Sustainability at Fresno State
AASHE Stars
Sustainability Tracking Assessment & Rating System (STARS)
STARS is a self-reporting framework created by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) that universities use to determine their progress towards becoming a more sustainable campus. Fresno State is currently a bronze-rated institution, meaning that significant progress has been made. We are currently in the process of submitting a second evaluation of the university. For any inquiries, contact Dr. Beth Weinman (bweinman@csufresno.com)
To learn more about the STARS framework, visit the AASHE STARS website
To view Fresno State's previous AASHE Stars results, visit the results page with full descriptions of points earned
We encourage all campus members to join AASHE. It is free, with membership giving access to members-only resources relating to the implementation of sustainability across various areas of an institution. Use these instructions to become a member of AASHE and gain free access to sustainability resources!
Academics
This category measures whether or not the university is integrating concepts of sustainability into the courses offered.
Fresno State offers several environmetal-related acedemic programs:
Undergraduate Majors
- Environmental Science, B.S.
- City and Regional Planning, B.S
- Recreation Administration - Outdoor Recreation & Natural Resource Management Option, B.S
Undergraduate Minors & Certificates
Graduate Programs
- Civil Engineering, M.S
- Industrial Technology, M.S
- Public Health, MPH
- Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Technology
For a comprehensive list of sustainability-related programs, visit this page
Operations
This category measures the resource efficiency of systems on campus.
Sustainable Dining Audit
Using the Real Food Calculator tool as an audit method, students can identify areas of success and growth in Fresno State's food purchases. The data from the Real Food Challenge will be submitted as part of the university's AASHE STARS report. You can view the results here
Engagement
This category measures the extent to which the university engages students, faculty, staff, and community members in sustainable action and education.
As part of Fresno State's CUPR project, the Human Behavior Energy Audit was conducted in 2021 by NORESCO's Green Operations team to better understand sustainability behaviors and attitudes among students and staff/faculty. The HBEA consisted of two parts: focus groups discussions and web-surveys.
You can view the results of this audit here
Planning
This category measures the extent to which the university has incorporated sustainability into its short-term and long-term goals.
The CSU Sustainability policy includes several sustainability objectives that address student, employee, and community engagement for sustainability.
A comprehensive list of these goals can be viewed here