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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New Chiller and Autoclaves Installed on Campus
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
Cal State Fullerton is helping keep its students, faculty and staff cooler this summer and making the University more energy efficient — with the installation of a new chiller and …
- Posted Oct. 10, 2024
- Photographs
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A Beacon to Savings - Campus to Replace Lights for More Energy Efficiency
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
By Pamela McLaren
How many people does it take to switch out a light bulb? On a college campus dealing with more than 75,000 lamps — it will take a …
- Posted Oct. 10, 2024
- Photographs
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SunZia Wind
- University of California, Office of the President (CA)
Construction photos of SunZia Wind
- Posted Aug. 20, 2024
- Photographs
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Game day at Kyle Field Stadium
- Texas A&M University (TX)
Game day in Kyle Field where average attendance is often 100,000. This picture depicts the potential large scale impact that pro-sustainability measures leveraged in athletic spaces can have.
- Posted Aug. 19, 2024
- Photographs
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Solar partnership supports formerly incarcerated individuals
- University of Notre Dame (IN)
The University of Notre Dame has partnered with Crossroads Solar to develop a 1-megawatt solar array. Crossroads provides jobs and life skills to formerly incarcerated individuals as part of a …
- Posted Aug. 19, 2024
- Photographs
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JMU Virginia Pollinator-Smart Certification
- James Madison University (VA)
James Madison University became the first university to earn the Virginia Pollinator-Smart Certification, a program that promotes pollinator-friendly solar energy developments throughout Virginia. The university's East Campus Hillside features the …
- Posted Aug. 19, 2024
- Photographs
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How to Make the Most of your Sustainability Event
- University of British Columbia (BC)
- AASHE (MA)
This webinar on “How to make the most of your Sustainability Event” will focus on learnings and successes based on a several weeks long Sustainability programme at UNBC that was …
- Posted Aug. 15, 2024
- Videos & Webinars
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STARS of Data Accuracy
- University of Houston (TX)
Beginning in 2019, University of Houston required all new buildings and major renovations to be designed and certified to LEED Silver or better standards. Since then, three projects have met …
- Posted July 31, 2024
- Photographs
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AI-based controller
- Cornell University (NY)
Part of Cornell’s Radical Collaboration on Solutions for Sustainability includes is Guided by faculty task forces, Cornell is investing in ten strategic discipline areas one of which is artificial intelligence. …
- Posted July 31, 2024
- Photographs
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Campus Barcelona - Executive Education Building - Photovoltaic installation
- IESE Business School - Barcelona (Barcelona)
Campus Barcelona - Executive Education Building - Photovoltaic installation
- Posted July 29, 2024
- Photographs
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SCI Top Performer - University of Oregon Heating Transition Taskforce
- University of Oregon (OR)
Thermal Systems Transition Study Task Force The UO Thermal Systems Task Force was responsible for reviewing the UO’s thermal heating infrastructure and recommending how best to reduce the system’s greenhouse …
- Posted July 24, 2024
- Photographs
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Salisbury University - Guerrieri Academic Commons Building
- Salisbury University (MD)
The Academic Commons is a LEED Gold certified building. It is one of Salisbury University's most energy efficient buildings. It has a green roof, highly efficient HVAC system, and LED …
- Posted July 18, 2024
- Photographs
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Bates Students at Their Solar Array
- Bates College (ME)
After crunching the financing numbers, Bates students stand in front of the solar array that they helped make happen. The array accounts for 75% of Bates' total power.
- Posted July 15, 2024
- Photographs
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Microgrid Workforce Development Training
- Arizona State University at the Polytechnic Campus (AZ)
Arizona State University's (ASU) Laboratory for Energy And Power Solutions (LEAPS) offers over 300 hours of training in energy systems, microgrids, minigrids (off-grid systems), grid modernization, and other energy-related topics. …
- Posted July 10, 2024
- Tools
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Sustainable Heat: Options for Decarbonizing Cold-Region Higher Education Campus Heating Systems
- Bates College (ME)
- Boston University (MA)
- Connecticut College (CT)
- Denison University (OH)
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
- The Ohio State University (OH)
- University of Iowa (IA)
- University of Maine (ME)
American higher education campuses in cold-weather areas have traditionally used oil- and coal-fired boilers to generate steam for heating. But many institutions, including some that have already shifted to natural …
- Posted June 17, 2024
- Publications
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Fullerton Takes Part in "Flex Your Power" Energy Demand Program
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
California State University Recognized Fullerton Takes Part in "Flex Your Power" Energy Demand Program
The California State University has been recognized by the state’s Flex Your Power campaign for reducing …
- Posted June 12, 2024
- Photographs
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Expanding the Power of the Sun
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
Cal State Fullerton is moving ahead with solar power and expanding the array of solar panels that harness the force of the sun to power lights, computers, air conditioning and …
- Posted June 12, 2024
- Photographs
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Greener Power: New Central Plant Becomes Operational
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
When the university’s new trigeneration plant begins operating next month, few will realize that a change has occurred — but its effect will be massive.
