FAQs

    Program Overview

    What is STARS?
    What are the goals of STARS?
    What are the benefits of participating in STARS?
    How is STARS organized?

    STARS History and System Development

    How was STARS developed?
    Why does STARS include “social” indicators? Isn’t sustainability mostly about the environment?
    What are the main differences between the credits in the STARS Pilot and STARS 1.0?
    What is the difference between the Early Release and the Public Launch?
    How will the system be updated?
    When will the system be updated?

    Participation

    Who can participate in STARS?
    Can an entire university system register?
    How often can an institution submit for a rating?
    How much does it cost to participate?
    How long do institutions have to complete STARS?
    Will campuses be able to see the STARS 1.0 criteria before signing up to be a Charter Participant?
    What is the benefit of being a STARS Charter Participant?
    How do I register to become a STARS Charter Participant?
    What is the difference between a “Charter Participant” and a regular “Participant”?

    Reporting and Information Sharing

    How can institutions demonstrate they have earned a credit?
    What timeframe should I use when reporting data for STARS?
    Will the STARS data be made public?
    What if institutions don't want to disclose certain information or make it publicly available (investment information, for example) or if an institution just wants to post one of the sections?

    Ratings and Credits

    What are the STARS Rating levels?
    What does earning a STARS rating mean?
    For how long is a STARS rating valid?
    What will campuses get for earning a rating?
    How often can an institution submit for a rating?
    Is third-party verification required?
    How will the public know that the information reported from institutions is true?
    How is innovation encouraged or rewarded?
    Will STARS address the idea of getting campuses to take the "next step”?

    Relationship to Other Rating Systems

    What is the difference between STARS and other campus sustainability assessment systems?
    Is AASHE working with the other systems so campuses don't have to complete so many surveys?