STARS 2023
Loyola University Chicago Receives STARS Gold Rating for Sustainability Achievements
Loyola University Chicago renewed its STARS Gold rating recognizing the University's sustainability achievements.
Loyola University Chicago has earned a STARS Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) in recognition of the University's sustainability achievements. STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System, measures sustainability in all aspects of higher education. Loyola's STARS report is publicly available here.
With more than 900 participants in 40 countries, AASHE's STARS program is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university's sustainability performance. Unlike other rating or ranking systems, this program is open to all institutions of higher education, and the criteria that determine a STARS rating are transparent and accessible to anyone. Because STARS is a program based on credits earned, it allows for both internal comparisons and comparisons with similar institutions.
To receive a rating, participating universities submit a sustainability report documenting their achievements in five areas: 1) academics, 2) engagement, 3) operations, 4) planning and administration, and 5) innovation and leadership. Each STARS rating is valid for three years, after which schools must submit a new report to maintain a rating.
Loyola has participated in STARS since 2014 and submitted its fourth sustainability report this year. With each submission, the university has maintained a STARS Gold rating and has consistently increased the number of sustainability credits earned. This year the university showed improvements in all categories.
Loyola has established a goal of achieving STARS Platinum, the highest possible rating, and has demonstrated continual progress toward this goal. This year's report highlighted Loyola's elevation of the Institute of Environmental Sustainability to full School status, the adoption of a Sustainable Investment Policy, and the inclusion of a commitment to Care for Our World among Loyola's six enduring values in the 2021 Strategic Plan, Plan150.
"STARS is a terrific tool for schools engaged in sustainability because of its holistic approach. STARS recognizes Loyola for incorporating sustainability in the curriculum, schools and courses, operations and infrastructure, our on-campus and community engagement, our purchasing, and our diversity and equity work. It's a full vision for how sustainability can augment a university's academic and intellectual endeavors," said Aaron Durnbaugh, Loyola's director of sustainability.
Partners across the university collaborate with the Office of Sustainability to reduce the institution's environmental footprint. Loyola's commitment is on full display in each STARS credit, from the Facilities and Capital Planning Departments working to make infrastructure work more efficiently to the Purchasing Department supporting local and diverse businesses.
In addition to enhancing campus sustainability, Loyola puts its commitment to care for our world into action by building sustainability into the curriculum across the institution. From the School of Environmental Sustainability to degrees in the School of Communications, the Quinlan School of Business, and the Parkinson School of Public Health, courses, research, and other intellectual efforts address the critical challenges of sustainability and climate change.
While Loyola continues to improve its sustainability performance overall, it celebrates the leadership of faculty, staff, and especially students, who are incorporating sustainability and environmental justice into their work at Loyola.
Loyola University Chicago has earned a STARS Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) in recognition of the University's sustainability achievements. STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System, measures sustainability in all aspects of higher education. Loyola's STARS report is publicly available here.
With more than 900 participants in 40 countries, AASHE's STARS program is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university's sustainability performance. Unlike other rating or ranking systems, this program is open to all institutions of higher education, and the criteria that determine a STARS rating are transparent and accessible to anyone. Because STARS is a program based on credits earned, it allows for both internal comparisons and comparisons with similar institutions.
To receive a rating, participating universities submit a sustainability report documenting their achievements in five areas: 1) academics, 2) engagement, 3) operations, 4) planning and administration, and 5) innovation and leadership. Each STARS rating is valid for three years, after which schools must submit a new report to maintain a rating.
Loyola has participated in STARS since 2014 and submitted its fourth sustainability report this year. With each submission, the university has maintained a STARS Gold rating and has consistently increased the number of sustainability credits earned. This year the university showed improvements in all categories.
Loyola has established a goal of achieving STARS Platinum, the highest possible rating, and has demonstrated continual progress toward this goal. This year's report highlighted Loyola's elevation of the Institute of Environmental Sustainability to full School status, the adoption of a Sustainable Investment Policy, and the inclusion of a commitment to Care for Our World among Loyola's six enduring values in the 2021 Strategic Plan, Plan150.
"STARS is a terrific tool for schools engaged in sustainability because of its holistic approach. STARS recognizes Loyola for incorporating sustainability in the curriculum, schools and courses, operations and infrastructure, our on-campus and community engagement, our purchasing, and our diversity and equity work. It's a full vision for how sustainability can augment a university's academic and intellectual endeavors," said Aaron Durnbaugh, Loyola's director of sustainability.
Partners across the university collaborate with the Office of Sustainability to reduce the institution's environmental footprint. Loyola's commitment is on full display in each STARS credit, from the Facilities and Capital Planning Departments working to make infrastructure work more efficiently to the Purchasing Department supporting local and diverse businesses.
In addition to enhancing campus sustainability, Loyola puts its commitment to care for our world into action by building sustainability into the curriculum across the institution. From the School of Environmental Sustainability to degrees in the School of Communications, the Quinlan School of Business, and the Parkinson School of Public Health, courses, research, and other intellectual efforts address the critical challenges of sustainability and climate change.
While Loyola continues to improve its sustainability performance overall, it celebrates the leadership of faculty, staff, and especially students, who are incorporating sustainability and environmental justice into their work at Loyola.