Colorado State University has earned a top-four ranking in the 2024 Sustainable Campus Index calculated by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. CSU has been in that top echelon of doctoral institutions for all 10 years of AASHE’s rankings.
“To be recognized as a top performer in sustainability for a full decade is an incredible accomplishment and would not be possible without the engagement and hard work of our students, faculty and staff,” said Tonie Miyamoto, co-chair of the President’s Sustainability Commission and executive director of communications and sustainability in the Division of Student Affairs. “When I think back to 2015 when we achieved our first STARS Platinum rating, I am awed by how much our sustainability curriculum, research and engagement has grown and expanded.”
CSU, the top performing university in Colorado and the first institution to earn platinum status four times, earned top 10 spots in seven individual categories: tied for No. 1 in curriculum; No. 2 in campus engagement; No. 5 in public engagement; tied for No. 7 in research and purchasing; No. 8 in investment and finance; and tied for No. 9 in water.
CSU’s overall score of 88.13 trails only the Université de Sherbrooke in Quebec, Arizona State University and the University of California-Irvine among doctoral institutions. CSU is ahead of schools like Cornell, New Hampshire and Stanford.
About STARS
In this latest report, AASHE rated 614 institutions at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral levels around the world. STARS is a comprehensive sustainability rating system for colleges and universities that addresses environmental, social and economic sustainability.
An institution’s STARS score is based on the percentage of applicable points earned in credits in four main categories: academics; engagement; operations; and planning and administration.
“All of us at AASHE extend our warmest congratulations to Colorado State University for their achievement,” said Meghan Fay Zahniser, AASHE’s executive director. “By fostering sustainable practices and initiatives, you set an inspiring example for your peers and future generations.
“Your efforts are a testament to the positive impact that institutions can make when they prioritize sustainability and take meaningful action. Keep up the outstanding work in creating a brighter, more sustainable future for all!”
Charging forward
CSU has dozens of ongoing projects and research related to sustainability. CSU has added an undergraduate certificate in climate change and society. Plus, 38 faculty members underwent training before the school year to help instructors incorporate climate research, education and discussion into their classrooms.
The university also recently purchased carbon offsets that help provide lower-pollution stoves in developing countries like Honduras.
CSU’s next STARS report is due in late 2025, and the university is focused on areas where CSU can keep improving.
“I am also reminded of how urgent the need to address climate change has become in the past decade,” Miyamoto said. “Now is the time for us to build on our strong foundation to take on the wicked challenges we face today.”