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 39: Ecological Footprint – version 3.0
Questions & Answers
How has this credit changed between STARS Version 2 and Version 3?
This is a new bonus credit in STARS. A comprehensive list of differences can be found in the STARS 3.0 Summary of changes.
What is an ecological or biodiversity footprint?
An ecological or biodiversity footprint is a comprehensive assessment of the ecological and/or biodiversity impacts associated with the activities of an institution, e.g., its procurement, waste, and other aspects of its operations.
Suggestions for Institutions
- Work with your institution’s procurement office and/or similar to determine whether an ecological footprint analysis has already been conducted, and/or to consider conducting such an analysis.
Potential Data Quality Issues
- Documentation on a published ecological or biological footprint analysis from within the previous three years must be provided.