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.

2541 resources

STARS Findings on Campus Infrastructure and Sustainable Development

  • AASHE (PA)

This article looks at infrastructure development among colleges and universities participating in STARS. Data related to building construction and maintenance, GHG emissions, and energy consumption can shed light on how ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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The Beauty of Net-Zero Energy Infrastructure: Lessons from History, Actions Today, and Dreams for the Future

  • Second Nature (MA)

As we connect the dots from ancient history to the distant future, we envision and hope for a clean and safe future for our grandchildren’s grandchildren. Sustainability professionals work ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Fostering Sustained Energy Behavior Change And Increasing Energy Literacy In A Student Housing Energy Challenge

  • University of Hawaii at Manoa (HI)

We designed the Kukui Cup challenge to foster energy conservation and increase energy literacy. Based on a review of the literature, the challenge combined a variety of elements into an ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Incentive Deserts: The Opportunities and Barriers to Solar PV Financing at UCLA

  • University of California, Los Angeles (CA)

Like the rest of Los Angeles, UCLA has plenty of buildings and gets plenty of sun. Given the University's interest in sustainability and innovation, you'd think all those ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Holdsworth Retrofit and Renovation

  • University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)

The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMA) has a rapidly evolving commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the environmental sustainability of its operations. According to the 2007 Intergovernmental Panel ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Funding & Incentivizing Energy Conservation at the University of Texas

  • University of Texas at Austin (TX)

In February 2011, the University of Texas at Austin's (UT) President Power's Sustainability Steering Committee identified the need to reduce demand-side energy consumption and create new, consistent funding ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Student-Driven Energy Independence: A Case Study of Humboldt Energy Independence Fund

  • Cal Poly Humboldt (CA)

This thesis is an evaluative case study of the Humboldt Energy Independence Fund (HEIF). I use this case study to locate the Humboldt Energy Independence Fund within a broader movement ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Greening the Campus: Converting Organic Waste to Energy

  • Rochester Institute of Technology (NY)

This project explores the potential waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies based on current conditions at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) (e.g., waste resource availability) by proposing the following three feasible WtE ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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AASHE Student Diary Series: The GREEN Life

  • Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick Campus (NJ)

This is the story of three Rutgers University students with a simple idea born in the hopes of educating and showing their peers the ever-expanding world of renewable energy. Three ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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AASHE Interview Series: John Robinson, Executive Director, UBC Sustainability Initiative

  • University of British Columbia (BC)

John Robinson, the Executive Director of the University of British Columbia's Sustainability Initiative sat down with AASHE to discuss the recently opened Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Measuring, Managing and Visualizing Building Energy Consumption & Carbon Emissions

  • University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)

How much energy do the buildings at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMA) consume? The answer to this question is of interest to those tracking energy efficiency and greenhouse gas ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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University of Northern BC Renewable Energy Feasibility Study, with Primary Consideration to Wind Energy

  • University of Northern British Columbia (BC)

This study examined the feasibility of UNBC's on-campus renewable energy opportunities with primary consideration to wind energy potential. Solar and hydro electrical energy opportunities, along with geoexchange, solar heating ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Reducing Dickinson's Carbon Footprint

  • Dickinson College (PA)

Findings from an evaluation of Dickinson College's Climate Action Plan and recommendations are presented. The evaluation was conducted by students in the spring 2011 course Practicum in Sustainability: Reducing ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Steam Loss in Miami University's Piping System

  • Miami University (OH)

The Physical Facilities department at Miami University has observed a monthly loss of 12-15 million pounds of steam, which translates into a $65,000 loss per month, in the 7 ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Proposal for University of Georgia Energy Reform

  • University of Georgia (GA)

University of Georgia Students for Environmental Action (SEA) created this proposal for presentation to our senior administration as a part of SEA's "UGA Beyond Coal" campaign to replace UGA ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Thermal Modeling with eQUEST Of Winthrop House: Engineering Sciences 96 Final Report

  • Harvard University (MA)

This abstract applies to all four papers written for Engineering Sciences 96.

In the coming decade, Harvard University will confront a system-wide student housing renovation project. For the past eighty ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Green Labs at Emory University

  • Emory University (GA)

Sustainability Student Research Award Nomination

Emory Green Labs Project: Rachel Croessmann, Kate McDonald, Andrew Park, Erin Saven

Background

As part of the CSR & Sustainability class taught by Prof. Peter ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Harvard House Renewal Program Energy Monitoring and Control Group

  • Harvard University (MA)

This abstract applies to all four papers written for Engineering Sciences 96.

