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
Latest News from AASHE Bulletin
New Resources
Community College Networking Meeting
- Johnson County Community College (KS)
This session provides opportunities for community college sustainability staff/faculty/students to share their successes and challenges with each other. Additionally, the new AASHE Community/Technical College support community will be introduced.
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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The Road to AASHE STARS Gold: Changing the Face of Sustainability
- California State University, Dominguez Hills (CA)
There are several common challenges for higher education institutions when it comes to prioritizing sustainability on campus: lack of interest or support from upper administration, lack of resources and funding, …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Navigating AASHE's STARS v3.0: Reporting with Data Excellence and Stakeholder Engagement
- American University (DC)
In today's rapidly evolving sustainability landscape, accurate and transparent reporting is crucial for higher educational institutions to communicate progress and benchmark sustainability goals. This presentation will provide insight on lessons …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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International Networking Session
- AASHE (MA)
Join this session to network with attendees from outside of the US and Canada, learn about AASHE's work with campuses around the world, and the variety of global organizations that …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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AASHE Member Meeting
- AASHE (MA)
AASHE Member Meeting
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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HEI Administrators and Managers Networking Session
- University of Toronto (ON)
A “whole-institution approach” — involving departments, operations, and governance — is required to achieve sustainable, climate-positive campuses. The community actively engaging in and incorporating sustainable practices on campus now extends …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Take the SDGs Global with Education Abroad & International Services
- Texas A&M University (TX)
This session will examine the powerful synergy between sustainability initiatives and global programs. Presenters will demonstrate the impact of forging strategic alliances between your sustainability office and key players like …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Faith-Based Higher Education Institution Networking Session
- Loyola University Chicago (IL)
- Oklahoma City University (OK)
Faith-Based Higher Education Institution Networking Session
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Elevating Impact Through Local Government Partnership
- Northeastern University (MA)
- Stanford University (CA)
Colleges and universities cannot solve the climate crisis alone. We are deeply connected to our surrounding neighborhoods and the cities and towns that host and partner with us. Much like …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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Sustainability Offices of One Networking Session
- Muhlenberg College (PA)
- University of Louisville (KY)
We all know that Sustainability Coordinators are amazingly talented and highly motivated. We can do anything, right? Well, the truth is that we cannot do EVERYTHING; and yet so many …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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Behind the Curtain: How to Create & Deploy Creative Funding Constructs That Get @!%$ Done
- Emory University (GA)
- University of Pittsburgh (PA)
Have you tried to get a revolving fund or student sustainability fee and failed? Do you know certain efforts pay back financially, academically, and/or in advancing solutions to complex challenges …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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Sustainable Practices & Resiliency: Higher Ed. Strategic Planning
- Florida Gulf Coast University (FL)
- Deloitte Consulting LLP (TX)
Presenters describe Florida Gulf Coast University’s (FGCU’s) journey leading up to and since the incorporation of sustainability and resiliency into the University’s new five-year strategic plan. During the session, attendees …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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Student Sustainability Leadership Development at the College of Charleston
- College of Charleston (SC)
Leadership is a concept that has many definitions and can be a very difficult thing to understand, yet so many people seek to understand it. The same can be said …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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From Ideas to Action: Using the STARS Reporting Process to Develop a Strategic Plan
- Brailsford & Dunlavey (DC)
Congratulations! You've completed a STARS Report! Now what?! The value of the STARS reporting process is more than a STARS Rating. Relationships built, data collected, and key insights highlighted throughout …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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Building Communities of Practice Among Sustainability and Racial Equity Leaders
- Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (WA)
We would like to convene those working at the intersections of sustainability, climate solutions and resilience, and racial equity. Come and share what that work looks like in your organization(s) …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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Climate Action Planning, Different Approaches, Common Themes, and Resources
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (WI)
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (WI)
- University of Wisconsin-River Falls (WI)
This learning lab highlights climate action planning, stakeholder identification & engagement ideas, hazard & impact mapping, resources, etc. The Universities of Wisconsin include 13 public universities across the state. Eight …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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STARS External Review as a Collaboration Tool
- University of Utah (UT)
- Utah State University (UT)
- Weber State University (UT)
Learn how three Utah higher education institutions work together to strengthen their sustainability efforts through the STARS external review process. Weber State University, Utah State University, and the University of …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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From Data to Action: Using Surveys to Drive Sustainability Programs
- University of Nebraska - Lincoln (NE)
At a large university, it can be difficult to determine what campus sustainability programs should be prioritized. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Office of Sustainability (OS) tackles this challenge by …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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Sustainability, Y'all! Southeastern Schools Meet Up
- Kennesaw State University (GA)
- The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (NC)
- University of Georgia (GA)
Do you attend or represent a college or university in the southeastern US? Do you want to connect with folks from other schools from this distinctive part of the continent? …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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Networking Session for Canadian Institutions
- McGill University (QC)
- University of the Fraser Valley (BC)
Networking session for sustainability practitioners from insitutions in Canada.
