The university has received a STARS Silver rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
Elon has earned a STARS Silver rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education in recognition of the university’s sustainability achievements.
Ratings allow for a standard comparison of sustainability efforts among participating colleges and universities.
Elon’s overall score of 63.42 marks an increase from its initial score of 58.60 in December 2011. The minimum score for a silver rating is 45 points, while the minimum scores for gold and platinum are 65 and 85 points, respectively.
The three facets of sustainability – social, economic and environmental – are assessed in STARS through the following categories: education and research; operations; planning, administration and engagement; and innovation.
Programs highlighted in the Innovation Category of the most recent STARS Report are:
To learn about other programs and practices that earned Elon points, view Elon’s STARS Report.
The process of reporting and earning a STARS rating helps:
- …illustrate that sustainability includes social and economic aspects as well as environmental, i.e., sustainability promotes a healthy planet, people and economy.
- …demonstrate that working toward sustainability goals is a campus-wide effort.
- …guide future sustainability initiatives.
Data for the report are collected and organized by a STARS Committee consisting of faculty and staff and chaired by Elaine Durr, director of sustainability. The report contains information gathered from stakeholders across campus.
“I am grateful to all of the individuals who provided the necessary data to complete Elon’s STARS Report,” Durr said. “It would not have been possible without their participation.”
STARS differs from other rankings in that criteria to determine a STARS rating are transparent and accessible to anyone. Stakeholders also are involved in the development process.
Criteria for scoring the most recent report can be found in the STARS 1.2 Technical Manual.