The University of California, Merced announced recently that the institution has been awarded a Platinum rating under the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS.)
According to UC Merced, Platinum is the highest rating a higher education institution can receive for its sustainability programs and actions. Currently, only 11 institutions throughout the nation have earned this rating.
“This recognition marks a pinnacle point in the ongoing leadership efforts of UC Merced to foster a sustainable and equitable institution. Throughout the years, our campus community has been committed to being a driving force for a sustainable future and will continue to strive to set an example for everyone,” Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz said in a statement.
AASHE’s STARS is the most widely recognized international framework for publicly documenting long-term sustainability goals for already high-achieving institutions, as well as entry points of recognition for institutions that are taking first steps toward sustainability.
“This is yet another monumental defining moment for our campus that recognizes how we as an institution have embedded sustainable concepts into how we operate, teach and engage our campus community. I am proud of our campus. This is why we are a model and national leader,” Director of Sustainability Mark Maxwell said.
UC Merced joins UC Irvine and UC Berkeley as the only UC campuses to achieve a STARS Platinum rating. The only other California institution to earn a Platinum rating is Stanford University.
“This rating is a culmination of actions taken on multiple fronts by so many on our campus to get to this point,” Office of Sustainability Assistant Director Breeana Sylvas said.
Collaborations throughout the campus have been critically important to meeting the demands of building a resilient university, she said. Campus community members shared their enthusiasm as they have helped shape UC Merced’s actions.
“This collaborative achievement demonstrates how institutions can foster a just and sustainable world building on sustainability education and research involving faculty and students,” said Professor Mike Dawson, chair of the Faculty Advisory Committee on Sustainability.
As the newest UC campus, UC Merced has proven its commitment to sustainability as a trailblazer for sustainable concepts, and the campus efforts have not gone unnoticed. The university became the first public research institution in the United States to achieve carbon neutrality, five years ahead of the University of California System goal of 2025. The campus was recognized with a resolution from the California State Senate for its achievement.
UC Merced is also the only institution in the United States to have all its buildings certified under U.S. Green Building Council (USBGC) Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED).
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