April 21, 2020

College Recognized for Sustainability Efforts

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Ranking reflects sustainability performance across academics, operations, administration, and leadership

Lafayette College has earned a STARS silver rating in recognition of sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). STARS sustainability ranking seal

STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education.

Lafayette received a score of 53.26 for the reporting period of 2018-19. This is an improvement from the 47.62 received in 2016, the last time the College participated in STARS reporting.

“Assessing Lafayette’s sustainability performance was a true collaborative effort amongst students, faculty and staff,” says Delicia Nahman, director of sustainability. “In 2018-19, we made great strides related to waste minimization and diversion, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and local food procurement. We also continued our deep commitment to community engagement and ensuring Lafayette remains affordable and accessible for future students.”

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:

Academics: curriculum and research
Engagement: campus and public engagement
Operations: air and climate, buildings, energy, food and dining, grounds, purchasing, transportation, waste, water
Planning and Administration: coordination and planning, diversity and affordability, investment and finance, wellbeing and work
Innovation and Leadership

“STARS was developed by the campus sustainability community to provide high standards for recognizing campus sustainability efforts,” says AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser. “Lafayette College has demonstrated a substantial commitment to sustainability by achieving a STARS Silver Rating and is to be congratulated for their efforts.”

Nahman adds: “As a campus community we look forward to continued progress in deepening our health and well-being programs and assessing the integration of sustainability throughout the curriculum.”

Access the STARS report to learn more about Lafayette’s ranking.

Learn more about sustainability at Lafayette.