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Introduction

Conducting research is a major function of many colleges and universities. By researching sustainability issues and refining theories and concepts, higher education institutions can continue to help the world understand sustainability challenges and develop new technologies, strategies, and approaches to address those challenges.

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A Whole-Institution Approach Towards Sustainability in Higher Education

  • University of Nebraska - Lincoln (NE)
  • York University (ON)

Join us to share your views on embedding sustainability holistically in your institution! The whole-institution approach networking session brings together educators, administrators, and policy leaders to exchange expectation and experiences …

  • Posted Sept. 30, 2026
  • Conference Presentations
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CSUF geology graduate student Alondra Ruiz Contreras, from left, Santiago Canyon College student Sara Gasca, her instructor Angela Daneshmand, and Matthew Kirby, chair and professor of geological sciences, walk along the edge of modern-day Silver Lake on their way to ancient Lake Mojave beaches to conduct research.

Study Explores Ancient Mojave Desert Lake to Predict Future Climate Impact

  • California State University, Fullerton (CA)

CSUF, Brown University, Community Colleges Team Up on National Science Foundation-Funded Research Project

Geology student Yelitza Cabrera is studying ancient lake sites in the Mojave Desert to understand how climate …

  • Posted Sept. 24, 2026
  • Photographs
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From Data to Action: Streamlining Sustainability Reporting With the Real Food Calculator

  • AASHE (MA)
  • Real Food Challenge (AZ)

Join this webinar and learn how to wield the Real Food Calculator and streamline sustainability reporting for STARS OP 7 and more. Get a clear, practical overview of Real Food …

  • Posted Sept. 18, 2026
  • Videos & Webinars
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Scaled Solutions With Sustainable Labs

  • AASHE (MA)
  • University of Virginia (VA)

The University of Virginia’s (UVA) Sustainable Labs Program reduces the environmental footprint of UVA’s laboratory research buildings through a dual approach: bottom-up researcher engagement via the Green Labs Program, and …

  • Posted Aug. 31, 2026
  • Videos & Webinars
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ASU Assistant Professor Jesse Senko (right) shows ocean futures PhD student Teagan Keating identifying traits of a Hawksbill turtle after one was caught in a pound net off the coast of Harkers Island in North Carolina on July 30, 2025. The Senko Lab for Marine Megafauna & Fisheries Conservation at ASU has found success with using solar panel lights to deter the bycatch of these turtles while keeping fishing rates relatively the same.

20250730 - Senko Lab in North Carolina Field Work - Day One - Harkers Island, North Carolina

  • Arizona State University (AZ)

title 20250730 - Senko Lab in North Carolina Field Work - Day One - Harkers Island, North Carolina brief description Jesse Senko Lab in North Carolina Field Work - Day …

Assistant Professor Liza Roger observes her coral through a magnifying glass in the aquaria room at the Rob & Melani Walton Center for Planetary Health in Tempe, Arizona

20240215 LizaRogerCoralReefLab_1896

  • Arizona State University (AZ)

title 20240215 LizaRogerCoralReefLab_1896.jpg brief description Assistant Professor Liza Roger observes her coral through a magnifying glass in the aquaria room at the Rob & Melani Walton Center for Planetary Health …

Students presenting climate justice research at the Summit on Feminist Leadership in Climate Justice

Mount Holyoke Climate Justice Lab

  • Mount Holyoke College (MA)

Climate Justice Lab at Mount Holyoke College

Oberlin College Center for DEI Innovation and Leadership Changemakers

Oberlin Center for DEI Innovation and Leadership Photographs

  • Oberlin College (OH)

Oberlin College was selected to be highlighted in the Institutional Highlights section of the 2026 Sustainable Campus Index (SCI) and our center was asked to submit photos.

Mainstreaming Sustainability and Climate Change Across Higher Education: Lessons From Ten Pioneering Universities

  • Qatar University

Higher education institutions (HEIs) play a critical role in preparing graduates to address the interconnected global crises of the 21st century. Despite explicit calls from UNESCO's Education for Sustainable Development …

  • Posted Aug. 19, 2026
  • Publications
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Thermochemical battery at University of Minnesota Morris

  • Grid Catalyst (MN)
  • University of Minnesota, Morris (MN)

This year UMN Morris installed the first thermochemical battery at a campus in the United States. The thermal battery was used to heat the Carpentry Shop at the campus during …

CSUF public health major Vivian Castillo presents student research on campus trees at the fourth annual Energy and Sustainability Summit.

