In response to the growing demand from our community, AASHE is launching the Campus Decarbonization Academy, a program designed to equip campus teams with the skills, tools, and strategies needed to decarbonize campus infrastructure effectively. By fostering skill development, networking, and collective problem-solving, the program will engage individuals and teams to develop strategies to launch or advance their campus decarbonization initiatives.

Featuring experts from higher education, business and civil society, real-world case studies, and practical tools, participants will gain a holistic understanding of the latest technologies, funding sources, and skills crucial for implementing decarbonization strategies.

This 6-month long, cohort-based virtual program, designed to empower higher education leaders to drive impactful decarbonization initiatives on their campuses is targeted to start on March 20, 2025. AASHE is delighted to be offering this program in partnership with: APPA | Leadership in Educational Facilities, International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL), NACUBO – National Association of College and University Business Officers, SCUP – Society for College and University Planning and Second Nature. We thank them for their support and contributions!

Apply today! Review FAQs

Who Should Attend?

This program is ideal for campus teams including sustainability, energy, and facilities managers, as well as business officers, campus planners and architects, or anyone responsible for strategic campus planning. To encourage team participation, we will be offering special discounts for group registrations. Even if you don’t have a team, individual participation is welcome, though the full benefits are best realized with a collaborative approach. The content will be particularly suited for institutions with a central plant and/or significant deferred maintenance.

What You’ll Gain:

• Understanding of major components of campus decarbonization efforts including technologies, financing, and policies.
• Access to Resources such as case studies, expert guidance, and research papers.
• Stakeholder Engagement Skills to build buy-in for major decarbonization projects across your institution.
• Practical Skills like life cycle cost analysis and strategy design for decarbonization.
• Networking Opportunities to collaborate with peers and mentors.

Why Now?

Campus decarbonization is a lengthy, complex, and costly process that requires addressing all the components covered in the Academy, as well as collaboration among various campus stakeholders. By starting now to plan for this long-term transition, campuses can get ahead of growing pressure from stakeholders and future regulations, ensuring they approach decarbonization in a proactive and efficient manner.

Existing technology makes it possible to eliminate or greatly reduce the majority of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions on many campuses with a well designed decarbonization project. If you’re a campus that has central plants and significant deferred maintenance it may break even sooner than you think! This Academy, facilitated by leaders in campus decarbonization, provides a unique opportunity to advance your campus’s sustainability goals and make a measurable impact.

Are you interested in sponsoring the Academy?

Are you a business interested in contributing to the Academy? Explore our list of current sponsors below and consider joining them in supporting this program. A variety of sponsorship options are available at different levels, please contact Daita Serghi at education@aashe.org for more information. Thank you!

Application & Registration Information

Apply today! Review FAQs

• An application is required for both individuals and teams (one team member applies for the group).
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and spots are limited.
• If the event reaches capacity, we may close the application process earlier than the deadline.
• The deadline for submitting the application is February 28, 2025.
• You will be notified of your application on a rolling basis and no later than March 7, 2025.
• Upon acceptance, you will receive a payment request, with payment due within two weeks of notification and no later than Thursday, March 13, 2025.

Registration Fees*

* To check if your organization is a current AASHE member, please search the AASHE Membership Directory.

A limited number of scholarships are available to individuals who need financial assistance to participate. Please apply by February 21, 2025 to be considered for a scholarship for this program.

Tentative Schedule

An introductory free session will take place on January 23, 2025 from 3-4 p.m. ET. Register for the webinar: “Leading Campus Decarbonization Efforts”

The program is set to begin on March 20, 2025 and will include bi-weekly virtual meetings on Thursdays from 3-4:30 p.m. ET, spanning approximately 10 to 14 sessions over the course of six months. An optional in-person component might be included (tbd).

Campus Decarbonization Projects Examples

Increasing number of campuses are implementing such projects. To keep track of all this projects, AASHE staff in collaboration with the Barron lab at Smith College have developed the “Higher Education Decarbonization Projects” database. Please contact education@aashe.org if you have any edits/additions/suggestions for this resource.

Higher Education Decarbonization Projects Database

Platinum Sponsor

Thank you to the Sponsors for your support!

Any questions about the Academy?
Review the FAQ’s or contact Daita Serghi, education@aashe.org