BINGHAMTON N.Y.—Binghamton University has earned a gold star rating through the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), according to an announcement from the school. Binghamton is the first SUNY school to achieve a gold rating under the newest STARS guideline framework. STARS is a comprehensive sustainability rating system for colleges and universities that addresses the environmental and economic sides of sustainability. More than 1,200 institutions in 52 countries participate in the STARS program.
An institution’s score is determined by a points system in four main categories: academics, engagement, operations, and planning and administration.
“The gold rating from AASHE reflects Binghamton University’s broad and deep commitment to sustainability,” said Anne D’Alleva, Binghamton University’s president. “Our efforts span the research we conduct in energy storage, our stewardship of the natural areas on our campus, and our engagement with neighbors, and community partners on issues such as climate change. I offer my congratulations and gratitude to the many individuals across the University who make sustainability a daily focus of their work and, in doing so, strengthen our campus and community.”
Binghamton was a high performer in research, public engagement, and coordination and planning. Just over 90 percent of academic departments are engaged in sustainability-related research, and 372 Binghamton faculty members’ research ties into at least one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations, the announcement said.
The University’s smart energy research was also noted as a point of distinction in the STARS submission. Specifically, Binghamton’s work to become a hub for battery technology innovation and additional projects to support the battery supply chain, workforce development, and environmental justice were noted.
Efforts to protect the local ecosystem were also highlighted for their role in enhancing biodiversity. A point of pride for the University, the over 300-acre Nature Preserve on the main campus features low/no-mowing zones and implements a newly adopted Integrated Pest Management Plan. The Nature Preserve is also the largest and most-used laboratory on campus, the school said.
“Achieving Gold under the STARS 3.0 framework reflects Binghamton University’s strong commitment to sustainability,” said Martin Larocca, deputy chief sustainability officer at the Binghamton University office of sustainability. “Over the past three years, more than 30 campus programs have advanced sustainability initiatives, expanding our efforts and impact across campus. I am grateful to the Campus Sustainability Committee for providing leadership on key projects and assisting with the collection and reporting of sustainability data from across the University. Everyone’s efforts will be crucial as we continue to strive toward a Platinum rating.”
