The Green Review

The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) a program of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) provides post-secondary institutions with a framework to transparently measure and showcase their sustainability performance.

STARS evaluates various sectors of sustainability focusing on;

• Academics (AC),
• Operations (OP),
• Planning and Administration (PA),
• Engagement (EN), and
• Innovation and Leadership (IL).

Based on these evaluations, institutions are assigned one of the following designations: Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Reporter that are valid for three years from the date of publication.

The University of New Brunswick (UNB) has previously achieved a STARS Silver Rating and is currently preparing a new submission for the 2024 fiscal year. To better understand how institutions are evaluated, we will explore the STARS categories in detail.

Academics

Evaluates the integration of sustainability into formal education and applied learning experiences. With a maximum of 45 points, this category holds the highest credit value, reflecting the core mission of colleges and universities to educate students on sustainability principles and practices.

At UNB, all faculties currently offer multiple sustainability-related courses, underscoring the institution’s strong commitment to sustainability education.

Engagement

Focuses on the institution’s involvement in sustainability initiatives that extend beyond the classroom. This includes activities that engage external stakeholders within local communities, as well as networking opportunities for staff and students.

This category emphasizes hands-on experiences and community partnerships that foster a culture of sustainability. At UNB, various campus clubs, alongside the Sustainability Team, lead initiatives that provide these valuable experiences and offer resources to support ongoing efforts.

Operations

On the other hand, evaluates an institution’s ability to minimize its environmental impact. At UNB, numerous initiatives are underway to reduce the university’s negative environmental footprint.

For instance, you may have noticed the push to maximize power generation through renewable energy sources, such as the installation of solar panels on available flat surfaces across campus.

Another notable example is the introduction of electric vehicle (EV) chargers and UNB’s first electric mail van, which is used year-round to support sustainable transportation.

Planning and administration

Is pivotal in advancing sustainability. Effective planning is the cornerstone of any institution’s success, and this category encompasses policies and practices that safeguard the environment while promoting the health, safety, and well-being of everyone on campus.

Initiatives such as the smoke-free campus policy, measures to protect employee rights, and additional support for students from underrepresented groups highlight UNB’s dedication to fostering a safe, inclusive and sustainable community.

Innovation and leadership

Celebrates creative solutions to sustainability challenges and leadership initiatives that go beyond the scope of other categories. This category encourages institutions to think outside the box and take bold steps toward a more sustainable future.

UNB is actively implementing numerous initiatives to protect the environment and ensure that future generations can enjoy the resources we have today.

From renewable energy projects to sustainable transportation and waste reduction efforts, UNB is dedicated to making a positive impact on the planet. We encourage you to do the same.

Resources

Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System
A critical review of the effectiveness of the STARS framework on Campus