In the coming decade, Harvard University will confront a system-wide student housing renovation project. For the past eighty ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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House Life: A closer look at the fundamental underpinnings of the House Renewal Project (Engineering Sciences 96 Final Report)

  • Harvard University (MA)

This abstract applies to all four papers written for Engineering Sciences 96.

In the coming decade, Harvard University will confront a system-wide student housing renovation project. For the past eighty ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Rethinking Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) in Harvard University's River Houses: Engineering Sciences 96 Final Report

  • Harvard University (MA)

This abstract applies to all four papers written for Engineering Sciences 96.

In the coming decade, Harvard University will confront a system-wide student housing renovation project. For the past eighty ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Harnessing Human Power for Alternative Energy in Fitness Facilities: A Case Study

  • 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. 24, 2016
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The Human Dimension of Energy Conservation and Sustainability

  • University of Michigan (MI)

The purpose of this paper is to determine the behaviors, attitudes, and levels of understanding among faculty, staff, and students in efforts to design programs aimed at reducing energy use ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Understanding Energy Conservation Attitudes, Knowledge and Behaviors in Science Laboratories at a Tier 1 Research-Intensive University

  • Michigan State University (MI)

Energy use per square foot from science research labs is disproportionately higher than other university building uses. Necessary use of energy intensive equipment as well as the time and extent ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Accelerating Campus Climate Initiatives: Breaking Through Barriers

  • Rocky Mountain Institute (CO)
  • AASHE (PA)

Published by Rocky Mountain Institute with support from AASHE, this is a practical guide for anyone working to reduce GHG emissions on campus. Offering real-world examples, the book helps readers ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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EVs with PVs: Analysis of Electric Vehicle Integration at Stanford University Using Solar PV Panels

  • Stanford University (CA)

As electric vehicles (EVs) are growing in popularity, Stanford University realizes that there may be great value in providing EV charging spots on campus for commuters and residents who switch ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Minnesota Campus Energy Challenge 2009 Analysis and Recommendations

  • Macalester College (MN)

This report is an analysis of the Minnesota 2009 Campus Energy Challenge (MCEC) from the point of view of the principal state organizer, Arielle Miwa Oseki Robbins, the principal Macalester ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Hanging it Out On Campus: A Guide to Providing Line-Drying Options to College Students and Promoting Other Eco-Friendly Laundry Habits

  • Pomona College (CA)

Colleges and universities around the country are moving towards making their campuses more sustainable locations to live and learn. Educational institutions that provide student housing are in the unique position ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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A Beginners Guide to On-Campus Solar Development

  • University of Idaho (ID)

Renewable energy generation technologies are a major tool for colleges and universities championing the ideals of sustainability and striving for climate neutrality. As these institutions focus on reducing their greenhouse ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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On-Site Solar Photovoltaic Energy Generation - Cal Poly Pomona

  • California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (CA)

The concentration for Regenerative Studies 599 Winter 2008, “Special Topics,” lead off the campus inventory work performed by the RS599 students in Winter of 2007. Professors Kyle Brown and Rick ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Budgeting for Energy Conservation

  • University of Pennsylvania (PA)

Budgeting for Energy Conservation proposes an innovative approach to mobilize the schools and centers of the University of Pennsylvania to conserve energy. A clear and effective roadmap for the transition ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Green Study for Greeks: The Determination of Environmental Sustainability within the Greek Community of WPI

  • Worcester Polytechnic Institute (MA)

Commissioned by the Greek Alumni Council (GAC) of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), the purpose of this project was to raise awareness within the Greek community of sustainability issues and ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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The Campus Climate Challenge Best Practices Guide for On-Campus Wind Energy

  • University of New Hampshire (NH)

The purpose of this guide is to assist colleges and universities by providing relevant information necessary to determine the feasibility of an on-campus wind turbine project. The guide presents an ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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SOGreen: An environmental undertaking for the School of Government

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (NC)

In January of 2008, four Masters of Public Administration students launched the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government's (SOG) initiative towards more sustainable facilities and operations: "SOGreen." The School of ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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On-Campus Solar Photovoltaic: A Best Practices Guide

  • University of New Hampshire (NH)

