Water
Introduction
Water conservation, recycling and reuse, and effective rainwater management practices are important in maintaining and protecting finite groundwater supplies. Likewise, pumping, delivering, and treating water is a major driver of energy consumption, so institutions can help reduce energy use and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy generation by conserving water. Water conservation and effective rainwater and wastewater management also reduce the need for effluent discharge into local surface water supplies, which helps improve the health of local water ecosystems.
Featured Resources
New Resources
Sustainability Education in the Food-Energy-Water-Nexus
- University of Nebraska - Lincoln (NE)
- AASHE (MA)
- Sustainability Curriculum Consortium (MD)
Worldwide, there has been growing interest in research, education, and discourse around the FEW-Nexus, which serves as a framework to describe and aid in addressing complex coupled human-natural systems and ...
- Posted Aug. 27, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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Toxic Art: Sustainable Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage for Pigment Production
- Ohio University (OH)
- Rural Action (OH)
This exemplary sustainability project utilizes an Acid Mine Drainage (AMD)-to-Paint Pigment treatment technology developed by Guy Riefler and John Sabraw at Ohio University to simultaneously benefit the environment, the ...
- Posted May 18, 2020
- Case Studies
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Grand Valley State University - Water Sustainability
- Grand Valley State University (MI)
Abstract - Grand Valley State University - Water Sustainability
Having success in reducing energy consumption and costs, Grand Valley State University (GVSU) located in the state of Michigan, looked at other areas ...
- Posted May 15, 2020
- Case Studies
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Evaluating the performance of a decentralized graywater treatment system in a living building at Hampshire College, Amherst, MA, USA
- Hampshire College (MA)
Decentralized graywater treatment systems are growing in popularity as the threat of water scarcity rises and wastewater's potential as a resource is recognized. In 2016, Hampshire College in Amherst ...
- Posted May 11, 2020
- Publications
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Sustainability Impacts of Installing Low-Flow Toilets in a University Residence Hall
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (IL)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
This study evaluates the sustainability impact of replacing inefficient toilets with low-flow units in a residence hall at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A graduate student initiated this project through the ...
- Posted May 11, 2020
- Publications
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Watershed Sciences Minor
- Auburn University (AL)
Freshwater is an essential resource but becoming increasingly scarce in many parts of the world. Watershed science and management is an expanding field that involves managing the availability, quantity, and ...
- Posted Feb. 3, 2020
- Academic Programs
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Applied Water Science (Honours BSc)
- Wilfrid Laurier University (ON)
The BSc in Applied Water Science will train students in not only the underlying scientific principles and theory pertaining to the physical, chemical and biological properties of water, but it ...
- Posted Dec. 23, 2019
- Academic Programs
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Teaching Water Sustainability Through Regional and Global Studies at the University of Pittsburgh
- University of Pittsburgh (PA)
The poster exhibits a multidisciplinary approach to understanding water equity and sustainability in the understudied region of Central Eurasia. The effort is led by faculty from the University of Pittsburgh ...
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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Towson University Campus Sustainability Week
- Towson University (MD)
Towson University Campus Sustianability Week contained fun and educational experiences for our students. We had tabling events for composting at home, being more sustainable with our water consumption, pollinator garden ...
- Posted Nov. 7, 2019
- Photographs
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Canada's colleges and universities among the greenest in the world
- University of Saskatchewan (SK)
- Dalhousie University (NS)
- Thompson Rivers University (BC)
- AASHE (MA)
- Nova Scotia Community College (NS)
- Mohawk College (ON)
CBC News shares the news that college and university campuses across Canada are some of the greenest schools in the world according to the 2019 Sustainable Campus Index.
- Posted Sept. 30, 2019
- Publications
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Class of 2023 receives reusable water bottles to reduce plastic waste
- George Washington University (DC)
- AASHE (MA)
- Fill it Forward (ON)
George Washington University explores water savings with "Fill It Forward" campaign from Cupanion.
