The Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) highlights top-performing colleges and universities in 17 impact areas and overall by institution type, as measured by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). Appalachian State University is a Pilot and Charter participant in STARS, the transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance.
In the 2017 Sustainable Campus Index compiled by the standard bearer for tracking sustainability in higher education, Appalachian State University ranked first among institutions with master’s programs and second overall in curriculum. The university tied for third for buildings, which is based on efficiencies in operations and maintenance, design and construction and indoor air quality.
Chancellor Sheri Everts said she is “extremely proud of our consistent high rankings with STARS. A deep and broad understanding of the interconnectedness of sustainability is always at the forefront as we identify priorities and set goals. We have institutionalized the concept of sustainability, and I trust we will continue as leaders within the higher education community.”
About Sustainability at Appalachian
Appalachian State University’s leadership in sustainability is known nationally. The university’s holistic, three-branched approach considers sustainability economically, environmentally and equitably in relationship to the planet’s co-inhabitants. The university is an active steward of the state’s interconnected financial, cultural and natural resources and challenges students and others think critically and creatively about sustainability and what it means from the smallest individual action to the most broad-based applications. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate academic degree programs that focus on sustainability. In addition, 100 percent of Appalachian’s academic departments offer at least one sustainability course or course that includes sustainability, and all students graduate from programs that have adopted at least one sustainability learning outcome. Learn more.
