This is an optional Innovation & Leadership (IL) credit. IL credits recognize institutions that are seeking innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and demonstrating sustainability leadership in ways that are not otherwise captured in STARS. Scoring in the Innovation and Leadership section is capped at 10 bonus points total.
Credit Language
IL 5: Open Online Sustainability Course – version 3.0
Questions & Answers
How has this credit changed between STARS Version 2 and Version 3?
Minimal changes. A comprehensive list of differences can be found in the STARS 3.0 Summary of changes.
What qualifies as a sustainability-focused online course?
To count as sustainability-focused, the online course title or description must indicate a primary and explicit focus on sustainability. The course title or description does not have to use the term “sustainability” to count as sustainability-focused if the primary and explicit focus of the course is on the integrated concept of sustainability and/or the interdependence of ecological and social/cultural/economic systems
Do sustainability-focused online courses that are offered at a cost qualify?
No. To earn bonus points under this bonus credit, the course must be freely available on the public internet.
Do trainings or co-curricular learning opportunities qualify under this credit?
This credit focuses on formal course offerings. To qualify, a course must have a dedicated instructor, include instructional materials and assessments, and have an established structure (e.g., an expected time commitment, a syllabus or calendar, and a mechanism for learner engagement). Continuing education courses that are free and otherwise meet the criteria are included.
Suggestions for Institutions
- Work with your institution’s registrar’s office, academic affairs division, or similar to determine if an open sustainability course is in place, and/or to consider implementing such an offering.
Potential Data Quality Issues
- To qualify, there must be an indication of at least one openly accessible sustainability-focused online course offered at no cost in the last three years.
- A course must have a dedicated instructor, include instructional materials and assessments, and have an established structure (e.g., an expected time commitment, a syllabus or calendar, and a mechanism for learner engagement).