Macalester College receives a STARS Gold Rating for 2014

Macalester College receives a STARS Gold Rating in recognition of their sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System, is a program AASHE that measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education.

AASHE's STARS program is the only one of its kind that involves publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university's sustainability performance. Participants report achievements in three overall areas: 1) education & research, 2) operations, and 3) planning, administration, & engagement.

According to AASHE, as of July 2014, Macalester College was part of the 21.6% of schools who received a Gold Rating. 49.0% of schools received Silver, 21.9% received Bronze, and 7.3% received reporter status.

Categories that Macalester excelled in were Campus Engagement, Coordination, Planning & Governance, Grounds, and Diversity & Affordability. Other categories that have room for improvement are Investment, Energy, Buildings, and Dining Services.

AASHE is an association of colleges and universities that are working to create a sustainable future. The mission of AASHE is to empower higher education to lead the sustainability transformation. It provides resources, professional development, and a network of support to enable institutions of higher educaction to model and advance sustainability in everything they do, from governance and operations to education and research. The AASHE website has more resources about the organization and STARS.