stars.aashe.org The STARS Program AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System stars.aashe.org

About AASHE A North American association of colleges & universities working to create a sustainable future. Over 1000 campus members. Professional home for campus sustainability officers. Mission: Empower higher education to lead the sustainability transformation

stars.aashe.org What is STARS? 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 Why is STARS Needed? “You can only manage what you can measure.” Sustainability is a new frontier with few established metrics. A standard framework for measuring success is needed. STARS is a broad-based, stakeholder-designed, tested framework.

stars.aashe.org STARS Background In 2006, the Higher Education Associations’ Sustainability Consortium (HEASC) called upon AASHE to create a campus sustainability assessment tool. STARS versions: – STARS 0.4 (Sept. 07) – STARS 0.5 (Aug. 08) – STARS Pilot (2008) – STARS 1.0 (Sept. 09) – STARS 1.1 (Feb. 11) – STARS 1.2 (Feb. 12) All versions of STARS have been shared with the higher education community for suggestions on how to enhance the tool to better fit the needs of the community.

stars.aashe.org Collaboration vs. Competition STARS is a rating system, NOT a ranking system STARS provides a venue to share best practices and learn from other institutions STARS was created by the higher education community for the higher education community

stars.aashe.org Who can Participate? Any higher education institution in the US and Canada International institutions are encouraged to participate in the STARS International Pilot Do not have to be a member of AASHE College districts or university systems – If a university system registers, individual campuses within that system may still register for STARS.

stars.aashe.org Categories Education and Research Operations Planning, Administration, & Engagement Innovation

stars.aashe.org Sub-Categories Education & Research – Co-Curricular Education; Curriculum; Research Operations – Buildings; Climate; Dining Services; Energy; Grounds; Purchasing; Transportation; Waste; Water Planning, Administration & Engagement – Coordination & Planning; Diversity and Affordability; Human Resources; Investment; Public Engagement

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 Scoring Average of the 3 categories + Innovation Credits Total possible score – 104 Example: Edu. & Research – 30 Operations – 25 Plan., Admin. & Engage. – 35 Average = Innovation = 32 Final Score

stars.aashe.org Innovation Credits Recognize … Creative and innovative strategies implemented on campuses Areas where a campus has exceeded credit criteria Letter of affirmation required

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 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 data will become public upon submission Not all credits have to be pursued if an institution does not want to share data publicly, but no points will be earned for these credits

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 STARS Timeline Participating institutions have one year to submit their STARS data.

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 How much does it cost? 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 Governance AASHE Board of Directors STARS Steering Committee Partner Organizations Technical Advisors

stars.aashe.org STARS Founding Partners & Partner Organizations

stars.aashe.org 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 (