Sustainability

Facilities Management

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 2021, VCU received the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) Gold Rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). STARS measures sustainability achievements in the areas of academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership. As of 2021, more than 900 colleges and universities in 40 countries participated in the STARS program. Participating institutions are surveyed every three years and receive a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum Rating. Prior to receiving a Gold Rating, VCU has received a Silver Rating since 2012.

Check out the VCU News story, "VCU earns Gold for sustainability," to learn more about this accomplishment.

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."