SOU Receives STARS Silver Rating for Sustainability Achievements

February 28, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For further information, contact:
D Roxane Beigel-Coryell, Sustainability & Recycling Coordinator, Southern Oregon University
beigelcod@sou.edu
541-552-8139

SOU Receives STARS Silver Rating for Sustainability Achievements

Ashland, OR – Southern Oregon University has received a STARS Silver Rating in recognition of their sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System, is a program that measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education.
Since achieving a STARS Bronze Rating in 2011, SOU continues to expand and diversify campus sustainability initiatives. The university is highlighted annually by the Princeton Review and Sierra Magazine as one of the nation’s top green schools. In 2012, SOU was featured in the Department of Energy’s “Clean Energy in our Community” video series for its commitment to clean, renewable energy.
“SOU is honored to be recognized with a STARS Silver rating for our work to advance sustainability on campus and throughout our community,” says Southern Oregon University President, Mary Cullinan. “As one of SOU’s core values, sustainability is embraced by the entire campus. We pride ourselves on the collaborative partnerships and innovative solutions that have made SOU a leader in sustainability.”
AASHE’s STARS program is the only one of its kind that involves publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability performance. Participants report achievements in three overall areas: 1) education & research, 2) operations, and 3) planning, administration & engagement.
“STARS was developed by the campus sustainability community to provide high standards for recognizing campus sustainability efforts,” said AASHE Executive Director Stephanie Herrera. “SOU has demonstrated a substantial commitment to sustainability by achieving a STARS Silver Rating and is to be congratulated for their efforts.”
Unlike other rating or ranking systems, this program is open to all institutions of higher education in the U.S. and Canada, 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.
“From installing solar panels to establishing sustainable learning communities to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus culture, sustainability is embedded in everything we do at SOU. We are proud to have students, staff, faculty and administration working together to shape a bright and sustainable future,” says Roxane Beigel-Coryell, Sustainability & Recycling Coordinator. “We are thrilled to have achieved a STARS Silver Rating for our sustainability accomplishments and look forward to watching our sustainability efforts grow and improve through the STARS program.”
About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University provides outstanding student experiences, valued degrees, and successful graduates. SOU is known for excellence in faculty, intellectual creativity and rigor, quality and innovation in connected learning programs, and the educational benefits of its unique geographic location. SOU was the first university in Oregon—and one of the first in the nation—to offset 100 percent of its energy use with clean, renewable power. Visit sou.edu.
About AASHE
AASHE is an association of colleges and universities that are working to create a sustainable future. AASHE’s 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.
 

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