Stanford is the Top-Scoring Institution for Sustainability Under AASHE STARS 3.0

In February 2026, Stanford University earned a STARS Platinum rating, from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), recognizing campus-wide leadership in sustainability across operations, academics, and engagement.

STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System measures and encourages sustainability achievements in all aspects of higher education. Stanford’s STARS report is publicly available on the AASHE STARS website:

This is the 4th consecutive time that Stanford has earned a Platinum rating, the highest designation a college or university can earn for its sustainability performance. Stanford’s latest report showcases the institution’s:

• Dedication to developing new knowledge and the next generation of leaders in sustainability
• Using the campus as a living laboratory for piloting and demonstrating sustainability solutions
• Strategic planning for climate resilience 
• Transparency in progress, action, and opportunities for engagement
• A long-term commitment to a more sustainable and resilient future

“This recognition reflects two decades of campus-wide work to strengthen and integrate sustainability strategies across our lands, buildings, operations, teaching, and research.”

–Bob Reidy, VP of Land, Buildings & Real Estate

With more than 1,200 participants in 52 countries, AASHE’s STARS program is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s performance in addressing environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability. Participants report achievements in five overall areas: 1) academics 2) engagement, 3) operations, 4) planning and administration, and 5) innovation and leadership. 

Unlike other rating or ranking systems, this program is open to all institutions of higher education, and the criteria that determine a STARS rating are transparent and accessible to anyone. Because STARS is a program based on credits earned, it allows for both internal comparisons as well as comparisons with similar institutions. Not only has Stanford earned the highest overall score of any institution reporting under STARS 3.0 but the university is listed as a top performer in public and campus engagement, energy and climate, and procurement and waste.

About AASHE:

AASHE is an association of colleges and universities that are working to create a sustainable future and their mission is to empower higher education to lead the sustainability transformation.  It provides resources, professional development and a network of support to enable institutions of higher education to model and advance sustainability in everything they do, from governance and operations to education and research. For more information about AASHE, visit www.aashe.org. 

For more information about the STARS program, visit stars.aashe.org.

This article has been updated in September 2026 to include details and a link to the 2026 Sustainable Campus Index.