ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½'s sustainability rating through the (AASHE) (STARS) has helped to establish our institution as a leader in sustainability.
ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ is rated as a STARS Gold Institution - since 2014. Our rating is based on the total points earned for credits across four main categories: Academics (AC), Engagement (EN), Operations, (OP), and Planning & Administration (PA). Institutions can also earn up to four Innovation & Leadership points for exemplary and path-breaking initatives that are not covered by other STARs credits.
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Here are a few highlights:
- In the 2022-23 school year, the Center for Sustainability and Division of Mission and Ministry embarked on a year-long planning process to develop a sustainability action plan that takes ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ through 2030, rooted in the Pope’s environmental enyclical . This plan builds upon ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½’s existing sustainability leadership and strengths, while enabling our University to amplify our work and connect to the worldwide .
- Since 2007, over 202 ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ faculty have benefitted from our Sustainability Across the Curriculum program. In 2022, we created an additional workshop to train faculty how to teach about environmental justice and incorporate community-engaged research into their teaching and scholarship. This year we are offering three different workshops to 33 ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ faculty and 29 faculty from other colleges and universities (e.g.: UCLA, Loyola University Chicago, and Seattle University): Sustainability across the Curriculum, Environmental Justice and Integral Ecology, and Pedagogy for Sustainability and Justice.
Some points of distinction include:
- Sustainability Action Plan: Leading Through Laudato Si’. Read more in STARS Credit
- Sustainability Across the Curriculum. Read more in STARS Credits ,
- Climate Neutrality. Read more in STARS Credits , ,
This section focuses on curriculum and research, which includes information on academic courses, learning outcomes, number of graduates in sustainability programs, a literacy assessment, support for and access to research related to sustainability, and how the University uses the campus as a living laboratory.
This sections evaluates the impact and reach of the events, programs, publications, and other educational initiatives within the University community such as student life and orientation, peer education, and professional development. It also examines the campus' partnerships including with local government and other campuses, as well as service within its community.
This section measures all aspects of the operations management at the institution, which includes the University's greenhouse gas emissions, the amount of local food in dining services, the power mix that fuels buildings, waste minimization, diversion, and management, biodiversity and landscape management, as well as University purchasing choices and processes.
This section focuses on the institution's long-term commitment to sustainability by reviewing initiatives and policies regarding sustainability planning, governance, diversity and affordability, the University's investments, and well-being in the workplace.
This section allows institutions to share their unique and exemplary practices and intiatives. ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ showcased our exemplary practices in the following areas: , , , , , , , , and .
| Rating | Minimum Score |
| Platinum | 85 |
| Gold | 65 |
| Silver | 45 |
| Bronze | 25 |
