UNC Charlotte Earns First STARS Gold Rating for Sustainability Performance

UNC Charlotte grabbed its first STARS Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. The school scored 66.23. This marks a jump from the Silver rating it got when joining back in 2016.

The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System checks progress across five areas: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, plus innovation and leadership. Schools need scores above 65 for Gold. Over 1,200 schools from 52 countries participate.

"Earning our first STARS Gold rating highlights UNC Charlotte's commitment to sustainability and academic excellence," said Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber, per Inside Charlotte. "This achievement reflects the collective efforts of our campus community to lead responsibly and innovatively."

Campus results matched or beat the average in nine of 13 categories when stacked against 668 schools on AASHE's Sustainable Campus Index. The school shined in curriculum and research — 90% of departments now offer courses related to sustainability, while 37% of researchers work on sustainability scholarship.

Buildings use 47% less source energy. Water consumption per unit floor area dropped 68% compared to earlier benchmarks. Greenhouse gas emissions per person fell 37%.

Buying habits shifted. Electronics purchases now meet top sustainable product certifications 92% of the time.

Research involvement is spread across departments with 97% of departments conducting research have at least one sustainability researcher working there. About 18% of graduates finish degree programs requiring sustainability knowledge as a learning outcome, and 15% of courses cover sustainability content.

"Our faculty, staff and students have worked hard to earn this global recognition," said Mike Lizotte, university sustainability officer. "UNC Charlotte is well-positioned to achieve the strategic vision of becoming a national leader in sustainability."

New programs like the sustainability ambassadors boosted staff involvement. The school wove sustainability into orientation for students and staff.

"UNC Charlotte has demonstrated a substantial commitment to sustainability by achieving a STARS Gold Rating and is to be congratulated for their efforts," said Meghan Fay Zahniser, AASHE executive director.