Sustainability Efforts Earn STARS Bronze Rating

Alfred State has received the Sustainability Tracking Assessment & Rating System (STARS) Bronze Rating for its sustainability achievements.

STARS is the primary tool used to assess sustainability in higher education. It was developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) and was designed to measure and encourage sustainability in all aspects of higher education.

“Our STARS rating helps us share and gain recognition for the many steps Alfred State’s faculty, staff, and students are making towards sustainability,” said Julian Dautremont-Smith, chief sustainability officer. “It also provides us with a baseline from which to measure our progress.”

STARS requires public reporting of a comprehensive list of information related to sustainability performance including education and research; operations; and planning, administration, and engagement. Alfred State’s submission is accessible on the STARS website.

Unlike other rating or ranking systems, STARS is open to all institutions of higher education in the United States and Canada, and the criteria that determine a STARS rating can be easily accessed by anyone. Based on credits earned, STARS allows for both internal comparisons as well as comparisons with similar institutions.