Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common things to check for to ensure a high quality report with minimal issues?
The main things to check for include:
- Supporting & affirming responses
- Aligning with credit timeframes
- Avoiding data outliers
- Ensuring data consistency across credits
- Valid and working URLs
How can I check for score and other data outliers?
The STARS Benchmarking Tool is a great tool for comparative benchmarking. It can also be used to check for score and numeric outliers. In addition, the 2023 Percentile Credit Scores Analysis Document displays credit scores at the 50th and 90th percentile for Version 2.2 reports as of January 2023, and can be used to check for credit score outliers.
Will my report ever be reviewed again by AASHE staff after I complete the collaborative review and revision process and my report is published?
Yes, post-publication reviews are possible. Periodic audits of data submitted by all institutions are conducted by AASHE staff for identification of data outliers or inconsistencies. This typically occurs annually during the development of AASHE’s Sustainable Campus Index (SCI). If issues are found, they are addressed through data inquiries, as outlined in the STARS Data Accuracy Policy.
Current List of Standard Review credits
The review will focus on a set of credits with high error rates (listed below) as well as one or more randomly selected credit(s).
Version 3.0
- PRE 3: Institutional Characteristics
- AC 1: Sustainability Course Offerings
- AC 2: Undergraduate Programs
- AC 4: Applied Learning
- AC 6: Sustainability Research
- AC 8: Responsible Research & Innovation
- EN 3: Staff Engagement & Training
- EN 5: Civic Engagement
- EN 6: Community Partnerships
- OP 2: Building Operations & Maintenance
- OP 3 Water Use
- OP 4: Ecologically Managed Grounds
- OP 5: Energy Use
- OP 6: Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- OP 7: Dining Services Procurement
- OP 9: Sustainable Procurement System
- OP 10: Purchased Goods
- OP 14: Commute Modal Split
- PA 2: Commitments & Planning
- PA 3: Institutional Governance
- PA 4: Sustainable Investment Program
- PA 5: Investment Holdings
- PA 6: Institutional Climate
- PA 7: Racial & Ethnic Diversity
- PA 13: Pay Equity & Living Wage
Version 2.2
- PRE 5: Institutional Characteristics
- AC 1: Academic Courses
- AC 2: Learning Outcomes
- AC 6: Sustainability Literacy Assessment
- AC 9: Research & Scholarship
- AC 11: Open Access to Research
- EN 1: Student Educator’s Program
- EN 7: Employee Educators Program
- EN 14: Participation in Public Policy
- OP 1: Emissions Inventory & Disclosure
- OP 2: Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- OP 4: Buildings Operations & Maintenance
- OP 5: Building Energy Consumption
- OP 6: Clean & Renewable Energy
- OP 7: Food & Beverage Purchasing
- OP 9: Landscape Management
- OP 11: Sustainable Procurement
- OP 16: Commute Modal Split
- OP 18: Waste Minimization & Diversion
- OP 21: Water Use
- PA 2: Sustainability Planning
- PA 3: Inclusive & Participatory Governance
- PA 4: Reporting Assurance
- PA 7: Support for Underrepresented Groups
- PA 10: Sustainable Investment
- PA 11: Investment Disclosure
- PA 12: Employee Compensation
- PA 14: Wellness Program
Innovation & Leadership credits
AASHE staff typically review all Innovation & Leadership credits for every scored report.
Related Resources
- Related article and video: What happens after we submit a STARS report?
- Data Quality & Reporting Assurance
- Tips for Addressing Review Results