The University of Montana has earned its first STARS Gold rating in recognition of its sustainability efforts.
STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating system, is run by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, or AASHE, according to a UM press release. It measures sustainability in everything from academics to operations to innovation.
AASHE ratings are open to all institutions of higher education, with publicly accessible criteria. The STARS program has over 1,200 participants in 52 countries, the release said. UM’s STARS report highlighted its research and course offerings focused on sustainability as strong points in its favor. UM also stood out with its sustainable food purchases through campus dining, according to the release. UM has had a STARS rating since 2014, and was the first university in the region to participate in the rating assessment, but this is its first Gold rating…