STARS Platinum

What is stars?

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 CSU uses to gauge how well our sustainability efforts and campaigns are performing at a global scale. STARS is administered by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), and more than 1,100 universities are registered. Ratings range from Bronze to Platinum.

how has csu done?

2008

2008

  • Pilot Program
2011

2011

  • Gold Rating
2014

2014

  • Gold Rating
2015

2015

  • Platinum Rating
2017

2017

  • Platinum Rating
2019

2019

  • Platinum Rating
2022

2022

  • Platinum Rating

2008

Pilot Program

2011

Gold Rating

2014

Gold Rating

2015

Platinum Rating

2017

Platinum Rating

2019

Platinum Rating

2022

Platinum Rating

In 2015, CSU became the first university in the world to earn a Platinum STARS rating, and we haven’t rested since. We have substantially increased our efforts related to sustainability, including:

  • Expanding the Rams Against Hunger program to include a permanent food pantry on campus, pocket pantries, a meal swipe program, a food recovery program, and assistance with SNAP benefits.
  • Becoming a Bee Campus USA and establishing several student-managed apiaries on campus as well as pollinator-friendly gardens.
  • Increasing the number of majors and minors related to sustainability and expanding sustainability course offerings to every academic department.
  • Building and renovating LEED Platinum or Gold certified classrooms, offices and research spaces
With our newest STARS 2.2 Platinum rating, CSU is currently the only institution to repeat a Platinum STARS rating four times. Each report scores us in five inclusive categories: Academics, Engagement, Operations, Planning and Administration, and Research.

and we haven't stopped there.
we're continuing to improve our impact reach community everyday.

Our stars 2.2 Report

Hover over each panel to read highlights from our most recent report

in Academics

Academics

22.6% of our courses include sustainability.

All academic departments offer at least one course that incorporates sustainability.

in Engagement

Engagement

98.5% of students indicate sustainability is important to them.

Over 400,000 hours of student community service hours are contributed annually.

in Operations

Operations

Our dining centers compost food waste at our on-site composting facility.

We have over 25 EV recharging stations on campus.

in Planning & Administration

Planning & Administration

Students funded an 80-kilowatt solar array on the LSC.

Over 50 presenters facilitated sessions at the Diversity Symposium.

28.3% of the endowment is invested in positive sustainability efforts.

in Research

Research

92% of academic departments are engaged in sustainability research.

463 employees are participating in sustainability research.

Since its start, Rams Against Hunger has seen over 175 tons of food donated.

Read our full Stars 2.2 Report here