Sunlight is an abundant source of energy that will be around for years to come. While non-renewable fuels, for the time being, are far cheaper, and burn relatively efficiently, their ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Policy and Behaviour: Exploring Energy Use by Computers in the Marion McCain Building

  • Dalhousie University (NS)

Our research explores the overnight energy consumption of computers in one Dalhousie computer lab, room 2019 in the Marion McCain building. Our research had three objectives. The first was to ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Wood Pellets for UBC Boilers Replacing Natural Gas

  • University of British Columbia (BC)

This report studies the feasibility of replacing natural gas with wood pellets for UBC boilers. A gasification system is proposed to be installed in the UBC boiler house to convert ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Simulating energy efficiency in laboratory buildings

  • Iowa State University (IA)

Today's laboratory buildings are large consumers of energy. The ventilation requirements of these buildings mandate that large quantities of outside air be brought into the building. The advent of ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Organizing an Effective Campus Energy Program: Lessons from the University at Buffalo

  • University at Buffalo (NY)

The first step a campus should take to become green is to reinforce, reinvigorate, and expand its energy conservation program. Energy consumption produces the most significant environmental impacts associated with ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Best Practices Guide for Purchasing Green Power

  • Energy Action Coalition

Many colleges and universities are searching for ways to improve their sustainability performance. One popular method to demonstrate commitment to the sustainability is green power purchasing. Purchasing green power is ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Sustainable SCU: An Analysis of Santa Clara University's Current and Future Energy Usage

  • Santa Clara University (CA)

The goal of this project was to assess the effectiveness of Santa Clara University's Sustainability Program in conserving energy and reducing emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2). The study found ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Food and Fuel: Biogas Potential at Broward Dining Hall

  • University of Florida (FL)

Biogas, a sustainable natural gas equivalent, can be produced from food waste using anaerobic digestion. Large amounts of food waste are produced at campus dining halls. The goals of the ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Benefits of Compact Fluorescent Lights in Residence Life Housing at Arkansas State University: Students Take Action

  • Arkansas State University (AR)

The technology of electricity production has liberated man from darkness (i.e. usage of the candles, and the lanterns), but some repercussions accompany this technology. According to the Department of ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Conserving Energy in Existing Buildings: A Case Study of Purdue University's Residence Halls

  • Purdue University (IN)

Residence halls are a good example of potential for energy savings in large buildings with varied and complex usage like hotels, youth hostels, and apartment complexes. In such settings, motivating ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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From principle to product: Exploring process through the Solar Decathlon

  • University of Maryland, College Park (MD)

The premise of this thesis is to examine the process and development of the evolution of words into built form. The abstract principle followed through the design process is the ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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A sense of power: an energy analysis of the University of Cincinnati's west campus

  • University of Cincinnati (OH)

This study consists of an energy analysis of UC's west campus. The central component of this thesis examines the Aronoff Center, analyzing its design and function in relation to ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Design of energy efficient building with radiant slab cooling

  • University of Calgary (AB)

Air-conditioning comprises a substantial fraction of commercial building energy use because of compressor-driven refrigeration and fan-driven air circulation. Core regions of large buildings require year-round cooling due to heat gains ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Lighting efficiency feasibility study of three Ohio university buildings

  • Ohio University (OH)

This thesis aims to evaluate the lighting efficiency of three Ohio University campus buildings. The primary research question is: What are the short- versus long-term costs and benefits to Ohio ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Energy Service Companies as a Component of a Comprehensive University Sustainability Strategy

  • Clarion University of Pennsylvania (PA)
  • Pennsylvania State University (PA)

This paper aims to quantify and critically analyze the best practices of a comprehensive environmental stewardship strategy (ESS), which included a guaranteed energy savings program (GESP) that utilized an energy ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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The Hidden Economics of Campus Sustainability

  • Colorado State University (CO)

Most of us are familiar with the obvious economic and environmental benefits associated with utility cost avoidance programs. For example, Colorado State University has actively encouraged energy management and water ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Green Expectations: From Wind Turbines to Green Dorms, from Turf Roofs to Eco-Friendly Cleaning Fluids, IHEs Are Exploring Environmentally Friendly Ways to Conserve Energy, Save Money-And Help the Planet

  • Carleton College (MN)

In a cornfield within eyesight of Carleton College's (Minn.) campus stands a towering sleek, stark-white structure that looks Like the Mercedes-Benz logo. But it's hardly an advertisement for ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 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

OP 6: Clean and Renewable Energy

Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.

Energy Partners