Energy and Sustainability Summit Explores Solutions for a Greener Tomorrow

  • California State University, Fullerton (CA)

Building a more sustainable environment and addressing critical climate issues will take cooperation and community involvement, experts said at Cal State Fullerton’s fourth annual Energy and Sustainability Summit.

Sponsored by …

California State University, Fullerton engineering students conduct hands-on renewable/clean energy research. Through inclusive academic opportunities and practical lab experience, CSUF drives clean tech innovation while advancing workforce development for tomorrow’s leaders.

California State University, Fullerton engineering students conduct hands-on renewable/clean energy research

  • California State University, Fullerton (CA)

California State University, Fullerton engineering students conduct hands-on renewable/clean energy research. Through inclusive academic opportunities and practical lab experience, CSUF drives clean tech innovation while advancing workforce development for tomorrow’s …

Researcher evaluates nanoplastic filtering.

Nanoplastic filtering

  • Texas A&M University (TX)

Researchers evaluate nanoplastic filtering.

Master Gardner Rosie Cubillos works some of the garden plots at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center

Research gardens

  • Texas A&M University (TX)

Master Gardner Rosie Cubillos works some of the garden plots at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center

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Crop management technology

  • Texas A&M University (TX)

Research associate Oscar Fernandez demonstrating machinery on a corn plot.

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Wheat research in Burleson County

  • Texas A&M University (TX)

Amir Ibrahim conducts crop and field wheat research.

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Apiary research

  • Texas A&M University (TX)

Garett Slater, Ph.D., Extension entomologist and assistant professor in the Department of Entomology conducting apiary research in Overton, Tx.

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Texas Apiary Inspections

  • Texas A&M University (TX)

The Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) is the sole agency responsible for regulating the apiary industry of Texas. TAIS is a state agency administered under AgriLife Research, a part of …

Students showcase their work

Students showcase their work

  • University of California, Berkeley (CA)

Photo Credit: Nathan Jandl

Students showcase their work

Students showcase their work

  • University of California, Berkeley (CA)

Photo Credit: Nathan Jandl

Texas Sea Grant Community Engaged Intern volunteering at Rett Reef, an oyster reef restoration project in Galveston Bay.

Oyster Restoration

  • Texas A&M University (TX)

Students working on oyster restoration in Galveston Bay, Texas.

University of Idaho students in the College of Engineering and the College of Science research sustainable methods to extract rare earth elements from Idaho-sourced soil.

University of Idaho - SCI 2026 Photographs

  • University of Idaho (ID)

We have submitted multiple photographs for our SCI recognition and defer to the AASHE publication team to select the image that best fits their needs. Thank you for the recognition!

Two McGill students wade through a wetland to gather research data.

Students carry out field work in a wetland

  • McGill University (QC)

Two McGill students wade through a wetland to gather research data. This photo was submitted by a student participating in the 2025 McGill Biodiversity Photo Contest.

UC San Diego’s Jane Teranes Climate Change Education Requirement provides greater opportunities for students to explore and learn about climate change.

UC San Diego Research

  • University of California San Diego (CA)

UC San Diego’s Jane Teranes Climate Change Education Requirement provides greater opportunities for students to explore and learn about climate change.

Students examine lab samples as part of research in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. Alternative option with more details: Students in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability examine leaf samples as part of research on saltwater intrusion and sea level rise.

Stanford University Photos for 2026 Sustainable Campus Index

  • Stanford University (CA)

Four images have been submitted on behalf of Stanford University to be considered for the 2026 Sustainable Campus Index, two related to academia (research and classroom), one for both academia …

Students participate in an outdoor field lecture, examining desert landscapes and environmental processes at the Sde Boker Campus.

Field Lecture in the Negev Desert

  • Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Field-based teaching is an integral part of education at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev's Sde Boker Campus. By combining classroom learning with guided field observation, students examine geological formations, desert …

Students examine native desert vegetation during a field exercise, observing plant adaptations to water scarcity and harsh environmental conditions in the Negev Desert.

Studying Desert Plant Adaptations

  • Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

At Ben-Gurion University of the Negev's Sde Boker Campus, students examine native desert vegetation through direct field observation, learning how plants adapt to water scarcity and extreme environmental conditions. By …

Students participate in a field course in the Negev Desert, using the surrounding landscape as a living laboratory to study desert ecosystems, climate adaptation, and environmental processes.