- Posted Sept. 24, 2019
- Publications
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Environmental and Water Resources Engineering (MS)
- University at Buffalo (NY)
Students pursuing the EWRE degree follow a single set of course requirements with considerable flexibility in selection of elective classes.
Some of the top priorities concerning environmental engineers are the ...
- Posted Sept. 5, 2019
- Academic Programs
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LEED Platinum Sustainability Center at CSUN
- California State University, Northridge (CA)
LEED Platinum Sustainability Center - The new LEED Platinum Sustainability Center at California State University, Northridge is the first Sustainability Center in the California State University system, serving as an educational ...
- Posted July 29, 2019
- Photographs
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MS Water Management & Hydrological Science
- Texas A&M University (TX)
The Water Management and Hydrologic Science Master’s program in the College of Geosciences at Texas A&M University uses a unique interdisciplinary approach to teach critical aspects of water management ...
- Posted May 22, 2019
- Academic Programs
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Student Sustainability Leadership Award
- California State University Maritime Academy (CA)
California State University Maritime Academy in its continued effort to becoming most sustainable campus, engaging staff, faculty, and students, explored and identified water saving opportunities for the campus. The project ...
- Posted May 20, 2019
- Case Studies
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Do, Learn, Do: Expanding Green Roof Infrastructure at Notre Dame
- University of Notre Dame (IN)
*See this story for more information: https://news.nd.edu/news/largest-roof-greenscape-in-indiana-lives-atop-notre-dames-joyce-center/ *
Athletics are key to campus life at the University of Notre Dame, as are the facilities that make ...
- Posted May 17, 2019
- Case Studies
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The Ripple Effect: Community Cultivated, Regionally Replicated
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette (LA)
Last fall, the U.S. Global Change Research Program released “Volume II: Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States” from the Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA4). It emphasizes that ...
- Posted May 17, 2019
- Case Studies
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Ryerson University Road Salt Reduction Demonstration Project
- Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) (ON)
- World Wildlife Fund (DC)
In the City of Toronto, more than 120,000 tonnes of road salt is applied each year. When snow and ice on our streets, sidewalks and parking lots melt, the ...
- Posted May 17, 2019
- Case Studies
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Recycled Water Innovation at San Jose State University
- San Jose State University (CA)
San Jose State University has a central plant that provides utilities (electricity, steam, and chilled water) to its main campus. It has been a customer of South Bay Water Recyclers ...
- Posted May 15, 2019
- Case Studies
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Starting a Sustainable Revolution in Campus Laboratories
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (AL)
UAB Green Labs Program is an institution-wide, voluntary program designed to reduce the university’s environmental footprint while simultaneously reducing operating costs of research buildings. The program accomplishes its goals ...
- Posted May 15, 2019
- Case Studies
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The Promotion of Indoor Drinking Water Fountains at UBC
- University of British Columbia (BC)
The University of British Columbia (UBC), located in Vancouver, Canada, offers its students, staff and visitors free tap water through campus-wide drinking fountains (water fountains). However, there are currently no ...
- Posted May 15, 2019
- Publications
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The Rise of H2Ottawa
- University of Ottawa (ON)
In 2010, the University of Ottawa (hereafter, UO) banned the sale of single-use water bottles. UO decided that the sale of this product ran contrary to their commitments to environmental ...
- Posted May 15, 2019
- Publications
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Sustainable Water Development Graduate Certificate
- University of Iowa (IA)
The Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Water Development (SWD) will train STEM graduate students to address future challenges of water scarcity and variability while also meeting the food and energy demands ...
- Posted May 13, 2019
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Water Development (PhD)
- University of Iowa (IA)
The Sustainable Water Development Doctoral Program addresses social justice issues like food, energy, and water for all. Students make a difference in communities with the greatest need, most notable sustainable ...
- Posted May 13, 2019
- Academic Programs
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Sustainable Water Development (MS)
- University of Iowa (IA)
The Sustainable Water Development Graduate Program addresses social justice issues like food, energy, and water for all. Students make a difference in communities with the greatest need, most notable sustainable ...
