A Comparative Tool for Evaluating Campus Sustainability Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS)

Goals of STARS Provide a guide for advancing sustainability in all sectors of higher education Enable meaningful comparisons across and within institutions Create incentives for continual improvement Facilitate information sharing Build a stronger, more diverse campus sustainability community

Elements of STARS Checklist of indicators (similar to LEED) Two tiers of indicators Thresholds of achievement Guidance and resources Comprehensive – all campus sectors Transparency (public reporting and access) Outside certification optional Rating good for 3 years Pilot phase begins in 2008; version 1.0 in 2009

Categories of Credits Education & Research Operations Administration & Finance

Rating v. Assessment Assessment: Evaluation of many sustainability practices Able to compare individual metrics No aggregation Rating: Aggregation of many sustainability indicators Point values assigned to allow aggregating Total score (single metric) determines “rating”

Why “Rating” Not “Ranking”? A rating system: Allows for more in depth questions Provides a clear standard, while ranking creates a moving target Generally more transparent Only gives positive recognition Can be self-funding More inclusive

What is Sustainability? Many variations on a definition STARS uses concepts common to most: Simultaneous consideration of environmental, economic, and equity issues in all decisions Intergenerational equity Common goals of healthy environments, thriving communities, meaningful livelihoods

Get Involved in STARS Become a reviewer Join AASHE-Rating discussion list Information: Project Manager: Judy Walton –