Brock is undertaking an evaluation of its sustainability performance, as the University continues to work towards its goal of having the most sustainable campus in Canada.

The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) assessment, a self-reporting framework administered by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), is widely used by post-secondary institutions across North America to measure sustainability performance in a range of areas, including academics, operations and engagement.

To complete the assessment, Brock’s Facilities Management team will be collecting and reviewing data from departments and individuals across campus this summer.

“Submitting to STARS and other rankings is a very involved process, but Brock recognizes the importance and many benefits of these efforts,” says Scott Johnstone, Associate Vice-President of Infrastructure and Operations. “We rely on the support of people all around Brock to ensure the submission is transparent, complete and accurate.”

Brock first completed a STARS submission in 2020, earning a silver rating in recognition of sustainability practices implemented across campus. The next submission will build on that data to track performance changes, identify opportunities for improved performance and benchmark against other institutions .

“STARS’ results and findings have helped us identify opportunities to strengthen our efforts towards sustainability,” says Mary Quintana, Director of Asset Management and Utilities. “We are committed to improving our performance but also excited about the new initiatives that this year’s submission will yield.”

Participating in STARS again will allow Brock to be featured in the highly regarded Sustainable Campus Index, and for the University to showcase its sustainability achievements and identify best practices used by peer institutions.

The reporting tool also improves consistency and transparency in sustainability related activities and programs while providing students, faculty and staff with the opportunity to be involved with making Brock a more sustainable place.

To share sustainability related information in the areas of academics, community engagement, campus operations and leadership, contact Evan Rodenburg, a summer co-op Sustainability Data Analyst with Facilities Management, at erodenburg@brocku.ca