About AASHE STARS
Developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) is a comprehensive framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS provides a structured approach for institutions to assess sustainability efforts across four main categories: Academics, Engagement, Operations, and Planning & Administration. Institutions earn a STARS score based on the percentage of applicable points achieved across these categories. While ratings—Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum—are awarded based on total score, STARS does not assign ratings based on individual category performance. Institutions may also choose to participate as a STARS Reporter, sharing data without receiving a rating.
STARS is a self-assessment tool, allowing institutions to benchmark their progress, facilitate information sharing, and identify opportunities for continual improvement. To ensure credibility, the program incorporates data accuracy measures and a transparent process for verifying reported information. The program is designed to accommodate institutions at various stages of their sustainability journey, from those taking initial steps to those leading in sustainability innovation. Participants can pursue credits relevant to their institution’s operations and earn additional Innovation & Leadership points for pioneering sustainability initiatives. Institutions without certain programs, such as dining services, are not penalized for inapplicable credits.
By participating in STARS, institutions gain public recognition for their sustainability leadership. The program fosters a stronger, more diverse campus sustainability community, enabling meaningful comparisons across institutions and providing a shared framework for sustainability advancement in higher education.
Our Current Rating
In March 2025, the University of Arizona earned a STARS 2.2 Silver rating, reflecting our strong commitment to sustainability across our academics, engagement, operations, and planning. This recognition underscores the university’s progress in integrating sustainability into its core functions while highlighting areas for continued improvement. Our full report detailing the university’s sustainability performance is available here
Maintaining and improving our Silver rating requires sustained efforts to embed sustainability at every level of the institution. Looking ahead, the Sustainability & Climate Action Plan will serve as a key driver for advancing sustainable practices and strengthening data collection, analysis, and reporting. Our goal is to achieve a Platinum rating by 2030 or sooner, and we are actively identifying opportunities to enhance our impact, efficiency, and innovation to reach this milestone.