SJSU Receives STARS Gold Rating for Sustainability Achievements

by | Nov 8, 2021 | Awards and Achievements

San José State University has earned a STARS Gold rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education. 

SJSU rated eighth among masters institutions on the STARS Top Performers list, finishing just three points behind the institution that finished second. With more than 900 participants in 40 countries, AASHE’s STARS program is the most widely recognized framework in the wA picture of a gold medal with STARS on itorld for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability performance.

“San José State is an innovative leader in sustainability, and this STARS Gold ranking serves as proof that the work we do in our facilities as well as the academic programs and co-curricular initiatives makes us one of the most sustainable campuses in the country,” said President Mary A. Papazian. “We are committed to continuing to take an interdisciplinary approach to ensure our students, faculty and staff are affecting change and being good stewards of the Earth.”

Participants report achievements in five overall areas: 1) academics 2) engagement, 3) operations, 4) planning and administration, and 5) innovation and leadership. The program is open to all institutions of higher education.

“STARS was developed by the campus sustainability community to provide high standards for recognizing campus sustainability efforts,” said AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser. “San José State University has demonstrated a substantial commitment to sustainability by achieving a STARS Gold Rating and is to be congratulated for their efforts.”

About AASHE:

AASHE is an association of colleges and universities that are working to create a sustainable future. AASHE’s mission is to empower higher education to lead the sustainability transformation.  It provides resources, professional development and a network of support to enable institutions of higher education to model and advance sustainability in everything they do, from governance and operations to education and research. For more information about AASHE, visit www.aashe.org.

For more information about the STARS program, visit stars.aashe.org.