Case Studies
Introduction
AASHE’s case study library contains hundreds of detailed case studies on a wide variety of higher education sustainability initiatives from faculty development programs to whole campus energy retrofits to community partnerships. All case studies are entered in the annual AASHE Awards Program.
At a Glance
Total Resources
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Bars in graphs can be clicked to view resources that align with a particular category. Because a resource may be listed under multiple topics and disciplines, graph data may include higher total counts than what is indicated in total resources above.
New Resources
Sustainability Student Committee: A Cross-disciplinary Student Hub for Environmental Awareness and Climate Action
- IE Business School
The Sustainability Student Committee (SSC) is a student-led, cross-disciplinary initiative that empowers students in climate and environmental awareness, turning concern, confusion, or eco-anxiety into collective, practical climate action. The SSC …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
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Expanding Environmental Justice Knowledge at Johns Hopkins University
- Johns Hopkins University (MD)
For almost two years, I have been working with departments at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), Baltimore community members, and external professors to uplift environmental justice efforts and concerns in South …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
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Oberlin College and Conservatory’ s Sustainable Infrastructure Program
- Oberlin College (OH)
- Ever-Green Energy (MN)
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
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Think Before You Trash: Implementing Campus Waste Reuse Initiatives at Hood College
- Hood College (MD)
Globally, the average person generates 0.74 kilograms of waste per day, though the spectrum ranges widely from 0.11 to 4.54 kilograms (Kaza et al. 2018). The average college student in …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
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New2U Thrift Store: A Model for Student-Led Circularity and Campus Resilience
- University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)
The New2U Thrift Store is a permanent, student-powered circular economy initiative at the University of Massachusetts Amherst that advances sustainability through year-round reuse, affordability, education, and community development. Launched in …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
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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
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Changing Student Behavior through a Circular Economy at the University at Michigan
- University of Michigan (MI)
Both the Lending Library and the FreeStore are housed under Student Life Sustainability under Planet Blue Student Leaders (PBSL). PBSL empowers students to put their values into action through hands-on, …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
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CSUN Move-In & Move-Out Reuse Program: Reducing Waste Through Student-Centered Circularity
- California State University, Northridge (CA)
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) developed the Move-In & Move-Out Reuse Program to reduce landfill waste generated during peak student transition periods while promoting reuse, affordability, and sustainability awareness. The …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
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The Midwest Climate Collaborative: Cross-Sector Collaboration Throughout Twelve States
- Carleton College (MN)
- Case Western Reserve University (OH)
- Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
- Indiana University Indianapolis (IN)
- Lincoln University (MO)
- Michigan State University (MI)
- Northland College (WI)
- Northwestern University (IL)
- Oberlin College (OH)
- Principia College (IL)
- The Ohio State University (OH)
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (IL)
- University of Chicago (IL)
- University of Illinois Chicago (IL)
- University of Michigan (MI)
- Missouri University of Science and Technology (MO)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
- Washington University in St. Louis (MO)
- Second Nature (MA)
- City of Bloomington (IN)
- City of Columbus (OH)
- City of St. Louis (MO)
- Missouri Botanical Garden (MO)
- Southern Illinois University System (IL)
- Delta Institute (IL)
- Climate Central (NJ)
- National Audubon Society (NY)
- The Morton Arboretum (IL)
- KERAMIDA Inc. (IN)
- Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability
- Greater Cleveland Partnership
The Midwest Climate Collaborative (MCC) provides the collaboration infrastructure for organizations to partner across sectors for a carbon neutral, climate resilient, interconnected Midwest region. Initially catalyzed by leading Midwest higher …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
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MSU Culinary Services Staff Eco Ambassadors
- Michigan State University (MI)
The Culinary Services Eco Ambassador Program is innovative in its peer-led, workforce-embedded approach. Rather than relying solely on centralized oversight, Eco Ambassadors are front line staff and supervisors who serve …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
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Lab Swap Shop at the University of Michigan
- University of Michigan (MI)
In June 2024, the Lab Swap Shop opened in a former geology space no longer fit for active research. This reimagined space is a partnership between the Office of Campus …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
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food4VOLS: Establishing a Sustainable Food System
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville (TN)
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville's Culinary Institute (located within the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, Department of Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Management) launched the food4VOLS program in August …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
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JCCC's Sustainability Distinction Program
- Johnson County Community College (KS)