- Posted May 13, 2019
- Academic Programs
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The Dallas County Community College District Booth Won an Award at EarthX!
- Dallas County Community College District System Office (TX)
- Dallas College (TX)
In Dallas TX, we have the biggest annual celebration of Earth Day! At Fair Park EarthX hosted a three day celebration with more than 135,000 attendees, 679 exhibitors and ...
- Posted May 5, 2019
- Photographs
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DIY Succulent Planters
- California State University, East Bay (CA)
Students plant their own water friendly succulent to take home and watch grow. Encouraging sustainable landscaping and awareness about water conservation efforts.
- Posted May 5, 2019
- Photographs
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Freshwater Quality Monitoring and Assessment Certificate
- University College Cork - National University of Ireland, Cork (Co. Cork)
This United Nations (UN) Environment affiliated postgraduate diploma will provide existing or future water professionals with the necessary knowledge to design and implement freshwater quality monitoring and assessment programmes. The ...
- Posted May 5, 2019
- Academic Programs
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Water and the Environment Minor
- University of Michigan (MI)
Water is one of the simplest molecules on Earth, yet the simple structure of the water molecule yields unique and complex physical properties. Known as a “universal solvent,” water can ...
- Posted May 5, 2019
- Academic Programs
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Integrated Teaching and Practice: Green Infrastructure Planning and Green Roof Performance in a Semi-Arid Campus Environment, USA
- University of Arizona (AZ)
- Utah State University (UT)
This paper presents an integrated education and research program that involves extensive participation from stakeholders on campus and beyond. The resultant water conscious design proposal promotes efficient stormwater management on ...
- Posted April 29, 2019
- Publications
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How Water Bottle Refill Stations Contribute to Campus Sustainability: A Case Study in Japan
- Ritsumeikan University
The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of installing Water bottle Refill Stations (WRSs) and their contributions to campus sustainability by means of encouraging pro-environmental behavior in ...
- Posted March 30, 2019
- Publications
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The WaterHub at Emory - A Case Study for Water ReUse
- Emory University (GA)
- AASHE (MA)
- NextEra Distributed Water, Inc. (VA)
The Atlanta region has witnessed numerous water-related stresses, including severe drought, EPA mandates resolving critical infrastructure issues, and an extended political dispute over water rights. In 2013, Emory University explored ...
- Posted March 15, 2019
- Videos & Webinars
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Civil Engineering, Environmental and Water Resources Option (BASc)
- University of Ottawa (ON)
Civil engineers design the infrastructure on which their communities depend, such as buildings and their foundations, bridges, canals, dams, transportation facilities, municipal sewer and water networks, and wastewater and solid ...
- Posted Jan. 14, 2019
- Academic Programs
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Urban Water Resources Design Certificate
- Villanova University (PA)
This program is geared to Civil Engineers and Water Resource Professionals engaged in design of urban hydraulic and hydrologic systems in the built environment. The certificate consists of four graduate ...
- Posted Jan. 14, 2019
- Academic Programs
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Watershed Minor
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville (TN)
Growing awareness of the complexity of water quantity and quality issues related to human activities leads to dealing with those issues on a watershed scale. This minor is for undergraduate ...
- Posted Jan. 12, 2019
- Academic Programs
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Network Analysis of Goal 14 Within the PD4SDG Database
- Tarleton State University (TX)
Research is being done to analyze how networks promote regime formation. The goal of the project is to understand if an increase in cooperation will lead to sustainable development transforming ...
- Posted Dec. 21, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Marine and Conservation Biology (BS)
- Seattle University (WA)
The bachelor of science (BS) major in marine and conservation biology allows students to develop an appreciation for the marine environments and ecology and conservation efforts. The curriculum includes several ...
- Posted Dec. 21, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Lake Management (MS)
- State University of New York at Oneonta (NY)
SUNY Oneonta's M.S. in Lake Management curriculum trains students to become effective water resource management professionals. This innovative program blends scientific training in aquatic biology, limnology and quantitative ...
