DePauw to participate in STARS program
GREENCASTLE -- DePauw University has successfully registered to participate in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS).
Supported by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS is a tool to help guide colleges and universities toward sustainability. The program provides a
voluntary, self-reporting framework for gauging relative progress toward more environmentally-friendly policies.
"STARS is a huge leap forward in helping us build an even stronger and more diverse campus sustainability program," said Carol Steele, associate dean of academic affairs and leader of DePauw's sustainability efforts. "It will give us the capability of knowing where we started, where we are now, and where we aspire to be. Choosing to participate in this tracking system is another indication of DePauw's deep commitment to eventually reaching carbon neutrality."
More information on the program can be found at www.aashe.org/stars/index.php
On Sept. 15, 2008, DePauw President Brian W. Casey signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, joining what is today 663 college and university presidents and chancellors across America who are pledging to neutralize the greenhouse gas emissions of their institutions and make environmental awareness a key component of campus life.
On Aug. 21, 2008, the National Wildlife Federation honored DePauw University for its efforts to promote sustainability in its report, "Campus Environment 2008: A National Report Card on Sustainability in Higher Education."
Thirteen DePauw students are attending the climate change conference known as COP-15 in Copenhagen.