Coordination & Planning
Introduction
Staff and other resources help an institution organize, implement, and publicize sustainability initiatives. These resources provide the infrastructure that fosters sustainability within an institution. Sustainability planning affords an institution the opportunity to clarify its vision of a sustainable future, establish priorities and help guide budgeting and decision making.
Featured Resources
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New Resources
A Systemic, District‑Wide Approach to Scope 1 and Scope 2 Greenhouse Gas Reduction (FY22–FY25)
- San Jacinto College (TX)
Over a four‑year period, San Jacinto College District implemented a systemic, data‑driven strategy to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its multi‑campus portfolio. Rather than …
- Posted Feb. 12, 2026
- Case Studies
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From Frameworks to Practice: Identifying Sustainable IT Metrics for Higher Ed
- Central Washington University (WA)
- McGill University (QC)
- AASHE (MA)
- HP (CA)
The Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector’s growing carbon footprint and escalating electronic waste pose significant challenges to global sustainability efforts. Recent analyses estimate that ICT now contributes 2.1%–3.9% of global …
- Posted Feb. 4, 2026
- Videos & Webinars
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EAUC State of the Sector 2025
- Environmental Association for Universities & Colleges (EAUC) (Gloucestershire)
The State of the Sector 2025 research provides the clearest, most up-to-date picture of sustainability across further and higher education in the UK and Ireland. Based on responses from over …
- Posted Feb. 4, 2026
- Publications
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Sustainability Student Committee: A Cross-disciplinary Student Hub for Environmental Awareness and Climate Action
- Instituto de Empresa SL
The Sustainability Student Committee (SSC) is a student-led, cross-disciplinary initiative that empowers students in climate and environmental awareness, turning concern, confusion, or eco-anxiety into collective, practical climate action. The SSC …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
- Case Studies
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Oberlin College and Conservatory’ s Sustainable Infrastructure Program
- Oberlin College (OH)
- Ever-Green Energy (MN)
Oberlin College and Conservatory’s (the College) Sustainable Infrastructure Program (SIP) was an initiative to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025, and has energized future climate action on campus and in the …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
- Case Studies
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Think Before You Trash: Implementing Campus Waste Reuse Initiatives at Hood College
- Hood College (MD)
Globally, the average person generates 0.74 kilograms of waste per day, though the spectrum ranges widely from 0.11 to 4.54 kilograms (Kaza et al. 2018). The average college student in …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
- Case Studies
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CSUN Move-In & Move-Out Reuse Program: Reducing Waste Through Student-Centered Circularity
- California State University, Northridge (CA)
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) developed the Move-In & Move-Out Reuse Program to reduce landfill waste generated during peak student transition periods while promoting reuse, affordability, and sustainability awareness. The …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
- Case Studies
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The Midwest Climate Collaborative: Cross-Sector Collaboration Throughout Twelve States
- Carleton College (MN)
- Case Western Reserve University (OH)
- Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
- Indiana University Indianapolis (IN)
- Lincoln University (MO)
- Michigan State University (MI)
- Northland College (WI)
- Northwestern University (IL)
- Oberlin College (OH)
- Principia College (IL)
- The Ohio State University (OH)
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (IL)
- University of Chicago (IL)
- University of Illinois Chicago (IL)
- University of Michigan (MI)
- Missouri University of Science and Technology (MO)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
- Washington University in St. Louis (MO)
- Second Nature (MA)
- City of Bloomington (IN)
- City of Columbus (OH)
- City of St. Louis (MO)
- Missouri Botanical Garden (MO)
- Southern Illinois University System (IL)
- Delta Institute (IL)
- Climate Central (NJ)
- National Audubon Society (NY)
- The Morton Arboretum (IL)
- KERAMIDA Inc. (IN)
- Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability
- Greater Cleveland Partnership
The Midwest Climate Collaborative (MCC) provides the collaboration infrastructure for organizations to partner across sectors for a carbon neutral, climate resilient, interconnected Midwest region. Initially catalyzed by leading Midwest higher …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
- Case Studies
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Matador Move Out: A Collaborative, Closed-Loop Donation Program Supporting Students and Zero Waste
- California State University, Northridge (CA)
Matador Move Out is a collaborative donation and reuse program at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) that transforms the annual student move-out period into an opportunity for environmental stewardship, equity, …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2026
- Case Studies
