The STARS Program AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System

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.org2

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.org3

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.org4

STARS Timeline *STARS 2.0 estimated to launch in 2013 *Continuous research since Oct to further develop STARS credits stars.aashe.org5 STARS 1.1 is launched STARS 1.2 is launched. STARS 1.0 is launched. STARS Pilot Program ends. STARS 0.4 is launched. STARS Pilot Program begins. STARS 0.5 is launched. The Higher Education Associations’ Sustainability Consortium (HEASC) called upon AASHE to create a campus sustainability assessment tool.

Headline is 24 pt Aller Bold and may be up to two lines long A subhead may be used if needed and is 18 pt Aller First level body content is 16 pt Aller and may be made bold as a lead statement Normal first level copy is 16 pt Aller. Second level is bulleted and 16 pt Aller –Third level text is dashed and 14 pt Aller Fourth level 12 pt Aller -Fifth level 12 pt Aller stars.aashe.org6 Collaboration vs. Competition Rating NOT Ranking STARS focuses on sharing sustainability information Created in collaboration with the higher education community

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 stars.aashe.org7

STARS Credits stars.aashe.org8

Credit Outline 1. Credit Rationale 2. Criteria 3. Applicability 4. Scoring 5. Reporting Fields 6. Measurement 7. Standards & Terms stars.aashe.org9

Scoring stars.aashe.org10 ER = 20 pts. OP = 40 pts. PAE = 30 pts. Average = 30 pts. + 2 Innovation pts. Total = 32 pts. STARS Bronze! Final score calculated by average of 3 categories plus total Innovation Credits. Highest possible score is 104 Innovation credits recognize: Creative and innovative strategies implemented on campuses Areas where a campus has exceeded credit criteria Letter of affirmation required

STARS Ratings stars.aashe.org11 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 Reporter stars.aashe.org12 Flexibility Recognition Incremental progress

STARS Process Step-by-Step stars.aashe.org13 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

Availability of STARS Data stars.aashe.org14

Accuracy of STARS Data stars.aashe.org15 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.

Timeline stars.aashe.org16 Submission of first STARS Report is encouraged within one year. A STARS subscription is 12-months. STARS ratings are valid for three years.

Benefits of Participating stars.aashe.org17 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

How is STARS Different? stars.aashe.org18 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.org19 STARS Registration Fees 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 Governance Structure stars.aashe.org20

STARS Founding Partners & Partner Organizations stars.aashe.org21

Questions stars.aashe.org22 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 (