siemens Industry, Inc. (IL)
- Celtic Energy, Inc. (CT)
Higher Education Institutions have increasingly used Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) as a tool to implement energy saving measures and infrastructure improvements in facilities. The continued erosion of State funding, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainability Commitments, Actions & Economics: Managed Print Services
- Cleveland State University (OH)
- FirstMetrix Corporation (OH)
- Xerox Corporation (MN)
Cleveland State University committed to a goal of developing, designing and implementing an enterprise wide document output strategy that is consistent with the Unviersity's mission and commitment to environmental stewardship, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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America's Greenest Campus: Sustainability at Rio Salado College
- Rio Salado College (AZ)
- Scottsdale Community College (AZ)
- SmartPower (DC)
Building a sustainable campus takes good policies - and engagement of students both in and out of the classroom.
In 2009, Rio Salado College won SmartPower's America's Greenest Campus contest, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Climate Action Implementation on research campuses: Lessons from large scale energy projects
- Cornell University (NY)
- Stanford University (CA)
- University of Pennsylvania (PA)
For large research campuses achieving climate neutrality requires a combination of supply-side and demand-side energy initiatives. Panelists will focus on the implementation of Climate Action Plans underway at three universities. …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Building Weatherization Planning through Cross-Campus Collaboration
- Colby College (ME)
- Harvard University (MA)
- University of Virginia (VA)
Last May, more than 50 students took a break from studying for finals and partnered with the school's Environmental Action Committee, Faculty of Arts and Sciences Green Program, and Office …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Internal Energy Auditing to Meet Portfolio-Wide GHG Reduction Goals at 3 Institutions
- Colby College (ME)
- Harvard University (MA)
- University of Virginia (VA)
Universities worldwide are committing to greenhouse gas reduction goals and implementing climate action plans. Optimizing building efficiency is often identified as a central strategy to achieving these ambitious goals. To …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Retrofitting Existing Buildings for Energy Efficiency and Demand Response
- California State University, Sacramento (CA)
- Stanford University (CA)
- Western Michigan University (MI)
Compared with new facilities, existing buildings often have legacy equipment which waste energy, require more maintenance, and incur more downtime. They are often incapable of communicating and interacting with the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Eden Hall Campus: Laboratory for 21st century climate positive living
- Chatham University (PA)
- BNIM Architects (MO)
As the alma mater of Rachel Carson, Chatham University has long been committed to environmental education, advocacy and stewardship. In recent years, that commitment has included establishing a dorm focused …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Partnerships for Net Zero: CSU's Collaboration in Fort ZED
- Colorado State University (CO)
- Brendle Group (CO)
Colorado State University (CSU) is a key partner in making "FortZED," an initiative to turn downtown Fort Collins, Colorado and the campus of CSU into the largest net zero energy …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainability, Actions & Economics: Student Engagement-Green Roof Project
- Cleveland State University (OH)
- FirstMetrix Corporation (OH)
The University combined design standards with its commitment to sustainability at Cleveland State University's LEED certified Recreation Center. The Center was initially designed with a rooftop garden; however, the garden …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Exceeding Expectations: Energy Efficiency in Historic Renovations
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
- Mahlum Architects (WA)
Institutions across the country are faced with historic buildings in dire need of systems, envelope and programmatic upgrades. While these renovations are vital toward preserving campus architectural legacy and character, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Environmental and Economic Benefits of Campus Biomass Combined Heat and Power
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (NY)
- Syracuse University (NY)
Training emerging professionals about sustainability concepts needs to happen both in and out of the classroom in order to meet ambitious national workforce education and training goals. The process of …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Going Green Can Benefit Your Campus Educationally and Fiscally
- Macalester College (MN)
- Trane (TX)
Going green can be good for you. A successful campus-wide sustainability effort can serve an institution both educationally and fiscally. As part of a campus-wide sustainability plan to become zero …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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An Innovative Approach to "Going Green" While Addressing Deferred Maintanence
- University of Central Missouri (MO)
- Trane (TX)
Going green is becoming increasingly important for schools to attract students. 63% of college applicants are looking for a green campus, according to the Princeton Review (2008). However, many college …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Maintaining Momentum with Energy and Water Conservation Projects and Campaigns
- Metropolitan State University of Denver (CO)
- University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus (CO)
The Auraria Campus, in downtown Denver, home to the Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State College of Denver and the University of Colorado Denver is now a leader in water …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Meeting Greenhouse Gas Reductions by Implementing a Comprehensive Energy Management Strategy
- Williams College (MA)
- Woodard & Curran, Inc. (ME)
Whether your campus is a signatory to the ACUPCC, subject to state GHG emission reduction goals, or is simply committed to reducing the overall campus carbon footprint, reducing GHG emissions …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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How Passion Inspired the Evolution of Energy Reduction to Sustainability
- Washington University in St. Louis (MO)
The business case for Sustainability is more compelling than ever in tough economic times. Energy costs serve as one of the largest budget items and represent enormous potential savings for …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Student Driven Campus Biodiesel
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (NY)
The State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) started producing biodiesel for its fleet four years ago. The project was initiated by an undergraduate …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Harnessing Human Power at the UC Berkeley Recreational Sports Facility
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
As energy usage across the world continues to rise, there is a strong need to develop new methods for energy conservation and power generation, particularly approaches that have less environmental …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Green Power in an Educational Setting: Challenges and Opportunities
- Albright College (PA)
The Green Power Partnership (GPP), a voluntary environmental program launched by EPA in 2001 helps organizations get support from EPA in reducing their carbon footprint, lowering the transaction costs of …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Approaching Light Speed - From Zero to 5.5 MW
- Colorado State University (CO)
The time has finally come where a combination of new legislation and public interest has put renewable energy on the forefront of environmental solutions that ensure a more secure future …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Making the Geoscience Curriculum More Sustainable
- Eastern Connecticut State University (CT)
Sustainability is an increasingly important theme in geoscience education and our department is helping to modify the traditional geoscience curriculum so that it more fully addresses sustainability issues. At Eastern …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Putting it all together: The Push for Renewable Energy inside & outside the classroom
- Green Mountain College (VT)
In this session, the importance of collaborative campus sustainability efforts will be highlighted. On Earth Day, 2010, Green Mountain College opened its new Combined Heat and Power Biomass Plant. This …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Solar High Tunnels: Food Production and Renewable Energy
- Green Mountain College (VT)
Over the last decade, growers in the Northeast have been utilizing high tunnel structures, or field greenhouses, in their food production systems. These structures allow growers to extend the fall …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Biomass Utilization in Southside Virginia
- Longwood University (VA)
Longwood University is a four-year, state-assisted, co-educational university encompassing 60 acres centrally located in Farmville, Virginia. The institution has a total of 4,700 undergraduate and graduate students and approximately 900 …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Why Ohio U Won't Cede or Sell Its Renewable Energy Credits
- Ohio University (OH)
Increasingly, colleges and universities are being approached by third party developers to install alternative energy systems on campus with little to no upfront capital investment. The catch? As part of …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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UCF, an In-House Energy Service Group that Saves Millions
- University of Central Florida (FL)
The University of Central Florida (UCF) surpassed its goal and decreased its energy consumption by 25 percent per square foot in fiscal year 2008-2009. This saved the university close to …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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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.