The AEL Tracker database contains advanced energy legislation across all 50 states. Advanced energy encompasses energy efficiency, demand response, natural gas electric generation, solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, electric vehicles, biofuels and smart grid. The database also includes other legislation that would either reduce or increase the market share for advanced energy. AEL Tracker organizes legislation into the following policy categories: Electricity Generation; Energy Efficiency; Financing; Regulatory; Natural Gas; Emissions; Transportation; Infrastructure; Economic Development; Other Energy. In total, the Tracker database provides current legislative language, recent actions, bill sponsor information, and policy trend analysis.

U.S. Department of Energy web site for information on energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.

 These guidelines are voluntary national standards to improve the quality and consistency of commercial building workforce credentials for key energy-related jobs. Developed by the The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) along with industry stakeholder input, these guidelines will help develop high quality and nationally recognized training and certification programs.

 This website provides a regularly updated list of resources on community colleges, universities, certificate programs and other training in the field of sustainable energy. It encompasses both general and specific skill training plus courses and seminars on energy efficiency and renewable energy topics – in some cases for free.

AASHE offers numerous resources on sustainability in higher education, from strategic planning for sustainability to curricula, student life, operations and purchasing, community partnerships and more. See the free bulletin and the searchable resource center and digest and review the assessment system called STARS.

The Energy Security program works to reduce the risks of transformative energy solutions that will enhance the nation’s security and economic prosperity. The Climate Security program works to understand and prepare the nation for the national security implications of climate change.

Natural Gas Vehicles for America (NGVAmerica) is a national organization dedicated to the development of a growing, sustainable and profitable market for vehicles powered by natural gas or hydrogen. 

This website provides hundreds of resources—textbooks, popular books, web sites, videos, PowerPoint presentations, and more—to identify the highest-quality and most relevant materials on sustainable agriculture available. This center has also developed a catalog description and outline for a comprehensive course on sustainable agriculture, appropriate for the community college, state college, or university level.

 This essential material is for use in all energy related courses and informal energy education settings .  It describes how humans can move to a sustainable energy future via a complete conversion from the current fossil fuel based energy system to the use of renewables (e.g. solar, wind, and hydro systems). Links to many articles and studies are provided, including: energy roadmaps for all 50 US states, comparisons of energy and transportation technologies, plus interviews and presentations from a variety of sources.

 The US National Renewable Energy Lab Publications Database includes technical reports, journal articles, conference papers, patents, presentations, books, fact sheets and brochures on green energy topics from 1977 to the present.

Free information about renewable energies from this U.S. federal laboratory dedicated to renewable energies. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the U.S. Department of Energy’s primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development.

The USGBC is a non-profit organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.

The 2050 Calculator allows users to create their own emissions reduction pathway, using scientific data to see the impacts. The Calculator is available in three versions to allow a range of audiences to explore how to best meet energy needs while reducing emissions: a simplified overview, a more detailed look at the issues, or a full Excel version for experts who want to look at the underpinning model.
While designed for the UK, the Energy Department there is now working with teams around the world to help them develop their own calculators, and is also building a Global Calculator to look at ways to reduce emissions worldwide.

Read about the emerging standards for wind power from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).

Check out these great resources from Energy Star for higher education. On this webpage you will find reading lists, syllabi, funding guidance, and other helpful resources.

A clearinghouse of competency model frameworks. Includes high-growth industries such as Energy Generation, Transmission, and Distribution and Advanced Manufacturing (including green manufacturing principles). Developed through a collaborative effort involving the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and various industry organizations.

PETE’s goals include: support the use of sustainable practices and technologies in workforce and economic development and global competitiveness to meet the demands of a greening economy; and, to advocate global environmental stewardship and literacy through national and international programs and partnerships in education and training. It connects faculty to faculty, college to college, and college to industry. PETE also provides a wide range of curricular and instructional resources ad professional development opportunities.

Review these resources for AWEA Wind Energy Fact Sheets which provide up-to-date information on many aspects of the wind industry. You will also find Wind Energy Reports which include quarterly and annual U.S. wind industry market reports.

Free online collection of environmental and energy sustainablity resources for community college educatiors, sudents, practitioners and the public. EERL is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

U.S. Department of Energy site that includes wind resources and data on wind installation, policy, transmission issues and more.

For more than 50 years, the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society has been leading the renewable energy revolution. Through their various programs and resources they are increasing the use of solar energy across the U.S.

The Climate Group specializes in bold, catalytic and high-profile climate and energy initiatives with the world’s leading businesses and state and regional governments for net-zero’ emission economies and thriving, sustainable societies.

 The Sustainable Energy for All initiative desires to eliminate energy poverty and enhance global prosperity by transforming the world’s energy systems with a merger of economic growth, social equity and a thriving environment. They are delivering a global action plan based on the reasoning that sustainable development is not possible without sustainable energy. Use this resource when building curricular material for energy efficiency and economic growth on an international scale.

Second Nature’s mission is to accelerate movement toward a sustainable future by serving and supporting senior college and university leaders in making healthy, just, and sustainable living the foundation of all learning and practice in higher education.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has tasked the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) with developing a suite of voluntary national guidelines for the work and workforce involved in residential energy efficiency retrofits. These guidelines will be built into a set of national certification and curricula within the next year.

 This organization is dedicated to strategic communications that will transform the conversation on climate and clean energy solutions in the United States. They provide a selection of learning tools to improve communication and educate on climate change.

The US Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC) is a comprehensive clearinghouse of data, publications, tools, and information related to advanced transportation technologies. The AFDC hosts more than 3,000 documents, interactive tools that help fleets and consumers make transportation decisions, and a wealth of information to educate the public on alternative fuels and advanced vehicles.

Growth Energy represents the producers and supporters of ethanol and provides resources and material for use in the teaching and training in this field. View their Research & Reports as well as Informational Brochures in their Resource Center: (http://www.growthenergy.org/ethanol-resource-center/resource-intro/)

This page provides links to information about alternative fuel vehicle and engine conversions. You will find information for manufactures and consumers on regulations, information for manufacturers, compliance, and other helpful links that can be used in developing a full understand of alternative fuel conversion for automobiles.

This reports is a flexible plan that describes emissions reduction targets in the building sector required to avert dangerous and irreversible climate change, including the actions and financing instruments needed to reach the targets. Architecture 2030 is committed to engaging the latest information and technologies to create buildings designed to dramatically reduce their environmental impact.  The two main goals of the initiative are: 1)The dramatic reduction in global fossil fuel consumption and GHG emissions of the built environment by changing the way cities, communities, infrastructure, and buildings, are planned, designed, and constructed and 2)The regional development of an adaptive, resilient built environment that can manage the impacts of climate change, preserve natural resources, and access low-cost, renewable energy resources.

 These resources for educators introduce sustainable alternatives within the food system and provide teaching tools such as reports and data, videos, and even free lesson plans and courseware. The resources listed here provide opportunities for all educational levels and can help students and teachers alike build their understanding of what makes a food system sustainable.

The Energy Literacy Initiative produced the Energy Literacy Video Series and the Energy Literacy Quick Start Guide aligned with the Department of Energy’s, Energy Literacy: Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts for Energy Education Framework. The videos help to engage students on the 7 Principles of energy outlined in the Framework. The framework, lessons and guides are aligned to Common Core Standards and the Next Generation of Science Standards. The new Energy Literacy Video series and guides are a collaborative project with DOE, American Geosciences Institute, and the National Center for Science Education.

 The AASHE Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance.

 Use this tool to find out how much land area it takes to support your lifestyle. This ecological footprint tool will help you discover your biggest areas of resource consumption, and learn what you can do to mitigate negative impacts on the earth.

This solar career map explores an expanding universe of solar-energy occupations, describing diverse jobs across the industry, charting possible progression between them, and identifying the high-quality training necessary to do them well. Developed by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council in its capacity as the National Administrator of DOE’s Solar Instructor Training Network, the tool is intended for use by instructors, policy-makers, and job-seekers.

 The NSIDC provides arctic sea ice news and analysis, data and tools for researchers, a cryosphere glossary of arctic terminology and educational resources for teachers and students.

This network builds partnerships with community-based organizations, industry associates, government agencies, and extension services to educate the labor force, communities, and youth about sustainable development.

 This yearly publication provides analysis of sustainability planning, campus living learning laboratory initiatives and regional drought response efforts at higher education institutions. It covers such topics as: academics, community engagement, operational information, administration, funding and investment.

 These publications, presentations and other resources useful to staff, students and educators focus on the successful design, implementation and evaluation of the triple bottom line of sustainability, including social justice and well being, healthy environments, and strong economies to promote and support sustainability education, policies, and practices.  The page includes sustainability learning outcomes, primers, campus activities and more.

