We are pleased to share that Columbia University is embarking on the process of pursuing verification under the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), administered by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). This effort is being led jointly by Columbia University Facilities and Operations and the Columbia Climate School.
AASHE is a global membership organization that supports higher education institutions in advancing sustainability through education, research, operations, and campus engagement. STARS is its flagship framework: a comprehensive, transparent, and widely recognized system used by colleges and universities to measure and report their sustainability performance across a broad range of areas, including academics, operations, planning, administration, and community engagement.
Columbia previously earned a STARS Gold rating in 2018, reflecting the strength of sustainability efforts across the University. As we begin this new verification process, we are building on that foundation. Many of the data points required for this submission have likely already been developed or informed by ongoing work across the University, including efforts aligned with Plan 2030 commitments.
Universities pursue STARS participation for several reasons:
- To benchmark sustainability performance against peer institutions
- To identify strengths and opportunities for improvement
- To increase transparency and accountability in sustainability efforts
- To demonstrate institutional leadership and commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility
- To support data-driven decision-making and strategic planning
Achieving STARS verification requires a collaborative, institution-wide effort. Many of you and your teams hold critical information about programs, policies, practices, and data that are essential to accurately representing Columbia’s sustainability performance. Your participation will help ensure that the University receives the most comprehensive and accurate assessment possible.
In the coming weeks, a representative from the Office of Sustainability will reach out to each of you individually to:
- Identify a primary point of contact within your department
- Schedule an initial meeting to introduce the process and expectations
- Establish a timeline for submitting the requested information
- Provide guidance on how to share data for inclusion in the STARS reporting system
We recognize that this effort requires time and coordination, and we are committed to making the process as streamlined and supportive as possible. Your collaboration is essential to the success of this initiative and to showcasing the breadth and depth of sustainability work taking place across Columbia University.
We thank you in advance for your engagement and partnership. Together, we can ensure that Columbia’s achievements and leadership in sustainability are accurately reflected on a global stage.