Field Course in Desert Ecology

  • Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev uses its unique natural environments as living laboratories for research and experiential education. Located Sde Boker Campus, home to the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert …

International students use reusable cups subsidized by Ben-Gurion University's Green Campus Unit during the Drylands, Deserts and Desertification (DDD) conference at the Sde Boker Campus.

Sustainability in Practice at Academic Conferences

  • Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Each year, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev hosts the Drylands, Deserts and Desertification (DDD) conference at its Sde Boker Campus, home to the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research. As …

International agriculture students explore graduate study opportunities and meet researchers working on food security, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, water management, and desert research at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

Exploring Graduate Study and Research Opportunities

  • Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev welcomes international agriculture students to explore graduate study and research opportunities through academic outreach activities. Participants are introduced to the university's research excellence and sustainability …

Collected waste is measured and documented during the campus-wide waste characterization survey. The resulting data support long-term monitoring, evaluation of waste reduction efforts, and evidence-based decision-making as part of the University's Strategic Plan for Materials Management and Waste Reduction.

Quantifying Campus Waste

  • Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Collected campus waste is measured, recorded, and analyzed to provide reliable data for campus sustainability planning. These data enable Ben-Gurion University of the Negev to evaluate waste generation patterns, monitor …

Students and their instructor conduct fieldwork along the Red Sea coast as part of their marine science education. At the Eilat Campus of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, direct access to one of the world's most diverse coral reef ecosystems provides exceptional opportunities for field-based learning, scientific research, and environmental monitoring. Through hands-on experience, students develop practical skills in marine ecology, coral reef conservation, biodiversity assessment, and environ

Marine Science Education in the Red Sea

  • Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

The Red Sea provides an exceptional natural laboratory for education and research in marine science. Through regular fieldwork, students investigate coral reefs, coastal ecosystems, and marine biodiversity while applying scientific …

Students conduct marine field sampling in the Red Sea as part of their academic training. Through hands-on research, they apply scientific methods used in marine ecology, biodiversity assessment, and environmental monitoring.

Hands-on Marine Field Research

  • Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Students gain practical experience in marine field research through hands-on training in the Red Sea. Working with scientific sampling methods and environmental monitoring techniques, they develop the skills needed to …

Students receive practical training in the preparation and use of scientific equipment for marine field research in the Red Sea. Learning standardized field methods helps ensure reliable environmental monitoring while supporting responsible research practices.

Preparing for Marine Field Research

  • Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Students in Eilat Campus learn how to prepare and operate scientific equipment used in marine field research in the Red Sea. Through hands-on training, they develop practical skills in environmental …

Students receive field instructions before beginning marine fieldwork in the Red Sea. The briefing introduces scientific field methods, sampling protocols, and responsible research practices designed to ensure accurate data collection while minimizing disturbance to sensitive marine ecosystems.

Preparing for Marine Fieldwork

  • Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev's three campuses offer unique opportunities for sustainability education and research across three complementary environments: the urban setting of Beer-Sheva, the Negev Desert, and the Red …

University of Manitoba researchers have installed flux towers in a canola field in Manitoba, Canada. These towers measure the exchanges of carbon dioxide and water vapour between the land surface and the atmosphere.

SCI 2026 - Investment

  • University of Manitoba

Photos are from the University of Manitoba for the SCI 2026 under investments. We chose these photos to show the areas of research that UM chooses to invest in, primarily …

Smith College students sample aquatic invertebrates to track water quality upstream of a historic dam site.

Smith College river sampling

  • Smith College (MA)

Two Smith College students crouch in a shallow river wearing waders and sampling with a net, quadrat and tub in dappled sunlight

Smith College students design and implement habitat restoration solutions like this snake hibernaculum project at the college's MacLeish Field Station.

Smith College habitat restoration

  • Smith College (MA)

A smiling gloved student in work clothes lifts a heavy rock from the back of a vehicle.

Seafood Safety Research

Seafood Safety

  • Texas A&M University at Galveston (TX)

The SSL works with the TX Department of State Health Services to monitor the levels of two species of Vibrio bacteria in Galveston Bay oysters. In addition, the SSL works …

Texas A&M researcher, Dr. Saripalli conducting autonomous vehicle research.

Autonomous Vehicles

  • Texas A&M University (TX)

Dr. Srikanth Saripalli conducts research on autonomous vehicles in collaboration with students and the local community.