- Posted Dec. 13, 2018
- Academic Programs
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Sustainability and the Global Nitrogen Cycle: Water Quality Issues.
- University of Northern Iowa (IA)
Dr. Zeman has been researching and educating about both the acute and chronic health effects of nitrate in drinking water for 20 years. This talk will look at issues covered ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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From Root to STEM: Growing Water Use Awareness Through Visualization
- California State University, Northridge (CA)
The STEM N' Sustainability program offered by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is designed to give women knowledge, resources and opportunities to pursue STEM-related careers in fields ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Harvesting Hope for the Future Through Green Infrastructure
- University of Arizona (AZ)
Tucson is situated in one of the most arid regions of the world. Consequently, conserving water for the use of both people and the environment is of utmost importance. Doing ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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On-Campus Water Reclamation: A Tale of Two Cities
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Emory University (GA)
- NextEra Distributed Water, Inc. (VA)
Think globally. Act locally. Water is a critical issue in many parts of the world. See how Emory University and Arizona State University have turned to on-campus water reclamation as ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Addressing the Global Water Crisis: One Toilet at a Time
- Niagara Conservation (TX)
Water scarcity is one of the most pressing issues in sustainability today. How can we address the global water crisis? Emily Schmidt from Niagara will explore the large scale impacts ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Urban, Rural, and On-Campus Solutions (UROC): Living Campus Accelerator Toolkit
- Arizona State University (AZ)
Arizona State University has committed to becoming carbon neutral for campus buildings by 2025. University Sustainability Practices (USP) is working tirelessly to help fulfill this vision. USP and partner universities ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Saving Water in University Library
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) (IN)
Being an urban campus the preservation of resources such as water are becoming more and more crucial. This project is a move in that direction, as well as that it ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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A Comparison of four Campuses Water Usage: A look at contrasting water profiles in the Southwest.
- Arizona State University (AZ)
We will introduce you to four campuses of varying sizes, disciplines, histories - all located in the Southwest and part of one University. Each campus has its own water profile 'personality ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Fats, Oils and Grease - 'Don't Flush It'
- Georgia College & State University (GA)
Georgia College & State University (GC) in partnership with the City of Milledgeville's Waste Water Treatment Program in Milledgeville, GA, have joined to educate the campus community on waste ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Microbial assessment of rainwater tanks and runoff retention basins: A pilot study
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania (PA)
Exploring the reuse potential of stormwater runoff and the roof-top rainwater, to meet water supply needs on the University campus is the core focus of this research. Although rainwater is ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Using Sub-Metering to Prioritize and Measure Energy Management Projects
- Macalester College (MN)
Every institution faces limitations as it relates to spending money. These limitations can be on operating budgets, staffing levels, or both. It is paramount while operating within these limits to ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Engaging Students and Low-Income Community Members: Successes in Conservation and Social Equity
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
The FLOWS program (Foundation for Leaders Organizing for Water and Sustainability), is made up of diverse CU Boulder Environmental Center student staff and historically marginalized community members that team up ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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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 21: Water Use
- Level of Physical Risk Quantity (World Resources Institute Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas)
- Potable water use per weighted campus user, performance year
- Percentage reduction in potable water use per weighted campus user from baseline
- Potable water use per unit of floor area, performance year
- Percentage reduction in potable water use per unit of floor area from baseline
- Total water withdrawal per unit of vegetated grounds, performance year
- Percentage reduction in total water withdrawal per unit of vegetated grounds from baseline
- Water-related behavior change initiatives
- Water recovery and reuse initiatives
- Initiatives to replace plumbing fixtures, fittings, appliances, equipment, and systems with water-efficient alternatives
- Website URL - Water conservation and efficiency efforts
OP 22: Rainwater Management
- Green infrastructure and LID practices
- Rainwater management policy, plan, and/or guidelines(upload)
- Rainwater management policy, plan, and/or guidelines (description)
- Website URL- Green infrastructure and LID practices
Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.