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Building a lab sustainability initiative from the ground up
- University of Rochester (NY)
The Sustainable Labs Initiative (SLI) is grassroots, trainee-led organization at the University of Rochester (UR) that promotes a culture of sustainability within research and clinical laboratories. SLI brings together environmentally …
- Posted Jan. 27, 2026
- Case Studies
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The Thrifty Cat: University of Kentucky's First Campus Free Store
- University of Kentucky (KY)
- Post-Landfill Action Network (NH)
As a Natural Resources and Environmental Science student at the University of Kentucky, I joined UK Recycling as a student intern through the Sustainability Internship Program (SIP) my junior year. …
- Posted Jan. 27, 2026
- Case Studies
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A Greener Way To-Go: Harvard’s Reusable Dining Container Program
- Harvard University (MA)
Harvard College (the undergraduate degree-granting program of Harvard University) has a unique residential system. Virtually all 7,000 undergraduates live on campus for all four years and participate in an undergraduate …
- Posted Jan. 27, 2026
- Case Studies
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Integrated Energy Resilience: Education, Infrastructure, and Community Benefit
- Southern Oregon University (OR)
Southern Oregon University’s recently completed energy resilience project at the Hawk DIning Building and and Lithia Motors Pavilion (The Hawk and Lithia Solar and Energy Resilience project) represents a transformative …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2026
- Case Studies
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Cultivating Sustainability Leaders: The Impact of the Batten Honors College at Virginia Wesleyan University
- Virginia Wesleyan University (VA)
The Batten Honors College of Virginia Wesleyan University recruits high-achieving students and equips them to be problem solvers who are environmentally-conscious, strategic-thinking global citizens, ethically-bound to bettering their community and …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2026
- Case Studies
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IE Sustainability Townhall: A Participatory Funding Model for Campus Sustainability and Community Impact
- Instituto de Empresa SL
The IE Sustainability Townhall is a participatory governance and funding initiative at IE University designed to promote initiatives that strengthen community engagement around sustainability, environmental stewardship, human connection, and the …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2026
- Case Studies
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Climate & Sustainability Action Plan 4.0 FY25 Progress Report
- University of Pennsylvania (PA)
The report, the first of five that the University has committed to publishing between FY25 and FY29, shares actions the University took over the last fiscal year to advance goals …
- Posted Jan. 15, 2026
- Publications
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Environmental Sustainability Plan 2026–2030
- Australian National University
The Plan sets out how the University will reduce its environmental impacts, strengthen climate resilience and embed sustainability across governance, operations, research, teaching and community life.
- Posted Jan. 15, 2026
- Publications
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Sustainability Action Plan - 2025-2030 Strategies
- Western Washington University (WA)
The Western Washington University (WWU) 2025-2030 Sustainability Action Plan (SAP) is a roadmap to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and advancing related goals over the next five years. In 2017, …
- Posted Dec. 16, 2025
- Publications
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It’s Not Just About Paper Straws: The role of higher education in teaching sustainability across disciplines
- University of Central Florida (FL)
Integrating sustainability into higher education curricula is a trend and a necessity in today’s rapidly changing world. If our role is to prepare our courses to guide students for life …
- Posted Nov. 19, 2025
- Publications
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Environmental Institute 2024-2025 Annual Report
- University of Virginia (VA)
The Environmental Institute funded over 50 faculty during the year and, since its inception, has engaged 170 faculty from 11 schools and 49 departments, centers, and institutes at the University …
- Posted Nov. 6, 2025
- Publications
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Post-Landfill Action Network Impact Report (9/1/2024 - 8/31/2025)
- Post-Landfill Action Network (NH)
PLAN has supported student leadership by growing our Atlas Zero Waste and Students Taking on Oil & Petrochemicals Fellowship, supporting the first campus in the country to fully #BreakFreeFromPlastic in …
- Posted Nov. 6, 2025
- Publications
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Minding the Future | Cal State Fullerton Opens New Center for Sustainability
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
Sustainability has many definitions and implications.
At Cal State Fullerton, where a new Center for Sustainability has opened, the term means: “living our lives, conducting business and managing our natural …
- Posted Oct. 20, 2025
- Photographs
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CSUF Makes Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
Cal State Fullerton has been named among the nation’s environmentally sustainable colleges in the Princeton Review’s Green Colleges: 2025 Edition, and its green college list.
