An Iowa College in the Liberal Arts Tradition
STARS
Luther College Recognized for Sustainability Excellence
In March, 2022, Luther was awarded a Gold rating for its Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) submission. This is Luther's second STARS Gold rating. Since 2019, the college has ranked within the top ten performers in baccalaureate institutions. The most recent rating raised Luther’s score from 72.17 to 75.28.
In the 2022 report, Luther scored exceptionally in academics, with large percentages of courses, departments and research reflecting some aspect of sustainability. Our accomplishments in engaging the campus (and greater) community were also highly recognized in the categories of student orientation, sustainability education, outreach and community partnerships.
Luther’s operational sustainability continues to show gains in building energy efficiency, reductions in greenhouse gas generation, and improvements in sustainable and plant-based dining. Luther received recognition for sustainability in planning and administration as well. We scored points for the new Responsible Investment Advisory Committee, systems of supports for underrepresented groups, and for a coordinate system of officers, staffing and plans to implement sustainability on campus.
The 2022 report was Luther's fifth STARS submission. Luther was awarded STARS Silver ratings in 2011, 2014, and 2017. Luther received STARS Gold in 2019 and 2022. As of March 2022, only 136 institutions of higher education globally had received a STARS Gold rating.
"The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS®) is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS is intended to engage and recognize the full spectrum of higher education institutions, from community colleges to research universities. The framework encompasses 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." (Source: https://stars.aashe.org/)
Luther's entire 2022 STARS report can be found here.
