Monday, July 1, 2024 – For the second consecutive year, Boston University has earned a STARS Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System, measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education. Unlike other ranking systems, STARS is open to all higher education institutions, and the criteria that determine a STARS rating are transparent and accessible to anyone. You can view BU’s report here.
“Achieving STARS Gold for the second year running shows how far we have come as a university,” said Dennis Carlberg, Chief Sustainability Officer. “What I most enjoy is that STARS is a transparent rating system that showcases our commitment to climate action. Our efforts toward a more just and sustainable future don’t end here. The hardest work is in front of us, as we will continue to make progress.”
Guided by its Climate Action Plan, BU has set the goal to be carbon neutral by 2040, and as of the conclusion of FY 2023, the University is 65% of the way toward that target. From enhancing energy efficiency across campus to promoting student engagement, the University has implemented numerous initiatives and programs to decarbonize and integrate sustainability into University life.
With more than 1,200 participants in 52 countries, AASHE’s STARS program is the most widely recognized framework for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability performance. Participants report achievements in five areas: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership. To learn more about the STARS and to view BU’s historical ratings, go here.