Sustainability Strategy, Assessments and Plans
University Sustainability Steering Group
This section is under development. Check back for more information.
Sustainability-Related Plans
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan
Wellhead Protection Program Plan
Sustainability Assessments
Sustainability Tracking and Reporting System (STARS)
The Office of Sustainability facilitated MSU’s third triennial report to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), an American-based certification organization. AASHE provides a framework to measure sustainability efforts within higher education institutions. The Sustainability Tracking and Rating System (STARS) assessment is used by over 800 schools in 30 countries and 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; engagement; operations; planning and administration; and innovation and leadership.
In 2019, MSU achieved a Gold STARS rating, becoming one of three Gold-rated institutions in Michigan. The university has been certified through AASHE since 2011, achieving silver that year and again in 2016; this is MSU's first Gold rating. This increase in its overall rating from the previous silver reports is a testimony to the growth and commitment to MSU’s sustainability efforts. More than 150 individuals across MSU contributed to the certification report, and the entire Spartan community continues to work to further sustainability in MSU's campus, community, curriculum and culture.
2019 STARS Report
View 2019 Report Online (aashe.org)
Download 2019 STARS Supporting Data
Download Technical Manual (2.1)
2022 STARS Report
The Office of Sustainability will facilitate another STARS assessment and publish a STARS Report in 2022. Download Technical Manual (2.2)
Times Higher Education Impact Rankings
The Office of Sustainability worked with the Office of Institutional Research to facilitate MSU’s first submission to the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. This ranking assesses higher education institutions' progress against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in three main areas: research, outreach and stewardship. The 2021 Ranking will be announced spring 2021. The 2020 edition included 768 universities from 85 countries.