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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Latest News from AASHE Bulletin
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University of Guelph Photo Submissions
- University of Guelph (ON)
A collection of images of the University of Guelph for the 2026 SCI.
- Posted Aug. 23, 2026
- Photographs
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Launch of Brock University's $100M decarbonization initiative
- Brock University (ON)
In 2025, Brock University launched SPARK (sustainability, performance, adaptation, renewal and knowledge), a more than $100-million journey that is reimagining campus sustainability and positioning the University as a leader in …
- Posted Aug. 20, 2026
- Photographs
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Towson University Solar
- Towson University (MD)
A portion of the Towson University solar array on Barton and Douglas residence halls.
- Posted Aug. 20, 2026
- Photographs
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Global Sustainability Challenge (GSC)
- Hong Kong University of Science & Technology
Proposed updated draft:
Institutions partner on global student challenge – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) partnered with Stanford University, Imperial College London, Indian Institute of Technology …
- Posted Aug. 20, 2026
- Photographs
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Sustainable Design at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae
- Red River College Polytechnic (MB)
Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, RRC Polytech’s LEED-certified building at the Exchange District Campus, brings together sustainable design, Indigenous culture and Truth and Reconciliation. It is the first RRC Polytech …
- Posted Aug. 20, 2026
- Photographs
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Opportunities for Improvement in Energy-Intensive Research Facilities
- AASHE (MA)
- International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (VA)
Research institutions interested in reducing energy use, operational costs, and their carbon footprint can find great opportunities by focusing on laboratories. Due to their need to ensure air quality and …
- Posted Aug. 20, 2026
- Videos & Webinars
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The Catholic University of America's West Campus Solar Array
- The Catholic University of America (DC)
Images of The Catholic University of American's West Campus Solar Array at Dawn.
- Posted Aug. 17, 2026
- Photographs
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Thermochemical battery at University of Minnesota Morris
- Grid Catalyst (MN)
- University of Minnesota, Morris (MN)
This year UMN Morris installed the first thermochemical battery at a campus in the United States. The thermal battery was used to heat the Carpentry Shop at the campus during …
- Posted Aug. 6, 2026
- Photographs
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University of Minnesota Morris agrivoltaics and wind turbine
- University of Minnesota, Morris (MN)
Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Clement Loo explains the University of Minnesota 500 kW agrivoltaic array. The agrivoltaic dairy pasture, a collaboration between the University of Minnesota Morris and the …
- Posted Aug. 6, 2026
- Photographs
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University of Toronto Mississauga Photos for Sustainable Campus Index
- University of Toronto Mississauga (ON)
The pictures attached are from UTM's New Science Building.
UTM’s newest building sets a new standard for green wet lab design in North America, right here in Mississauga. The new …
- Posted Aug. 6, 2026
- Photographs
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Eco-Friendly Dining Hall & Natural Daylighting Design
- University of Sharjah
A modern dining hall interior designed according to sustainable building standards. Large arched windows maximize natural daylighting to minimize artificial energy consumption, while transparent glass partitions and durable, eco-conscious materials …
- Posted Aug. 3, 2026
- Photographs
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California State University, Fullerton engineering students conduct hands-on renewable/clean energy research
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
California State University, Fullerton engineering students conduct hands-on renewable/clean energy research. Through inclusive academic opportunities and practical lab experience, CSUF drives clean tech innovation while advancing workforce development for tomorrow’s …
- Posted Aug. 3, 2026
- Photographs
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2026 Sustainable Campus Index
- Flinders University (SA)
• Energy & Climate: View over solar and Flinders to ocean_2400x3000px.JPG • Wellbeing & Work: Plaza steps.jpg • International Top Performer: View over lake and Flinders to city_2400x3000px.JPG
- Posted July 29, 2026
- Photographs
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Renewable Energy on the Marcus Family Campus
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Solar photovoltaic systems installed across the Marcus Family Campus are part of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev's institutional Climate Action Plan, officially launched with the support of the university's President …
- Posted July 29, 2026
- Photographs
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Pathways to Portfolio-Level Decarbonization
- Verdani Institute for the Built Environment (VIBE) (CA)
Decarbonizing a commercial real estate portfolio is one of the most complex sustainability challenges facing the industry today — involving capital allocation, tenant coordination, regulatory compliance, technology adoption, and long-term …
- Posted July 28, 2026
- Publications
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Arizona State University Solar
- Arizona State University (AZ)
Arizona State University has a comprehensive solar program comprised of 86 solar systems and over 80,000 panels (2025).
- Posted July 23, 2026
- Photographs
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York University Electric Buses
- York University (ON)
York University continues to advance sustainable transportation through the introduction of electric buses on campus. Led by Parking & Transportation Services in Ancillary Services, these zero-emission vehicles are utilized on …
- Posted July 23, 2026
- Photographs
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Increasing Renewable Technologies within Queen's University Belfast
- Queen's University Belfast
The University is committed to enhancing the level of renewable technologies on-site, enabling a reduction in emissions associated with scope 1 and 2 emissions.
