Strategies towards reducing carbon emission in university campuses: A comprehensive review of both global and local scales

Universities and other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have a key role to play in promoting decarbonisation and sustainable development. The implementation of low-carbon and energy-efficient strategies in colleges and University Campuses (UCs) is of utmost importance, as the number of these buildings continues to grow rapidly worldwide. This paper uses an organized search strategy for reviewing the most impactful previous studies regarding decarbonisations strategies in UCs in different climate contexts. This research presents a comprehensive overview of influential parameters, which are practical to be considered in designing new or retrofitting existing UCs which has not been done before and also highlights relevant policies and guidelines required to implement these parameters. These factors are spatial planning and landscape, renewable and clean energy, energy systems, thermal envelope, green transportation, management and control, human-related performance and smartness. This review also explores the recent trends in the decarbonisation of UCs such as the application of smart technologies and implementation of real-time data-based control and management technologies. Finally, this review presents the research gaps, future trends and technologies which will facilitate the decarbonisation of UCs. This review would help researchers and designers to facilitate the transition towards net-zero carbon future in university campuses. [Display omitted] •Implementation of low-carbon strategies in campuses is important.•To identify influential parameters regarding decarbonisation of campuses.•To review policies and initiatives regarding decarbonisation of campuses.•To explore recent trends such as smart, data-driven control technologies.