 The Energy Treasure Hunt video series shows how to organize a creative and analytical project to find low cost energy saving opportunities. These training videos draw on the best practices and proven strategies of leading Energy Star partners and will make a valuable tool for class projects and community involvement.

Getting Started with the SDGs in Cities” outlines how cities can begin implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in urban areas through effective planning and execution. The publication provides examples and general principles and processes that will need to be adapted to local conditions. Educators can utilize the guide for classroom discussion and exercises. (Last updated 2016)

 This website by the USDA provides a database of sustainable agriculture-based learning programs, searchable by state, degree type and field of study. While not totally comprehensive, it is a useful resource.

 Detailed information is provided and interpreted on a variety of climate-based subjects for a better understanding of climate change science and impacts. Reports, maps, papers, publications and research programs are included.

 This program works closely with scientists to create visualizations, animations, and images for a greater understanding of Earth and space science research activities at NASA and within the academic research community supported by NASA. Using keywords such as climate change provides materials for classroom use.

 Learn to make sense of climate science and to respond to climate change denial with these videos from Denial101x’s MOOC. This information doesn’t just educate the viewer on climate science, but goes further to discuss how people think about climate change, understanding the psychology of climate science denial. Useful for both educators and students to promote open communication between people of all backgrounds and beliefs by helping people to recognize and understand how common climate myths are formed, and to provide information on how to effectively debunk climate misinformation.

 This award winning website uses scientific skepticism to improve understanding of climate change denial and rebut their arguments. By analyzing arguments against climate change on scientific grounds and by using peer reviewed scientific literature, this website provides an educated understanding of what is truly happening in today’s climate. Be sure to check out their Resources section for classroom materials: documents, graphics, links, guidebooks, a temperature trend calculator and video of public talks on the subject.

 These climate-focused civic engagement opportunities can be built into higher education curricula through a wide variety of course topics and academic areas.

The Gateways to Green Building workforce partnership provides residents of high-poverty neighborhoods with various green construction occupational training opportunities. It aligns resources such as education and training programs, registered apprenticeships, state and local government, neighborhood organizations, and employers to address workforce and economic development needs. Training offerings are developed to respond to local employers’ needs, and currently focus on energy-efficient construction, construction industry safety, and hazardous-waste operations and emergency response.

 The EnviroAtlas provides users access to information that will encourage understanding of the benefits people receive from nature. Interactive tools and resources show how these “ecosystem goods and services” are critically important to human health and will encourage sustainable decision-making practices.

 This website provides information on sustainable living practices that minimize corporate reliance. Find information, training, products & services in over 200 topics, such as: green building, energy, land management, agriculture, transportation and health. Each topic is further expanded upon through factsheets, in-depth resources, course directories, specialist advice and more.

 Numerous scholarship providers are now awarding green scholarships and grant opportunities to environmentally-conscious students. This guide provides information on how to locate and apply for sustainability-based scholarships and includes a listing of green scholarships currently available.

 This guide provides students with information on what it means to “go green” and the advantaged and benefits of sustainability practices in college and all aspects of life. It provides tips, insights into sustainable college activities and programs and a list of sustainability resources for further information and action.

 The Story of Stuff Project has engaging videos, podcasts, teaching tools and blogs about the unsustainable present day systems for producing and consuming goods.The resources provided assist students in analyzing the negative environmental and economic impacts of present practices and provide information about how consumption can benefit people, economies, and environments and how students can engage in solutions.

This resources serves as an implementation guide to the Presidents Climate Commitment and is useful to any campus working to reduce its climate pollution. It gives educational facilities professionals and students a practical framework to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions while working with campus stakeholders to meet their institutions’ carbon neutrality goals.

The World Bioenergy Association (WBA) is dedicated to supporting the global bioenergy sector by promoting the global utilization of bioenergy in a sustainable and economical way. Find reports, news, and other sustainability information and events that address current issues, such as: certification, sustainability, standardization, and bioenergy´s impact on food, land-use and water supply.

 Naturally, Danny Seo is a publication that looks at living a sustainable lifestyle without sacrificing style. It covers everything from food to beauty, travel, home, and entertaining to help people find inspiring ideas that embrace a natural lifestyle.

This publication provides policymakers and analysts with transportation data from diverse sources, including chapters on Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology Vehicles and Characteristics, Energy, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

The Rural Gateway is an informational platform providing technical assistance, training workshops, and peer learning and resource sharing to support rural housing and economic development. It includes information on green infrastructure and building as well.

 This is a searchable database of funding opportunity announcements through the U.S. Department of Energy.

This invaluable resource breaks down the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into manageable targets and provides in-depth information about specific topics related to each goal with links to timelines, events, and publications.

 This report discusses how different renewable energy sources can benefit public health and the climate by displacing emissions from fossil-fuel based energy generation. It further details how benefits can vary depending on energy installation type, location, population patterns, plus characteristics of the electrical grid and displaced power plants.

 This resources, designed for higher education instructors, explains what sustainability is, why it should be taught, and provides teaching tips and resources for classroom and extracurricular activities.

 HUD’s Economic Resilience page offers educators and students a variety of resources, current topical news stories, and information on initiatives and programs created to promote a more sustainable economy.

 This blog series discusses the vital role education needs to play in the global shift towards sustainability.  Some of the articles present the reader with facts on a variety of topics, from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs to financial literacy initiatives, for a deeper understanding of what is required to develop and maintain a more sustainable future.

 This tool measures and tracks electricity and water usage in schools, businesses, public facilities and homes and is then able to translate this information into animated graphics. Each building has a unique “dashboard” to educate, motivate and empower occupants to make better informed choices that conserve resources. While this program is designed for a specific town, they offer assistance in bringing this project to other communities or college campuses!

Educators and students can access these objective, academic publications for a variety of sustainability topics through research, reports, working papers, issue briefs, and fact sheets. For maps, charts, data sets, infographics, and other visual resources visit: http://www.wri.org/resources

This collection of resources for educators and students focuses on global climate change, including information from NASA, NOAA, the US Department of Energy, and more.

 The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is a resources that ranks countries across the globe on how well they perform with high-priority environmental issues. The two areas they are graded in are: protection of human health from environmental harm and protection of ecosystems. In addition to an interactive map of results and a break down of many of the environmental issues countries are graded on (water and sanitation, energy, air quality, etc.), educators and students will also find access to news articles, case studies and blogs on related topics.

Useful for both educators and students, this free online course with regularly scheduled sessions (that are archived after completion) provides information about climate change and educates on the psychology of climate science denial. To promote open communication between people of all backgrounds and beliefs, the course includes lectures on climate science, as well as psychology, to help people recognize and understand how common climate myths are formed, and to provide information on how to effectively debunk climate misinformation.

 The World Resources Institute’s Aqueduct Global Flood Analyzer helps municipalities forecast and quantify the human and economic consequences of floods under a variety of scenarios. It also allows city officials to gauge how much potential damage could be avoided with flood protection such as dams, levees and improved land use management.

 Arup, Siemens and RPA have conducted research and collected resources related to the role of technology in enhancing the resilience of cities and their critical infrastructure systems. Online resources include transportation, building systems, water management, and the electricity grid.

The Sustainable Cities Institute provides vetted and practical resources to identify and implement solutions to advance cities and sustainability professionals’ goals and to help them strengthen their communities. This site offers a robust collection of city profiles, case studies, model policies, and communication tools for providing elected leaders, staff, and engaged stakeholders a set of resources to guide and catalyze action across a range of topics such as transit-oriented development, green infrastructure, energy efficiency, complete streets, urban agriculture and recycling.

The Sustainable Communities Initiative Resource Library houses the products of HUD’s Sustainable Community Initiative Grantees. This online library catalogs local and regional comprehensive plans, model codes, tools, fact sheets, and reports. Browse materials by category: economic development, climate resilience, implementation, equity engagement, performance measures; outcomes, and land use, development investment.

 This resource has teaching modules about sustainable futures for undergraduate courses. The content covers such topics as climate change, national hazard risks, geoscience methods, human interactions with the earth, and decision making for a more sustainable future. Each module provides custom materials for both instructors and students; including reading, PowerPoint presentations, and interactive maps, as well as testing materials. More resources for program directors and administrators can be found at: http://serc.carleton.edu/integrate/programs/index.html

 The Sustainable Food Lab is a nexus of international organizations collaborating to expedite market-based solutions in a movement towards a more healthy and sustainable food system. They provide leadership networks, global educational events, supply chain innovation projects, and measurement tools, useful for teachers, students, and professionals.

This site from UNESCO provides many useful resources for different audiences on education for sustainable development. The informational resources and current events provided may provide a base for discussion and debate on education and public awareness of sustainability.

 Greenbuild is a yearly event featuring workshops, lectures, research, and networking opportunities for students, professionals, and anyone else interested in sustainable building practices.

