UNC Charlotte earns STARS Silver Rating for sustainability achievements

UNC Charlotte has earned a STARS Silver rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association of Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System, is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability performance. Participants report achievements in five overall areas: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration and innovation and leadership.

UNC Charlotte scored average or above in nine of 17 categories compared to 570 institutions on AASHE’s Sustainable Campus Index, including: curriculum, research, air and climate, energy, waste, water, transportation, planning and coordination and diversity and affordability.

The University scored high in both academic categories for efforts around research and curriculum. At Charlotte, 80% of departments have at least one sustainability researcher and 77% of departments offer a sustainability course.

“Our faculty, staff and students have worked hard to earn this global recognition,” said Mike Lizotte, university sustainability officer. “UNC Charlotte is well positioned to achieve the strategic vision of becoming a national leader in sustainability.”

In the coming year, UNC Charlotte will focus efforts to improve efforts related to engagement and building operations.

STARS rating levels include reporting bronze, silver, gold and platinum. UNC Charlotte first received a STARS rating – silver level – in 2016 with a score of 50. The latest silver-level rating reflects a score of 62. A gold rating, the University’s current goal, requires a score above 65.
“STARS was developed by the campus sustainability community to provide high standards for recognizing sustainability efforts in higher education,” said Meghan Fay Zahniser, AASHE’s executive director. “UNC Charlotte has demonstrated a substantial commitment to sustainability by achieving a Silver Rating and is to be congratulated for their efforts.”

To learn more about sustainability initiatives at UNC Charlotte, visit the sustainability website.