Second Nature Announces Climate Luminary Honors Recipients

Six colleges and universities were recently recognized as Climate Luminary Honors by Second Nature for their leadership and innovative approaches to addressing climate challenges across five categories—decarbonization, justice, community, workforce, and research—alongside a special award for Climate Resiliency in Action.

Northeastern U Launches Climate Justice Action Plan

The newly published Climate Justice Action Plan is organized around four intersectional themes –campus operations, economic impact, relationships with neighbors, and research and academics–and includes specific goals, associated strategies and actions.

Loyola U Chicago Conducts Multi-Campus Waste Audit

In advance of a waste reduction and diversion planning effort, Loyola University Chicago contracted a vendor, the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, to conduct a multi-campus waste characterization audit. In total over 4,000 lbs of materials across 10 activity zones was categorized into one of 33 categories. This effort helps identify areas for improvement but also set a baseline and inform potential reduction and diversion targets.

AASHE Inaugurates 107 STARS Data Quality Certified Professionals

A total of 107 higher education sustainability professionals from eight countries are now STARS data-quality certified professionals. These individuals are trained to contribute to high-quality and accurate STARS assessments–either through leading a STARS assessment or serving as a reviewer on one. The next STARS data quality training program is on May 22, 2025.