The list, released Oct. 15 …
- Posted Oct. 20, 2025
- Photographs
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Tracking Your Sustainability Projects and Developing Decarbonization Plans with GRITS (a new benefit for AASHE members)
- Sustainable Endowments Institute (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
A new partnership between AASHE and the Sustainable Endowments Institute (SEI) allows AASHE members to gain access to a free basic version of the GRITS sustainability project management platform. Hundreds …
- Posted Oct. 20, 2025
- Videos & Webinars
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Harvard Sustainability 2024-2025 Snapshot
- Harvard University (MA)
A 2024-2025 report captures progress against goals and showcases sustainability solutions implemented in partnership with faculty, students, staff and the community.
- Posted Oct. 20, 2025
- Publications
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Navigating Sustainable Certifications
- University of Michigan (MI)
This workshop provides an overview of key supplier certifications, their significance, and the criteria used to evaluate their credibility. It will also explore the impact of certifications on supplier diversity …
- Posted Oct. 8, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Demystifying Sustainable Purchasing
- University of Michigan (MI)
- University of Notre Dame (IN)
Explore the transition to sustainable procurement by examining contract language/standards and alternative strategies to empower buyers and suppliers. This workshop addresses unique challenges in implementation, offering practical solutions and insights …
- Posted Oct. 8, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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From Insights to Impact | Fueling Your Vision for Actionable Strategies
- Impact Collective Group
With so much new knowledge to absorb, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Join Impact Collective Group for a closing session that will empower you to turn insights from …
- Posted Oct. 8, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Office of Campus Sustainability
- University of Michigan (MI)
Learn more about the different programs managed by the Office of Campus Sustainability including sustainable grounds, zero waste events, hands in the dirt, Earth month, sustainable lab hub, and composting.
- Posted Oct. 8, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Would You Be A Migrant Worker?
- University of Michigan (MI)
Meredith spent 6 weeks living in and volunteering at a migrant work shelter in Taichung City, Taiwan. This is a snapshot of what she observed and why she has dedicated …
- Posted Oct. 8, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Impact Metrics collection and analysis by MDining Analytics team and how Impact Metrics interns are using this to create an impact report for MDining
- University of Michigan (MI)
- Posted Oct. 8, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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AASHE Stars Update
- AASHE (MA)
This session will cover recent updates to the AASHE STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) framework, highlighting key changes in reporting requirements and scoring methodology. Attendees will learn how …
- Posted Oct. 8, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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MPact
- University of Minnesota System Office (MN)
MPact reflects the university's commitment to research, teaching, and service, open access to opportunity, and forward-thinking innovation to advance the university’s land-grant mission and impact the world. It produces annual …
- Posted Oct. 8, 2025
- Publications
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Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024
- University of the Sunshine Coast
Unless otherwise stated, this report covers the period from 1 January to 31 December 2024 for the University of the Sunshine Coast.
- Posted Oct. 2, 2025
- Publications
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Griffith University 2024 Sustainability Report
- Griffith University (Queensland)
Griffith University’s 2024 Sustainability Report marks a significant milestone in the University’s journey toward achieving its ambitious sustainability targets, aligned with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Joining …
- Posted Oct. 2, 2025
- Publications
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Beyond the Right Thing to Do: The Value of Sustainability in Higher Education (2nd Edition)
- AASHE (MA)
This document aims to help higher education sustainability practitioners more powerfully articulate the value of sustainability to higher education leaders as well as the general public. As different points will …
- Posted Aug. 26, 2025
- Publications
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Carbon Neutrality Plan
- University of Windsor (ON)
Contents 1. Project overview, objectives and methodology 2. Current state analysis 3. Setting targets and establishing the campus roadmap 4. Financial planning, impossible, future project spotlights 5. Accountability
- Posted Aug. 20, 2025
- Publications
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Purdue STARS Performance Analysis
- Purdue University (IN)
In 2013, Purdue University submitted the school’s first official report to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) to capture the university’s efforts in sustainability via …
- Posted Aug. 19, 2025
- Publications
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Basic Needs, Sustainability & Leadership
- Portland Community College (OR)
The Basic Needs, Sustainability & Leadership (BNSL) program at Portland Community College provides opportunities to advance the interconnected issues of basic needs support (including food and housing security, transportation access, …
- Posted Aug. 19, 2025
- Photographs
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Determinants of the dissemination of economic, social and environmental information at the university level in the context of commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals
- Universidad de Granada
In the context of universities' commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the paper aims to analyse the factors that influence the degree of information disclosure related to the economic, …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
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Walking the talk: organising for social impact through performance management in European business schools
