For details about this credit, including the criteria, reporting timeframe, applicability, scoring, and more, please review the full credit language:
- AC 10: Support for Research – version 2.2
Frequently Asked Questions
How has this credit changed between STARS 2.1 and 2.2?
Minor changes were made. The title of the credit was revised, and definitions for sustainability challenges and sustainability research were updated. A comprehensive list of differences can be found in the 2.2 Summary of changes.
Do programs that support research generally, including sustainability research, count for this credit?
No. To qualify, sustainability research programs must have an explicit intent to increase sustainability research by academic staff or students.
General research support programs that may include or address sustainability are not sufficient.
What are some examples of library support?
Examples of sustainability support may include research guides, materials selection policies and practices, curriculum development efforts, sustainability literacy promotion, and/or e-learning objects focused on sustainability.
Example Responses
- Georgia Institute of Technology – Thorough responses with links under each section outlining support for sustainability-focused research.
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry – Interdisciplinary research – standards for appointment require collaborative scholarly research.
- University of Virginia – Comprehensive responses in all areas, with significant support from sustainability-focused research centers and institutes. Good reporting example for large and research focused institutions.
- Washington and Lee University – Outlines support for student research by the sustainability office. Good detail on promotion or tenure guidelines for interdisciplinary research. Good reporting example for smaller institutions.
Common Issues Identified During Review
- Student and employee support – In order to count, sustainability research programs must specifically aim to increase student/employee sustainability research. General or interdisciplinary research support programs that may include sustainability are not sufficient.
- Inter-, Trans- and Multi-Disciplinary Research – The guideline or policy language provided must give explicit positive recognition to interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and/or multidisciplinary research.
- Library support – Sufficient detail on library support for sustainability research and learning must be provided. Examples of sustainability support may include research guides, materials selection policies and practices, curriculum development efforts, sustainability literacy promotion, and/or e-learning objects focused on sustainability.