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 27: Infrastructure Certification – 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 one or more infrastructure projects are third party certified under a sustainable infrastructure rating system (e.g., BREEAM Infrastructure, Envision, PEER, or SITES). A comprehensive list of differences can be found in the STARS 3.0 Summary of changes.
What types of infrastructure certification programs qualify?
This credit is focused on certified sustainable infrastructure projects, which include (but are not limited to) the construction or renovation of bridges, canals, dams, drainage and flood alleviation, landscapes, levees, parks, power generating stations, recycling facilities, roads, stormwater management systems, water treatment plants, and wind farms. Examples include:
- BREEAM Infrastructure
- Envision
- PEER
- SITES
Building certifications (e.g., LEED BD+C and Parksmart) are addressed in other credits and do not qualify here.
Suggestions for Institutions
- Work with your institution’s buildings management team(s) and similar to determine whether infrastructure certifications have been attained, and/or to consider pursuing such certifications.
Potential Data Quality Issues
- Documentation must be provided that at least one infrastructure project (e.g., bridge, dam, canal, levee, landscape, power station, stormwater management system, etc.) has achieved sustainability certification in the previous five years.