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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STARS Town Hall
- Colorado State University (CO)
- The New School (NY)
- AASHE (MA)
The STARS Town Hall is an opportunity to learn about the ongoing development of the Sustainability Tracking Assessment & Rating System and provide feedback on the program. Participants will hear …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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Starting STARS: A Workshop for Beginners
- Bentley University (MA)
- Haverford College (PA)
- GreenerU (MA)
This workshop will provide training in developing an AASHE STARS inventory specifically for students and early-career professionals tasked with completing this complex report. The workshop will begin with an overview …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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Investing in Sustainability: Navigating Funding, Relationships, & Growth
- The University of Arizona (AZ)
Staff from the University of Arizona's Office of Sustainability will share their journey of growth and (usually) strategic change, exploring the development and institutionalization of sustainability at the U of …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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Strategic Planning 3.0: Rebuilding trust in the process
- Santa Clara University (CA)
- Trust (MA)
Santa Clara University’s Center for Sustainability had an opportunity. They were ready to update their sustainability plan, but this time - they wanted to do it differently. They wanted a …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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Tracking and Driving Progress in Sustainability Goals through Data and Dashboards
- University of Southern California (CA)
Want to use data to leverage your institution's sustainability goals? Here we'll discuss how the University of Southern California (USC) is leveraging sustainability data for transparency, collaboration and progress with …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Next Generation of Higher Ed Climate Action: A Presentation and Discussion with Second Nature
- Loyola University Chicago (IL)
- Second Nature (MA)
Since 2006, Second Nature has been the organization facilitating appropriate guidance for climate action in the higher education sector. The Climate Leadership Commitments and the network of schools implementing this …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
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A Zero-Carbon Campus For ALL
- Mt. San Antonio College (CA)
Collaboration between all campus units-- from governance to instruction to facilities and beyond-- is key to achieving a climate justice-centric campus. Mt. San Antonio Community College (Mt. SAC) strives to …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
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Deep Decarbonization: Insights, Strategies, and Collaborative Solutions
- Tufts University (MA)
- University of Oregon (OR)
- AASHE (MA)
- Edison International (DC)
This engaging session features a conversation with a panel of representatives from leading campuses who will share insights into their unique approaches to decarbonization initiatives. The panel, moderated by Aurora …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
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Next Generation Climate Goal Leadership and Offset Strategy
- Harvard University (MA)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
- Stanford University (CA)
- University of California, Office of the President (CA)
- University of Michigan (MI)
Join senior sustainability leaders to explore how leadership in climate goals and offset strategies have evolved over time, and take part in defining what leadership and transparency around this looks …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
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Binghamton 2 Degrees: Building Community Resilience Through Collaborative Action
- Binghamton University (NY)
Binghamton 2 Degrees is a transformative initiative uniting Binghamton University and the greater Binghamton community to envision a resilient future under the looming threat of two degrees of warming. Through …
- Posted Jan. 27, 2025
- Case Studies
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Fault Detection and Diagnostics at California State University, Northridge
- California State University, Northridge (CA)
- Siemens Industry, Inc. (IL)
This project has enhanced CSUN's understanding and management of its building mechanical systems, fostering collaboration among building controls specialists, HVAC mechanics, and sustainability staff. The Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD) …
- Posted Jan. 27, 2025
- Case Studies
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Tackling Scope 3 Emissions at CSUN – A Commitment to Comprehensive GHG Reporting
- California State University, Northridge (CA)
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) has taken strides in addressing Scope 3 transportation emissions as part of its sustainability and climate action initiatives over the past seven years. This encompasses …
- Posted Jan. 27, 2025
- Case Studies
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Case Study Title: Drexel University Organic Land Care
- Drexel University (PA)
- Re:wild Your Campus (HI)
In 2022, students at Drexel launched a bold campaign advocating for organic land care on their campus. After countless meetings with campus staff, their hard work paid off. In 2023, …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
- Case Studies
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University of Wisconsin- Madison Organic Land Management Pilot Project
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
- Re:wild Your Campus (HI)
In the fall of 2022, students at UW-Madison were selected to participate in the Re:wild Your Campus Fellowship, and began advocating for an end to the use of synthetic pesticides …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
