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 25: Grounds Certification – version 3.0
Questions & Answers
How has this credit changed between STARS Version 2 and Version 3?
A broader list of qualifying grounds certification standards are now recognized under this bonus credit, and partial points are now available. A comprehensive list of differences can be found in the STARS 3.0 Summary of changes.
What types of grounds certification programs can be claimed under this credit?
The following can be claimed as qualifying programs:
- ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation
- Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP)
- Bee Campus
- BEE Protective designation (Beyond Pesticides)
- California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)
- Certified Wildlife Habitat (National Wildlife Federation)
- Demeter Biodynamic
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Forest Management standard
- Green Grounds Certification (Re:wild Your Campus)
- Ireland Green Flag award
- Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP)
- Monarch Waystation certification
- Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative
- Organic standards
- Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES)
- Tennessee Arboretum Certification Program
- Tree Campus Higher Education (Arbor Day Foundation)
Our institution has enacted an Herbicide-free resolution. Does this qualify for points under this credit?
No, in order to qualify, formal third-party certification for the protection of biodiversity must have been achieved.
Suggestions for Institutions
- Work with your institution’s grounds department(s) or similar to determine whether grounds certification has been achieved, and/or to consider pursuing such a certification.
Potential Data Quality Issues
- Certification through a qualifying standard is required. If earning the full 1 bonus point, there must be evidence that at least 50 percent of the institution’s managed grounds are certified.