STARS, managed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), is the primary means for tracking sustainability performance for campuses across the country and is used by more than 900 institutions of higher education.

“Our students, faculty and staff show their commitment to sustainability on a daily basis, in teaching, research and in the crucial operations that keep UVM going. This rating demonstrates that sustainability is a central pillar of the university’s ongoing work and future goals,” said UVM President Suresh Garimella.

STARS includes 68 measures across four domains: academics, engagement, operations, and planning/administration. STARS reevaluates institutions every three years—UVM has achieved a Gold rating in the last four consecutive rankings in 2014, 2017, 2020 and 2023. UVM’s total score increased from 74.8 points in 2020 to 76.7 points this year. An institution can earn a STARS rating at the Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum level. Gold represents achievement of 65-85% of total available points. When the 2020 Gold rating was achieved, UVM ranked in the top 20 of U.S doctorate-granting institutions.  The full report can be viewed below.

Because AASHE raises the bar with new evidence-based criteria with each version upgrade, STARS represents an evolving set of criteria to measure. UVM will submit the next assessment in early 2026 under the significantly updated criteria of STARS version 3.0. STARS includes 68 measures across four domains: academics, engagement, operations, and planning/administration. STARS reevaluates institutions every three years—UVM has achieved a Gold rating in the last four consecutive rankings in 2014, 2017, 2020 and 2023. UVM’s total score increased from 74.8 points in 2020 to 76.7 points in 2023. An institution can earn a STARS rating at the Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum level. Gold represents achievement of 65-85% of total available points. UVM currently ranks in the top 20 of U.S doctorate-granting institutions.  

Because AASHE raises the bar with new evidence-based criteria with each version upgrade, STARS represents an evolving set of criteria to measure.