STARS Bronze rating
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)
Join to track and improve campus sustainability efforts.
The STARS Bronze rating costs $1,200 USD, takes approximately 26 weeks, and requires around 200 hours of study. Over 1,000+ organizations have earned this certification worldwide. Renewal costs $1,200 USD every 36 months.
Key Strengths
- Widely recognized framework across higher education institutions globally
- Comprehensive coverage of sustainability across academics, operations, and engagement
- Flexible credit system — institutions choose which credits to pursue
- Transparent public reporting builds institutional accountability
- Tiered structure (Bronze through Platinum) encourages continuous improvement
- Supported by AASHE staff review and collaborative revision process
Ideal For
STARS Bronze is best suited for colleges and universities that are beginning their sustainability journey and want a structured, transparent framework to benchmark and report their efforts. It is ideal for sustainability officers, campus administrators, and institutional leaders who want to demonstrate initial commitment to sustainability and build a foundation for future improvement toward higher STARS ratings.
Target Audiences
Relevant Roles
Industries
Alignment & Recognition
Accrediting Body
Recognized By
- "Sustainability Tracking
- Assessment & Rating System (STARS) "
Scope
Overview
The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) is a program designed to help colleges and universities measure their sustainability performance. Managed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), it provides a transparent framework for reporting and learning about sustainability practices.
STARS offers various levels of certification: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Institutions aim for these ratings by earning points in categories like education, operations, and community engagement. Originating in 2007, STARS has become a widely recognized system with hundreds of participating institutions globally.
The STARS Bronze rating is an entry-level certification that reflects initial steps towards sustainability. Achieving this requires institutions to submit detailed reports on their sustainability efforts. Many universities, like the University of California and Arizona State University, have utilized STARS to benchmark and improve their sustainability initiatives. Partners like Second Nature and the U.S. Green Building Council also support the program, amplifying its reach and impact.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Institutions must document sustainability data across applicable credit categories (Academics, Engagement, Operations, Planning & Administration, Innovation & Leadership) using the STARS online Reporting Tool. A cover letter from a high-ranking executive at the institution is required. AASHE staff review all submitted information for accuracy and adherence to credit criteria before a rating is awarded.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
There is no traditional exam. AASHE staff conduct a collaborative documentation review of the institution's submitted STARS report. Reviewers assess accuracy and adherence to credit criteria across all pursued categories. Institutions have up to 60 days (or until subscription end) to address any issues identified during review. The goal is to return review results within 30 days of submission.
Renewal & Compliance
STARS ratings are tied to an active AASHE subscription. Institutions must renew their subscription and resubmit a scored report to maintain or update their rating. Reports can be updated periodically, and unscored reports may be submitted up to once per year to update benchmarking data without changing an existing rating. A new scored submission is required to advance to a higher rating tier.
Accountability Model
Impact & Outcomes
Salary & Market Value
As an institutional certification rather than an individual credential, STARS Bronze does not directly impact individual salaries. However, sustainability officers and campus administrators who lead STARS reporting efforts may strengthen their professional profiles; sustainability roles in higher education typically range from $50,000–$90,000 annually, with demonstrated experience in frameworks like STARS viewed favorably by hiring institutions.
Employer Recognition
Consider Alternatives If...
Institutions with very limited staff capacity or no dedicated sustainability office may struggle to compile the detailed documentation required. If your institution is not yet ready to publicly report sustainability data or lacks executive-level buy-in (a cover letter from a senior executive is required), consider starting as an unscored STARS Reporter instead.
Alternative Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Certification
English
2007
1K+
Available
Cost Breakdown
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Related Certifications
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STARS Platinum rating
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)
STARS Silver rating
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)
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STARS Reporter designation
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)
STARS Gold rating
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)
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Sources & Citations
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Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)Last verified Mar 8, 2026