The University of Oregon received a gold rating through the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System, known as STARS, for the third time. STARS is considered the leading standard for sustainability in higher education and measures a range of performance metrics in five categories: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation. 

Many initiatives, programs and actions contribute to the STARS score. For example, Campus Planning and Facilities Management transitioned 25 diesel vehicles on campus to using renewable diesel fuel. R99 diesel comes from non-petroleum-based sources such as vegetable oils and animal fats, and avoids the functionality challenges associated with traditional biofuels.

From a sustainability perspective, R99 has dramatically lower greenhouse gas emissions (the sources of heat trapping emissions in the atmosphere that are the primary driver of global warming), both in the production and use in vehicles. Because this fuel burns so clean it also generates very little pollution. On campus, staff vehicles using R99 diesel now feature a QR code leading to a website where people can learn more about CPFM’s sustainability work for the campus.

UO achieved high scores in key credits such as research, waste, student life and sustainability planning. 

“We are gratified to see UO’s collective work recognized again with a gold STARS rating,” said Steve Mital, director of the Office of Sustainability. “Because STARS is so comprehensive, it really does take a village to gather and report the data.” 

Mital added that the analysis shows there are significant opportunities for improvement. “Several peer institutions have earned platinum. We need to get there too in order to maintain UO’s reputation as a sustainability leader in higher education.”

The STARS program recognizes institutions in one of five ratings: platinum, gold, silver, bronze and reporter. STARS is managed by the Association of the Advancement for Sustainability in Higher Education and reporting happens every three years. 

Staff from the Office of Sustainability and Student Sustainability Center will now analyze UO’s performance with an eye to making improvements ahead of the next report as part of its “Path the Platinum” project.