aashe stars report

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What is STARS?

The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, & Rating System (STARS) is a comprehensive and transparent reporting framework for universities to track their sustainability performance. The framework addresses environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability and encourages continual improvement across all sustainability metrics.

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Importance

 

The STARS System helps to measure and encourage sustainability in all educational and operational aspects of higher education. 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.  

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Main Takeaways

 

Environmental, economic, and social sustainability are core principles that the WCU community applies to our teaching, research, support services, and operations. The STARS Rating system helps West Chester to assess, measure, and report on our efforts to achieve our sustainability commitments at a nationally recognized level.  

 

Current STARS Rating

West Chester’s STARS Rating for the 2025 submission is ‘Silver’.  

Silver is an excellent rating, and sits within the ranks from STARS in this order: Platinum (best), Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Reporter.

STARS Silver Logo

Overview

*overview table*

  • West Chester's report from 2025 received 50.58 points total.
  • After this year's submission, 2025, there are currently 391 Institutions that have a valid STARS rating. West Chester is 1 of only 130 institutions nationally that have a ‘Silver’ ranking for 2025.
  • We were especially successful in our rankings for the following categories: 'Academics', 'Engagement', and 'Planning and Administration'.

 

Operations

What it measures:

How sustainably the campus is managed, including energy, water, waste, food, and transportation.

Highlights:

  • Energy-efficient and LEED-certified buildings.
  • Campus recycling and composting programs.
  • Sustainable dining and local food sourcing.
  • Efforts to reduce emissions and promote alternative transportation.

How WCU performed:

WCU earned 37.89 points, showing major strides toward running a greener campus. The university is investing in infrastructure and daily practices that support long-term environmental health. Future efforts will focus on reducing carbon emissions, expanding renewable energy, and promoting zero-waste goals.

Academics

What it measures:

How sustainability is integrated into teaching, coursework, and research.

Highlights:

  • Dozens of courses and research projects explore sustainability themes.
  • Opportunities to study environmental, social, and economic issues across multiple majors.
  • Faculty are encouraged to include sustainability topics in their teaching and research.

How WCU performed:

WCU’s 45.25 points show a strong academic foundation. The university is helping students connect classroom learning with real-world sustainability challenges. Future goals include expanding interdisciplinary programs and ensuring every student has the chance to learn how sustainability applies to their field.

Engagement

What it measures:

How students, staff, and the community get involved in sustainability through events, clubs, and partnerships

Highlights:

  • Active student groups and service projects focused on sustainability.
  • Campus-wide initiatives and volunteer opportunities.
  • Partnerships with local organizations to support environmental action.

How WCU performed:

With 31.9 points, WCU shows strong engagement across campus. Students are taking the lead through clubs, awareness events, and community programs. Continued growth in faculty and staff participation, as well as expanding community collaborations, can make this area even stronger.

Planning and Administration

What it measures:

How sustainability is supported at the policy and planning level, including diversity, wellness, governance, and ethical investment.

Highlights:

  • Policies promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Health and well-being programs for students and staff.
  • Administrative support for sustainability goals and reporting.

How WCU performed:

A 23.38 score reflects strong institutional support for sustainability. WCU integrates environmental and social values into decision-making and campus leadership. Continued improvement may include transparent tracking of sustainability goals and expanding sustainability considerations in budgeting and planning.

Innovation and Leadership

What it measures:

Creative and trailblazing sustainability projects that go beyond the standard STARS framework. This category is designed to highlight initiatives and results that go a step beyond what is typically reported. Each credit is worth 1 bonus point

Highlights:

  • Student and faculty projects exploring new ideas.
  • Pilot initiatives that test innovative solutions.
  • Growing opportunities for collaboration and creativity.

How WCU performed:

WCU earned a perfect score of 1, highlighting its innovation and leadership in sustainability. The university can continue to build momentum by encouraging student research, hosting innovation challenges, and showcasing outstanding sustainability projects that inspire others.