Johnson County Community College’s Sustainability Distinction Program (SDP) was launched in spring 2025. This innovative program allows students from all academic disciplines to add a “sustainability” distinction to their transcript. …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
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The ASU Eco Reps Program
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Coca-Cola (GA)
The Arizona State University Eco Reps program is an award-winning, peer-to-peer sustainability communication and engagement initiative that transforms how sustainability is understood, discussed, and practiced across Arizona State University. Led …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
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Matador Move Out: A Collaborative, Closed-Loop Donation Program Supporting Students and Zero Waste
- California State University, Northridge (CA)
Matador Move Out is a collaborative donation and reuse program at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) that transforms the annual student move-out period into an opportunity for environmental stewardship, equity, …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
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Bin There, Done That: Students Leading UVA’s Waste Shift
- University of Virginia (VA)
The Zero Waste Ambassadors (ZWA) at UVA are a cohort of 20-25 undergraduate students who help sort and expand composting around Grounds. Led by the Waste Minimization Student Employees in …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
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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
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Building a lab sustainability initiative from the ground up
- University of Rochester (NY)
The Sustainable Labs Initiative (SLI) is grassroots, trainee-led organization at the University of Rochester (UR) that promotes a culture of sustainability within research and clinical laboratories. SLI brings together environmentally …
- Posted Jan. 27, 2026
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The Thrifty Cat: University of Kentucky's First Campus Free Store
- Post-Landfill Action Network (NH)
As a Natural Resources and Environmental Science student at the University of Kentucky, I joined UK Recycling as a student intern through the Sustainability Internship Program (SIP) my junior year. …
- Posted Jan. 27, 2026
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Shared Stewardship: Adopt a Spot at UNC Charlotte
- The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (NC)
In 2009, the Waste Reduction & Recycling office at UNC Charlotte started a campus Adopt a Spot program. In this volunteer-based, student-focused litter removal program, student organizations can “adopt” an …
- Posted Jan. 27, 2026
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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
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A Greener Way To-Go: Harvard’s Reusable Dining Container Program
- Harvard University (MA)
Harvard College (the undergraduate degree-granting program of Harvard University) has a unique residential system. Virtually all 7,000 undergraduates live on campus for all four years and participate in an undergraduate …
- Posted Jan. 27, 2026
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Maize and Blue Cupboard - Fighting Food Insecurity Among Students and the Larger Campus Community
- University of Michigan (MI)
The Maize and Blue Cupboard (MBC) is a student-established, student-run campus pantry at the University of Michigan that offers access to food and other campus resources for students facing food …
- Posted Jan. 27, 2026
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Catalyzing a New York Climate Solutions Community of Practice
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (NY)
- Strategic Energy Innovations (CA)
In the fall of 2024, 24 faculty and 6 staff participants representing fifteen different academic disciplines and career services and sustainability departments, from eight campuses in the diverse State University …
- Posted Jan. 26, 2026
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Returnable Shelves - Promoting Environmental and Social Benefits via Recyclable Waste Diversion
- University of Michigan (MI)
Michigan Dining launched the Returnable Shelves initiative to cut landfill waste and make it easier to access deposit-eligible bottles and cans. The project involved attaching lightweight shelves to existing landfill …
- Posted Jan. 23, 2026
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Creating a Bird-friendly Aggieland
- Texas A&M University (TX)
The Creating a Bird Friendly Aggieland project aims to enhance campus biodiversity by creating a safe envTexas A&M Universityironment for birds while enriching the campus community's understanding of the importance …
- Posted Jan. 23, 2026
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Pitt Eats by Chartwells: A Campus‑Driven Approach to Ending Food Insecurity
- University of Pittsburgh (PA)
- 412 Food Rescue (PA)
The University of Pittsburgh’s Food Security Lockers innovatively recover surplus food from campus dining and distribute it to food insecure students. Launched in Fall 2023, the University of Pittsburgh’s Food …
- Posted Jan. 23, 2026
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Seed Library in the Georgia Southern Campus Community Garden
- Georgia Southern University (GA)
Placing the Seed Library in the campus Community Garden at Georgia Southern has diverse benefits for economic, social, and environmental sustainability. With a budget of around $700, the project is …
- Posted Jan. 23, 2026
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Redbird Fresh Market Developed to Address Food Insecurity at Illinois State University
- Illinois State University (IL)
The Redbird Fresh Market provides eight weeks of fresh produce bags each fall and spring semester to campus employees and students. Participants pay $8/bag, making the program very accessible. Additionally, …
- Posted Jan. 23, 2026
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Seeing Through Raccoon Eyes: How GSU is Using AI Vision Software to Reduce Post-Consumer Food Waste
- Georgia State University (GA)
Georgia State University (GSU) utilizes Raccoon Eyes, a computer-vision food waste auditing tool, to better understand post-consumer food waste patterns and design targeted, data-driven interventions. After a successful pilot in …
