GVSU in pilot sustainability rating project

ALLENDALE, Mich. — Grand Valley State University is among more than 90 college and university campuses selected to participate in the pilot phase of a rating system for sustainability in higher education developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

The self-assessment system, called STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System), launched February 4. Participating college and university campuses will test the system over the course of 2008, and provide feedback to AASHE that will inform STARS version 1.0, planned for release in spring 2009.

“As Grand Valley State University continues to incorporate sustainability best practices across the campus using an interdisciplinary approach, the STARS will help us accurately track and assess our performance,” said Steve Glass, associate dean in the College of Interdisciplinary Studies.

The system is similar to the LEED green building rating system. STARS, however, is applied to an entire campus rather than a single building or set of buildings and evaluates social responsibility as well as environmental stewardship. Campuses may earn credits in three categories — curriculum and research; operations; and administration and finance. For more information about STARS, visit www.aashe.org/stars .