AASHE Releases 2024 Sustainable Campus Index
AASHE recently published the 2024 Sustainable Campus Index, spotlighting sustainability achievements and celebrating top-performing colleges and universities in 17 impact areas. Powered by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), this annual report includes an International Top Performers List (top-scoring institution in each country with STARS participation), and an Institutional Highlights section that recognizes innovative leadership within academics, engagement, operations and administration.
Endicott College Publishes Sustainability Plan
The university's recently released Sustainability Plan includes a goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2039. Centered around four pillars—climate and energy; campus operations; health and equity; and experiential learning—the plan includes milestones such as develop new onsite renewables and energy infrastructure to support 25 percent of campus power by 2030 and support the Center for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.
Flinders U Earns STARS V3.0 Gold
(Australia) As the first institution in the world to receive a STARS version 3.0 rating, the university's points of distinction include being powered exclusively from renewable energy, using recycled water for irrigating sports fields, and using electric vehicle surplus battery storage during peak demand periods. Tecnológico de Monterrey–Campus Chihuahua, listed below, is the second institution in the world to submit under version 3.0.
U California San Francisco Appoints Inaugural CSO
The university recently appointed Kira Stoll to its inaugural chief sustainability officer (CSO) role and executive director of the Office of Sustainability. Previously Stoll worked at UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz in sustainability and transportation management. The position reports to the associate vice chancellor of Campus Life Services.
Aspen Institute Releases Higher Ed Climate Action Plan
The Higher Ed Climate Action Plan supports the higher education sector in advancing a holistic and systemic approach to climate action. The report highlights ways for institutions to integrate climate considerations into all aspects of campus operations, research, education and community engagement, emphasizing that isolated efforts are insufficient for meaningful impact.
Positive Impact Rating Releases 2024 Ranking
Unveiled at the 2024 PRME Global Forum, the 2024 report showcases the social impact levels of 77 business schools from 30 countries. The rating survey asks students 20 questions in seven relevant impact dimensions: governance, culture, programs, learning methods, student support, the institution as a role model, and it's public engagement.
U Minnesota Twin Cities Releases Climate Resilience Plan
In its newly released addendum to the 2023 Climate Action Plan, the university identified three programmatic areas of work with associated focus areas, objectives and strategies to foster climate resilience amidst climate change. They are the campus community, infrastructure/energy, and environment.
AASHE Releases STARS 3.0
AASHE released the latest version of the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS), a transparent, self-reporting framework that enables colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS version 3.0 features more robust indicators of racial equity and social justice, streamlined, performance-based credits, and increased global accessibility. Two related webinars are happening in July; see Events section below.
THE Releases 2024 Impact Rankings
Times Higher Education's recently released Impact Rankings aim to recognize Sustainable Development Goal progress within the higher education sector. The 2024 findings include evaluations from 2,152 universities spanning 125 countries/regions.