 The State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network has released a report that looks at secondary market capital and scaling the energy efficiency industry. It defines secondary markets for energy efficiency, looks at energy efficiency-related secondary market transactions to date (2015), shares perspectives of key actors in secondary market transactions, and discusses considerations for program administrators in weighing the pursuit of secondary market capital against other program objectives.

 This publication, available for free download, is intended to increase awareness of techniques designed to measure sustainability in the marketplace in order to enhance sustainable process and product decision-making. It is useful to students, businesses, consumer associations, and policymakers. These techniques can be used to create and maintain sustainable production methodology and consumption patterns. .

These activities can be used by faculty as course assignments and by staff as campus or community activities. They will increase skills for civil discourse, reducing political polarization and stalemate, while increasing understanding of energy efficiency and renewable energies via a civic engagement opportunity. Students will discuss the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy and weigh in on energy policy.  This resource provides support for people to merge ideas and engage in actions geared toward creating a safe operating space for humanity on Earth, regardless of race, religion or political beliefs. Through Curricular and Co-Curricular Activities, Campus and Course Conversations: – Is easy to implement and is interesting for students – Improves student engagement in getting to know each other across cultural and political divides, helping to reduce polarization and build understanding within our society – Provides real world applications and critical thinking opportunities – Improves students’ communication and civil discourse skills, helping them become better change agents – Increases Civic Engagement and appreciation for democracy while reducing apathy

 Accenture Development Partnerships can aid your college or university in piloting programs designed to innovate and assist in the development of international emerging markets. They work on a non-profit basis to create market-based solutions for projects in the development sector by providing a global network of people, knowledge and assets. They also provide services for social programs, giving adhesion to new or existing enterprises, in order to maximize the impact of global collaboration in mitigating development challenges.

 This resource provides a wealth of publications about global issues in social and economic development. Topics cover a broad array of interests including, but not limited to: economic and agriculture resilience planning, how financial services are being made available via new technology, and women’s roles and rights in the global market. Utilize this information when developing curricular material on any subject matter related to economic sustainability and beyond.

 This booklet focuses on ethanol as a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, specifically in the production of food for human consumption and feed manufacturing for animals. This short, 10 page resource will provide educators with a strong argument against the segregation of food and fuel as separate entities in the economic market by depicting how ethanol and specific foods are co-products of the same process.

This reports addresses ocean acidification by providing evidence of, considering the current and future impacts of, and by presenting challenges to be addressed and overcome. By breaking down complex scientific information, this resource is clear and understandable to anyone interested in the subject and will make a valuable classroom resource in the development of curricular materials or for assigned reading.

 Use this tool when preparing climate change curricular materials or extra-curricular projects for your students. The climate Toolkit provides resources for understanding and addressing climate issues, focusing on climate stressors that threaten people, buildings, natural resources, and local economy. Use the Climate Explorer tool to access map overlays and interactive graphs on current climate change pressures and impacts as well as historical temperatures and precipitation measures across the United States.

 Utilize this resource for classroom material on clean sustainable water supplies for the present and future. Study such topics as: water efficiency strategies, protecting current water supplies from pollution, ensuring waterways can continue to support their ecosystems, and how cities and states can equip themselves for future water-related challenges resulting from climate change.

Instructors should utilize the Lexicon of Sustainability website when preparing coursework for nutrition and food-related studies. This enterprise is based on the premise that if people are better educated in the basic vocabulary and ideas that define the future economy, they will be better prepared to accept and utilize sustainable practices. Over two hundred leaders in food and farming across the nation have contributed information and their experiences to educate people on the importance of a safer, healthier food system in the United States and to take action in the creation of nation-wide sustainability in food and agriculture.

 Use this global news resource when building your curriculum to introduce or discuss current events in climate change. Through journalists who are experts in their fields, in-depth articles and analysis provide the reader with a greater understanding of the important issues surrounding climate change today.

 Review this great resource of in-depth research and analysis for materials as you develop your curriculum in sustainability and business. A wide array of research articles provide objective and verifiable information on a variety of topics, including: the use of effective and legal claims in “green” product marketing, sustainability and audit reports through businesses transparency, and trend reports to assist in planning for sustainability in the future.

An in-depth guide to careers and degree programs in the “green” sector. This resource begins with a comprehensive look at green industries and then dives into specific professional and educational options in fields such as sustainability, renewable energy, green construction, recycling and more. Key elements of the guide include: “Trends Fueling Green Careers,” “Where Green Jobs Grow”, “green” degree paths, internships by field, and “green” scholarship opportunities.

A flagship program of UNEP’s Environmental Education and Training Unit (EETU). GUPES aims to promote the integration of environment and sustainability concerns into teaching, research, community engagement, the management of universities including greening of university infrastructure/facilities/operations, as well as to enhance student engagement and participation in sustainability activities both within and beyond universities. Educators can use this site for helpful resources and information on a wide range of teaching topics. (Last active 2016)

The Sustainable FERC Project is a coalition of state, regional and national environmental and other public interest organizations working to expand the deployment of clean energy resources into America’s electricity transmission grid. Resources found here can help in the development of curricular materials.

From the American Geosciences Institute, is a portfolio of instructional modules on energy. Each module is approximately 30 pages and consists of classroom activities, teacher notes, background information, assessments, career information and a glossary.

A film, web and education program to build energy awareness and efficiency. This project has a lot of short video clips on a wide range of energy topics that teachers may find useful and students may find interesting.

A non-profit organization that connects students to science and exploration to inspire and motivate them to study and pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). For teachers and informal educators, JASON provides lesson plans, assessments, and comprehensive professional development programs.

The Omega Center for Sustainable Living (OCSL) is an environmental education center and natural water reclamation facility built to meet the highest standards currently available in sustainable architecture. It is the first green building in the United States to achieve both LEED® Platinum and Living Building Challenge™ certification. This center is a great example of a biological alternative to fossil fuel based wastewater treatment plants.

This page from Santa Clara University provides excellent examples on how to integrate sustainability into your college curriculum. Review the list of resources and other guides to help you develop your sustainability curriculum.

Fishbanks is a multiplayer web-based simulation in which participants play the role of fishers and seek to maximize their net worth as they compete against other players and deal with variations in fish stocks and their catch. Policy options available to instructors include auctions of new boats, permits, and quotas. This simulation provides the opportunity for students to learn about the challenges of managing resources sustainably in a common pool resource setting, with realistic resource dynamics.

The Duke University campus offers many living laboratories for diverse educational experiences in sustainability. Find a list of potential client-based projects for students on campus and highlighted living laboratories for sustainability. Also find highlights from past projects and courses that have utilized the campus and university departments as clients for sustainability education.

This report finds that proactive investments increasing efficient water use and re-use will both address growing problems associated with drought, flooding, and contamination and create jobs in a wide range of professions. The study identifies 136 different kinds of jobs involved in implementing sustainable water strategies. Thirty-seven of these job types are also projected to have high growth in the overall economy, with each projected to have more than 100,000 job openings across industries by 2020.

The mission of this institute is to ensure access to healthy food and to promote the vitality of agriculture. They do this through integrative research, education, communication and early action on big, emerging issues.

A national network of scholars committed to the development and support of food and agricultural systems that sustain the health of people, society, and the natural environment.

Resources on this page provide objective, high-quality information to promote the design and construction of durable, energy-efficient and economical buildings that can prove useful in the development of your green building courses.

This report examines 22 program types and concepts to identify trends in their approaches to capturing cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities. It provides numerous examples of innovative programs. (January 2013)

The Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) from the DOE- EERE provides information, data, and tools to help fleets and other transportation decisions makers find ways to reduce petroleum consumption through the use of alternative and renewable fuels, advanced vehicles, and other fuel-saving measures. Be sure to also look over the new Petroleum Reduction Planning Tool.

Planet Forward is where experts and engaged citizens come together to find solutions to our shared challenges, specifically in the areas of energy, climate and sustainability. It is a dynamic public square, curating the best ideas and innovations from scientists, business leaders, advocates, students and government leaders and is based at the Center for Innovative Media at the George Washington University. Look at their Living Sustainably on a College Campus Page and Education Page.

Publications here on renewable energies cover some of the key issues related to technologies, financial analysis and policy that can enhance understanding of what is required for a sustainable energy future.

The Multi-Craft Core Curriculum is an innovative training curriculum that provides a gateway from high school or community college to joint industry registered apprenticeships in the Building and Construction Trades Department (BCTD), AFL-CIO.

This is a private firm, but it does regularly compile and share funding opportunities related to green and sustainability.

SmartGrid.gov is the gateway to information on federal initiatives that support the development of the technologies, policies and projects transforming the electric power industry. View this website for for access to the Information Clearing House Educator Materials, Projects and Funding information, and Education & Training Locations.

