Second Nature is committed to accelerating climate action in, and through, higher education. From its founding, Second Nature has worked to expand higher education’s ability to solve pressing sustainability challenges. [They] do this by mobilizing a diverse array of higher education institutions to act on bold climate commitments, to scale campus climate initiatives, and to create innovative climate solutions. [They] align, amplify, and bridge the sector’s efforts with other global leaders to advance urgent climate priorities.
AASHE
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) empowers higher education faculty, administrators, staff and students to be effective change agents and drivers of sustainability innovation. We work with and for higher education to ensure that our world’s future leaders are motivated and equipped to solve sustainability challenges.
SSU also participates in the AASHE program Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System, known as STARS. This is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. In the Spring of 2021, Sonoma State University achieved enough points to garner a Silver rating designation.
Recognition
STARS
STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance.
STARS® is a program of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) of which Sonoma State University is a member of and participates in the STARS® program. The process of being rated requires contributions throughout the University, from the Office of the President, Advancement, Academic Affairs, Human Resources, evaluations of Business Practices, energy and consumption and more. Each area is given points, out of the maximum allowed. The overall points provide the rating, a STARS Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Rating, or earn the STARS Reporter designation. Each seal represents significant sustainability leadership.
In the Spring of 2021, Sonoma State University achieved enough points to garner a Silver rating designation. This was an improvement from our 2016 Bronze designation. A summary of the new report and a pathway for improvement will help guide our next steps to improve sustainability on campus and our preserves.
LEED
The renovated Stevenson Hall, reopened January 2023, will be the campus' first LEED certified building and is expected to receive a gold rating.