- Posted July 21, 2026
- Photographs
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Queen's University Belfast Net Zero Launch
- Queen's University Belfast
Queen's University Belfast launched their Net Zero Plan in 2023 with an event that brought together key note speakers, local authorities, staff and students.
- Posted July 21, 2026
- Photographs
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Carbon neutral banners on Oberlin College and Conservatory campus
- Oberlin College (OH)
Oberlin College and Conservatory celebrates carbon neutrality with banners through campus.
- Posted July 16, 2026
- Photographs
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Connecticut College Solar Array Construction
- Connecticut College (CT)
A current student and alumni work on a student-designed solar array at Connecticut College.
- Posted July 15, 2026
- Photographs
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Drone Image
- Macalester College (MN)
Drone Image Showing Macalester College Campus Solar Installations and an image of a MacShare Student Cooperative Sale on campus
- Posted July 10, 2026
- Photographs
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Bates Students with EV Charger
- Bates College (ME)
Two Bates EcoReps stand next to an EV charger they wrote a grant for - they work on the Energy Solutions team, which helps advise the college on building standards, …
- Posted July 10, 2026
- Photographs
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Intersection of Lab Space Optimization & Reduced Overhead Cost for Research at Universities
- AASHE (MA)
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
With present uncertainly in US federal funding levels for research in the years to come, this is a time when efforts to be more efficient in science may pique in …
- Posted May 4, 2026
- Videos & Webinars
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AUC Earth Day 2026 : Go Green, Move Smarter, and Save Energy
- American University in Cairo
- (FINASP) Facilitation for Innovations and Sustainable Productivity
In the celebration of Earth Day, the Office of Sustainability is hosting two events on April 22 and 23 on the plaza during the assembly hour from 1 to 2 …
- Posted April 28, 2026
- Photographs
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AI Policy & Sustainability in Higher Education
- AASHE (MA)
Sustainability offices across higher education are increasingly being asked to weigh in on AI: by provosts prioritizing AI literacy, by students concerned about environmental impact, and by colleagues seeking values-driven …
- Posted April 15, 2026
- Videos & Webinars
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From Thousands of Meters to Carbon Control: Transforming Energy Management at Columbia University
- AASHE (MA)
- Columbia University (NY)
- Veolia (MA)
Before Columbia University could take meaningful steps toward emissions reduction, it first needed a clear, real-time understanding of its energy and carbon footprint. With 413 buildings, over 6,000 utility meters, …
- Posted March 12, 2026
- Videos & Webinars
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A Systemic, District‑Wide Approach to Scope 1 and Scope 2 Greenhouse Gas Reduction (FY22–FY25)
- San Jacinto College (TX)
Over a four‑year period, San Jacinto College District implemented a systemic, data‑driven strategy to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its multi‑campus portfolio. Rather than …
- Posted Feb. 12, 2026
- Case Studies
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From Frameworks to Practice: Identifying Sustainable IT Metrics for Higher Ed
- AASHE (MA)
- Central Washington University (WA)
- HP (CA)
- McGill University (QC)
The Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector’s growing carbon footprint and escalating electronic waste pose significant challenges to global sustainability efforts. Recent analyses estimate that ICT now contributes 2.1%–3.9% of global …
- Posted Feb. 4, 2026
- Videos & Webinars
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Oberlin College and Conservatory’ s Sustainable Infrastructure Program
- Ever-Green Energy (MN)
- Oberlin College (OH)
Oberlin College and Conservatory’s (the College) Sustainable Infrastructure Program (SIP) was an initiative to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025, and has energized future climate action on campus and in the …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
- Case Studies
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Software-Only HVAC Optimization at Lilac Hall: A Scalable Model for High-Impact Campus Energy Efficiency
- California State University, Northridge (CA)
In an era of rising energy costs and increasingly ambitious climate commitments, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) partnered with KenergyAI to transform the energy performance of Lilac Hall through a …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
- Case Studies
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Students Advance Carbon Neutrality at Northern Michigan University: Early Progress, Engagement, and Lessons Learned
- Northern Michigan University (MI)
Northern Michigan University is making steady, measurable progress toward carbon neutrality, demonstrating a campus‑wide effort with meaningful environmental and social impact. Two years into implementing its 2050 Carbon Neutrality Plan, …
- Posted Jan. 27, 2026
- Case Studies
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Transforming Campus Energy Infrastructure from Steam to Low-Carbon Energy at Humber Polytechnic
- Humber Polytechnic (ON)
Project SWITCH is a campus-wide energy infrastructure transformation at Humber Polytechnic’s North Campus that replaced a legacy steam-based heating system with a low-temperature hot water energy network designed to enable …
- Posted Jan. 27, 2026
- Case Studies
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Integrated Energy Resilience: Education, Infrastructure, and Community Benefit
- Southern Oregon University (OR)
Southern Oregon University’s recently completed energy resilience project at the Hawk DIning Building and and Lithia Motors Pavilion (The Hawk and Lithia Solar and Energy Resilience project) represents a transformative …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2026
- Case Studies
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Georgetown University – Building Energy System Optimization I
- Ecosystem Energy Services
- ENGIE (TX)
- Georgetown University (DC)
