The University of Victoria has become one of 14 post-secondary organizations in the world to reach a STARS platinum sustainability rating.
STARS, the sustainability tracking, assessment and rating system, is a global framework for comparing and incentivizing sustainability in all sectors of higher education and it aims to provide a comprehensive view of sustainability in four main impact areas: academics, operations, engagement, and planning and administration.
“Each point earned reflects our dedication to sustainability and climate action across our campus. This milestone highlights our commitment to a greener future and represents a major achievement for our campus community,” said director of campus planning Mike Wilson in a news release. UVic has received a gold rating three times since first submitting to STARS in 2014, and the platinum rating is one of three key campus sustainability action plan targets.
In 2022, UVic set out three key targets for climate at sustainability, to reduce campus operations greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent below the 2010 baseline by 2030 and net zero by 2040, to achieve a STARS platinum rating by 2026, and to advance their UN 2030 sustainable development goals.