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
New Resources
Integrating Teaching, Research and Operational Sustainability: Utilization of Bio-Energy at UNBC, Canada's Green University
- University of Northern British Columbia (BC)
In Spring 2009, UNBC installed Canada's first university owned wood pellet heating system. The project showcases the use of bio-energy as a sustainable, carbon-neutral energy source. UNBC's wood ...
- Posted June 24, 2010
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Implementing Large Scale Solar in the Land of Cheap Coal
- Colorado State University (CO)
Colorado State University is home to one of the largest solar plants on a U.S. university campus. The fact that Colorado State has been able to expand renewable energy ...
- Posted June 23, 2010
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Helping Small Businesses near Anderson University, SC
- Anderson University (SC)
Anderson University's SIFE team partnered with the local Sam's Club to help business members in efforts to help their facilities become environmentally friendly. We performed energy audits at ...
- Posted June 23, 2010
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WinterBlitz: Williams College students Weatherize Low-income Homes in the Local Community
- Williams College (MA)
For the past 2 years, Williams College students and community volunteers have weatherized a total of over 75 homes in 3 towns near Williams College during a one-day event in ...
- Posted June 21, 2010
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Installing Occupancy Sensors at Missouri State University Residence Life and Services
- Missouri State University (MO)
Residence Life and Services at Missouri State University received a grant from City Utilities of Springfield, MO to install occupancy sensors on all lights in community and public restrooms, common ...
- Posted June 17, 2010
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Student Activism Leads the Way to Clean Energy at Green Mountain College
- Green Mountain College (VT)
On April 22, 2010, Green Mountain College opened a new biomass facility to replace the power station that previously burned number six fuel oil. This new facility will reduce greenhouse ...
- Posted June 14, 2010
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UO vs OSU Energy Civil War
- University of Oregon (OR)
The University of Oregon (UO) and Oregon State University (OSU) staged a human-powered energy generation contest to see which school could produce the most energy from their Recreation Centers' ReCardio ...
- Posted June 8, 2010
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Holiday Energy Turn Down
- Emory University (GA)
During the 2009-2010 Winter Holiday break Emory University conducted a campaign to reduce energy consumption by turning down the HVAC for a total of six days in 15 buildings. These ...
- Posted June 3, 2010
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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. Additional content and advanced benchmarking tools will be added to this tab over time.
Benchmarking Data
The following data has been compiled in spreadsheet format to facilitate benchmarking. It will be updated annually to coincide with the publication of AASHE’s Sustainable Campus Index.
Programs and Initiatives
The following links connect to specific Content Displays on the STARS website (AASHE membership and log-in required).
- Co-generation (e.g. combined heat and power) facilities
- On-site renewable electricity generating devices
- On-site renewable non-electric energy devices
- Off-site institution-catalyzed renewable electricity generating devices
- Purchased RECS, GOs and other renewable energy products
Scores
The following link connects to the Score Display on the STARS website (AASHE membership and log-in required).