Sustainability at ESF
AASHE STARS

The Association for Sustainability in Higher Education's Sustainability Tracking and Rating System (STARS) is a transparent, self-reporting framework used by colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. Participating campuses are required to report at least every three years and are rated as a Reporter, Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum institution based on performance. ESF has participated in STARS since the pilot program was launched in 2008 and first achieved a rating in 2011 as a Silver institution.

Since that time, ESF has attained Platinum certification status. We are one of the few institutions, and the only SUNY college or university, to achieve this highest level of certification.

View the College's 2021 STARS report (Platinum) to take a deep dive into many of our sustainability projects and programs.

The Sustainable Campus Index, an AASHE publication, recognizes top-performing colleges and universities in 17 impact areas, as measured by STARS. ESF was recognized by AASHE as a top performer in the 2022 Sustainable Campus Index (PDF). In addition to being named an Overall Top Performer, ESF achieved "top performer" status in the following categories: curriculum (#1), public engagement (#2), and water (#9).

View our STARS report for more detail about each section listed below: