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.
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Addressing Land, Water & Biodiversity on an Urban Campus
- Yale University (CT)
Many urban campuses are intertwined with the layout of the surrounding city. Sharing streets, neighborhoods, and green spaces requires that we manage the physical campus in a locally, integrated way. …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Expanding Campus Initiatives to Include a Water Action Plan
- Agnes Scott College (GA)
Colleges and universities are the model for environmental stewardship across the nation. At the forefront of sustainability, institutions that sign the ACUPCC have made it clear that a reduction in …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Ecologically Engineered Ecosystems For Water Recycle In High Density Environments
- Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)
- NextEra Distributed Water, Inc. (VA)
Universities consume a substantial amount of fresh water for sanitary purposes, heating, cooling and irrigation applications. Water rate increases, scarcity and regulatory compliances have created an awareness leading to water …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Maintaining Momentum with Energy and Water Conservation Projects and Campaigns
- Metropolitan State University of Denver (CO)
- University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus (CO)
The Auraria Campus, in downtown Denver, home to the Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State College of Denver and the University of Colorado Denver is now a leader in water …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Watershed Awakening: Connecting College and Community to a Shared Place
- Calvin University (MI)
Frustrated by the local faith community's lack of concern for watershed issues , the Department of Environmental Quality approached Calvin College, a faith-based college, to assist them in their efforts …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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A Survey of Water Management at University and College Campuses
- Duke University (NC)
The effective management of water is necessary as water resources become increasingly scarce and variable through inefficient consumption, pollution, and climate change. Integrated water resource management is recommended to sustainably …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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How to Kick the Bottle with Bottled Water Alternatives
- American University (DC)
Learn how to replace bottled water with alternatives in order to cut solid waste, reduce upstream water consumption, save money, ensure human health, and protect the public water supply. Many …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Tapping into Sustainability
- Coastal Carolina University (SC)
Think Outside the Bottle is a campaign working to promote, protect and ensure public funding for our public water systems. We're working with tens of thousands of public officials, faith …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Research and Teaching Opportunities With an On-Campus Ecological Wastewater Treatment System
- Furman University (SC)
Advanced wetland treatment systems combine the energy efficiency of natural ecological processes with the small footprint and stringent effluent standards of conventional wastewater treatment systems and provide multiple teaching and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Drink Local, Drink Tap: Turning On a New Campus Water Culture
- Pacific University (OR)
The privatized water industry has subtly grown during the past few decades, establishing itself in American culture as the sole source for clean drinking water. Most consumers are unaware that …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Hydration Stations: How perception influences Portland State University's water sustainability
- Portland State University (OR)
While universities often talk about sustainability, how do we actually measure the impact of our actions? How are the outcomes of campus initiatives influenced by students' perspectives? The social and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Net Zero and Water Regenerative Campus
- Stanford University (CA)
Net Zero and Water Regenerative Campus
A recent report stated that Stanford University uses 2.7 million gallons of water per day. University medical centers can use over 600 gallons per …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Campus as a Learning, Living Laboratory for Sustainability
- University of Arizona (AZ)
At the 2006 AASHE national conference, University of Arizona (UA) student Emilie Brill-Duisberg received the Student Sustainability Leadership Award for her work on implementing campus water harvesting projects which grew …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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From Exceptional Drought to Long-term Water Efficiency
- Duke University (NC)
- North Carolina State University (NC)
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (NC)
During the record-breaking drought of 2007, three universities rose to the challenge. UNC Chapel Hill, Duke, and NC State - the largest water consumers in their markets - improved their …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Successful Integration of Waste Diversion - 76% and counting!
- San Francisco State University (CA)
This presentation will be a case study demonstrating San Francisco State University's success in integrating its waste diversion program into all aspects of the campus community. In 2006, SF State …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainable Stormwater Management at Old Dominion University: A Low Impact Approach to a Greener Campus Community
- Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (MA)
Located in an urban setting in Norfolk, Virginia, the 188 acre campus of Old Dominion University is nestled between the Elizabeth and Lafayette Rivers in the sensitive Chesapeake Bay watershed, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Conserving Potable Water through Stormwater Irrigation
- Elon University (NC)
As the demand for potable water increases and supply remains constant or diminishes, the need to conserve water is more evident than ever. Elon University is responding to this need …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Progress along the Path of Transdisciplinary Action Research. Experiences and Challenges in the Integration of Engineering and Community Development to Address Water Quality Issues in rural Honduras.
- University of Vermont (VT)
Sustainable development presents complex, multidimensional issues that require approaches extend well beyond conventional academic disciplines. Bridging disciplinary boundaries is challenging, and sustainable development requires more than interdisciplinarity. It requires integrating …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Furman University's Lake Restoration Project
- Furman University (SC)
Created in the 1950's, Furman Lake is the visual centerpiece of Furman University. It is a 28 acre impoundment originally used for swimming, boating and fishing. By the 1990's, water …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Case Study in Water Management at Georgia Tech
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
Georgia's drought brought Atlanta's 5 million population, and Georgia Tech's 23, 500 daily population within 30-60 days of running out of water. The Governor mandated we stop all outdoor watering …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Less is More: How Plumbing Products Contribute to Water Conservation
- Kohler Co. (WI)
As water conservation is becoming an important issue worldwide, the need for plumbing products that preserve water is also increasing. Whether you are specifying plumbing products that meet the criteria …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Mapping the Landscapes of History: the Elwha River as curriculum
- Peninsula College (WA)
The largest dam removal/river restoration project ever attempted is slated for the Elwha River in rural Washington state. A 1992 Act of Congress guaranteed the removal, following the efforts of …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Partnering for Sustainable Stormwater Management on Campus and Beyond
- University of Georgia (GA)
Sustainability requires working together for a common goal. At universities, effective partnerships can result in improved water quality on campus and beyond. Collaboration between campus departments and innovative town-gown relationships …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center
- George Mason University (VA)
The Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center (PEREC) is one of the key components of George Mason University’s new Potomac Science Center. PEREC focuses on Potomac River restoration and local …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Marine & Environmental Law Institute
- Dalhousie University (NS)
The Marine & Environmental Law Institute (MELAW), located in the vibrant port city of Halifax, is internationally recognized for excellence in marine and environmental law teaching and research. MELAW is …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Center for Water Law and Policy
- Texas Tech University (TX)
The Center for Water Law and Policy was created in 2005 in response to the growing need for research into and information about global water issues. It was designed to …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Tulane Institute on Water Resources Law & Policy
- Tulane University (LA)
The Tulane Institute on Water Resources and Policy works to foster understanding and development of laws and policies that allow for improved stewardship and sustainable management of water resources through …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Center for Oceans Law and Policy
- University of Virginia (VA)
The Center for Oceans Law and Policy supports research, education, and discussion on legal and public policy issues relating to the oceans. Through a regular program of conferences, publications, and …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Center for Ocean Energy Technology
- Florida Atlantic University (FL)
The Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center at Florida Atlantic University seeks to advance the science and technology of recovering energy from the oceans’ renewable resources, with special emphasis on …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Hatfield Marine Science Center
- Oregon State University (OR)
The Hatfield Marine Science Center advances the mission of Oregon State University and its partner agencies though collaboration and innovation. As OSU’s campus for research, education, and outreach in marine …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Center for Ocean Solutions
- Stanford University (CA)
The Center for Ocean Solutions works to solve the major problems facing the ocean and prepares leaders to take on these challenges. The Center values and stewards linkages between the …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
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Watershed Science Technician AAS Program
- Lane Community College (OR)
This program trains students for entry"level positions in environmental sustainability careers related to conserving, enhancing, restoring and protecting ecological processes in watersheds (stream drainage basins). Graduates will be able to …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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BS in Environmental & Water Resource Economics
- University of Arizona (AZ)
A degree in Environmental Water Resource and Economics (EWRE) prepares students to assume responsible positions in the management of the world's natural and human resources. Students develop skills through their …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Master of Water Security
- University of Saskatchewan (SK)
New in 2016, the MWS is a cross-disciplinary, project-based and professional-style program that may be completed in 12 months of full time study. Graduates are prepared to address complex water …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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MS in Environmental & Water Resources Engineering
- Tufts University (MA)
Research in this area focuses on environmental science, as well as engineering and management aspects of water resources. Faculty conduct research in and teach classes on: environmental/water quality engineering; environmental …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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MS in Water Resource Management
- California State University, Fresno (CA)
The Master of Science degree in Water Resource Management was developed to meet the growing demand for advanced knowledge in water resources and their use in the urban, industrial, and …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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MS in Water Resources & Environmental Engineering
- Villanova University (PA)
Villanova's Master of Science in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering (MSWREE) program is nationally-recognized for its cutting edge research and collaborative opportunities in the Villanova Center for the Advancement of …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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Minor in Water Studies
- Metropolitan State University of Denver (CO)
The Water Studies Minor is an interdisciplinary field of study that provides a holistic, highly interactive program. The curriculum is designed to facilitate water studies education to students from a …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2016
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A rainwater system for the University of Washington construction materials laboratory
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
University of Washington Construction Materials Laboratory (CML) is an instruction laboratory where undergraduate students of the department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) and the College of Built Environments (CBE) …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
- Publications
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University of California, Santa Barbara Water Action Plan
- University of California, Santa Barbara (CA)
The University of California, Office of the President, has required that UC campuses prepare a water action plan that defines a strategy for reducing potable water use 20% by 2020. …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Natural Resources for the Public Good: A Student Campaign to End the Sale of Plastic Water Bottles and Fight Water Privatization at the University of California, Santa Cruz
- University of California, Santa Cruz (CA)
Student campaigns to end the sale of plastic water bottles have grown in popularity in the United States over the past five years. However, most campaigns rely on information dissemination …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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A Plan for the Restoration and Revitalization of East Campus Creek
- James Madison University (VA)
James Madison University's East Campus Creek, an intermittent tributary of Blacks Run and part of the greater Chesapeake Bay watershed, has become degraded as a result of channel reconstruction and …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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H204U: The Culture of Water Consumption at New York University
- New York University (NY)
While an abundance of information about the negative environmental impacts of bottled water exists, there are few, if any, bottom-up studies of why and how people choose and understand the …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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The Potter Lake Project
- University of Kansas (KS)
The following report details problems of neglect and eutrophication of a prominent campus lake at the University of Kansas (KU), and proposes sustainable and cost-effective solutions. The reported was generated …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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To the Heights: Sustainability at the University of Puget Sound
- University of Puget Sound (WA)
In a city with 37 inches of annual rainfall, effective stormwater management in the Tacoma region is essential to a safe water supply and healthy Puget Sound. The effects of …
- Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Survey of LEED Water Efficiency Credits and Strategies in the Southeastern United States
- University of South Carolina (SC)
Sustainable building design is growing in popularity partly due to the success of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Rating System. LEED is becoming more common in the …
- 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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A rainwater system for the University of Washington construction materials laboratory
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
University of Washington Construction Materials Laboratory (CML) is an instruction laboratory where undergraduate students of the department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) and the College of Built Environments (CBE) …
- Posted June 12, 2015
- Case Studies
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The WaterHub at Emory University
- Emory University (GA)
The WaterHub on Emory's campus is an on-site water recycling system, utilizing natural ecological systems to reclaim wastewater for heating, cooling and toilet flushing. It is the first system of …
- Posted June 10, 2015
- Case Studies
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Watershed UGA
- University of Georgia (GA)
With funding from the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, the University of Georgia (UGA) is leveraging a current town/gown campus stream restoration initiative to create a transformative experience in sustainability for …
- Posted May 18, 2015
- Case Studies
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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.