Georgetown University’s Building Energy System Optimization I (BESO I) project was a comprehensive initiative that transformed campus energy infrastructure, improved efficiency, and advanced sustainability goals. Launched in 2021, the project …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2026
- Case Studies
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The Urban Resilience Fellows Program: Bridging Higher Ed and Municipal Innovation
- University of Texas at Arlington (TX)
The Urban Resilience Fellows Program is a pioneering interdisciplinary initiative that connects UT Arlington students and faculty with local government and industry partners to develop innovative solutions for North Texas' …
- Posted Jan. 15, 2026
- Case Studies
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Updates to the Inflation Reduction Act per the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)
- AASHE (MA)
- Deloitte Consulting LLP (TX)
Join the IRA and Resources Discussion community of practice as we welcome Bryant Katta and Travis Gordon from Deloitte to learn how recent updates to the Inflation Reduction Act under …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2025
- Videos & Webinars
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Solar Power Purchase Agreement Advances RE at Colorado State University
- Colorado State University (CO)
- United States Department of Energy (DC)
In 2021, CSU signed a PPA with Solaris Energy, Inc. who in turn contracted with a third-party vendor to install 20 new solar PV systems. This project was developed through …
- Posted Sept. 17, 2025
- Case Studies
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A Ground Source Heat Pump Solution for Colorado State University
- Colorado State University (CO)
- United States Department of Energy (DC)
Colorado State University (CSU) installed a ground source heat pump (GSHP) system to provide heating and cooling to its 420,000-square-feet Moby Athletic Complex. The Moby Complex contains an 8,000-seat basketball …
- Posted Sept. 15, 2025
- Case Studies
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Greenhouse gas accounting for investment portfolios: quantifying financed emissions at a public research university
- Northern Arizona University (AZ)
As the urgency of climate change grows, higher education institutions are increasingly accounting for, and reporting, their annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. An often-overlooked source of GHG emissions are those …
- Posted Sept. 8, 2025
- Publications
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Inflation Reduction Act geothermal/Ground Source Heat Pump 1 page case study
- University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (WI)
This document provides information about The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's Sonnentag Center Ground Source Heat Pump/geothermal system submission for the tax incentives set up by the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Posted Aug. 25, 2025
- Case Studies
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Duke University Sustainable Infrastructure
- Duke University (NC)
Duke University Carbon Neutrality Journey
2025 SCI
- Posted Aug. 25, 2025
- Photographs
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Sustainable energy
- Mohawk College (ON)
Mohawk College Energy Systems Engineering Technology student, Madi, measures the energy captured by a solar panel on the roof of Mohawk College’s Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation. The Joyce …
- Posted Aug. 19, 2025
- Photographs
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Librarian Anna Kelly shows off one of our rental bikes!
- Clarkson University (NY)
Librarian Anna Kelly shows off one of our rental bikes!
- Posted Aug. 18, 2025
- Photographs
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Electricity saving behavior in student dorms: What message framing works?
- Prince of Songkla University
Electricity consumption contributes largely to climate change. Inefficiently overused amounts of electricity can be reduced through low-cost feedback and nudges. We chose to frame different messages to alter the electricity …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
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Benchmarking energy consumption in universities: A review
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina
Universities have an important role towards a sustainable future. It is essential to understand their energy consumption and how to improve their efficiency. This paper aims to review the literature, …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
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Favourability towards natural gas relates to funding source of university energy centres
- Columbia University (NY)
Methane is 28 to 86 times more potent as a driver of global warming than CO2. Global methane concentrations have increased at an accelerating rate since 2004, yet the role …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
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Environmental Impacts of Energy Saving Actions in an Academic Building
- Tecnológico Nacional de México/Instituto Tecnológico de Hermosillo
- Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí
Global warming and climate change effects have been of such impact that several countries around the world are enforcing public policies to mitigate them. Mexico has shown a strong commitment …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
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When Searching for Cost-Saving Measures, Colleges Go Green
- Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT)
Community colleges are cutting energy costs and promoting sustainability through efficiency upgrades, supported by state funding, utility rebates, and behavioral changes. These efforts have led to millions in savings, reduced …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
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Savings from solar energy exceeds University’s expectations
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
Penn State’s solar energy purchasing agreement with Lightsource bp has significantly outperformed expectations, saving the university an estimated $2.5 million in energy costs, over four times the original two-year projection. …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
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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.