- Case Studies
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Leading the way: Developing a new approach to sustainability education for the college sector
- Mohawk College (ON)
- Students Organising For Sustainability (SOS-UK)
Mohawk College has a track record of innovation and leadership in the college sector in Canada and globally. Over the past two years they have led the way in developing …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
- Case Studies
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The 10-Year Challenge (IE University)
- Instituto de Empresa SL
The 10-Year Challenge is a transformative initiative launched by the IE University Sustainability Office in 2020. Its primary aim is to address sustainability challenges annually by focusing on a specific …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
- Case Studies
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Northeastern's Climate Justice Action Plan
- Northeastern University (MA)
Northeastern University’s Climate Justice Action Plan (CJAP) is a comprehensive, forward-thinking initiative designed to integrate climate justice principles into the institution’s sustainability framework. At the heart of this plan is …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
- Case Studies
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Sustainability Vision 2036: an Inclusive Process for Strategic Planning
- Emory University (GA)
Since Emory adopted sustainability as a guiding principle in its 2005 Strategic Plan, the enterprise has published two Sustainability Vision and Strategic Plans. These documents have guided Emory through two …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
- Case Studies
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Sorting it Out: A People-Centered Perspective on a Stadium Zero Waste Program
- The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (NC)
In 2022, the Office of Sustainability at UNC Charlotte took responsibility for an existing football stadium zero waste program. This shift in leadership, along with other changes to equipment, supplies, …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
- Case Studies
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IE University’s Sustainability Week
- Instituto de Empresa SL
Each year, the entire IE University community comes together to celebrate one of our most impactful flagship events – the Sustainability Week. This student-led initiative is driven by a collaborative …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
- Case Studies
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SUNY Student Assembly’s Sustainability Town Hall
- University at Albany (NY)
- University at Buffalo (NY)
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (NY)
- State University of New York System Office (NY)
On September 24th, 2024, I, Eden Gardner, hosted a virtual sustainability town hall on behalf of the SUNY Student Assembly, in coordination with the SUNY Office of Sustainability, and the …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
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System-wide STARS completion for Tecnológico de Monterrey
- Tecnológico de Monterrey – Campus Monterrey (Nuevo Leon)
Tecnológico de Monterrey is a private, non-profit, independent institution with no political and religious affiliations. The work of Tecnológico de Monterrey and all its campuses is supported by civil associations …
- Posted Jan. 22, 2025
- Case Studies
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Green For Good
- Nanyang Technological University
The Green For Good is the flagship initiative of Earthlink NTU, one of the largest student-led sustainability group in Singapore. Held in Nanyang Technological University Singapore, the one-month long sustainability …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2025
- Case Studies
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2024 Sustainable Campus Index
- AASHE (MA)
The 2024 Sustainable Campus Index (SCI) recognizes top-performing colleges and universities by country, institution type, and in 17 sustainability impact areas, as measured by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating …
- Posted Nov. 14, 2024
- Publications
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The Power of Collaboration in the Path to STARS Gold and Beyond, With Insights on STARS 3.0
- University of Southern California (CA)
- University of Virginia (VA)
- AASHE (MA)
In this webinar, we highlight how the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of Virginia (UVA) conducted STARS report peer-reviews, and we detail the processes by which we …
- Posted Oct. 24, 2024
- Videos & Webinars
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Environmental Institute 2023-2024 Annual Report
- University of Virginia (VA)
The 2023-2024 academic year was a remarkable one for UVA's Environmental Institute. The EI funded 42 faculty during the year and, since its inception, has engaged 160 faculty from 11 …
- Posted Oct. 22, 2024
- Publications
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Committed to Sustainability
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
Campus Undergoes Study to Measure Effort
By Pamela McLaren
Last year, Cal State Fullerton committed to developing a campus more focused on sustainability in its operations, outlook and curriculum. Following …
- Posted Oct. 10, 2024
- Photographs
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Is Carbon Neutrality Hiding the Real Leaders in Campus Decarbonization?
- Smith College (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
The most important number in climate policy is zero – we need to cut emissions as quickly as possible to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Over 600 U.S. …
- Posted Oct. 10, 2024
- Videos & Webinars
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UVA Sustainability Annual Report
- University of Virginia (VA)
This report covers 2023-2024.
- Posted Sept. 18, 2024
- 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.