For the first time, the …
- Posted May 28, 2024
- Photographs
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Working Toward a Clean Energy Future: CSUF Presents Second Energy and Sustainability Summit
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
As Orange County works toward its climate goals, Cal State Fullerton is committed to advancing clean energy for the future, providing students with hands-on research opportunities and partnering with local …
- Posted May 9, 2024
- Photographs
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Earth Fest Celebration for Earth Month at Oklahoma State
- Oklahoma State University (OK)
Each year on Earth Day, we hold our campus Earth Fest, bringing together sustainability-focused student and faculty groups. The event features information about Energy Services, SGA sustainability initiatives, and various …
- Posted April 29, 2024
- Photographs
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How Michigan State University and Sparty Celebrate Earth Month
- Michigan State University (MI)
These pictures are from our Environmental Education Fair that Michigan State University's Office of Sustainability hosted in partnership with MSU student leadership. Our beloved mascot Sparty came to visit the …
- Posted April 17, 2024
- Photographs
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Biggest Hour For Earth
- Technological University Dublin (Dublin)
Campaign message:
The countdown for Earth Hour is on! Since its beginnings, Earth Hour has been known for the symbolic 'lights off' in support of our planet. But this year, …
- Posted April 4, 2024
- Photographs
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ACE Webinar: How your Institution can Save Money and Fight Climate Change
- Second Nature (MA)
- American Council on Education (DC)
Colleges and universities can now tap into significant cost savings and boost sustainability efforts thanks to new clean energy tax credits included in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
ACE hosted …
- Posted April 3, 2024
- Videos & Webinars
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How To Accelerate Your Institution’s Scope 3 Emissions Reductions
- Catawba College (NC)
- AASHE (MA)
- GreenPlaces (NC)
With campus leaders facing mounting pressure to reduce carbon emissions, many institutions are struggling to measure and manage scope 3 emissions. Data collection is highly manual, and many institutions simply …
- Posted March 6, 2024
- Videos & Webinars
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Maximizing Voluntary Renewable Electricity Impacts
- Boston University (MA)
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (IL)
- Center for Resource Solutions | Green-e (CA)
As the urgency to address climate change intensifies, higher education institutions are ramping up their voluntary renewable electricity adoption. Additionally, as the renewable electricity market matures, leading organizations have begun …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
- Conference Presentations
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Biomass as a Source of Sustainable Energy on College Campuses
- Colgate University (NY)
- Middlebury College (VT)
Utilizing wood for energy can lead to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and increased carbon emissions. Under the right circumstances, however, biomass can replace fossil fuels, support well-managed forests, the local …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
- Conference Presentations
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NAU’S 2022 True-Blue Summer Flex Policy: Financial, Human, and Environmental Sustainability
- Northern Arizona University (AZ)
In 2022, Northern Arizona University (NAU) implemented a "New NAU workplace" policy, which included True-Blue Summer Fridays, a hybrid-first strategy, and flexible core business hours. The True-Blue Summer Friday program …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
- Conference Presentations
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Advancing Sustainability Initiatives Beyond Campus to Communities
- Vanderbilt University (TN)
- Clearloop (TN)
- Panola Partnership (MS)
As more higher education institutions seek to reduce their carbon footprints and implement sustainability goals, a new partnership between Clearloop and Vanderbilt University showcases climate and community leadership in action …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
- Conference Presentations
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Empowering Community Resilience and Enhancing Student Learning with Community and Campus Dashboards
- Oberlin College (OH)
- University of Washington, Bothell (WA)
Over the last decade Oberlin College educators and students have collaborated with community members to develop Environmental Dashboard as a communications technology for promoting more vibrant, sustainability, and climate resilient …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
- Conference Presentations
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Transitioning to 100% Renewable Energy While Balancing Cost, Risk, and Sustainability
- Davidson College (NC)
- Coho Climate Advisors (MD)
In 2022, Loyola University Chicago executed one of the largest retail renewable energy contracts in higher education in North America. The contract will result in the construction of the Double …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
- Conference Presentations
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Campus Decarbonization Through Comprehensive Energy Retrofits
- College of the Atlantic (ME)
Over the last two years, College of the Atlantic has reduced our buildings' fossil fuel consumption and the resulting scope 1 carbon emissions from our buildings by 50%/square foot campus-wide. …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
- Conference Presentations
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How to Achieve 70% Carbon Footprint Reduction for Minimal Cost and Beyond
- University of Toledo (OH)
The University of Toledo has achieved approximately 70% carbon footprint reduction, saves millions in energy costs, and has one of the lowest energy usages in the region. This technical presentation …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
- Conference Presentations
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Fostering Collaborative Action to Meet Voluntary and Regulatory Climate Goals
