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The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE, pronounced AY-shee)[2][3] is a 501(c)(3) association of higher education institutions headquartered in Philadelphia. The association aims to improve sustainable practices in higher education by advocacy of sustainable innovation.[4][5] AASHE encourages people involved in education to promote sustainable development to their communities.[6][7]
Key Information
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
AASHE was founded in December 2005 in Portland, Oregon.[14] At the time of their founding, they had two staff members, of which Judy Walton was the first executive director.[15]
AASHE organizes an annual Conference, the "AASHE Annual Conference & Expo".[20] It was held in different locations in the United States from 2006 to 2019, with each year having a different theme.[21] The AASHE Conference was re-established in 2022 in a virtual format.[22]
The purpose of the conference is to be a venue for institutions, companies, and educators to collaborate in maximizing the sustainable impact of higher education.[23] The conference is intended to be an opportunity for administrators to connect with companies and other institutions to exchange sustainable ideas and innovations.[24]
The AASHE STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System[25]) program is a way for institutions to be tracked and ranked on their progress in developing sustainable solutions for their communities.[26] An institution can be awarded a Platinum, Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Reporter designation.[27]
The STARS program tracks multiple factors in an institution's overall sustainability, including purchasing of sustainably-sourced products,[28] community outreach, and offerings of sustainability courses.[29] Adherence to any of the factors is self-reported.[30][31][32]
The STARS program was founded with the purpose of being a sustainability rating system for higher education campuses to complement existing sustainability plans being implemented by individual institutions.[33]
The first issue, (Volume 1, Issue 1) was published in February 2008.[35] The journal was published as Sustainability: The Journal of Record until Volume 13, Issue 6 (December 2020),[36] after which the next issue in February 2021 was published under the name Sustainability and Climate Change.[37][38]