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 29: Zero Emission Grounds Equipment – version 3.0
Questions & Answers
How has this credit changed between STARS Version 2 and Version 3?
This new credit in STARS allows institutions to earn a bonus point if there is a use of zero emission landscaping/grounds services equipment. A comprehensive list of differences can be found in the STARS 3.0 Summary of changes
Suggestions for Institutions
- Work with your institution’s grounds management team(s) and similar to determine whether zero emission grounds equipment are being used, and/or to consider using such equipment.
Potential Data Quality Issues
- To count, institutions must demonstrate that at least 90% of equipment used by its landscaping/grounds services is zero emission (e.g., measurement based on 90% of items or 90% of operating time).