U Michigan Publishes DEI 2.0 Plan
The recently launched Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) 2.0 Plan includes strategy by the central administration and by the 51 university units throughout the university that will engage in DEI activities for the next five years through 2028.
Duke U Reaches Carbon Neutrality
Having reduced its greenhouse gas emissions 31 percent since 2007, the university reached carbon neutrality through a combination of energy savings, investments in renewable energy and retiring 232,000 offset credits amassed from multiple projects.
Princeton Review Publishes 2025 Guide to Green Colleges
The newest Guide to Green Colleges profiles 511 higher education institutions that foster a culture of environmental responsibility. Collectively of the institutions in the guide, 28 percent obtain energy from renewable sources, 46 percent of waste is diverted from landfills and incinerators, 98 percent offer a sustainability-focused undergraduate major or degree, and 100 percent have a sustainability officer.
Johns Hopkins Publishes Climate Action & Sustainability Plan
The newly minted Climate Action and Sustainability Plan, developed over the past two years with input from thousands of students, faculty, staff, alumni and Baltimore residents, commits to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040; purchasing all electricity from renewable sources by 2030; deploying a fully electric vehicle fleet by 2026; ensuring that all light-duty and passenger vehicles purchased by the university are all-electric by 2030; increasing the diversion of all waste to 50 percent; and expanding the impact of research and teaching to develop global solutions and train future leaders.
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.
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.
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 on-site renewables and energy infrastructure to support 25 percent of campus power by 2030 and support the Center for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.
Flinders U Earns STARS V3.0 Gold
(Australia) As the first institution in the world to receive a STARS version 3.0 rating, the university's points of distinction include being powered exclusively from renewable energy, using recycled water for irrigating sports fields, and using electric vehicle surplus battery storage during peak demand periods. Tecnológico de Monterrey–Campus Chihuahua, listed below, is the second institution in the world to submit under version 3.0.
U California San Francisco Appoints Inaugural CSO
The university recently appointed Kira Stoll to its inaugural chief sustainability officer (CSO) role and executive director of the Office of Sustainability. Previously Stoll worked at UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz in sustainability and transportation management. The position reports to the associate vice chancellor of Campus Life Services.
