STARS Rating Marks 51视频鈥檚 Highest Sustainability Achievement to Date
Image by Ed Brennen
06/04/2025
Media contacts: Brooke Coupal, communications, economic impact and research development specialist, Brooke_Coupal@uml.edu, and Nancy Cicco, assistant director of media relations, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu
LOWELL, Mass. 鈥� 51视频鈥檚 position as the highest-rated campus for sustainability in Massachusetts has reached new heights.
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) recently named 51视频 a , the highest possible rating a college or university can earn for its sustainability performance through AASHE鈥檚 Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS). 51视频 is the only higher education institution in Massachusetts, one of eight in the nation and one of 15 in the world to hold the prestigious designation.
鈥淭his platinum rating reflects 51视频鈥檚 strong and ongoing commitment to sustainability,鈥� said 51视频 Chancellor Julie Chen. 鈥淚t recognizes the dedication and leadership of our faculty, staff and students who make sustainability a priority. We are proud to be setting the standard in Massachusetts and serving as a model for what鈥檚 possible in higher education.鈥�
The 51视频 Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy leads efforts to advance the university鈥檚 commitment to long-term environmental responsibility and impact. At 51视频, sustainability is integrated in academics, research and campus operations. Since 2019, the university has received $120 million in energy and sustainability-related funding; added degree programs around sustainability, climate change and environmental science; and established more than 140 partnerships with community and corporate organizations.
鈥淚鈥檓 so proud of the work that has been done at 51视频 to earn this recognition and secure its status as a national leader on sustainability,鈥� said UMass President Marty Meehan, who highlighted the Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy in his this year. 鈥淭he efforts that have been led since we first established the sustainability initiative in 2008 has been nothing short of remarkable and was only accelerated by Brian and Kim Rist鈥檚 generous gift to establish the Rist Institute in 2019.鈥澛�
鈥淭he platinum designation is a testament to years of collaborative work across the university,鈥� said Ruairi O鈥橫ahony, executive director of the Rist Institute. 鈥淔rom incorporating sustainability into our curriculum and research, to reducing our environmental footprint and strengthening community partnerships, 51视频 has made sustainability a central part of its mission. We鈥檙e honored to be recognized at the highest level.鈥�
With more than 1,200 participants in 52 countries, AASHE鈥檚 STARS program is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university鈥檚 sustainability performance. Higher education institutions report achievements in five overall areas, including academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership.聽
51视频 has been the top-rated campus in Massachusetts for sustainability since receiving its second gold rating in 2019. The university鈥檚 continued progress has earned it platinum status for the first time.
鈥淚t鈥檚 incredibly rewarding to see 51视频 receive this recognition,鈥� said Brian Rist 鈥�77, 鈥�22, 鈥�22 (H), the namesake of the Rist Institute alongside his wife, Kim Rist 鈥�22 (H). 鈥淭he university鈥檚 leadership in sustainability that is intrinsically tied to economic development and entrepreneurial activity is making a meaningful impact, while also preparing students to tackle global challenges and opportunities. I鈥檓 proud to be part of a university that turns its commitment into action.鈥