Introduction to AASHE’s STARSAssociation for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education

Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System

Rick MartinSyracuse University Sustainability Division

Best PracticeThe Eastern Regional Association of Physical Plant

Administrators is a Registered Provider with the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems. Credit earned on completion of this program will be reported to CES Records for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for non-AIA members are available on request.

This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation.

Learning ObjectivesUpon completion of this program you will be able to:1. Describe the intent and nature of AASHE’s

STARS program2. Evaluate some of the benefits of

participating in STARS3. Understand the level of effort that would be

required for your school to participate

Introduction to AASHE’s STARS

• What is STARS?• Why was STARS created?• How is STARS governed?• What does STARS measure?• Why do schools participate in STARS?• What’s involved in STARS participation?• How can I learn more?

Rick Martin• Sustainability evangelist – Syracuse University

– Compiled greenhouse gas inventories since 2001– Primary author, SU’s Climate Action Plan– Advisor for class, organization and student projects

• Participant, AASHE STARS Pilot Program– February 2008 – January 2009

• STARS Technical Advisor– Coordination and Planning

• US Green Building Council• The Climate Registry

What is STARS?

• Voluntary self-reporting framework for institutes of higher education– Sustainability Education & Research– Sustainable Operations– Planning, Administration & Engagement– Innovation Credits

• Credits earned are reported to AASHE• Schools can choose to pursue STARS

rating levels

Why was STARS created?• Guide for enhancing sustainability across higher

education• Allow meaningful comparisons over time and

among institutions• Create incentive for continual improvement• Facilitate information sharing• Broaden understanding of sustainability• Support the campus sustainability community

How is STARS governed?

STARS Partner Organizations

What does STARS measure?

• Institutional accomplishment in defined areas of best practice– Education & Research– Operations– Planning, Administration & Engagement

• 100 points available in each category• School’s overall score is the average of

the three percentages achieved, plus any Innovation points

Basic Unit – STARS Credit

• Credit rationale• Criteria• Applicability• Scoring• Reporting Fields• Measurement• Standards & Terms

STARS Credits

Education & Research• Co-Curricular Education

– Orientation, outreach, involvement & publications

• Curriculum– Courses, outcomes,

degree programs, assessment

• Research– Involvement, incentives,

interdisciplinarity, tenure

Planning, Admin & Outrch• Coordination & Planning

– Strategic, campus, climate • Diversity & Affordability

– Culture, cost, access• Human Resources

– Compensation, satisfaction, development

• Investment• Public engagement

Operations Credits

• Buildings• Climate• Dining Services• Energy• Grounds

• Purchasing• Transportation• Waste• Water

Buildings Credits

• Operations & Maintenance – up to 7 points • Design & Construction – up to 4 points• Indoor Air Quality – up to 2 points

Operations & Maintenance

Design & Construction

Indoor Air Quality

More Operations Credits• Climate Credits

– GHG Inventory – up to 2 points– GHG Reduction – up to 14 points

• Dining Services Credits– Food Purchasing – up to 6 points

• Energy Credits– Building Energy Consumption – up to 8 points– Renewable Energy – up to 7 points

• Grounds Credits– Integrated Pest Management – up to 2 points

Still More Operations Credits• Purchasing Credits

– PCs, cleaning supplies, paper, vendor code of conduct – up to 7 points

• Transportation Credits– Campus fleet, commuting mix – up to 9 points

• Waste Management Credits– Reduction, diversion, hazmats – up to 11 points

• Water Credits– Consumption, storm water mgmt – up to 9 points

Institutional score

• Calculate percentage scores in each category– Education & Research– Operations– Planning, Administration & Outreach

• Average the three percentages to get the overall institutional score

STARS Rating Levels

• STARS reporter• STARS bronze – 25 points or better• STARS silver – 45 points or better• STARS gold – 65 points or better• STARS platinum – 85 points or better

Why do schools participate in STARS?

• Demonstrate commitment to sustainability, solidarity

• Discipline to adopt best practices– Increase leverage of sustainability staff– Increase communication with sustainability

staff• Substitute for other sustainability surveys• Bragging rights

What’s involved in STARS participation?

1. Register– Primary contact & executive-level contact– Agree to terms and conditions– One-time fee (AASHE members: $900)

2. Report– Online tool– Technical information & responsible party

3. Submit– Letter from president or chancellor– Reported information becomes public

How can I learn more?

• http://stars.aashe.org

Rick Martinrjmart01@syr.edu(315) 443-3953

Questions?This concludes the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems Program