Sustainability Tracking Assessment Rating System STARS A Comparative

Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) A Comparative Tool for Evaluating Campus Sustainability www. aashe. org/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

What is Sustainability? Many variations on a definition Brundtland, triple bottom line, 3 legged stool, 3 inter-locking circles, 3 Es, etc STARS uses concepts common to most: Simultaneous consideration of environmental, economic, and social issues in all decisions Intergenerational equity Common goals of healthy environments, thriving communities, meaningful livelihoods

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 Participatory development process; pilot phase began in Feb. ; version 1. 0 in 2009

Rating v. 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 voluntary 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

Categories of Credits Education & Research Ex: Curriculum, Research, Co-curricular ed. , Faculty and Staff Development and Training Operations Ex: Buildings, Dining Services, Energy and Climate, Grounds, Waste Management, Purchasing, Transportation Administration & Finance Ex: Community Relations and Partnerships, Diversity, Access, and Affordability, Human Resources, Investment, Planning, Sustainability Infrastructure, Trademark Licensing

Sample Credit OP Credit 17: Electronic Waste Recycling Program Criteria Institution has a comprehensive electronic waste (e-waste) recycling and/or reuse program. The program includes collecting all institution-owned electronic products and, at least annually, electronic materials from students. All of the e-waste collected is refurbished, donated, or recycled domestically. Documentation Complete the online STARS submittal form for this credit. The form requests: □ The weight in pounds, volume in cubic yards, or number of electronic materials collected for reuse or recycling □ The destination(s) for collected materials □ A brief description of programs, policies, infrastructure investments, outreach efforts, and/or other components of institution’s e-waste program □ A statement that the submitted information is accurate to the best of a responsible party’s knowledge and contact information for the responsible party Guidance This credit recognizes institutions that have e-waste recycling and/or reuse programs. E-waste typically contains toxic components, such as lead and mercury, that can contaminate soil and groundwater, and have detrimental human health impacts if handled improperly. At the same time, e-waste contains components that can be recycled. Likewise, computers, cellular phones, and other electronic materials can be donated or re-sold at reduced cost to non-profit organizations and community groups. Domestic recycling helps to make sure workers’ basic safety is protected and environmental standards are met.

Get Involved in STARS Become a reviewer Join AASHE-Rating discussion list Information: www. aashe. org/stars Contact: stars@aashe. org