- University of St. Gallen
- Vienna University of Economics and Business
Universities, and business schools specifically, are experiencing a transformation of their societal mission. Similar to the STEM fields, business schools are nested in global competitive environments facing multiple competing pressures, …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
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Ranking of European Universities by DEA-Based Sustainability Indicator
- Mendelova univerzita v Brně
The paper introduces a novel approach to university rankings that considers a university's contribution to sustainable development. It addresses the usual controversies surrounding the construction of rankings using composite indicators. …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
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University contributions to sustainability via state-level climate action plans in the USA
- University of Maine (ME)
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to conduct a preliminary analysis of the role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in state climate science assessment (CSA) and state climate adaptation …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
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Responsible management education: The leadership role of PRME business schools
- University of São Paulo
- Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
- University of Passo Fundo
The literature largely agrees about the relevance of higher education institutions in assembling their internal systems to contribute to sustainability challenges. Business schools are also expected to commit to the …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
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Are Brazilian universities greening? An analysis of their performances in an international sustainability ranking
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia
The escalation of environmental issues demands a response towards sustainable development, and universities may contribute to a greener future by reducing their own environmental impacts. Brazil has a history of …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
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A sustainable campus for an uncertain future. Two cases of infrastructural transformation at Norway’s largest university
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Purpose: This study aims to convey lessons learned from two sustainability initiatives at Norway’s largest university. This contributes to knowledge-based discussions of how future, sustainable higher education institutions (HEIs) infrastructures …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
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Higher education institutions as a microcosm of the circular economy
- Lund University
Higher education institutions (HEIs) can play a key role in the transition to the circular economy (CE) given their missions, characteristics and role in shaping the coming generations of citizens …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
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Emerging ESG reporting of higher education institutions in China
- Beijing Foreign Studies University
- Capital University of Economics and Business
This paper investigates the ESG reporting practices of Chinese higher education institutions (HEIs). Based on Global Reporting Initiative's common reporting standards and the education sector-specific indicators proposed by earlier studies, …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
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Environmental Sustainability Research and Future Directions for Events and Facilities: An Assessment of the Field
- Texas A&M University (TX)
Environmental sustainability among sport facilities and events is the focus of this piece. The authors focus on three areas: (1) the environmental impacts of sport facilities and events, (2) the …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
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Uncovering perspectives on SDG integration for university transformations
- Monash University (VIC)
Purpose: This case study explores different perspectives on integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in universities to achieve university transformations. This study recognises that university actors think differently about the …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
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This tab provides access to data collected through AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS). STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS enables meaningful comparisons over time and across institutions using a common set of measurements developed with broad participation from the campus sustainability community.
All responses reference content from reports under the latest version of STARS, version 2.2. AASHE membership and log-in is required.
PA 1: Sustainability Coordination
- Description of the sustainability committee(s)
- Description of the sustainability office(s)
- Description of activities and accomplishments of the institution-wide coordinating body or officer during the previous three years
- First sustainability position (upload)
- First sustainability position (text)
- Second sustainability position (upload)
- Second sustainability position (text)
- Third sustainability position (upload)
- Third sustainability position (text)
- Website URL - Sustainability Coordination
PA 2: Sustainability Coordination
- Published measurable objectives - Academics
- Published measurable objectives - Engagement
- Published measurable objectives - Operations
- Published measurable objectives - Planning & Administration
- Website URL - Highest Guiding Strategic Plan
- Sustainability plan (upload)
- Sustainability plan (website URL)
- Website URL - Sustainability planning
PA 3: Sustainability Coordination
- Description of participatory or shared governance bodies
- Percent of official members of the highest governing body that are women
- Website URL - Institution’s highest level governing body
- Description of campus-community council or equivalent body that gives external stakeholders a regular voice in institutional decisions
- Website URL - Institutional governance body
PA 4: Reporting Assurance
Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.