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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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 Government …
- 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 air-to-air …
- 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 that …
- 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 Energy, …
- 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 its …
- 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 the luxury …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Student Inquiries into Neglected Research for a Sustainable Society: Communication and Application
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
By applying the interdisciplinary approach of Science, Technology & Society, students can solve often-neglected research problems of shifting society's operation towards a sustainable state. A recent Penn State University student …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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2.2 MW kW Groundmount Array
- Cedarville University (OH)
The 2,154 kilowatt solar array was built on the southwest edge of the campus by Cincinnati-based Melink Corporation, which was responsible for the development, engineering, construction, and operation of the …
- Posted Jan. 14, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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240 kW Solar Arrays: Downs-Jones Library, Allen-Frazier Hall and Beard-Burrowes Hall
- Huston-Tillotson University (TX)
Huston-Tillotson University recently installed about 240 kilowatts of solar on campus. The solar energy systems are on three buildings – the Downs-Jones Library and the Allen-Frazier and Beard-Burrowes residence halls.
- Posted Jan. 4, 2016
- Green Power Projects
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64 kW Rooftop Array: Intramural Activities Building
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
Installed in 2011, this solar array is the largest on campus (as of 2015) covering one fifth of the Intramural Activities Building. The array generates around 60,000 kilowatt hours annually.
- Posted Dec. 2, 2015
- Green Power Projects
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35 kW Rooftop Array: Mercer Court
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
A renewable energy project began at UW in 2012 and after two years of work, a solar array was installed on the rooftop of Mercer Court A in 2014. The …
- Posted Dec. 2, 2015
- Green Power Projects
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10 kW Rooftop Demonstration Site: UW Power Plant
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
There are three different technologies in this demonstration site that feed PV-generated electricity into the UW electrical system. The UW smart grid project monitors how much power is generated every …
- Posted Dec. 2, 2015
- Green Power Projects
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82 kW Rooftop Array: Stetson-Sawyer Library
- Williams College (MA)
- Solar City (MD)
The new solar array installed on the roof of Sawyer Library is connected to the power grid after the building closes. Workers are putting the final connections in place this …
- Posted Nov. 17, 2015
- Green Power Projects
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41 kW Solar Arrays: '66 Environmental Center
- Williams College (MA)
- Solar City (MD)
The building program maximizes the use of space, minimizes energy and water demand, and uses on-site solar energy and rooftop water collection to produce 100% of the energy and water …
- Posted Nov. 17, 2015
- Green Power Projects
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36 kW Solar Canopy: Chuck and Polly Longsworth Arts Center
- Hampshire College (MA)
A 36 kW array atop Hampshire's Chuck and Polly Longsworth Arts Center has been helping to reduce Hampshire's carbon footprint since 2010.
- Posted Oct. 21, 2015
- Green Power Projects
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63 kW Rooftop Array: Edberg-Olson Hall
- Temple University (PA)
- Community Energy, Inc. (PA)
Completed in December 2013, the 4,500 SF, 63-kilowatt solar array installed on the south-facing roof of Temple's Edberg-Olson Hall is the first solar project of its kind at a college …
- Posted Sept. 9, 2015
- Green Power Projects
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1.2 MW Rooftop Solar System
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
- AECOM (CO)
- REC Solar (CA)
This project consists of three separate systems on the Performing Arts building, the Kinesiology & Health Sciences building and on a parking structure.
