The University of Wisconsin–Madison has attained its first STARS Gold rating in a comprehensive sustainability assessment, a significant achievement in alignment with Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin’s five environmental sustainability goals announced earlier this year. The Sustainability Tracking and Rating System (STARS), managed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, is a globally recognized framework that allows higher education institutions to report their sustainability performance publicly. UW–Madison’s gold rating aligns it with other leading institutions in the Big Ten, which has 14 out of 16 schools holding similar ratings.
Chancellor Mnookin expressed pride in the accomplishment, highlighting the collaborative efforts of staff, faculty, and students in prioritizing sustainability at the university. The gold rating is not just a recognition but a reflection of the institution’s commitment to addressing various environmental challenges that impact both Wisconsin residents and communities worldwide.
STARS evaluates institutions across four scoring categories: Academics, Engagement, Operations, and Planning and Administration. This framework provides a comprehensive overview of the institution’s sustainability efforts and demonstrates progress toward its goals related to emissions reduction, waste management, educational opportunities, and research.
The STARS reporting process involved nearly 100 indicators and was a collective effort across multiple departments within the university. Key players included institutional data teams, academic departments, research centers, and student groups, alongside partnerships with University Housing and Facilities Planning & Management. Missy Nergard, the director of institutional sustainability, emphasized that the STARS rating highlights the university’s dedication to sustainability as a collective institutional commitment.
In this year’s report, the university’s Operations score benefited from several improved waste metrics, including a reduction in waste per campus user and an innovative approach to minimizing food waste, alongside a remarkable 89% diversion rate for construction and demolition waste. Furthermore, UW–Madison maintained stable greenhouse gas emissions and energy usage since 2022 despite campus growth.
Cindy Torstveit, Associate Vice Chancellor of Facilities Planning & Management, noted that the university’s unique sustainability strategy integrates academics with operational practices, creating real change while enhancing learning and research opportunities. She expressed excitement about future initiatives to build on this success and attain net-zero emissions and a zero-waste campus.
Among Mnookin’s five sustainability goals is the commitment to ensure that by 2030, all interested students have access to sustainability education. This year, the university notably improved its score in the Academics category, with 85 departments now offering sustainability courses. Additionally, 57 programs provide a major or certification requiring sustainability knowledge, supporting high student involvement with over 50 registered student organizations, including events like the award-winning Earth Fest.
Dean of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, Paul Robbins, underscored the significant interest among students in sustainability education, with many enrolling in courses and certificate programs across various disciplines. The increased demand for practical training in sustainability skills signals a powerful commitment to integrating sustainability into the university’s core mission.
With the anticipated implementation of stricter scoring criteria in STARS 3.0, maintaining a Gold rating will necessitate ongoing dedication to operational sustainability. The collaborative approach at UW–Madison positions it as a leader in environmental sustainability not only on campus but throughout the state.
Chancellor Mnookin acknowledged the hard work that led to this recognition while reaffirming the university’s focus on future challenges. She expressed the intent to celebrate this achievement while remaining committed to serving the residents of Wisconsin and future generations of students.
