Case Studies
The following case studies showcase the diverse pathways higher education institutions are taking to achieve campus decarbonization. From technical choices to funding model options, these examples provide insight into strategies that have been used in real-world scenarios. The lessons learned by your peers can inspire and inform the development of your own institution's tailored decarbonization plan, and help you accelerate your progress toward a sustainable, carbon-neutral future.
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Pace University
Read More about Pace UniversityAn energy-intensive building complex rethinks its reliance on district steam with upgrades aimed at reducing steam by ~75% and emissions by 61%.
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University at Albany
Read More about University at AlbanyTwo ground source heat pump projects put the University on a path of decarbonization with geothermal, heat recovery, and low-temperature hot water.
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University at Buffalo
Read More about University at BuffaloOn-site solar projects with an output of 12.7 million kWh position UB as one of the largest on-campus producers of renewable energy in the country.
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SUNY Sullivan Community College
Read More about SUNY Sullivan Community CollegeUpgrades led to $9.8 million in HVAC improvements, $210,177 in annual energy savings, a 46.9% reduction in energy use, and improved campus spaces.
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Skidmore College
Read More about Skidmore CollegeWith three district geothermal systems and 23 stand-alone systems, about 47% of the campus is now heated and cooled with geothermal energy.
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Syracuse University
Read More about Syracuse UniversitySU’s Net-Zero Retrofit Living Lab project transformed eight residential dorm units, with deep energy retrofits to create replicable and scalable techniques.
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Bard College
Read More about Bard CollegeA three-building library (57,571 sq. ft.), constructed in 1893, 1973, and 1993 underwent the College’s first-ever geothermal conversion in 2024.
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New York University
Read More about New York UniversityRubin Hall stands to be the largest Passive House retrofits in the world, serving as a blueprint for thousands of pre-war, multifamily buildings in NYC.
Submit a Case Study
Are you a New York higher education institution with a great story to tell about a successful decarbonization project on your campus? Showcase your project and share your lessons learned with your peer institutions by publishing a case study in our Playbook.
Case studies typically include the following information:
- Basic and demographic institutional information
- Statement of need for a decarbonization project
- Project cost and energy savings
- Emissions reduction
- Solutions explored and the decision-making process
- Solutions pursued and solution performance
- Lessons learned
- Project financing and funding
- Additional resources, if applicable
- Project timeline
Interested? Contact us at [email protected] to start the conversation.