The North Carolina Solar Center, at N.C. State University, advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices, and policies. The N.C. Solar Center serves as a resource for innovative, clean energy technologies through demonstration, technical assistance, outreach and training. It also administers the Database of Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE), a resource providing financial incentives and policies.

The Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) is the lead government program working to increase the energy efficiency of U.S. industry–which accounts for about one-third of U.S. energy use. ITP helps research, develop, and deploy innovative technologies that companies can use to improve their energy productivity, reduce carbon emissions, and gain a competitive edge.

View this page for examples of the types of environmental benefits that result from lean implementation. Read full case studies of water reduction activities and the environmental implications of those activities.

Read and review recent articles on the environment, alternative energy technology, policy, technology, and other topics that will prove very useful in developing education materials and/or classroom resources.

This U.S. Department of Energy website section provides information on designing clean energy financing programs for state, local, and tribal governments. These materials help understand what can be done to make energy efficiency and renewable energies more affordable.

This guide from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) identifies policy tools that state and local governments can use to bring the private and public benefits of small wind turbines to their communities. You will find definitions of small wind turbine, examples of state incentive programs, and other helpful resources. 

This grass roots organization advocates for the implementation and use of solar energy technologies. You can sign up for policy alerts to use in your courses, student life activities, and sustainability committee.

This information covers a variety of different clean energy technolgies for vehicles, their benefits and properties, vehicle technology, vehicle choices, fueling infrastructure, safety, and resources and incentives. The Clean Transportation Education Project (CTEP) was an initiative that delivered 36 workshops across the United States in 4 subject areas: Biodiesel, Ethanol, Natural Gas and Propane, Fuel Economy/Idle Reduction (Including Electric & Hybrid Vehicles). These resources have been reviewed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and are in the public domain for use by educators in this field.

This website can be used by educators to help students understand how they can build local food networks.

The Science Education and Nutrition Education programs at the Teachers College at Columbia University collaborated to develop LiFE, a research-based science and nutrition curriculum. The LiFE Curriculum Series can be integrated into both agriculture and culinary courses.  Books are now available by payment only.

This National Science Foundation (NSF) funded center acts as a national natural resources based education information network. It includes pre-instructional materials, a directory of college programs, a listing of faculty institutes and more. While the emphasis is on natural resources and sustainability, there are a variety of materials focusing on sustainable agriculture, forestry, and food production.

Curricular for youth on growing food and sustainability. Be sure to review the Food for the SOL Curriculum an 82 page resource to further develop your sustainability curriculum.

If you are you an educator looking to collaborate with farmers on sustainable agriculture, this organization provides periodic grants for the Northeast region of the United States.

This magazine covers commercial scale organic and sustainable farming.

Turfgrass alternatives are explored in a series of papers that could be of value in curricula about golf courses, sports fields and sustainable landscaping.

Clean Cities provides data files that students and educators can download and manipulate for individual research, projects, and presentations. This page describes activities in Clean Cities coalitions throughout the country. View their publications page for PDF reports, fact sheets, and other tools.

This material can be used to create your transportation and climate change section of your curricula. An Act of Congress, signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, calls upon the National Academy of Science (NAS) to provide independent advice to the government on matters related to science and technology. According to the Transportation Research Board (TRB), “Reducing transportation-related emissions of carbon dioxide–the primary greenhouse gas–that contribute to climate change and adapting to the consequences of climate change will be among the biggest public policy challenges facing the transportation profession over the coming decades. This website serves as a gateway to TRB activities and products addressing transportation and climate change.”

Developed by the American Water Works Association and Water Environment Federation, the world’s leading technical experts on drinking water and water quality, this site is packed with resources to find jobs or prepare for rewarding careers in protecting public health and the environment.

Since 1967, This center has offered both academic training and apprenticeships in ecological horticulture, agro-ecology, and organic farming and gardening. Summer sessions are available for educators.

Educators can join this Network to connect with people building systems of Education for Sustainable Communities, organizations, and leadership teams. Network members can also search programs, events, curriculum, research & reports, jobs, and more for the classroom.

The mission of the Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems is to research, develop, and advance sustainable food and agricultural systems that are environmentally sound, economically viable, socially responsible, non-exploitative, and that serve as a foundation for future generations. The Center produces a variety of publications for researchers, farmers, students, educators, and home gardeners. Much of this material, including a Sustainable Agriculture Curriculum, is available for free download. It includes materials on how to connect college food systems with local farmers.

Shelburne Farms offers a variety of professional development opportunities for both formal and non-formal educators. Each program is designed to give educators the confidence, motivation and skills they need to integrate science, agricultural, sustainability and natural resource topics into their curricula. Their work includes the Shelburne Farms’ Sustainable Schools Project (http://www.sustainableschoolsproject.org/about), a dynamic new model for school improvement and civic engagement. The program is designed to help schools use sustainability as an integrating context for curriculum, community partnerships, and campus practices. Emphasis is more on K-12 but is still useful.

The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) provides Fact Sheets, Curricula and Courses, Educator Curriculum Guides, and a National Continuing Education Program online course in Sustainable Agriculture. This program offers competitive grants for ideas in farming that improve profits, stewardship and the vibrancy of farm communities. Grants range from smaller short-term projects of $15,000 or less to larger, multi-year projects ranging from $30,000 to $250,000. View their Learning Center: (http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center). Also View: )http://www.sare.org/Professional-Development/Educator-Curriculum-Guides) And: ( http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Courses-and-Curricula/National-Continuing-Education-Program)

Sustainable Table is an Australian site not affiliated with an academic institution but celebrates the sustainable food movement, provides information on sustainable food-related issues, and shares strategies to build community through sustainable food. There are many resources, including a dictionary of terms, shopping guides, some videos, and a list of culinary institutes focusing on sustainability.

This is the sustainable transportation division of the American solar energy society. It includes useful links and newsletters with additional resources.

Free information to help others start their sustainable youth gardening and food projects, including Summer Youth Program Manual, Academic Year Program Manual, Volunteer Manual, Farmers Market Manual, Urban Agriculture Manual, and Rural Agriculture Manual.

The Land Institute has worked for over 30 years to develop an agricultural system with the ecological stability of the prairie and a grain yield comparable to that from annual crops. View their Publications section for helpful articles that can be used by educators and links on sustainable and alternative farming systems: (http://www.landinstitute.org/vnews/display.v/SEC/Publications)

U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (AFSIC) specializes in identifying resources about sustainable food systems and practices in support of USDA’s effort to ensure a sustainable future for agriculture and farmers worldwide. AFSIC has a directory that contains links to online searchable databases that pertain, in some degree, to sustainable/alternative agriculture. The directory contains book and article citations and abstracts, research project descriptions, full-text documents and spreadsheets, organizational contact information, plant and animal production information, and other kinds of data.

Review this publication from the USDA Alternative Farming Systems Information Center which strives to illustrate the commonality and some of the controversy that defining such a goal entails, and it includes brief descriptions of the methodologies and practices currently associated with sustainable agriculture.

Vermont Food Education Every Day (FEED) is a Farm to School program run as a partnership of three Vermont non-profit organizations: Food Works at Two Rivers Center, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT), and Shelburne Farms. Four main resources that are available for download are: A Guide for Connecting Farms to Schools & Communities, A Guide for Farm to School Community Action Planning, A Guide for Using Local Food in Schools, and A Guide to Taste Testing Local Foods in Schools.

The Wallace Center focuses on developing market-based solutions that link a larger number of people and communities to “good food”- food that is healthy, green, fair, and affordable. They aim to connect people, resources, and information around the world to drive change that benefits farmers, urban and rural communities, our natural resources and the health of our citizens. Areas of focus include Empowerment and Civic Engagement, Enterprise and Agriculture, and Environment: Forestry, Energy and Ecosystem Services.

WhyHunger brings you into the food security movement, a movement that shows how our food system is connected, how our food grows, how it’s processed, who grows it, what we eat, where it comes from, who goes hungry and why. WhyHunger is helping to build the movement to end hunger and poverty by connecting people to nutritious, affordable food and by supporting grassroots solutions that inspire self-reliance and community empowerment.

A compendium of recent Biofuels Reports provided by the World Biofuels Markets, a private group out of Europe, providing a more international perspective.

The Sustainable Schools Project works with schools to cultivate responsible, informed citizens, engaged in building sustainable communities. On the website you can find curriculum for K-5 schools and downloadable resources for K-12 schools including the Healthy Neighborhoods/ Healthy Kids Guide. While geared toward K-12 some of the concepts can be adapted for adult audiences.

NESAWG is the Northeast’s food and farm network. Activities are based on a systems approach, recognizing the interdependence of government, market, and civic arenas for social change. They maintain an overview of the region’s movement toward a more sustainable food system and guide the network to maximize collective impact. Working at local, state, regional, and national levels, their efforts help organizations redirect public policy, foster market-based innovation, and generate an informed and active citizenry.