- Harvard University (MA)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
- Tufts University (MA)
- PowerOptions, Inc (MA)
The Cities of Cambridge and Boston have recently passed some of the most advanced building-level climate action targets in the country. This field report-style panel will discuss and explore the …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
- Conference Presentations
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University of Rochester’s Analysis of WexWindows
- University of Rochester (NY)
A pilot study was conducted at the Medical Center G7011 area to evaluate the effectiveness of WexWindows as a potential retrofit solution for University of Rochester’s aging and underperforming windows. …
- Posted Jan. 10, 2024
- Case Studies
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Renewable & Clean Energy (MS)
- University of Dayton (OH)
Students will take in-depth courses in solar engineering, geothermal engineering, wind engineering, biofuels, building and industrial energy efficiency develop, and energy data analytics. Project-based experiences linked to industrial and governmental …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Energy Engineering (Minor)
- Lehigh University (PA)
The mechanical engineering curriculum provides the fundamental knowledge in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and other related areas leading up to the courses for the energy engineering minor. The courses offer a …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Wind Energy (Minor)
- Texas Tech University (TX)
The Wind Energy Minor requires 18 credit hours of undergraduate wind energy courses, nine of which must be completed at either the Junior or Senior level. Prepares students for a …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Renewable Energy and Island Sustainability Graduate Certificate
- University of Hawaii at Manoa (HI)
Provides students with an opportunity to get both breadth and depth in energy and sustainability curriculum. Students will take classes in different colleges to get a broad perspective on energy …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Vehicle and Energy Engineering (BS)
- National Taiwan Normal University
The main research and development directions of this program include: (1) Advanced vehicles: hybrid electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, engine vehicles, and their key components; (2) Green energies and …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Engineering for Energy Sustainability (Certificate)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
The Engineering for Energy Sustainability Certificate offers undergraduate students a suite of courses addressing energy sustainability. These courses span the engineering curriculum, with firm roots in real-world design and engineering …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Energy Analysis and Policy (Certificate)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
Energy Analysis and Policy program (EAP) has provided students with the skills and knowledge needed by professionals in government, energy companies, consulting firms, and other organizations.
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Energy (Bachelor)
- Miami University (OH)
Provide students with core interdisciplinary training in energy that complements their disciplinary majors in engineering, natural sciences, architecture, business, and the social sciences. This co-major exposes students to the principles …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Energy (Minor)
- Ball State University (IN)
Gives students an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the development, use, and conservation of energy. Students may focus on solar and alternative energy systems, energy policy, economics, or planning. …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Integrated Energy Policy (Bachelor)
- Central Washington University (WA)
Program specializes in training students in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), planning, and policy analysis as it relates to energy production, distribution and consumption with particular attention to the environment.
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Renewable Energy Assessment (Minor)
- North Carolina State University (NC)
The minor in Renewable Energy Assessment provides students the opportunity to assess and implement renewable energy technologies. The minor is intended to provide students with the ability to assess facilities …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Offshore Wind Energy Engineering (MS)
- Tufts University (MA)
The M.S. program offers graduate-level training in offshore wind engineering, policy, and project management training for students seeking jobs in the emerging global offshore wind energy industry. A full-time student …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Energy Management (Certificate)
- State University of New York at Farmingdale (NY)
The Sustainable Energy Management Certificate has been designed to respond to the rapidly expanding need for skilled professionals in sustainable energy-related occupations. The certificate provides fundamental information about emerging sustainable …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Energy and Building Technology (Advanced Diploma)
- Humber College (ON)
The unique program prepares graduates to examine, model and improve the energy and environmental performance of existing buildings; to support the design, construction and operation of new, sustainable buildings being …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Energy Systems (Minor)
- Northeastern University (MA)
The sustainable energy systems minor is an interdisciplinary selection of courses designed to offer flexibility and exposure to the principles and applications of sustainable energy systems that are needed to …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Energy Systems (Certificate)
- Northeastern University (MA)
The Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Energy Systems focuses on the integration of energy systems engineering technology with sustainable building systems, including the design and operation of buildings with minimal energy …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
- 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.