stars.aashe.org Measuring Sustainability Performance with STARS AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System AACC Conference April 22, 2012

stars.aashe.org What we do: Advance Sustainability Who we are: Acknowledged Thought Leader How we advance sustainability: o Provide invaluable resources o Engage a diverse and inspired community

stars.aashe.org What is AASHE? An association of colleges & universities working to create a sustainable future for all. Over 870 campus members and 260 business and nonprofit associate members. Serves administrators, faculty, staff and students Programming includes professional development, resources, direction-setting programs, and community networking

stars.aashe.org How We Communicate AASHE Bulletin Online Discussion Forums Blog

stars.aashe.org October 14-17, 2012 Los Angeles Annual Conference

stars.aashe.org A voluntary, self-reporting framework A guide for advancing sustainability in all sectors of higher education. A common standard of measurement for sustainability in higher education. A tool that promotes a comprehensive understanding of sustainability that includes its social, economic and environmental dimensions.

stars.aashe.org “You can’t brag about what you can’t measure.” - Sadie Ross, SUNY Empire State College

stars.aashe.org The Higher Education Associations’ Sustainability Consortium (HEASC) called upon AASHE to create a campus sustainability assessment tool. STARS 0.4 STARS Pilot Project Begins STARS 0.5 STARS Pilot Project Ends STARS 1.0 STARS 1.1 STARS 1.2 STARS Timeline *STARS 2.0 estimated to launch in 2013 *Continuous research since Oct to further develop STARS credits

stars.aashe.org STARS Founding Partners & Partner Organizations

stars.aashe.org Collaboration vs. Competition - Rating NOT Ranking - STARS focuses on sharing sustainability information - Created in collaboration with the higher education community

stars.aashe.org

Credit Outline 1.Credit Rationale 2.Criteria 3.Applicability 4.Scoring 5.Reporting Fields 6.Measurement 7.Standards & Terms

stars.aashe.org Final score calculated by average of 3 categories plus total Innovation Credits. Highest possible score is 104 Innovation credits recognize: – Creative and innovative strategies implemented on campuses – Areas where a campus has exceeded credit criteria – Letter of affirmation required ER = 30 pts. OP = 25 pts. PAE = 25 pts. Average = 30 pts. + 2 Innovation pts. Total = 32 pts. STARS Bronze! Scoring

stars.aashe.org STARS Ratings Rating LevelMinimum Score Required STARS Bronze25 STARS Silver45 STARS Gold65 STARS Platinum85 STARS Reporter For institutions that wish to use STARS and submit data publicly but are not pursuing a rating

stars.aashe.org STARS Reporter Flexibility Recognition Incremental progress

stars.aashe.org STARS, LEED, and ACUPCC University Sustainability (STARS) Planning, Administration, Engagement Education & Research Buildings & Operations (LEED) Climate (ACUPCC)

stars.aashe.org STARS Process Step-by-Step 1.Register at stars.aashe.org 2.Compile required documentation as noted in the STARS Technical Manual and Reporting Tool 3.Submit for a STARS rating 4.Share your story 5.Renew participation in STARS Note: a STARS rating is valid for 3 years before it expires

stars.aashe.org Availability of STARS Data

stars.aashe.org Accuracy of STARS Data There are three ways to ensure STARS data are accurate: 1.A Responsible Party is required to sign off on each individual credit. 2.The President or Chancellor is required to submit a letter with the STARS submission verifying the accuracy of the information. 3.All information institutions share will be posted publicly on AASHE's website.

stars.aashe.org Submission of first STARS Report is encouraged within one year. A STARS subscription is 12-months. STARS ratings are valid for three years.

stars.aashe.org Benefits of Participating Earn recognition Streamline reporting Benchmark with peers Collaborate across campus Access to the online Reporting Tool Save time and money in developing a sustainability plan or report

stars.aashe.org How is STARS Different? Open to any institution of higher education Only offers positive recognition Transparent Self-assessment Encompasses sustainability, not just environmental indicators Created by the higher education community

stars.aashe.org STARS Registration Fees New Registrants: AASHE Member …………………$900 Non-Member ……………….……$1,400 International Pilot Participants....….Free Renewing Participants: AASHE Member …………………$450 Non-Member ……………….……$700 Register on-line at stars.aashe.org

stars.aashe.org STARS Governance Structure

stars.aashe.org February STARS 1.2 Sometime in STARS 2.0

stars.aashe.org Thank You! Questions? 1) 2)Call (303) )Subscribe to the STARS Update & AASHE Bulletin ( 4)Post a question to the AASHE Campus Sustainability Discussion Forums ( 5)Post to the Campus Sustainability Perspectives Blog (