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 65 – 69: Innovation A – E – version 3.0
Questions & Answers
How has this credit changed between STARS Version 2 and Version 3?
A fifth open-ended Innovation bonus credit is now available. A comprehensive list of differences can be found in the STARS 3.0 Summary of changes.
What counts as an Innovation?
Innovation credits are open-ended and reserved for new, extraordinary, unique, groundbreaking, or uncommon outcomes, policies, and practices that address sustainability challenges and are not covered by an existing credit.
Can we count an Innovation that is in the process of being planned?
No, the innovative practice or program has to be something that the institution has already implemented; planned activities do not count.
Can we claim the same Innovation in multiple reports?
Yes. Innovation credits may be claimed in multiple submissions as long as the criteria are still being met at the time of submission.
Can we count an award as an Innovation?
It depends. While the practices that led to receiving an award may be appropriate for an innovation credit, winning awards and/or high sustainability rankings in other assessments is not, in and of itself, grounds for an innovation credit. If claiming an award as an Innovation, ensure that the descriptive response highlights the initiatives and sustainable impacts that led to receiving the award.
Can we claim something as an Innovation that was reported under another STARS credit?
It depends. Typically, in order to claim something as an Innovation, the initiative must not already be covered in an existing STARS credit. If claiming something that is mentioned under another credit, please clarify how the initiative goes above and beyond the credit criteria and how it addresses sustainability challenges.
Suggestions for Institutions
- Work with your sustainability reporting team or similar to identify open-ended innovations that qualify (you may consider referencing efforts reported under PRE 2: Points of Distinction).
Potential Data Quality Issues
- Innovation credits are open-ended and reserved for innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and demonstrating sustainability leadership in ways that are not otherwise captured in STARS.