- Posted Jan. 22, 2026
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From Risk to Readiness: Institutionalizing Climate Resilience at McGill University
- McGill University (QC)
In 2024, McGill University released its first climate risk assessment, identifying the risks posed by a changing climate to its campus infrastructure, operations, and community. By providing a comprehensive understanding …
- Posted Jan. 22, 2026
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Prospering Environmental Stewardship at Saint Peter's University
- Saint Peter's University (NJ)
The project includes five sustainability strategies as follows: 1. Campus Kitchen, Food Pantry, Clothes Closet 2. Recycling of University Discards. 3. CURA: (Center for Urban Research in Agriculture) Hydroponics Farm …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2026
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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
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Cultivating Sustainability Leaders: The Impact of the Batten Honors College at Virginia Wesleyan University
- Virginia Wesleyan University (VA)
The Batten Honors College of Virginia Wesleyan University recruits high-achieving students and equips them to be problem solvers who are environmentally-conscious, strategic-thinking global citizens, ethically-bound to bettering their community and …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2026
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IE Sustainability Townhall: A Participatory Funding Model for Campus Sustainability and Community Impact
- IE Business School
The IE Sustainability Townhall is a participatory governance and funding initiative at IE University designed to promote initiatives that strengthen community engagement around sustainability, environmental stewardship, human connection, and the …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2026
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Georgetown University – Building Energy System Optimization I
- ENGIE (TX)
- Ecosystem Energy Services
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
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Give 'N Go Bentley's Move-Out Program
- Bentley University (MA)
- Casella (VT)
Give 'N Go is Bentley University’s campuswide sustainable move-out and reuse program that enables students (and the broader Bentley community) to donate usable goods and “swap” items for free during …
- Posted Jan. 15, 2026
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Kennesaw State University (KSU) Food Forest: A Living Learning Lab Advancing High Impact Pedagogy, while Promoting Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Resilience, Food Justice, and Food Security.
- Kennesaw State University (GA)
The Kennesaw State University (KSU) Food Forest is a slightly larger than 1/3-acre permaculture-based edible landscape which is located at the KSU Field Station, formerly a Georgia Department of Transportation …
- Posted Jan. 15, 2026
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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
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Building a Sustainable Internet: A Student-Led Interdisciplinary Environmental Course
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
As the massive energy demands of digital technologies continue to make headlines, students at the University of California, Berkeley have designed and are teaching their own course "Building a Sustainable …
- Posted Jan. 15, 2026
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Sustainability Course Designation Added into Student Course Search
- Florida State University (FL)
FSU Sustainable Campus worked with The Registrar and the Faculty Senate Sustainability Committee to all students to search for sustainability related courses when signing up for classes.
- Posted Jan. 15, 2026
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MGH IHP Career Closet Pop-up
- MGH Institute of Health Professions (MA)
Many health professional students reported the need for business casual clothing, but the cost of these items was prohibitive. The Career Closet Pop-up helps provide students with free professional attire …
- Posted Oct. 8, 2025
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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
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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
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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
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Recycling plastic bottle initiative at the University of Sharjah, College of Medicine
- University of Sharjah (Sharjah)
The aim of this project was to raise awareness about recycling plastic bottles due to the increased use of plastic bottles - and subsequently, the amount of discarded plastic bottles …
- Posted June 6, 2025
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Implementing Recycling-Friendly Infrastructure in Residence Halls
- University of Dayton (OH)
This project was developed as part of the University of Dayton’s Hanley Sustainability Institute Summer Undergraduate Fellowship program and Student Leaders program. HSI was established in 2014 by a gift …
- Posted April 28, 2025
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Expanding Experiential Learning with an Energy Efficient House
- University of Dayton (OH)
At the University of Dayton, the Hanley Sustainability Institute (HSI), housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, employs students, staff and faculty as sustainability leaders on campus and in …
- Posted April 28, 2025
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University of Dayton Hanley Sustainability Institute: Energy Assessment Bootcamp
- University of Dayton (OH)
Energy may oftentimes be an intimidating topic for those who are not directly immersed in the field. In reality, energy is not always as complex as it seems, and when …
- Posted April 28, 2025
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Food Recovery Efforts at the University of Dayton
- University of Dayton (OH)
The Food Recovery Network chapter at the University of Dayton helps fight both the issue of hunger and food waste by collecting, transporting, and donating food each week from dining …
- Posted April 28, 2025
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