Vermont Business Magazine Sterling College of Vermont has been recognized as a top performer in the 2024 Sustainable Campus Index, securing the top Curriculum and Food & Dining rankings and receiving a Gold rating for overall excellence among Baccalaureate institutions. A publication from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), the Sustainable Campus Index recognizes top-performing sustainable colleges and universities overall and in 17 impact areas, as measured through the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS).
“Sterling College is advancing ecological thinking, curiosity, and action through a unique experiential liberal arts education model in environmental studies. We are committed to our mission, work, and community service,” said President Scott L. Thomas. “It is an honor to be recognized by AASHE for accomplishments in sustainability in higher education.”
Sterling earned top performer status in the Curriculum impact area by equipping students to lead society to a sustainable future with courses, programs, and outcomes in sustainability, living laboratory initiatives, immersive experiences, sustainability literacy, and faculty development. The small college used its food purchasing practices to support local economies, encourage environmentally friendly and humane farming methods, help eliminate unsafe working conditions, and alleviate poverty for farm workers.
Sterling’s actions reduced environmental impacts, preserved regional farmland, improved local food security, supported fair and resilient food systems, and reduced food waste. Dining services support sustainable food systems by making low-impact dining options available and educating customers about more sustainable options.
"All of us at AASHE extend our warmest congratulations to Sterling College for its achievements,” applauded AASHE’s Executive Director, Meghan Fay Zahniser. “By fostering sustainable practices and initiatives, you set an inspiring example for your peers and future generations. Your efforts are a testament to the positive impact that institutions can make when they prioritize sustainability and take meaningful action. Keep up the outstanding work creating a brighter, more sustainable future for all!"
Sterling College’s STARS report is publicly available on the STARS website: https://www.aashe.org/sustainable-campus-index-press-kit/
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Monika Urbanski
Senior Manager of Resources, Data Quality & Publications
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
About Sterling College
Sterling College, VT, is committed to advancing ecological thinking and action through affordable experiential learning that prepares people to be knowledgeable, skilled, and responsible leaders in the communities in which they live. Sterling is New England’s only Work-Learning-Service College and one of only nine federally recognized work colleges nationwide. For more information, visit https://www.sterlingcollege.edu/
About STARS
The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS was developed by AASHE with broad participation from the higher education community. The credits included in STARS span the breadth of higher education sustainability and are organized into four categories: Academics, Engagement, Operations, and Planning & Administration. All reports are publicly accessible on the STARS website. For more information, visit stars.aashe.org.
About AASHE
AASHE empowers higher education administrators, faculty, staff, and students to be effective change agents and drivers of sustainability innovation. AASHE enables members to translate information into action by offering essential resources and professional development to a diverse, engaged community of sustainability leaders. We work with and for higher education to ensure that our world’s future leaders are motivated and equipped to solve sustainability challenges. For more information, visit www.aashe.org.
Source: 9.16.2024. CRAFTSBURY COMMONS – Sterling College
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