STARS Gold rating
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)
Earn sustainability rating for campuses via AASHE's STARS program.
Key Strengths
- Comprehensive framework covering academics, operations, engagement, and planning
- Globally recognized benchmark for higher education sustainability
- Flexible credit-based system allows institutions to focus on relevant areas
- Transparent public reporting fosters peer benchmarking and accountability
- Tiered rating structure (Bronze to Platinum) supports continuous improvement
- Supported by AASHE staff review for accuracy and credibility
Ideal For
STARS Gold is best suited for colleges and universities that have already made substantial progress on sustainability initiatives across operations, academics, and campus engagement. It is ideal for sustainability officers, campus administrators, and institutional leaders seeking a credible, internationally recognized benchmark to demonstrate and communicate their institution's sustainability achievements.
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) program, hosted by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), helps institutions measure sustainability performance. STARS offers certifications like Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, with Gold indicating significant sustainability achievements. The program includes categories such as curriculum, operations, and planning. Major partners include universities and colleges worldwide aiming to foster sustainability in education. STARS has evolved over the years, now including hundreds of participants globally. Simple reporting tools make it accessible for organizations of all sizes, helping them track and improve their sustainability efforts systematically.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Institutions must document sustainability data across all pursued credit categories (Academics, Engagement, Operations, Planning & Administration, Innovation & Leadership) using the STARS online Reporting Tool. A scored report requires a STARS subscription and a cover letter from a high-ranking executive. AASHE staff review submitted information for accuracy and adherence to credit criteria, with institutions given up to 60 days to address any identified issues before the rating is awarded.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
There is no traditional exam. Institutions submit a scored report via the STARS online Reporting Tool documenting sustainability performance across credit categories. AASHE staff conduct a desk-based review of all submitted data for accuracy and adherence to credit criteria, targeting a 30-day turnaround. Institutions then have up to 60 additional days to address any identified issues. The Gold rating is awarded once all issues are resolved and the report is published.
Renewal & Compliance
STARS ratings are valid for three years. To maintain or update a rating, institutions must renew their STARS subscription and submit a new scored report. Unscored reports may be submitted annually to update benchmarking data without changing an existing rating. A new executive cover letter and full documentation review are required for each rated submission.
Accountability Model
Impact & Outcomes
Salary & Market Value
STARS certification is an institutional credential rather than an individual professional certification, so direct salary impact data is not available. However, sustainability officers and campus administrators at STARS-rated institutions may benefit from enhanced professional credibility and career advancement opportunities in the growing field of campus sustainability management.
Employer Recognition
Consider Alternatives If...
Institutions with limited sustainability data infrastructure or staff capacity may find the documentation and reporting process burdensome. Organizations outside of higher education (e.g., K-12 schools, corporations) are not eligible, as STARS is designed specifically for colleges and universities.
Alternative Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Certification
English
2007
Available
How to Display This Recognition
Certification Details
Assessment
Verification
Structure
Governance
Fee Structure
Related Certifications
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STARS Platinum rating
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)
STARS Silver rating
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STARS Reporter designation
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)
STARS Bronze rating
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)
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Sources & Citations
Content on this page is AI-enriched from primary sources.
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)Last verified Mar 10, 2026