Amherst College Earns STARS Version 3 Gold
The college recently achieved STARS Gold under the latest version of STARS. Points of distinction include campus energy decarbonization through a geothermal, low-temperature hot water system and renewable electricity; a need-blind admissions process for all students that meets 100 percent of domestic and international students’ calculated need; and working toward a circular move-in and -out waste stream.
London School of Economics Announces Global School of Sustainability
The new school aims to conduct innovative research addressing five key challenges for policymakers: generating sustainable growth and development; creating sustainable finance and business; mobilizing political, legal and governance systems; transforming behaviors; and protecting and enhancing nature and biodiversity. The school will also establish a research fund and help embed sustainability into core undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Dillard U & Partner to Receive $19M for Resiliency & Pollution Reduction
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced over $19M in community grant funding for the university and United Way of Southeast Louisiana to reduce pollution and strengthen community resilience to natural disasters. This funding will improve transportation access, expand bike sharing programs and increase EV chargers. Several buildings will be retrofit with energy-efficient HVAC systems, solar power and energy storage so they can serve as community resilience hubs during emergencies. The university will also launch new non-degree certificate programs in clean energy and climate resilience.
Miami U Receives $5M Gift to Support Campus Solar Park
A recently received $5 million gift from alumni will help the university reach its 2040 carbon neutrality goal through the creation of the Sharon and Graham Mitchell Sustainability Park. The park will encompass two ground-mounted solar panel installations. Money saved from solar energy will be invested in a donor-designated endowment fund.
Georgetown U Introduces Social Justice Core Requirement
Going into effect with the beginning of the fall 2024 semester, all undergraduates will take three courses: a mandatory one-credit seminar–Race, Power, and Justice at Georgetown–and two additional courses that draw upon themes such as marginalization, inequity and identity.
AASHE Releases 2024 Sustainable Campus Index
AASHE recently published the 2024 Sustainable Campus Index, spotlighting sustainability achievements and celebrating top-performing colleges and universities in 17 impact areas. Powered by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), this annual report includes an International Top Performers List (top-scoring institution in each country with STARS participation), and an Institutional Highlights section that recognizes innovative leadership within academics, engagement, operations and administration.
U Notre Dame Adopts Need-Blind Policy for All Students
In a historic expansion to its affordability and accessibility initiatives, the university's recently expanded financial aid commitment includes a new no-loan policy for undergraduate students and an expansion of its need-blind policy to include international students.
Endicott College Publishes Sustainability Plan
The university's recently released Sustainability Plan includes a goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2039. Centered around four pillars—climate and energy; campus operations; health and equity; and experiential learning—the plan includes milestones such as develop new onsite renewables and energy infrastructure to support 25 percent of campus power by 2030 and support the Center for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.
Thompson Rivers U to Begin Low-Carbon District Energy Installation
The university recently broke ground on a low-carbon district energy system that is projected to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 95 percent. Replacing the university’s natural gas boilers, the high-efficiency electrified district heating system will feature air-source and water-source heat pumps, along with backup and peaking boilers.
