The STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) program provides a framework for colleges and universities to gauge their progress toward sustainability. Institutions participating in STARS can assess their sustainability performance in four main categories: Academics, Engagement, Operations, and Planning & Administration. Understanding the key metrics for measuring STARS impact can help an institution improve its sustainability practices and enhance its rating.
Academics
This category evaluates the incorporation of sustainability into curriculum and research.
Curriculum: The number of courses that include sustainability content, the availability of degree programs concentrating on sustainability, and the extent of student engagement in sustainability-focused projects.
Research: The percentage of research faculty working on sustainability topics and the external funding acquired for sustainability-related research.
Engagement
Engagement metrics examine how the institution involves its community in sustainability issues.
Campus Engagement: Programs that promote sustainability awareness and the participation rate of the campus community in sustainability initiatives.
Public Engagement: Partnerships with local organizations to address sustainability challenges and the impact of sustainability outreach programs.
Operations
Operations metrics focus on the institution’s efforts to minimize its environmental footprint.
Energy: Energy consumption and efficiency measures, as well as the percentage of energy generated from renewable sources.
Water: Water usage, conservation strategies, and innovative water management practices.
Waste: Waste diversion rates, recycling programs, and waste management initiatives.
Planning & Administration
This category looks at the institution’s governance, diversity, and investment decisions.
Diversity & Affordability: Policies that support economic accessibility and diversity among students and staff.
Investment: The institution’s investment in sustainable enterprises and practices.
Coordination & Planning: The existence of sustainability oversight bodies and strategic planning documents.
Contact Information
If you have further questions or need more details about the STARS program, please contact the U.S. Department of Education. For specific inquiries, reach out to:
This HTML document provides a comprehensive overview of the key metrics for measuring the impact of the STARS program and includes relevant contact details for the U.S. Department of Education.
