The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS®) is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS is intended to engage and recognize the full spectrum of higher education institutions, from community colleges to research universities. The framework encompasses long-term sustainability goals for already high-achieving institutions, as well as entry points of recognition for institutions that are taking first steps toward sustainability.

STARS cohort

In partnership with the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), ACTS member institutions are eligible to participate in a networking opportunity aimed at helping ACTS institutions complete the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) reporting process.

With the ultimate goal of earning a STARS Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum Rating. Participation in the Networking group is available on an ongoing basis. 

Cohort Benefits

  • Opportunity for global benchmarking and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Public recognition of a STARS Rating.
  • ACTS member discount on a STARS subscription.
  • Regular conference calls and ongoing AASHE staff support throughout the reporting process.
  • Access to a private, online community to brainstorm ideas, share resources and ask questions.

Support calls led by AASHE staff for ACTS members are currently held quarterly.

To sign up for STARS at the discounted rate and join the cohort, please email stars@aashe.org. 

Flinders University logo

Flinders University was not just the first Australian university to achieve a Gold rating under the STARS 3.0 criteria, but the first in the world, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability journey. This achievement aligns with the university’s 2030 Sustainability Strategy, which uses STARS as a framework for benchmarking and progress tracking for future years. Choosing STARS 3.0 over 2.2 was a strategic decision that reflects the university’s commitment to robust reporting, continuous improvement, and aligning with international best practices in sustainability assessment.

William Van Ausdal, Head of Sustainability, Property, Facilities and Development at Flinders University, recommends integrating the STARS Framework into an organisation’s Sustainability Strategy to ensure it becomes “more than just a badge— serving as a catalyst for meaningful organisational change.”

University of Tasmania's logo reversed

The University of Tasmania chose STARS to support advancing our holistic sustainability agenda given it was developed by and for the education sector so provides a best fit as our go-to tool. We use STARS as a way of highlighting where we are achieving best practice so we can celebrate these and inspire and target action in other areas where we could be doing more. Bringing it all together into one place also helps everyone see where their part directly ties into the bigger picture of being a sustainable university. The levels of ratings overall also allows some target setting. Reaching Silver in our first submission inspired targets for ambitious progression. We met our target to reach Gold in 2022 and are on track to achieve Platinum in 2025.

Being part of the AASHE-supported ACTS cohort has enabled shared lessons and approaches with our Australasian colleagues as well as provided an avenue for our region to feed into updates to STARS to reflect Australasian approaches across many of the categories.

TAFE Queensland (Robina Campus)

The Robina campus on the Gold Coast was accredited as the first vocational institution in Australia to earn a Silver rating under the prestigious Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS). TAFE Queensland’s Robina campus’s dedication to transparency and comprehensive reporting has set a new standard for sustainability initiatives in vocational education across the country.

TAFE Queensland Gold Coast General Manager, Karen Dickinson said the organisation is very proud to have achieved a STARS rating for its sustainability accomplishments. “The silver rating serves as not just a recognition of past efforts but a catalyst for a future where sustainability is at the core of vocational education, shaping the next generation of professionals with a deep commitment to a greener and more sustainable world.”

STARS logo