The Agatston Urban Nutrition Initiative (UNI) is a program of University of Pennsylvania’s Netter Center for Community Partnerships to address issues of poor nutrition and physical fitness in West Philadelphia. UNI’s activities are fully integrated into the university-assisted community school model. UNI organizes school day, after school and summer learning opportunities for more than 10,000 students and their families at 20 public schools in Philadelphia. UNI’s ecological approach to nutrition education includes hands-on experiences for students to grow, cook, consume and sell healthy foods. UNI has in-school “Eat Right Now” programs and “UNI Youth Development” programs.

The World Agroforestry Centre is part of the alliance of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) centers dedicated to generating and applying the best available knowledge to stimulate agricultural growth, raise farmers’ incomes, and protect the environment. The Centre’s vision is a rural transformation in the developing world as smallholder households strategically increase their use of trees in agricultural landscapes to improve their food security, nutrition, income, health, shelter, energy resources and environmental sustainability. The Centre is committed to using agroforestry to alleviate poverty.

Enhance both the technology and the policy sections of your course through this site. The ABFA supports and advocates public policies to ensure all viable advanced biofuels can compete with the benefit of a level playing field. ABFA engages government at all levels to secure support for the advanced biofuels industry.

This section of Advanced Biofuels USA is specifically designed for those who want to learn and teach the basics about biofuels and advanced biofuels. Materials in this section will be useful for educators teaching introductory courses on renewable liquid transportation fuels. Also included in this section are slide presentations, narratives, and other links to related resources.

While this section of Advanced Biofuels USA provides information for K-12 education, it also serves as a great resource for educational materials. Educators will find useful links and information on education programs, lesson plans, and many other helpful resources for educational use.

The Advanced Research Projects Agency, out of the U.S. Department of Energy, provides information on funding and technologies focused exclusively on high risk, high payoff concepts technologies. Educators can use this to describe possible new technologies and some of the supportive funding and policy to assist students with understanding the future potentials for the industry. Arpa-e works to bridge the gap between basic energy research and development/industrial innovation.

Agriculture of the Middle has produced three sets of curricular resources on value-based food supply chains for university-level business and economics courses. Course instructors can use these curricular resources to explain the differences between mainstream and value-based food supply chains. Case studies provide a foundation for analysis and discussion of concepts such as sustainable supply chain management and new generation cooperatives.

A monthly trade journal dedicated to coverage of biodiesel news, events and information relevant to the global industry. With editorial focus on U.S. and international methyl ester manufacturing, trade, distribution and markets, Biodiesel Magazine also provides insight into feedstock and market share competition from the non-ester renewable diesel sector. Online site could be used to highlight certain current events in this arena.

This website list and describes biofuels education programs.

This is one of many sites that lists job postings for the biofuels industry. It provides some insights into what jobs are available.

Help your classroom be more global and more engaged in practical solutions. This entrepreneurial charity initiates practical sustainability solutions and delivers them by setting up new enterprises and partnerships around the world. They assist and encourage others to achieve sustainability through consultancy, education and informing policy.

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education’s (SARE’s) Free Book, The New American Farmer, 2nd Edition, profiles sustainable agricultural innovations across the United States by featuring more that 60 successful farmers and ranchers. Educators can use this book to reference successful case studies and context specific initiatives in sustainable agriculture. (Published 2005)

From John Hopkins University, explore these resources connecting healthy eating and sustainability. The link for the JHSPH Open Courseware project connects to lecture materials and other resources on Food Production, Public Health and the Environment as well as a case study in Baltimore. The Eating for the Future Program integrates scientific evidence to guide its technical assistance and leadership support in efforts to increase community food security, promote eat-local activities, and encourages the development of relationships among local and regional food and nutrition organizations. View this website’s Education and Resources offerings for additional information.

The Center is best known for its pioneering work with K12 integrating ecological principles and sustainability into school curricula and working with schools gardens and food systems. The Center for Ecoliteracy offers online learning activities; teaching guides; professional development seminars; books and more. Although geared to K12 some of the materials are very useful for adult audiences.

Growing Home provides transitional employment and training for individuals in Chicago facing multiple barriers to securing permanent and unsubsidized employment through a social enterprise business based on organic agriculture.

The USDA’s Community Food Projects (CFP) Competitive Grants Program provides the major funding source for community-based food and agriculture projects nationwide. This program is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Funding is available for private non-profits.

The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) website provides information on technologies and sustainable agriculture systems. It is a national, public-private partnership that envisions agriculture using environmentally beneficial and economically viable natural resource systems. It provides a diversity of views.

This site from Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension provides educators with inspiring, research-based gardening resources and professional development to support engaging, empowering, and relevant learning experiences for children, youth, adults, and communities. The Activities section features curricula and activities for K-12 schools and teacher educators.

This project has materials from an initiative from Evergreen College on where educators discussed what they could be teaching (learning outcomes) for a sustainable future. It shows the results of interdisciplinary and disciplinary conversations and workshops about sustainability education in higher education and has a resources page.

The Diesel Technology Forum is an industry-based forum that highlights cleaner technology for diesel engines. View their resources for multiple case studies, state fact sheets, and other information for policymakers and educators.

The Ecology Center provides information that can assist in the education of environmentally and socially responsible practices. View their resources page for events, directories, and useful Fact Sheets.

The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) is a US industry association dedicated to promoting electric drive as the best means to achieve the highly efficient and clean use of secure energy in the transportation sector. Go Electric Drive is their sister site providing information on owning and operating an electric car, including the types of plug-in electric vehicles, charging, costs, incentives, benefits, and much more. (Go Electric Drive Resources)

The Environmental Protections Agency’s homepage on renewable fuel standards including basic information and policy.

Information and Resources for States on Issues, Opportunities, and Options for Advancing Bioenergy.

The FBEA is a free member network established to strengthen and support the work of educators and administrators providing public access to their productive working farmland an on-line forum. This grassroots network might provide you with contacts for integrating a local farm site into your curricula. Also, search for sustainable agriculture and see your local organic farming network for additional connections.

Achieving food security for all is at the center of this UN organization’s efforts – to make sure people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. See their publications and their statistics to gain a better understanding of food security issues.

Free curricula from the Michigan State University Museum that builds greater understanding about local food, and the viability and importance of sustainable practices. Find in this website: A six-part community-oriented curriculum (http://www.foodfarmingandcommunity.org/curriculum/), essays, and an annotated book and film list on sustainable agriculture of use in discussions and teachings: (http://www.foodfarmingandcommunity.org/resources/)

Food, Land & People (FLP) provides educational materials targeted towards K-12 educators for use in either formal or non-formal educational settings. View this list of 55 resources to see if they may help you as a community college educator.

The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) is an advocacy organization dedicated to the commercialization of fuel cells and hydrogen energy technologies. View their Policy Page or their Regulations, Codes and Standards Page for information on state and national policies in the fuel cell and hydrogen energy industry. Also, view their resources tab for Reports, Fact Sheets, and the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Safety Report.

The Green For All College Ambassador program provides a focused vehicle to foster young, green-economy champions. The program follows the academic calendar and runs on the campuses of fifteen historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Ambassadorship consists of expert trainings, a mentorship program in partnership with Green For All Academy Fellows, student-led green education workshops, and a semester long campus sustainability initiative created and carried out by the Ambassadors with support from students, faculty and Green For All.

The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy provides a forum for the dairy industry to work pre-competitively to address barriers to and opportunities for innovation and sales growth. The Innovation Center aligns the collective resources of the industry to offer consumers nutritious dairy products and ingredients and promote the health of people, communities, the planet and the industry.

This center explores and cultivates alternatives that secure healthier people and landscapes in Iowa and the nation. They offer information on marketing trends, policy, and ecology, provide links to news and events, and provide various curricular material related to food and agriculture.

The objective of the Maine Compost School is to provide training to people interested and/or involved with medium and large-scale composting operations. This course is offered as a certificate program, and will train personnel to be qualified compost site operators. Courses are offered twice per calendar year and are open to anyone interested in larger-scale composting operations.

The Methanol Institute (MI) serves as the global trade association for the methanol industry. The website provides multiple reports, data sheets, and other resources on Methanol Basics, Technical Information, Energy, Health & Safety, and the Environment.

An alliance of grassroots organizations that advocates for federal policy reform to advance the sustainability of agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and rural communities.

The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) is the nationwide alternative fuel vehicle and advanced technology vehicle training organization in the United States. It provides the training infrastructure for implementing widespread use of alternative fuels, alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), and advanced technology vehicles.

With the mission to transfer organic agriculture practices to landscapes, NOFA has created its own 5-day accreditation course to become an Organic Land Care Professional (AOLCP) with a pledge to adhere to NOFA standards for Organic Land Care.

