Partners in higher education met at the 2024 Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit to share successes, challenges, and lessons learned in decarbonization and energy efficiency amongst peers and cross-sector leaders. Read on for an overview of highlights.
Meet the higher education 2024 Better Project and Better Practice Award Winners
- Colorado State University received a 2024 Better Project award for its Ground Source Heat Pump, which reduced energy use by over 50% at the Moby Athletic Complex.
- Pace University received a 2024 Better Project award for its 26-Story Mixed Use Learning Hub, which reduced energy by more than 60% while improving air quality and diverting food waste by incorporating sustainable design elements.
- University of Alabama at Birmingham received a 2024 Better Practice Award for its Green Labs Program, which reduced emissions and waste campus-wide.
University of Virginia received a 2024 Better Practice award for its Green Building Standards, which requires new construction and major renovations to be 40% better than an average building of like type at UVA.
2024 BETTER BUILDINGS, BETTER PLANTS SUMMIT HIGHER EDUCATION SESSIONS
Higher education partners and allies gathered to discuss barriers to decarbonization, explore solutions, and share progress towards energy and emissions goals.
Blowing Off Steam: Decarbonizing District Steam Systems
University of Virginia shared its strategies and lessons learned when decarbonizing campus district steam systems. Learn more here.
The New Standard: Building Performance Standards Compliance Strategies
Towson University shared how it has engaged with the local jurisdiction to ensure successful Building Performance Standard implementation and how it developed strategies to comply with and exceed set standards. Learn more here.
Weather It Together: Energy Strategy and Community Resilience
Agnes Scott College shared best practices for resiliency planning, adaptation, and returning to energy-efficient operations after disruption. Learn more here.
Home Energy Labeling Lessons Learned in Pursuit of Transparency and Efficiency
University of California, Berkeley shared challenges and lessons learned from implementing a Home Energy Score program. Learn more here.
I’d Buy That for a Dollar: How to Get Buy-In for Decarbonization Efforts at Your Organization
Community College of Allegheny County shared its approach to garner buy-in across its organization for sustainability and energy efficiency work. Learn more here.
Telling your Decarbonization Success Story
Colorado State University shared strategies and pathways to promote decarbonization efforts and gain media recognition. Learn more here.
Show Me the Money: Selling Financing Strategies to Achieve Savings
University of California, Irvine shared its success, challenges, and lessons learned to effectively garner organizational buy-in to implement financing strategies resulting in substantial energy savings. Learn more here.
Round-the-Clock Resilience: Navigating the Challenges of Decarbonizing Critical Facilities
Pace University shared its approach to unique electrification challenges, decarbonization strategies, and innovations required to ensure uninterrupted functionality of critical facilities. Learn more here.
Commercial Sector Meet-Up
As part of the broader commercial sector, higher education attendees convened to recognize 2024 Better Project and Better Practice Award winners and discuss financing, resiliency, and decarbonization planning. DOE shared multiple new resources from the Better Climate Challenge Working Groups: Assembling an Effective Team for Renewable Generation and Storage Projects, Portfolio Screening and Prioritization, and GHG Emissions Reduction Audit Scope of Work Template. Review the session presentation here.
Learn more about the higher education sector and access sector-specific solutions here.