- Posted July 30, 2015
- Green Power Projects
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83 kW Rooftop Array: One Stop Center Building
- University of Hawaii Kauai Community College (HI)
- REC Solar (CA)
REC Solar designed and installed an 83.25 kW roof-mounted system for the One Stop Center building at the Kauai Community College that produces approximately 125,000 kWh annually. The system includes …
- Posted July 30, 2015
- Green Power Projects
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545 kW Rooftop Array: Recreation Center
- Colorado State University (CO)
- Namasté Solar (CO)
- The Atmosphere Conservancy (CO)
Ballasted Mounting. PV Panel Type: (1,786) Trina 305 watt Inverter Type: (19) Advanced Energy 23 (18), 20 (1) kW
- Posted July 24, 2015
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220 kW Rooftop Array: Veterinary Teaching Hospital
- Colorado State University (CO)
- Namasté Solar (CO)
- The Atmosphere Conservancy (CO)
Ballasted Mounting.Veterinary Teaching Hospital. PV Panel Type: (722) Trina 305 watt Inverter Type: (8) SMA 24(6), 20(2) kW
- Posted July 24, 2015
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139 kW Rooftop Array: Parmalee Hall
- Colorado State University (CO)
- Namasté Solar (CO)
- The Atmosphere Conservancy (CO)
Ballasted Mounting on flat roof (12 deg) & Direct Mounting on Tilt portion (20 deg).Parmalee Hall. PV Panel Type: (456) Trina 305 watts Inverter Type: (5) Advanced Energy 23 (4), …
- Posted July 24, 2015
- Green Power Projects
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100 kW Rooftop Array: Braiden Hall
- Colorado State University (CO)
- Namasté Solar (CO)
- The Atmosphere Conservancy (CO)
Ballasted Mounting on flat roof (12 deg) & Direct Mounting on Tilt portion (20 deg). PV Panel Type: (392) ReneSola 255 watt Inverter Type: (5) Advanced Energy 23 (2), 16 …
- Posted July 24, 2015
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99 kW Rooftop Array: University Center for the Arts
- Colorado State University (CO)
- Namasté Solar (CO)
- The Atmosphere Conservancy (CO)
Ballasted Mounting.University Center for the Arts. PV Panel Type: (323) Trina 305 watt Inverter Type: (4) SMA 24(1), 20(3) kW
- Posted July 24, 2015
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92 kW Rooftop Array: Edwards Hall
- Colorado State University (CO)
- Namasté Solar (CO)
- The Atmosphere Conservancy (CO)
Ballasted Mounting.Edwards Hall. PV Panel Type: (301) Trina 305 watt Inverter Type: (4) SMA 24(1), 20(2), 15(1) kW
- Posted July 24, 2015
- Green Power Projects
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1.2 MW - 4 Solar Installations
- Bowdoin College (ME)
- SolarCity
Bowdoin's 1.2 megawatt solar power complex includes approximately 4,420 solar panels at four major installations: rooftop systems on Farley Field House, the Sidney J. Watson Arena, and Greason Pool, along …
- Posted July 1, 2015
- Green Power Projects
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Biogas systems with anaerobic digestion for sustainability education and and research renewable energy production
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (WI)
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Biogas program consists of three anaerobic digestion facilities that divert organic wastes from landfills, destroy methane gas, generate electrical and thermal energy, and produce quality …
- Posted June 19, 2015
- Case Studies
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The University of Iowa Dedicated Energy Crop Project - Applying The Triple Bottom Line To Biomass Fuel Production
- University of Iowa (IA)
The University of Iowa (UI) has adopted an institutional goal to convert 40 percent of its energy portfolio to renewable energy by or before 2020. Central to this effort is …
- Posted June 19, 2015
- Case Studies
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LED Lighting in New York University's Student Center
- New York University (NY)
This past year, New York University undertook a lighting project in the Helen and Martin Kimmel Center for University Life, resulting in a 100% LED fitted building. This project reduced …
- Posted June 19, 2015
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Reducing UMKC Energy Consumption Using Occupancy Sensors
- University of Missouri, Kansas City (MO)
As part of a class sustainability project, Ms. Harrell conducted an energy consumption Cost Benefit Analysis of four older buildings on the University of Missouri Kansas City Volker Campus. She …
- Posted June 19, 2015
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Prioritizing Energy Conservation and Efficiency with the Help of New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
- University of Rochester (NY)
The University of Rochester has many competing demands for funding. Unfortunately, energy conservation projects often fall to the bottom of the priority list. By designating a point-person within the University …
- Posted June 11, 2015
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Creative Renewable Energy Solutions
- Skidmore College (NY)
Skidmore College completed two complementary, innovative renewable energy projects in 2015. With encouragement from the campus community, along with favorable remote net metering regulations and New York State incentives, the …
- Posted June 11, 2015
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Capital Partners Solar Project
- American University (DC)
- George Washington University (DC)
- Coho Climate Advisors (MD)
Capital Partners Solar Project (CPSP) is a solar energy project contracted by the George Washington University (GW), American University (AU), and the George Washington University Hospital (GWUH). Comprised of 52 …
- Posted June 11, 2015
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Beyond Campus Roofs: Solar for the Community
- University of Utah (UT)
U Community Solar is an innovative program to give the University of Utah a local, tangible way to offset its carbon footprint over the next 20 years. The one-time program …
- Posted June 10, 2015
- Case Studies
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Powerz - Garden Your Campus @ NTU
- Nanyang Technological University
- ENGIE (TX)
The Energy Research Institute (ERI@N) and ENGIE (formerly GDF Suez), a leader in energy services and solutions, launched a large-scale pilot project, called POWERZ, on the NTU Campus.
NTU's aim …
- Posted June 10, 2015
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An Integrated Approach to Energy and Climate Planning
- Sheridan College (Ontario) (ON)
In 2010, Sheridan's Office for Sustainability recommended that the institution undertake strategic planning to examine the long-term economic and environmental risks surrounding energy use at Sheridan. Sheridan's executive quickly grasped …
- Posted June 8, 2015
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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.