A non profit organization focusing on education and professional development. See their permaculture professional development offerings and more at: (http://www.oaec.org/permaculture-design)

This Oxfam website provides activities and other resources to educators looking to teach about a variety of sustainability topics, including civic engagement and support for teachers. Also see: Youth Involvement Resources Education for Global Citizenship While primarily geared towards K-12 education levels, this is applicable to higher education as well.

Offers workshops for teachers on permaculture.

In this data-loaded presentation, Ron Pate of Sandia National Laboratory looks at algae economics in the context of restrictions imposed on biofuels production by water supply sustainability concerns. This is an excellent overview of the state of aquifers and the water intensity of biofuels.

As the interest and use of biobased products grows, so do the opportunities and challenges. According to a recent report sponsored by AURI and the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, Minnesota’s fundamental strengths in agriculture, biofuels and innovation may hold the key to the state’s potential for leadership in this emerging economy although, as the study suggests, it is pertinent to connect the dots in order to capitalize on market potential. While the data is about Minnesota, the conceptual frame and strategies can be useful to other states.

This report examines how meeting the RFS-2 would affect various key components of the U.S. economy. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) calls for a Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS-2), which mandates that the United States increase the volume of biofuel that is blended into transportation fuel from 9 billion gallons in 2008 to 36 billion gallons by 2022.

This report details economic, social and environmental benefits of farmers markets and other local food outlets. The report recommends the following policy changes: Increase funding for programs that support local and regional food systems. Raise the level of research on the impacts of local and regional food systems. Restructure the safety net and ensure credit accessibility for local food system farmers. Foster local capacity to help implement local and regional food system plans. Support the realization of farmers market certification standards. (Published July 2011)

Minnesota’s food industry may provide significant opportunity for growing jobs that are considered green. This comprehensive report takes a look at where those opportunities may lie. While the data is for Minnesota, the conceptual framework can be useful to educators in other states as well.

This January 2018 report, the eighth in a series, provides a comprehensive analysis of state activities supporting fuel cell and hydrogen technology, including profiles of all 50 states with a catalog of recent installations, policies, funding, and deployments around the country.

A report by Bio Economic Research Associates (bio-era), U.S. Economic Impact of Advanced Biofuels Production Perspectives to 2030, shows that continuing to build advanced biofuels production capacity can create thousands of new jobs throughout the economy, contributing to U.S. economic growth and increasing energy security.

Check out USDA supported “What is Sustainable Agriculture?”, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education’s (SARE’s) free award-winning, 12-page sampler of best practices in sustainable agriculture, including profiles of the men and women who are implementing them, then consider applying for your own grant.

Solutions from the Land (SfL) was conceived and led by a cross-sector team of respected agriculture, forestry, conservation, academic, and industry leaders, who came together in 2009 based on clean energy discussions facilitated by the 25x’25 Alliance (resources from the Alliance) to explore integrated land management solutions to help meet food security, economic development, climate change and conservation of biodiversity goals. Solutions from the Land now provides reports and case studies on sustainable agriculture.

American Farmland Trust is a conservation organization dedicated to saving America’s farm and ranch land, promoting environmentally sound farming practices and supporting a sustainable future for farms. View their Publications section for educational materials on farming, policy, and many other relevant areas.

The Biofuels Digest newsletter covers producer news, research, policy, policymakers, conferences, fleets and financial news. It is home to: the Biofuels Digest Index, a Biofuels Job Board, the Quarterly Biofuels Business Outlook, the 30 Hottest Companies in Renewable Chemicals and Materials, the Advanced Biofuels Project Database, the “50 Hottest Companies in Bioenergy” annual rankings

EcoAgriculture Partners works to enhance rural livelihoods, conserve biodiversity and ecosystem services, and sustainably produce crops, livestock, fish, and fiber. The nonprofit supports individuals and organizations at the local, national and international levels. It offers a platform for cross-sectoral dialogue and action among diverse stakeholders, working with a wide range of groups – from farmers and community organizations to businesses, policy makers, and donors – providing direct support, education, research, and policy analysis to help implement and support ecoagriculture practices and policies.

Life Lab has created curricula and workshops for K12 educators interested in bringing learning to life in gardens nationwide. Some of these may be applicable to college classrooms. On the website, you can find curriculum, resources for starting a school garden, and Garden Enhanced Nutrition Education Resources (GENE) – an extensive list of resources used in Life Lab’s Plant It, Grow It, Eat It, and Healthy School Environment Workshops.

This report from 2010 provides an objective view of the evolving biofuels industry and many of its key participants. It is the second “Year in Review” report created for use by an intended audience of industry, investor, policy makers and regulator stakeholders.

The report examines the nation’s capacity to produce a billion dry tons of biomass resources annually for energy uses without impacting other vital U.S. farm and forest products, such as food, feed, and fiber crops. The study provides industry, policymakers, and the agricultural community with county-level data and includes analyses of current U.S. feedstock capacity and the potential for growth in crops and agricultural products for clean energy applications.

Sandia National Laboratories and General Motors’ R&D Center conducted a joint biofuels systems analysis project. Known as the “90-Billion Gallon Biofuel Deployment Study,” the purpose of the project was to assess the feasibility, implications, limitations, and enablers of large-scale production of biofuels in the United States.

This report from the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy focuses primarily on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy impacts — the first challenges to be addressed through this industry wide effort for dairy sustainability.

EcoAgriculture Partners is an independent platform for cross-sectoral dialogue and action among a diverse group of stakeholders. By working with this wide range of partners and collaborators, they provide direct support, education, training, research, and policy analysis to help groups implement and support effective ecoagriculture practices and policies.

See conferences, workshops, webinars and discussion forums on sustainability. Some of the resources are for implementing sustainability on campus and some are for including it in the curricula. There is also an open conference call line where you can organize your own conference calls related to sustainability. 
NOTE: In order to access this page users must be members of AASHE or have the ability to log-in.

Discover information on how to teach sustainability in a wide variety of academic discipines, including Biology, Business, Chemistry, Design, Engineering, Environmental Science, Humanities, Mathematics, Psychology, Religion, Sociology and others. Also, access interdisciplinary approaches, sustainability learning outcomes related to all academic areas, and some of the journals related to sustainability.

This link will bring you to Selected Publications and provide the Building a Green Collar Workforce report which discusses green collar jobs in the Chicago region, highlighting this city as an example of the estimates of the number and types of jobs that may be created or transformed, and the needs of employers.

Join the Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network (CLEAN) to be a part of the climate and energy education discussion and activity with other scientists, educators, policy makers, community leaders, students and engaged citizens and also explore the CLEAN Collection of educational resources which includes nearly 600 educational resources for grades 6-16 which are all scientifically sound and pedagogically effective thanks to a careful review process.

This document is a product of that two-day meeting and links to resources recommended by Community of Practice members. It is meant to guide and support anyone seeking to create pathways out of poverty through green job training.

This report from the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, examines 12 states and the people employed in occupations affected by six green economic strategies: building retrofitting, mass transit, energy-efficient automobiles, wind power, solar power and cellulosic biofuels. The report was commissioned by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and was released in cooperation with the Green Jobs for America Campaign, a partnership of the Sierra Club, Blue Green Alliance, United Steelworkers, NRDC and with the Center for American Progress and Green for All. (June 2008)

Select funding opportunities, written for Tribal Nations on EPA grant programs, but is general enough to be applicable to almost all government agencies and grant programs.

This is a link to presentations from a workshop given at the “Good Jobs, Green Jobs” National Conference in Washington, DC, in February 2009. Building a green country requires building a skilled workforce. What does that look like in practice? Developing skills standards for green-collar jobs will benefit workers, employers and consumers alike. For workers, a credential provides mobility and bargaining power, and thus higher wages, in the labor market. For employers, it provides assurance that job applicants meet necessary skill standards. And for consumers, it provides critical information for contracting decisions. This panel addresses successes and challenges for certification and training in the emerging clean-energy economy, where most workers will need more than a high-school diploma, but less than a 4-year degree.

This Wind Turbine Technician Skill Standards project is part of a broader initiative to establish power generation standards for the energy industry.

This site provides a list of BPI Test Centers providing training and proctoring for the BPI written and field examinations for BPI certifications.

This site features detailed guides that list the requirements that candidates must specifically meet during on-site field testing for BPI certifications. The certifications include AC Heat Pump, Building Analyst, Envelope, Heating and Manufactured Housing.

ETA is a not-for-profit trade association for electronics students and professionals. ETA focuses on providing resources for the technician or student to learn more about the industry, connect with other professionals, advance their careers and achieve recognition for their knowledge and skill through certification.

A sampling of Green Workforce Education Curriculum and Instructional Materials.

For the ILO, the notion of green jobs summarizes the transformation of economies, enterprises, workplaces and labor markets into a sustainable, low-carbon economy providing decent work. Review these resources and news covering a great variety of topics relating to green jobs at the international level.

The RISE CSRP certification is a voluntary certification for professionals who plan and oversee the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs.  Individuals who successfully complete the requirements set out by RISE will receive the RISE Certified Solar Roofing Professional (CSRP) certification.

The Recovery Through Retrofit Report builds on investments made in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) to expand the home energy efficiency and retrofit market. Home retrofits can potentially help people earn money, as home retrofit workers, while also helping them save money, by lowering their utility bills. By encouraging nationwide weatherization of homes, workers of all skill levels will be trained, engaged, and will participate in ramping up a national home retrofit market.

Materials on coherent, effective and efficient support to countries seeking to attain internationally agreed development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

ETA International’s comprehensive Renewable Energy credentialing program is unlike any other green certification provider. ETA offers three career track certification pathways in renewable energy technology — Installer / Integrator / Maintainer.

This link is to a variety of employment studies, including “Green Jobs in the Residential Energy Efficiency Industry: The Home Performance Industry Perspective on Training & Workforce Development ,” produced by Efficiency First (Elizabeth Redman.) The link is to a Resource Center that provides research and intelligence for the design and implementation of successful energy retrofit initiatives. Related webinar and presentation are also available at the site.

This paper considers a complementary approach to increasing valued and marketable skills: scaling up apprenticeship programs, especially in combination with community college and other postsecondary education programs.

Listing of resources from individual national higher education associations that are members of the Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium, helping to promote sustainability to each other and their constituents. Discover resources on programs, policies, trends and tools for implementing sustainability in all parts of colleges and universities, and beyond.

DCAT is an organization that draws on extensive experience in traditional and alternative building and development, providing strategic support for the shift to sustainable building practices.

An excellent overview of the potentials for clean renewable energy that can also reduce poverty and improve the economy. Includes chapters that focus on what individuals can do.

Your library can purchase EBSCO databases as resources for you and your students.

The energy efficiency services sector (EESS) is poised to become an increasingly important part of the U.S. economy. Energy supply and climate change concerns, volatile and increasing energy prices, and a desire for greater energy independence have led many local, state and national leaders to support an increasingly prominent role for energy efficiency (EE) in U.S. energy policy. The national economic recession has also helped to boost the visibility of energy efficiency as part of a strategy to support economic recovery. One of the paradoxes of energy efficiency is the growing consensus among policymakers as to its importance as a low-cost, environmentally-benign resource juxtaposed with the fact that energy efficiency is not a distinct, well-defined industry that is easy to characterize. The growth in public support for and spending on energy efficiency combined with increased investment by private sector market actors will require a significant expansion of the energy efficiency services sector workforce. Trained personnel will be needed to design, implement, manage and evaluate energy efficiency programs and to design, construct, install, and maintain efficient building systems. Bottlenecks may occur if the EESS workforce is unable to expand at the same pace as the increased demand for energy efficiency services. Given the growing interest in energy efficiency, there is a concern among policy makers, program administrators, and others that there is an insufficiently trained workforce in place to meet the energy efficiency goals being put in place by local, state, and federal policymakers. To understand the likelihood of a potential workforce gap and appropriate response strategies, one needs to understand the size, composition, and potential for growth of the EESS. We use a bottom-up approach based upon almost 300 interviews with program administrators, education and training providers, regulatory staff and a variety of EESS employers, trade associations and unions; communications with over 50 sector experts; as well as an extensive literature review. We attempt to provide insight into key aspects of the EESS by describing the current job composition, the current workforce size, our projections for growth in spending and employment in the EESS through 2020, and key issues that may limit this growth.

ENERGY STAR offers free online training to help you improve the energy performance of your organization. See how EPA can help you lower operating costs, improve your energy management program, and expand your professional development.

This Energy Star website includes annimated and self-guided presentation as well as pre-recorded training on how-to improve energy performance.

The Building Technologies Office provides resources that allow planners, designers, and owners to focus on energy-use goals from the first planning stages through post-retrofit monitoring.

Presentation covers essential steps colleges can take to build and educate for a green economy, through innovative partnerships and community based learning.

The Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN), formerly known as the Illinois Community College Sustainability Network, is a vibrant and growing collaboration between the state’s 48 community colleges. An initiative of the community college Presidents, this Network brings community colleges together to expand employment opportunities, improve human and environmental health, foster community engagement and accelerate market competitiveness to drive Illinois’s emerging green economy. 

Miami Dade College has an interdisipenary course on environomental sustainability and responsibility for all college students.

An open source model for sustainable manufacturing. It is a step by step process to help manufacturers become more sustainable and includes an instruction manual, an open source mthodology and more.

Free materials on how wind works, technologies, wind capabilities, and more.

The NABCEP PV installer certification is a voluntary certification that provides a set of national standards by which PV installers with skills and experience can distinguish themselves from their competition. Certification provides a measure of protection to the public by giving them a credential for judging the competency of practitioners.

NATE simplifies the certification process with its Knowledge Areas Of Technician Expertise (KATEs). The KATEs divide the certification process into tests for installation, service and senior-level technicians. The tests recognize different levels of experience and knowledge, and because you decide which tests to take, you can tailor your NATE certification to your interests, and skill level.

Green Increased Demand Occupations, Green Enhanced Skills Occupations, and Green New and Emerging (N&E) Occupations as listed and described by O*NET, under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA). This list is not necessarily complete but useful.

Materials explaing how we can build healthier economies while reducing climate change. Includes quality investment strategies for energy efficiency and renewable energies.

This overview summarizes a study report from the Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (Solar ABCs). The full report documents legal issues for solar access and solar rights. The report provides model statutes for use by state and local governments.

The Solar Living Institute offers courses and other resources in Solar PV and Storage, Solar Finance & Marketing, Green Building, and HVAC. Course curricula are developed to address North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) task analyses and course participants may be signed up to take NABCEP exams through the Institute’s partnership with Heatspring.

This alliance of Community Colleges is working on regional economic development to build sustainable economies.

An interactive source for LEED and green building courses, training and resourses offered by USGBC and approved by third-party courses.

Weatherization Curricula, Competencies, and Training Tool from the Weatherization Assistance Program Technical Assistance Center

WIC Green Jobs Study Group was established to accomplish three broad goals: 1. to develop a measurable definition of “green jobs” and agree on a core set of items that need to be measured about these jobs; 2. to develop alternatives for gathering and estimating this information on “green jobs”; and, 3. to develop a specific action plan to collect and publish this information.  Read the Reports and Analysis here.

The World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) is an international network of colleges and associations of colleges. WFCP provides leadership in delivering workforce education for our global economy. The Sustainability Affinity Group focuses on Education to Action as the key to sustainability and colleges. – View their Curriculum Resources as well as information on Community Approach and Partnerships for Sustainability.

Disciplinary Associations Network for Sustainability (DANS) consists of more than 20 academic disciplinary associations in engineering, science, mathematics, social sciences, humanities and technology disciplines. DANS members work on sustainability curricula, cross disciplinary sustainability projects, tenure, promotion and accreditation standards. DANS’ mission is to help higher education exert strong leadership in making education, research, and practice for a sustainable society a reality.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) college-level course on commercial building efficiency for students and professionals in the field of energy and facility management. Available at no cost as an off-the-shelf package. It gives students an understanding of the practice and policy of energy efficiency in the built environment. The course offers an in-depth examination of the benefits of and barriers to energy efficiency through the resources of the ENERGY STAR program. It also provides practical methods and best practices for energy management. This course is classroom-ready, including suggested readings, a syllabus, course outline, class materials, lecture presentations, and ideas for a student project. The course can be tailored to fit your lesson plans and term length, or can be offered to building professionals as a continuing education course. Be sure to watch this webinar on the course.

International City/County Management Association (ICMA) has released a new report, “Putting Smart Growth to Work in Rural Communities,” which focuses on how to adapt smart growth strategies to rural communities. Funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Sustainable Communities, the report examines the challenges rural communities face, including rapid growth at metropolitan edges, declining rural populations, and the loss of working lands. It highlights smart growth strategies that can help guide rural growth while preserving the unique rural character of existing communities. It also highlights three central goals: 1) support the rural landscape by creating an economic climate that enhances the viability of working lands and conserves natural lands; 2) help existing places to thrive by taking care of assets and investments such as downtowns, Main Streets, existing infrastructure, and places that the community values; and 3) create great new places by building vibrant, enduring neighborhoods and communities that people, especially young people, don’t want to leave.

Michigan Saves is an innovative program to help all types of Michigan energy consumers—businesses, institutions, and residents—afford energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades. Michigan Saves will finance the installation of energy measures with no upfront cost to utility customers.

