Sustainability Assessments
The biannual sustainability literacy assessment is distributed to a representative sample of CSU students and evaluates student knowledge of sustainability topics and challenges. Normally, this assessment is distributed on even-numbered years. Results from this assessment are used to inform sustainability curriculum development and for the university’s STARS reporting.
Sustainability Literacy Assessment (PDF)
Assessing Sustainability Culture Surveys
The biannual assessing sustainability culture survey is distributed to a representative sample of students and employees on campus by the President’s Sustainability Commission and Institutional Research. Normally, this assessment is distributed on odd numbered years, and evaluates the university’s sustainability values, behaviors and beliefs, and awareness of campus sustainability initiatives. Results from this assessment are used to drive sustainability priorities and for the university’s STARS reporting.
The Fall 2023 Sustainability Climate Surveys conducted by Colorado State University reveal a positive and sustained commitment to sustainability among both students and employees. With response rates of 12% for students and 25% for employees, the surveys indicate a continued strong belief in the importance of sustainability at CSU. Some highlights include:
93%
of both students and employees strongly or somewhat agree that sustainability is important to CSU.
77%
of students consider
sustainability knowledge important
for their future careers.
Top initiatives include
solar and wind energy production, alternative transportation options, and more education on campus composting.
View the full assessing sustainability culture survey results here (PDF).
STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) is a transparent self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that includes academics, research, engagement, operations, and administration. CSU uses the report to gauge how well our sustainability efforts and campaigns are performing at a global scale. In 2015, CSU became the first institution in the world to earn a Platinum rating and has now achieved four back-to-back Platinum ratings.