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 50: Social Enterprise – 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 is a social enterprise?
Consistent with Social Enterprise Europe, social enterprises are defined as “businesses whose prime purpose is social, who operate ethically and are democratically owned and governed.” Social enterprises may include, but are not limited to, organizations that are nominally part of the social and solidarity economy, e.g. fair and ethical trade organizations, self-help organizations, and cooperatives.
Resources, Templates & Tools
Suggestions for Institutions
- Confirm that your institution is a private, for-profit institution that qualifies for social enterprise recognition.
Potential Data Quality Issues
- Documentation on B Corporation or an equivalent social enterprise recognition is required. This credit applies to for-profit institutions, and conventional public and private institutions are unlikely to qualify.