Indiana University Indianapolis has achieved a STARS Gold rating for the third consecutive submission.
Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. Administered by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), the comprehensive sustainability report addresses sustainability across the whole campus, with areas including greenhouse gas emissions, academics and research, landscape practices, student engagement, commuting, food procurement, and waste, among others.
While the IU Office of Sustainability compiles the STARS report, the assessment evaluates sustainability performance in all areas of the campus, so the score is reflective of the sustainability efforts across numerous departments and units.
Factors that contribute to the Gold rating include:
- Improved energy efficiency: In FY19, the campus had achieved a 7% reduction in energy consumption compared to a 2015 baseline. In FY22, the campus achieved a 27% reduction to the same baseline.
- Decrease in emissions: Compared to the FY20 baseline year, FY22 saw a decrease of 27,000 MT of emissions (~16% reduction).
- Less waste, additional tracking: In FY22, IU Indy generated less waste (both in improved recycling rates and in a reduction of trash overall). Also implemented was improved tracking of tonnage for items sold via Surplus.
- Better understanding of “sustainability” in research: A new methodology was used that mapped research projects to SDGs. The new methodology allowed us to recognize an additional 289 researchers who are working towards sustainable solutions.
“Our sustainability achievements are the result of the collective efforts of our students, faculty, staff, and community partners. We’re grateful to everyone for their dedication to making IU Indianapolis a more sustainable and resilient campus” said Amanda Keene, IU Indianapolis Director of Campus Sustainability.