measuring sustainability performance with stars

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Measuring Sustainability Performance with STARS

AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System

AACC ConferenceApril 22, 2012

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• What we do: Advance Sustainability• Who we are: Acknowledged Thought Leader  • How we advance sustainability:

o Provide invaluable resourceso Engage a diverse and inspired community

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What is AASHE?

• An association of colleges & universities working to create a sustainable future for all.

• Over 870 campus members and 260 business and nonprofit associate members.

• Serves administrators, faculty, staff and students

• Programming includes professional development, resources, direction-setting programs, and community networking

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How We Communicate

AASHE Bulletin

Online Discussion Forums

Blog

www.aashe.org

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October 14-17, 2012Los Angeles

Annual Conference

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• A voluntary, self-reporting framework• A guide for advancing sustainability in all sectors of

higher education.• A common standard of measurement for

sustainability in higher education.• A tool that promotes a comprehensive understanding

of sustainability that includes its social, economic and environmental dimensions.

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“You can’t brag about what you can’t measure.”

- Sadie Ross, SUNY Empire State College

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2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

The Higher Education Associations’ Sustainability Consortium (HEASC) called upon AASHE to create a campus sustainability assessment tool.

STARS 0.4

STARS PilotProject Begins

STARS 0.5

STARS PilotProject Ends

STARS 1.0 STARS

1.1 STARS 1.2

STARS Timeline*STARS 2.0 estimated to launch in 2013*Continuous research since Oct. 2006 to further develop STARS credits

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STARS Founding Partners & Partner Organizations

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Collaboration vs. Competition- Rating NOT Ranking- STARS focuses on sharing sustainability information- Created in collaboration with the higher education community

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Credit Outline1.Credit Rationale2.Criteria3.Applicability4.Scoring5.Reporting Fields6.Measurement7.Standards & Terms

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• Final score calculated by average of 3 categories plus total Innovation Credits.

• Highest possible score is 104• Innovation credits recognize:

– Creative and innovative strategies implemented on campuses

– Areas where a campus has exceeded credit criteria

– Letter of affirmation required

ER = 30 pts. OP = 25 pts.PAE = 25 pts. Average = 30 pts.

+ 2 Innovation pts.

Total = 32 pts.STARS Bronze!

Scoring

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STARS Ratings

Rating Level Minimum Score Required STARS Bronze 25 STARS Silver 45 STARS Gold 65 STARS Platinum 85

STARS ReporterFor institutions that wish to use STARS and submit data publicly but are not

pursuing a rating

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STARS Reporter

Flexibility Recognition

Incremental progress

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STARS, LEED, and ACUPCC

Education &

Research

Buildings &

Operations

(LEED)Climate

(ACUPCC)

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STARS Process Step-by-Step1. Register at stars.aashe.org2. Compile required documentation as noted in

the STARS Technical Manual and Reporting Tool

3. Submit for a STARS rating4. Share your story5. Renew participation in STARS

Note: a STARS rating is valid for 3 years before it expires

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Availability of STARS Data

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Accuracy of STARS DataThere are three ways to ensure STARS data are accurate:1.A Responsible Party is required to sign off on each individual credit.2.The President or Chancellor is required to submit a letter with the STARS submission verifying the accuracy of the information. 3.All information institutions share will be posted publicly on AASHE's website.

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Submission of first STARS Report is encouraged within one year.

A STARS subscription is 12-months.

STARS ratings are valid for three years.

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Benefits of Participating• Earn recognition • Streamline reporting• Benchmark with peers• Collaborate across campus• Access to the online Reporting Tool• Save time and money in developing

a sustainability plan or report

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How is STARS Different?• Open to any institution of higher education• Only offers positive recognition• Transparent • Self-assessment • Encompasses sustainability, not just

environmental indicators• Created by the higher education

community

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STARS Registration FeesNew Registrants:AASHE Member …………………$900Non-Member ……………….……$1,400International Pilot Participants....….Free

Renewing Participants:AASHE Member …………………$450Non-Member ……………….……$700

Register on-line at stars.aashe.org

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STARS Governance Structure

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February 2012 - STARS 1.2Sometime in 2013 - STARS 2.0

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Thank You! Questions?1) Email stars@aashe.org2) Call (303) 395 13323) Subscribe to the STARS Update & AASHE

Bulletin (www.aashe.org/user/newsletters)4) Post a question to the AASHE Campus

Sustainability Discussion Forums (www.aashe.org/forums)

5) Post to the Campus Sustainability Perspectives Blog (www.aashe.org/blog)