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Planning & Administration

AASHE STARS Reporting

AASHE Stars Logo

Keene State College uses the AASHE STARS (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education) (The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) as an overarching benchmarking tool for sustainability goal-setting and progress.

The College committed to this approach in its 2015 Strategic Plan, where Goal 4, Community and Culture, stated, “Through a consistent practice of shared stewardship, Keene State College will strengthen its community, enrich its campus culture, and advance environmental sustainability.” Objective 4.5 declared a clear AASHE STARS sustainability goal:

  • 4.5 Promote a culture and instill and communicate policies and practices that value and support environmental sustainability and improve the quality of life locally and globally.
    • 4.5.1 Review Sustainability Tracking and Rating System (STARS) data.
    • 4.5.2 Develop and implement a plan to move Keene State to the STARS Gold rating no later than 2020.

Through an extensive campus engagement process and dynamic planning approaches, that goal was achieved as reflected in its 2021 STARS submission to AASHE. Keene State College received a STARS Gold rating with a total score of 78.07 points. Making KSC one of only 132 institutions world-wide to achieve the 2nd highest rating for sustainability in higher education.

The Sustainability Council

Overview

The Sustainability Council at Keene State is a critical advisory group on campus. The mission of The Sustainability Council is to help shape practices and programs that reinforce Keene State College’s commitment to a sustainable and equitable future. The Sustainability Council works collaboratively with students, staff, faculty, and community leaders to identify initiatives and develop strategies to reach our sustainability and climate action goals.

The Sustainability Council is a dynamic initiative with the capacity to adapt and address the topmost sustainability concerns and priorities at Keene State College. Each member works within a themed Sustainability Hub which are designed to have the greatest impact college-wide.

Sustainability Hubs

  • Sustainable Administration Hub
    • Examples of focus areas include: Climate, Investments, Procurement, Human Resources
    • Examples of completed initiatives: Recycling paper purchasing policy
  • Sustainable Infrastructure Hub
    • Examples of focus areas include: Energy, Water, Waste Management, Buildings, Grounds & Gardens
    • Examples of completed initiatives: Young Student Center energy savings work
  • Sustainable Living Hub
    • Examples of focus areas include: Student Experience, Food, Campus as a Living Lab, Reduced Inequalities.
    • Examples of completed initiatives: Green Living Guide presented to all students upon move-in.

In addition, to Sustainability Hub work members of the The Council collectively review student submission for the Sustainable Innovation Fund and are important contributors to the AASHE STARS reporting process. The Sustainability Council fosters educational and institutional activities and policies; including stewardship of our environment, the promotion of social justice, economic equity and well-being through local action and global thinking.

Contact the Sustainability Office

Kate Witte
Sustainability Coordinator
Katherine.Witte@keene.edu
603-358-2194