Laurier Receives STARS Gold Rating for Sustainability Achievements

Laurier has earned a STARS Gold rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education. This is the fourth submission for Laurier, and the second attainment of the STARS Gold rating status.

Advancing Sustainability in Academics, Engagement, Investment, and Operations

The university is committed to advancing sustainability through operations, academics, and engagement. Sustainability is woven into the fabric of our university, shaping how we teach, research, and operate. Since the previous STARS submission (2018), there have been improvements to the advancement of sustainability in policy, projects, and action planning at the university. Specifically, improvements include the Laurier Strategic Plan (2024-28), Sustainability Action Plan (2023-28), 4.13 Sustainability Policy, and the completion of the Laurier Energy Efficiency Program (LEEP).

“We are very proud to have achieved a STARS rating for our sustainability accomplishments. We look forward to watching our sustainability efforts grow and improve through the STARS program,” said Eric Meliton, manager, Sustainability Office.

With more than 1,200 participants in 52 countries, AASHE’s STARS program is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability performance. Participants report achievements in five overall areas: 1) academics 2) engagement, 3) operations, 4) planning and administration, and 5) innovation and leadership.

Unlike other rating or ranking systems, this program is open to all institutions of higher education, and the criteria that determine a STARS rating are transparent and accessible to anyone. Because STARS is a program based on credits earned, it allows for both internal comparisons as well as comparisons with similar institutions.

Achieving gold reflects unwavering commitment to sustainability and strong, measurable progress across academics, operations, community engagement, and planning. The designation highlights diverse efforts such as:

• Integrating sustainability into teaching, learning and research, giving our student community hands-on opportunities to address real-world challenges

• Reducing Laurier’s environmental footprint through energy efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable transportation, ecologically managed grounds, and sustainable procurement

• Strengthening our community partnerships that advance social equity, climate resilience, and student well-being

• Embedding sustainability into long-term planning, ensuring that environmental and social responsibility remain core to Laurier’s institutional priorities

This accomplishment is made possible by the dedicated efforts of students, staff, faculty, and community partners who continue to pursue sustainable initiatives, projects, research, and teachings!

About AASHE

AASHE is an association of colleges and universities that are working to create a sustainable future. AASHE’s mission is to empower higher education to lead the sustainability transformation.  It provides resources, professional development and a network of support to enable institutions of higher education to model and advance sustainability in everything they do, from governance and operations to education and research. For more information about AASHE, visit www.aashe.org.

For more information about the STARS program, visit stars.aashe.org.

If you have questions about sustainability efforts at Laurier, please reach out to Eric Meliton, manager, Sustainability Office, at emeliton@wlu.ca