A pledge by presidents and chancellors of community colleges and universities to develop a comprehensive Climate Action Plan that will lead to carbon neutrality. As of 2023, Second Nature is still accepting signatories that will commit to developing a carbon-neutral institution while acknowledging the key role of higher education in contributing to the creation of a sustainable society. More information on the commitments and instructions for interested institutions to sign up are included at the link.

American Clean Power provides an online job board for both job jobseekers and job recruiters.

This standard provides meaningful criteria upon which to assess the quality of the engineering that has gone into a small wind turbine meeting this standard, and provides consumers with performance data that will help them make informed purchasing decisions. This standard was written to ensure the quality of the product can be assessed while imposing only reasonable costs and difficulty on the manufacturer to comply with the standard.  (Must now pay for report.)

View wind energy projects on a State-by-State basis; this data includes wind power project sites that are in operation and/or under construction. Information is primarily from AWEA member companies.

AEE seminar listings, where you can register online for both Live and Online training programs. AEE seminars will earn you Continuing Education Units (CEU) and Professional Development Hours (PDH) credit, which can be applied toward training requirements for P.E. license renewal in most states, as well as toward maintaining all AEE professional certifications.

A nationally recognized credentialing program identifying individual excellence in house-as-a-system evaluation, diagnostics and installation.  You’ll find a full list of BPI’s certifications here.

BPI is a national standards development organization for residential energy efficiency and weatherization retrofit work. BPI standards help provide quality and consistency by promoting that home performance and weatherization workforce follow the same strict protocols.

Insights are short discussions on a particular topic, such as retrofitting homes for energy efficiency. They are intended to highlight one or more building science principles. The discussion is informal and sometimes irreverent but never irrelevant.

A competency model framework for the Generation, Transmission and Distribution sector of the Energy Industry. The model is designed to evolve along with changing skill requirements. The industry model frameworks are based on the competency model building blocks which are modified to meet the industry needs.

The Center for Climate Strategies (CCS) is helping many public officials and stakeholders in the United States and other countries respond to the challenges posed by global warming and related opportunities for economic development, clean energy, and a safer environment. This map shows climate action plans underway or completed by U.S. states since 2000.

The Centers of Excellence support the community colleges in California by providing customized data on high growth, emerging, and economically-critical industries and occupations and their related workforce needs. Studies for solar, wind, energy efficiency and green jobs are included.

DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Established in 1995 and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, DSIRE is an ongoing project of the N.C. Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. This list of incentives is useful when conducting economic analyses of energy efficiency systems as an essential part of the curricula.

GrantStation offers nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies the opportunity to identify potential funding sources for their programs or projects as well as resources to mentor these organizations through the grantseeking process. The GrantStation Insider provides the latest information on new funding programs, upcoming grant deadlines, conferences, trainings, and relevant information for grantseekers.

Through this project, the Great Lakes Wind Collaborative will examine the policies and practices that are working best within and beyond the region; those that allow wind development yet are protective of environmental and community concerns. Once identified, it will “tell the story” about those practices through the development and strategic delivery of various materials, including an online toolbox and briefings to Great Lakes decision makers. Provides ideas on how to talk about building the wind industry in a course.

See how Los Angeles Community College District has implemented energy efficiency, green building, and renewable energies on campus as a model for students, staff, and the community. Includes descriptions of how LACCD is cost-effectively reducing the carbon footprint of each of its buildings and modernizing students’ learning experiences.

This field guide provides a single source for the best of what MCAAA knows what to do and how to do it. It is not only for the midwest states, but for other states around the country who are striving to implement high quality programs. It is the result of a strong partnerships and cooperation that the eight states share on a regular basis as they work throughout the region. This best practices field guide can be used to develop weatherization curricula.

Link to order the 20012 National Green Building Standard. Chapters 7 (Energy) and 9 (IAQ) of this standard would pertain to home energy performance. This is an approved American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard for green residential structures. This standard is only available for purchase. (Caution – Standards often do not cover the front innovative edge of green building, such as net zero or regenerative designs that are benign or even healing to their environment. This was developed by a member based organization.)  *Fees my apply for this document.

There are a variety of educational resources that can help you learn about the renewable energy sources and technologies, including biomass energy, geothermal energy, hydrogen energy, solar energy and wind energy.

Search for colleges that have received National Science Foundation awards in your topic of choice. Use this site to contact schools that have won awards to build curricula in your specific technology area.

This document presents an in-depth task analysis for practitioners who do wind site assessments and specify, install and maintain wind energy systems and equipment. The purpose of this task analysis is to define a general set of knowledge, skills and abilities typically required for small wind system practitioners, and to help ensure safety, quality and consumer acceptance of small wind installations throughout the U.S. This task analysis helps define the requirements for the assessment and credentialing of practitioners. It also helps establish the requirements for accrediting training and educational programs and in developing curricula. These tasks, or a modified version thereof, may be used by states or organizations that wish to develop requirements for education, training, testing, certification or otherwise qualify existing or new workers to install small wind energy systems.

This document presents a comprehensive task analysis for contractors installing solar water and pool heating systems on buildings. For the purposes of developing training curricula, assessment mechanisms and certification criteria, specific tasks are classified as either cognitive or psychomotor skills.

This document presents an in-depth Job Task Analysis for solar electric professionals who gather site specific information and analyze customer needs and energy usage for the purpose of advising and providing customers with the most appropriate proposal for a solar photovoltaic (PV) system given their situation.

This document presents a comprehensive Job Task Analysis (JTA) for individuals who perform responsible decision-making roles concerning the design, installation, commissioning, and operations & maintenance of Photovoltaic (PV) systems. It is important to note that the tasks outlined in this JTA apply to a range of installation personnel, including but not limited to: installers; project managers; installation foreman/supervisor, and designers.

The Industrial Efficiency & Decarbonization Office’s Technical Assistance & Workforce subprogram delivers technical assistance and develops partnerships with industry to increase the adoption of energy efficiency, decarbonization technologies, energy management programs, and water/waste reduction technologies and practices across the industrial sector. IEDO engages manufacturers with tools, best practices, assessments, and training resources to help overcome barriers to technology implementation and reach targets. IEDO supports workforce training and upskilling activities that prepare existing workers and attract a diverse mix of workers to the industrial jobs of the future.

The purpose of this resource is to provide practitioners, faculty and students with the means to meet the 2030 Challenge, that is, to be able to design and construct buildings to a state of carbon neutrality by the year 2030. The work included in this web resource is the result of a committed effort from educators and practitioners and is an attempt to define a working methodology for Carbon Neutral Design that will be of general benefit to the profession.

Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) provides updates on jobs, policy and more. Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA is working to build a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy.

Solar Instructor Training Network, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, is a network of regional resource and training providers offering resources to select educational institutions in their regions. Resources include train-the-trainer workshops and, in many cases, training equipment and tools for instructors. As a network, the regional providers collaborate to develop curricula, identify career pathways, share labor market data, and resolve issues related to solar training and workforce development.

This website links technician educators with National Science Foundation supported, faculty development in advanced & emerging technologies, teaching methods, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The Building Technologies Office (BTO) works with the commercial building industry to accelerate the uptake of energy efficiency technologies and techniques in both existing and new commercial buildings. By developing, demonstrating, and deploying cost-effective solutions, BTO strives to reduce energy consumption across the commercial building sector. On this website, you will find important publications, financial opportunity information, and other materials helpful in the development of your green building curriculum.

The WAPTAC has published a set of core competencies designed to increase awareness and raise expectations. These competencies were compiled from the course offerings of several weatherization training centers and from the technical program standards of several states.

ACP (formerly AWEA) is the lead organization for the development of U.S. industry consensus standards in liaison with a variety of professional organizations. View this page for Industry Standards as well as information on the Standards Development Board.

Articles available to share with students from YES Magazine: A Journal of Positive Futures. Covers a variety of topics, including planet, peace & justice, new economy, people power, happiness and other sustainability related topics.

Green Building Certification Institute was established in 2008 to administer project certifications and professional credentials and certificates within the framework of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating Systems™.

The Berkeley Lab is building a “national user facility” that will attract researchers from around the U.S. and the world to study best practices for improving building energy efficiency. The lab will focus on creating net-zero energy buildings that create as much energy as they consume. The lab will test new air conditioning systems, lighting, on-site power generation, plus new kinds of roofs and skylights. Additionally, the lab will investigate new methods of constructing windows, walls and floors.

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has supported the development of the Open Energy Information initiative (OpenEI), which is a platform to connect the world’s energy data. It is a linked open data platform bringing together energy information to provide improved analyses, unique visualizations, and real-time access to data.

A Certified Home Energy Rater is a person trained and certified by an accredited Home Energy Rating Provider to inspect and evaluate a home’s energy features, prepare a home energy rating and make recommendations for improvements that will save the homeowner energy and money. Provides information on the path to becoming a Home Energy Rater.