Virginia Tech earns gold STARS rating for universitywide sustainability efforts
Virginia Tech has again earned a gold Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) rating. This year, the university earned its highest score ever through collaboration focused on key sustainability initiatives.
STARS is a self-reporting framework that allows colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance transparently. The program aims to engage a wide range of higher education institutions, from community colleges to global research universities. The framework provides recognition for both high-achieving institutions with long-term sustainability goals and those just beginning their sustainability efforts.
A universitywide effort
In preparing the 2024 STARS report, the Office of Sustainability collaborated with nearly 30 offices across the university. From VT Engage to Dining Services to University Libraries, the report touches every aspect of sustainability at Virginia Tech in order to serve as a comprehensive rating.
Information for the STARS report was submitted in four overarching categories: academics, engagement, operations, and planning and administration. Virginia Tech received its highest marks in academics and engagement through longstanding programs that impact students in meaningful ways. Examples of academic partnerships contributing to sustainability success at the university include
- A semester long project implementing the Green RFP program
- Pollinator habitats designed by students
- A Virginia Tech Honors College class focused on researching the barriers that prevent students from engaging in sustainable activities
Through these opportunities for real-world partnerships, students contributed meaningful and sustainable change to the Blacksburg campus, including bike racks near academic buildings, water bottle refill stations, and LED lights.
Anchored in service
As Virginia Tech furthers its commitment to sustainability, the university motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), remains at the center of the work. In service to the environment and the community, events that encourage student and employee engagement remain present on campus. In March, over 600 volunteers attended the Big Plant, an event that was part of broader efforts to restore native riparian buffers along Stroubles Creek. As a result of the volunteers’ efforts, 20,668 trees and shrubs were planted.
Additionally, The Big Event, hosted by VT Engage, brought thousands of students, faculty, and staff together to complete nearly 1,200 community service projects throughout Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and the New River Valley.
Building on momentum
Grounded in a firm foundation, sustainability efforts at the university continue to build on years of momentum. For over a decade, the STARS report has served as an important benchmarking tool in measuring and building environmentally responsible practices at Virginia Tech.
“The STARS report has been a consistent part of Virginia Tech’s sustainability history since 2011,” said Nathan King, sustainability manager. “It’s a great way for us to not only see how far we’ve come, but also push ourselves to improve.”
Looking ahead, the STARS program has developed STARS 3.0, which includes redesigned credits, simplified course and research inventories, streamlined performance-based credits, and more robust indicators of racial equity and social justice.
As Virginia Tech continues to advance its sustainability initiatives, the STARS report remains a critical benchmarking tool, highlighting progress and identifying areas for improvement. With the Climate Action Commitment and the introduction of STARS 3.0, Virginia Tech is prepared to further sustainability efforts by serving the environment and community.
