2026 Campus Decarbonization Academy
About the Academy
After a successful first year, AASHE is continuing the Campus Decarbonization Academy—a six‑month, cohort‑based virtual program designed to equip campuses with the skills, tools, and strategies to decarbonize campus infrastructure effectively. 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.
The program is offered in partnership with NACUBO – National Association of College and University Business Officers, SCUP – Society for College and University Planning, Second Nature, Sustainable Endowments Institute and U.S. Green Building Council. We thank them for their support and contributions!
Why Now?
Campus decarbonization is a lengthy, complex, and costly process that requires early planning and broad 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.
Review FAQs and Attend Free Intro Webinar
Campus Decarbonization Project Examples
Within the Academy, participants will learn from campuses that have advanced decarbonization initiatives, like the ones included in the Higher Education Decarbonization Projects Database. AASHE, in collaboration with the Barron Lab at Smith College, have developed and are maintaining this resource. Please contact education@aashe.org with suggestions or updates.
Who Should Attend?
This program is ideal for campus teams including:
- Sustainability, energy, and facilities managers
- Business officers
- Campus planners and architects
- Strategic planning leaders
To encourage team participation, special discounts are available 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.
- 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.
Key Dates
- Applications open: September 24, 2025
- Free introductory webinar: January 14, 2026 (register separately)
- Scholarship deadline: Jan 16, 2026
- Application deadline: Jan 22, 2026
- Decision notifications: rolling, no later than Jan 26, 2026
- Payment due: no later than Jan 30, 2026
- Program start date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
- Cadence: Bi‑weekly virtual meetings, Thursdays, 3–5 p.m. ET; Duration: 10–14 sessions (~6 months)
- Optional: In‑person component at AASHE 2026 Conference & Expo
Application & Registration
- 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.
- A limited number of scholarships are available. Apply by Jan 16, 2026.
- If the event reaches capacity, we may close the application process earlier than the deadline.
- Upon acceptance, you will receive a payment request, with payment due within two weeks of notification and no later than Friday, January 30, 2026.
Registration Fees*
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| AASHE member institutions, non-profits, and government agencies | $1225 |
| Non-member institutions, nonprofits and government agencies | $1500 |
| AASHE member businesses | $2900 |
| Non-member businesses | $3500 |
Team Discounts: 20% off the second registrant, 30% off each additional registrant.
* To check if your organization is a current AASHE member, please search the AASHE Membership Directory.
Sponsorship & Partners
We are confirming sponsors and partners for 2026. A variety of sponsorship levels are available. Nonprofit organizations are also invited to support the program. Contact Daita Serghi, education@aashe.org for more information.
Testimonials from first year participants
“The Academy has inspired us to keep moving on solving this enormous problem. It has greatly expanded our peer networking field on this effort.”
“I really appreciated the structure and commitment to this academy and benefitted from the dedicated time to think about decarbonization pathways”
“I really thought the program was extremely good, it will be hard to improve.”