Recognition

VCU Sustainability has worked closely with university and community partners to make VCU and its initiatives sustainable and environmentally friendly. Continue reading to learn more about recognition VCU has earned for its sustainability and environmental initiatives. 

AASHE STARS Gold Rating

In November 2024, VCU earned a Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) Gold Rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). STARS measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education including academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership. 

With more than 1,200 participants in 52 countries, AASHE's STARS program is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university's sustainability performance.

VCU received its first Gold Rating in 2021 and Silver Ratings since 2012.

Media: VCU News story, "VCU earns Gold for sustainability," December 13, 2024

Sierra Club Cool Schools

The Sierra Club's Cool Schools program issues an annual survey to all four-year, degree-granting undergraduate colleges and universities in the United States, entitled the Campus Sustainability Data Collector, which ranks institutions on their sustainability based on the AASHE STARS Report (see above). VCU has participated in the program since 2012. Click here to see our 2021 ranking. 

The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges

The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges ranked VCU among hundreds of other colleges with outstanding commitments to the environment and sustainability. VCU has consistently ranked for years and most recently in 2021. Learn more about the guide on The Princeton Review's website. 

Bicycle Friendly University

The League of American Bicyclists recognized VCU as a Bicycle Friendly University at the Silver level in 2016 (see the full PDF list here) and at the Gold level as the most bike-friendly university in Virginia in 2020. For more information about the 2020 award, read the VCU News article titled "VCU is the most bike-friendly university in Virginia."