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Sustainability Dashboard

American University's Office of Sustainability tracks progress on many campus sustainability metrics. The data collected is used to measure AU's greenhouse gas emissions and is recorded in the campus STARS report. The metrics shared below provide a snapshot of key preformance indicators found within AU’s 2021 Sustainability Plan. The Office of Sustainability looks forward to continued partnerships across campus as we all work together to advance sustainability progress at AU.

Each metric below includes a graph and written summary. Below each graph is a link to a pdf version of the data.

Check back often as we continue to update and add additional metrics to our data sets below.

Carbon Neutral Since 2018

American University achieved carbon neutrality in 2018, two years ahead of the initial goal of 2020. AU achieved carbon neutrality by reducing emissions, investing in renewable energy, and using verified carbon offsets.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Summary

American University has calculated annual greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) going back to 2005. In 2005, total GHG emissions were 52,504 Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalents (MTCDE). Over time, data collection processes have improved leading to better accuracy. Emissions followed a downward trend and then in 2011 fell significantly to 26,315 (MTCDE) when AU began buying renewable energy certificates (RECs) for 100% of campus electricity use as part of a renewable electricity strategy. In 2018, net emissions fell to zero when AU purchased carbon offsets for remaining emissions. 

 

Additional Information

AU reduced emissions through the following strategies: 

AU annually reports GHG emissions data to Second Nature. Detailed information (including gross emissions calculated prior to factoring in offsets) about GHG emissions is available here.

STARS 

AU reports sustainability metrics to the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS). STARS assesses greenhouse gas emissions through the following credits: 

Waste on Campus

Summary

AU’s total front of house waste tracking goes back to FY2019 when 1,287 tons of waste were collected. Of that, 3% was composted and 11% was recycled. FY2021 data shows a significant drop in total waste which reflects that the majority of the campus community was remote due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In FY2022, numbers returned to near pre-pandemic levels and in FY2023 1,121.2 tons of front of house waste was collected with 2% composted and 7% recycled.

Total Campus Waste

Summary

In addition to the front of house waste collected on campus, there are many types of waste collected behind the scenes. In FY2019, 2,042.2 tons of waste was collected and 30% was diverted from landfill. FY2021 shows a significant decrease in waste reflecting impacts of COVID-19. In FY2023, 1,531.9 tons of waste was collected and 27% was diverted from landfill. 

Front of house waste includes trash, recycling, and compost collected in public and common areas accessible to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. 

Additional Information

  • In FY2022, AU produced 1,205 tons of front of house waste. 175 tons of waste were diverted from landfill through compost and recycling.
  • In FY2023, AU competed in Campus Race to Zero Waste and placed 10th out of 93 universities in the food service organics category.

Waste Material Type Defined

  • Mixed Recyclables: shredded paper, other paper products, cardboard, plastic, aluminum, glass

  • Compost: food waste 

  • Trash: waste sent to landfill or incineration

  • Other waste: tires, textiles, or motor oil
  • Construction and demolition (C&D) debris: bricks and masonry products, metal, wood pallets, and other various mixed C&D waste
  • Deconstructed and reused items: office furniture
  • Electronic waste (e-waste): electronic devices and equipment
  • Green waste: biodegradable materials from plants or organic sources including garden trimmings, grass clippings, leaves, branches, and other yard waste

In FY2010, AU adopted a Zero Waste Policy for reducing campus waste and diverting the university's waste stream from landfill. The Zero Waste team in Facilities Management tracks and audits waste metrics and engages with the community to increase the amount of waste diverted from landfills.  

STARS

STARS assesses waste through the following credits:

Electricity Use

Summary

AU's electricity has shifted over time from standard grid power, sometimes referred to as brown power, in FY2005 to 100% renewable in FY2011 through the purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs). In 2012 solar panels were installed on SIS and six other roofs on campus. The SIS panels were part of the construction process and the panels that were added to existing buildings were installed through a power purchase agreement (PPA). In FY2016, AU partnered with George Washington University and George Washington University Hospital to build solar farms in North Carolina that produce enough electricity to meet about half of each partners’ electricity demand. Recent years also reflect a growing amount of green power coming from the grid thanks to the renewable portfolio standards (RPS) in DC. AU now also generates some electricity onsite through a cogeneration system.

Additional Information

  • Since FY2011, all of AU's purchased electricity has been renewably sourced.
  • AU has more than 2,150 solar photovoltaic panels across six campus buildings.
  • The solar farms in North Carolina are home to approximately 250,000 solar panels.

STARS

STARS assesses electricity through the following credits:

Natural Gas

Summary

Natural gas was used to create steam in a centralized plant through 2019. The steam was used for heating and cooling across campus. In FY2020, the low-temperature hot water system replaced the steam system and improved natural gas efficiency for heating and hot water.

Also, in FY2020, a cogeneration plant which captures wasted heat and uses that along with natural gas to efficiently make electricity and energy for heating and cooling came online. As a result, total natural gas use has increased but purchased electricity has decreased. Efficiency across campus buildings has improved substantially. In FY2022, total energy use per square foot was down 44% from 2005.

Additional Information

  • Natural Gas is used for a variety of campus operations, including heating, hot water, and electricity generation. 

STARS

STARS assesses Natural Gas usage through the following credit:

Transportation Emissions

Summary

AU tracks emissions from AU owned vehicles, commuting, AU sponsored travel, and study abroad. In FY2021, emissions from study abroad travel decreased significantly due to COVID-19. Study abroad travel began to increase in FY2022 and FY2023 as AU returned to in person activities. In FY2024, AU sponsored travel data is anticipated to increase as AU uses new software to more accurately track air and ground purchases.

Additional Information

  • In FY2023, AU produced 19,190 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalents (MTCDE) from transportation sources.
  • AU shuttles use biodiesel which reduces emissions. 
  • Full time students can use metro bus or rail limitlessly throughout the semester with a U-Pass. 
  • Students can receive a discounted Capital Bikeshare annual membership and staff can receive monetary commuter benefits for biking to work.

STARS

STARS assesses transportation through following credit:

Quick Links

American University Sustainability Plan

Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System (STARS) Report (2021)

Green House Gas Emissions Report

Campus Climate Commitment