Energy

Net Zero on Campus: Energy

Resources and case studies for decarbonizing campus energy systems

As universities and colleges provide spaces for working, studying, teaching, and in some cases living, they consume significant energy to power lighting, technology, appliances, hot water and space heating or cooling.  Universities and colleges can contribute to accelerating the energy transition by reducing their energy demand and supporting renewable energy generation.

Resources

Instructions for use: The directory categorizes each resource by Initiative, Type, and Decarbonization Stage. Use the filter and sort options in the top left corner of the panel below to narrow your search. Access the resource directory via a desktop for best use of filtering and sorting mechanisms. Click on each resource to expand the full details. For a larger view of the entire directory, use the expansion option in the bottom right corner of the panel.

Filter and Sort Options:

  • Theme: What is Net Zero, Why Net Zero Matters, Enablers of Change, Institutional Support, Address All Emissions, Clearly Defined Targets, Cost-Benefit Analyses, Financing, Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Initiative: Reduce Campus Energy Demand, Replace Fossil Fuel-Dependent Appliances, Establish Campus (Or Precinct) Microgrids, Source Renewable Energy, General Energy
  • Type: Campaign/Commitment, Database/Resource Hub, eBook, Guide/Report, Informational Article/Web Page, MOOC, Ranking, Tool, Video
  • Decarbonization Stage (amount of net zero experience required):
  • Starter: A university or college that is either at the pre-commitment stage or has recently made a commitment to net zero, and is yet to implement initiatives
  • Proficient: A university or college that has taken the initial steps of transitioning to net zero and has a long term plan or strategy in place
  • Advanced: A university or college that shows leadership in research and innovation in climate change and has implemented net zero initiatives on campus
  • Accessibility: Open-Source, Proprietary

Case Studies

Case studies of exemplary campus decarbonization initiatives from universities and colleges at the forefront of climate action around the world. These case studies can help inspire and inform similar efforts on other campuses, as they offer key insights including lessons learned, barriers, and resources used in the realization of each project. Submit your own case study to be featured by contacting info@unsdsn.org.

By Info 29 Nov, 2023
The Net Zero on Campus initiative aims to facilitate the sharing of lessons and resources to accelerate the decarbonization of college and university campuses around the world. The initiative consists of a “how-to” guide and accompanying online toolkit that will enable institutions to accelerate the planning and implementation of net zero strategies, and act as living laboratories for testing solutions.
By Info 05 Sep, 2023
SFU has made commitments to reach net zero for scopes 1 and 2 by 2035. The Corix Biomass project began operating in October 2020 and is a newly constructed high-efficiency heating plant, fueled by burning urban wood waste from Metro Vancouver to generate hot water. This hot water is then transported via underground pipes to heat most of SFU’s Burnaby campus.
By Info 29 Aug, 2023
The Net Zero on Campus: From Principles to Action initiative, a collaborative effort between SDSN, the Climateworks Centre, and Monash University, aims to facilitate the sharing of lessons and resources to accelerate the decarbonization of university campuses around the world. The initiative consists of a “how-to” guide and accompanying online toolkit that will enable universities to accelerate the planning and implementation of net zero strategies, and act as living laboratories for testing solutions.
15 Nov, 2022
Monash Microgrid Project
Show More Case Studies

For more case studies, please see the following networks: Second Nature, EAUC Sustainability Exchange, Race to Zero for Universities & Colleges, Green Gown Awards, SDSN Accelerating Education for the SDGs in Universities. The guides and reports included in the online toolkit also contain additional case studies and examples.

Get Involved with Net Zero on Campus

Contribute to the Online Toolkit

  • Submit your own case studies and decarbonization resources to be featured;
  • Share your questions and/or feedback with us at info@unsdsn.org.

Join Our Community

Learn More

  • Explore SDSN’s free, open educational resources from the world’s leading sustainable development experts to use in your classrooms: MOOCs, educational videos and lectures, and global community of practice.

Net Zero on Campus is a collaboration between SDSN, the Climateworks Centre, and Monash University, in partnership with Second Nature and the EAUC (Secretariat of the Race to Zero for Universities and Colleges).

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