AASHE STARS Gold
The University of Pittsburgh was very proud to achieve its first AASHE STARS Gold rating in 2021.
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (AASHE STARS) is a transparent framework for colleges and universities to measure and benchmark their sustainability performance across all aspects of higher education.
Pitt’s Gold rating is based on strong achievements from 2018 to 2021 in five areas: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership. A mere 3 years after achieving our first ever AASHE STARS rating (Silver in 2018), Pitt is very proud to again be recognized for its sustainability accomplishments. Among Pitt’s many sustainability initiatives, three points of distinction celebrate the lowest total energy use per square foot in fiscal year 2020, the new anti-Black racism course for all first year students, and Pitt’s Cool Food Pledge to cut food-related greenhouse gas emissions 25% by 2030.
With the 2021 AASHE STARS Gold designation valid until 2024, Pitt will continue to renew its AASHE STARS designation every 3 years moving forward.