Waterfall Savegre River

Farm 17 - Canadore College

  • Canadore College

Canadore College has developed Farm 17, an off-grid living classroom in Costa Rica’s UNESCO Savegre Biosphere Reserve. Created with Green Communities Costa Rica, an active coffee farm, the site features …

Recognized in the 2026 Sustainable Campus Index, UMR faculty focus on teaching and learning research. Its EcoliteracySCHOOL program connects college and high school students through environmental health curriculum and field experiences, allowing faculty to research the impact of outdoor learning on future health leaders.

University of Minnesota Rochester Ecoliteracy School

  • University of Minnesota, Rochester (MN)

The University of Minnesota Rochester is recognized in the 2026 Sustainable Campus Index for Research. All faculty research at the University of Minnesota Rochester focuses on the scholarship of teaching …

Université Laval students on campus

Université Laval as a Top Performer in 2026 SCI

  • Université Laval (QC)

Université Laval is slated to be recognized as a Top Performer in the 2026 Sustainable Campus Index (SCI), a publication that recognizes top performers in STARS based on institution type, …

Furman University students and professors take water samples from local streams to measure methane levels as part of a research project.

Furman University students and professors take water samples from local streams to measure methane levels as part of a research project.

  • Furman University (SC)

Furman University students Christian Anderson ’26 and Max Ferrier, work with Brannon Andersen, professor of Earth, Environmental and Sustainable Sciences, and Greg Lewis, professor of Biology, while taking water samples …

Furman student Aubin Vertueux Dzossa Bontse '27 shares his work as the Shi Institute's climate resilience fellow.

Furman student Aubin Vertueux Dzossa Bontse '27 shares his work as the Shi Institute's climate resilience fellow

  • Furman University (SC)

Aubin Vertueux Dzossa Bontse '27 shares his work as the Shi Institute's climate resilience fellow at Furman Engaged, April 11, 2025.

As one of Ireland's National SDG Ambassadors, the University of Galway is embedding the Sustainable Development Goals across education, research, operations and partnerships to create lasting impact.

University of Galway

  • Ollscoil na Gaillimhe - University of Galway

As one of Ireland's National SDG Ambassadors, the University of Galway is embedding the Sustainable Development Goals across education, research, operations and partnerships to create lasting impact.

The Forest Campus, University of Tasmania

Stewardship for Sustainability - a new strategy document at The University of Tasmania

  • University of Tasmania (TAS)

The University of Tasmania has recently launched Stewardship for Sustainability - a new strategy document.

Stewardship for Sustainability provides an approach that encompasses care, agency, accountability, and responsibility across our …

  • Posted June 17, 2026
  • Publications
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Intersection of Lab Space Optimization & Reduced Overhead Cost for Research at Universities

  • AASHE (MA)
  • University of Colorado Boulder (CO)

With present uncertainly in US federal funding levels for research in the years to come, this is a time when efforts to be more efficient in science may pique in …

  • Posted May 4, 2026
  • Videos & Webinars
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EAUC State of the Sector 2025 Summary Report

  • Environmental Association for Universities & Colleges (EAUC)

The State of the Sector 2025 research provides the clearest, most up-to-date picture of sustainability across further and higher education in the U.K. and Ireland. Based on responses from over …

  • Posted March 3, 2026
  • Publications
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Midwest Climate Summit 2024 - UW Madison

The Midwest Climate Collaborative: Cross-Sector Collaboration Throughout Twelve States

  • Carleton College (MN)
  • Case Western Reserve University (OH)
  • City of Bloomington
  • City of Columbus
  • City of St. Louis
  • Climate Central (NJ)
  • Delta Institute (IL)
  • Greater Cleveland Partnership
  • Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
  • Indiana University Indianapolis (IN)
  • KERAMIDA Inc. (IN)
  • Lincoln University of Missouri (MO)
  • Michigan State University (MI)
  • Missouri Botanical Garden
  • Missouri University of Science and Technology (MO)
  • National Audubon Society (NY)
  • Northland College (WI)
  • Northwestern University (IL)
  • Oberlin College (OH)
  • Principia College (IL)
  • Second Nature (MA)
  • Southern Illinois University System
  • The Morton Arboretum (IL)
  • The Ohio State University (OH)
  • University of Chicago (IL)
  • University of Illinois Chicago (IL)
  • University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (IL)
  • University of Michigan (MI)
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
  • Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability (IA)
  • Washington University in St. Louis (MO)

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 …

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.

AC 9: Research & Scholarship

AC 9: Support for Sustainability Research

AC 10: Open Access to Research

Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.

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