Planning

Decarbonization planning

Greenhouse gas emissions inventorying

Using the GHG Protocol’s definitions of Scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions, GreenerU collects greenhouse gas emissions data through utility bills, surveys, receipts, and/or proxy methodologies, then uploads that data into SIMAP, ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager®, or a similar greenhouse gas emissions reporting tool. We also create custom data-gathering templates and provide training for institutional staff. Greenhouse gas emissions inventorying helps set a baseline for goal-setting during sustainability and climate action planning processes.

• • Learn how to take a greenhouse gas emissions inventory

Zero Over Time planning

A Zero Over Time (ZOT) plan provides a clear, actionable roadmap for achieving net-zero emissions through phased investments and operational improvements. GreenerU engineers evaluate building energy use, envelope performance, and existing mechanical systems to identify realistic energy conservation and decarbonization opportunities. We translate this technical assessment into a comprehensive strategy that includes estimated costs, incentives, savings, and implementation timing. By considering factors such as local building performance standards, equipment replacement cycles, and total cost of ownership, we help institutions prioritize investments and confidently plan their path toward decarbonization.

• • Did you know? GreenerU develops ZOT plans for the City of Boston’s Building Decarbonization Advisor Program
  • Learn about how GreenerU sneaks up on decarbonization by planning for failure

Capital planning and prioritization

Buildings require ongoing investment for asset renewal, modernization, and changing operational needs. These capital projects often present valuable opportunities to advance decarbonization goals. GreenerU helps institutions integrate decarbonization planning into existing capital planning processes by assessing critical energy infrastructure and identifying opportunities to align equipment replacement and facility upgrades with emissions-reduction objectives. This assessment informs decision-making, optimizes investment timing, and provides clear visibility into progress toward long-term carbon reduction targets. 

• • Learn about how we analyze and compare energy systems costs to identify strategic solutions

Campus / portfolio decarbonization roadmapping

The challenges of building decarbonization are scaled up for larger building portfolios and campuses. GreenerU can provide cross-portfolio assessments and planning that will help owners organize and plan for building decarb projects, emissions compliance, asset management and risk balancing. These plans support clients in prioritizing and sequencing investments and projects to achieve decarbonization progress on schedule and maximize value. We use technical energy and emissions information to build a comprehensive financial model that can evaluate investment scenarios and forecast total cost of ownership.  This model acts as a live decision-support and planning tool, allowing building owners to start near-term actions with confidence, while preparing for the longer-term.

• • Read a case study about how GreenerU tackled decarbonization planning for a complex medical school campus
  • Learn how sequencing, scope, timing, and total lifecycle economics drives the cost to decarbonize a building

Compliance and funding strategy

Compliance support

As state and municipal building emissions regulations continue to evolve, institutions need a clear strategy for managing compliance standards like BERDO, BEUDO, or LBER while advancing broader sustainability goals. GreenerU helps building owners understand current and future requirements, assess emissions performance, and develop practical plans for meeting increasingly stringent emissions limits over time. Through data collection, reporting support, emissions analysis, and Zero Over Time planning, we help clients make informed decisions that reduce compliance risk and align near-term actions with long-term decarbonization objectives.

• • How to navigate BERDO and BEUDO reporting like a pro

Incentive and funding navigation

The funding approach for any project is just as critical as the technical solution. GreenerU helps owners create a practical project funding plan, combining utility incentives, state and local grant and lending programs, and other sources of capital.  

• • Update on federal funding for clean energy tax credits
  • Available avenues for financing energy projects
  • How to select the right energy efficiency incentive(s) to apply for

Sustainability and climate action planning

Whether carbon neutrality, climate neutrality, or greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets are your goal (read more about the differences here), climate action planning involves complex decisions that can span energy master planning, building systems, operations, and behavior change. GreenerU has the expertise to help you set ambitious goals and develop practical implementation plans that turn vision into action.

GreenerU believes successful plans are built through meaningful stakeholder engagement. We identify and engage key stakeholders throughout the planning process to build alignment, strengthen institutional buy-in, and develop board-ready recommendations that are practical and actionable.

Take a look at a few sustainability and climate action plans we’ve supported:

• • University of Rochester
  • Whitman College
  • Bentley University
  • Interlochen Center for the Arts
  • Historic New England
  • Concord Free Public Library

Setting a sustainability baseline

Before embarking on a planning process, it’s important to understand your institution’s current sustainability efforts and progress. GreenerU helps institutions identify key metrics, assess strengths and opportunities, and establish a baseline for future goal-setting. For many higher education institutions, we recommend AASHE® STARS, which provides a comprehensive framework for measuring and tracking sustainability performance.

GreenerU provides a range of support options for AASHE® STARS reporting, from third-party reviews and process management to full data collection and submission. We can also analyze results, identify pathways to higher ratings, and develop graphically designed reports that communicate your institution’s sustainability progress. ,

• • Learn more about using STARS as a step in your climate action plan journey 
  • UMass Lowell walked the path to Platinum: can your institution do the same?
  • University of Texas at Arlington STARS report
  • University of Massachusetts Amherst STARS report

Setting goals, strategies, and action items

GreenerU’s approach to setting goals, strategies, and actions is grounded in data, collaboration, and practicality. We begin with a baseline assessment and engage stakeholders to build alignment around institutional priorities. The result is a set of SMARTIE goals (specific, measurable, ambitious, realistic, time-bound, inclusive, and equitable) paired with clear, actionable strategies that balance ambition with implementation realities.

• • Learn more about climate action planning at Historic New England’s Casey Farm (watch the webinar here!)

Creating implementation plans

GreenerU helps institutions translate existing sustainability goals into clear, actionable roadmaps. Through workshops, facilitation, and ongoing collaboration with implementers, we help teams prioritize actions, assign responsibilities, establish timelines, and create living implementation plans that support accountability and measurable progress.

• • Watch a webinar about Bentley University’s waste implementation plan 
  • Learn about how Interlochen Center for the Arts is implementing their first climate action plan

Implementing the plan

GreenerU helps institutions maintain momentum and drive measurable progress after a plan is developed. We partner with implementation teams to address challenges, prioritize next steps, and keep initiatives moving forward through ongoing guidance and structured check-ins. The result is a more effective implementation process that keeps goals on track and turns plans into lasting impact.

Clear communication is essential for maintaining momentum and demonstrating progress. GreenerU develops comprehensive sustainability communications plans and creates the materials needed to bring them to life. We communicate complex ideas through custom illustrations, clean formats, and graphically designed reports, including ADA-accessible materials that align with your institution’s brand and marketing guidelines. 

• • Learn more about how GreenerU uses design to communicate complex topics

Updating past plans

GreenerU helps institutions update sustainability and climate action plans that are due for renewal. We assess progress against existing goals, engage stakeholders to refine priorities, and develop updated strategies and implementation plans. The result is a refreshed roadmap that reflects current needs, opportunities, and institutional priorities, complete with actionable strategies and a detailed implementation plan that assigns responsibilities and supports measurable progress.

• • Learn about our ten steps to updating a climate action plan

Talk to us about how our planning team can help your institution navigate complex decision-making processes.