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 44: Zero Waste Certification – version 3.0
Questions & Answers
How has this credit changed between STARS Version 2 and Version 3?
Different zero waste certification programs are now recognized. A comprehensive list of differences can be found in the STARS 3.0 Summary of changes.
What types of zero waste certifications qualify?
An institution earns 1 bonus point when it is at least Bronze-Level Zero Waste Certified by the Post-Landfill Action Network’s Atlas Zero Waste Assessment (Atlas) or – in countries where Atlas is not available – an approved national affiliate of the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA).
Suggestions for Institutions
- Work with your institution’s waste management team(s) and/or similar to determine whether zero waste certification has been achieved, and/or to consider pursuing such certifications.
Potential Data Quality Issues
- Documentation on Bronze-Level Atlas Zero Waste Assessment certification and/or earned badges – or an approved national affiliate of the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA) – from within the previous three years must be provided.