AASHE

⚡ Memorial Day Flash Sale: Register for the 2026 Sustainability Education Forum by May 29 to save on your registration!

Taking place virtually June 4–5, the 2026 Forum will bring together educators, practitioners, and sustainability leaders to explore the future of sustainability education through timely conversations on AI, Indigenous and community knowledge systems, climate justice, ethics, and more.

This year’s invited speakers include Dr. Gary Machlis, Dr. Deb Morrison, Rochelle March, Dr. Christina Kwauk, and Dr. Krista Hiser—each helping spark conversations around how higher education can respond to today’s most pressing sustainability challenges.

With group discounts, scholarships, and pay-what-you-wish options available, now is a great time to join colleagues from around the world for two days of reflection, dialogue, and connection.

🔗 Register by May 29 to save! https://www.aashe.org/calendar/sef-2026/

Congratulations to the Tecnológico de Monterrey system on publishing STARS reports for 16 institutions across Mexico, marking a significant milestone in higher education sustainability reporting and collaboration!

Through AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), these campuses are measuring and sharing their sustainability performance across areas such as academics, campus engagement, planning, and operations. Coordinating reporting at this scale reflects a substantial institutional commitment to transparency, continuous improvement, and advancing sustainability across an entire university system.

We’re excited to recognize the Tecnológico de Monterrey community for this impressive achievement and continued leadership in higher education sustainability.

Read more: https://stars.aashe.org/news/16-institutions-from-tecnolgico-de-monterrey-publish-stars-reports/

Join us in Baltimore for the AASHE 2026 Conference & Expo (October 4–6)!

This year’s conference is an opportunity to connect with peers across higher education sustainability, learn from institutions navigating similar challenges, and return to your campus with practical ideas, new relationships, and renewed energy for the work ahead.

Hosted at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, the conference also places attendees steps away from the city’s waterfront, museums, historic ships, the National Aquarium, and more. Whether you’re continuing conversations along the harbor or exploring Baltimore after sessions, the city itself becomes part of the experience.

Register by July 10 to receive early-bird pricing, and plan ahead to stay near the conference venue and Inner Harbor attractions.

🔗 Register now: https://www.aashe.org/conference/

🌎 Across the AASHE community, campuses celebrated Earth Day 2026 through hands-on sustainability initiatives, community events, tree plantings, zero-waste programming, and student engagement activities.

Highlights included UNC Charlotte planting 35 trees and removing 1,500 pounds of litter during Campus Beautification Day, the University of Delaware planting 60 native trees across 15 species, and Georgia Tech’s Earth Day Organization Fair connecting students with sustainability-focused organizations, research, and local nonprofits.

We also loved seeing West Chester University of PA’s Zero Waste Summit, University of Maryland’s EarthFest, welcoming more than 600 students, and Emory University’s sustainability fest featuring its famous smoothie bike during Dooley’s Week. 🌱 Thank you to every institution that shared photos and stories from Earth Day 2026!

To view more Earth Day photos from our community, visit https://hub.aashe.org/browse/?search=&gallery_view=gallery&tagfilter=earth-day&country=&published=2026&order=title

🌟 Celebrating new STARS Platinum institutions!

Congratulations to Cornell University (STARS 2.2), Loyola University Chicago (STARS 3.0), and SUNY ESF (STARS 3.0) on earning a Platinum rating—the highest level in AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS).

STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework– created by AASHE– that is used by colleges and universities to measure and communicate their sustainability performance across academics, engagement, planning, and operations. A Platinum rating reflects comprehensive, institution-wide efforts to advance sustainability and a very strong commitment to continuous improvement.

We’re proud to recognize Cornell, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and Loyola University Chicago for their leadership and the work they’re doing to drive meaningful change across their campuses. These milestones would not be possible without the leadership and commitment of the campus liaisons guiding the reporting process across these institutional systems: Lisa Kilgore (Cornell University), Aaron Durnbaugh (Loyola University Chicago), and Mark Lichtenstein (State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry). A special thank you to the many campus champions who contributed time, knowledge, and collaboration to make these accomplishments possible.

We’re excited to see this momentum continue and look forward to celebrating even more Platinum-rated institutions soon.

⏳ Final opportunity to register for AASHE’s upcoming STARS workshops.
If your institution is preparing a STARS submission or working to improve reporting accuracy, these sessions provide the guidance and tools you will need.

✔ Introduction to STARS V3: Chart Your Course and Complete Your Journey
✔ STARS 3.0 Data Quality Training & Certification

Participants will gain practical strategies for navigating the STARS framework, improving sustainability data practices, and strengthening institutional reporting. Secure your spot before registration closes!

Learn more and register:
https://www.aashe.org/calendar/stars-intro-2026/
https://www.aashe.org/calendar/stars-data-quality-v3-spring-2026/

There’s still time to register for AASHE’s Award Winner Showcase happening in May! ⏳
This is a great opportunity to hear directly from this year’s Campus Sustainability Achievement Award winners, who will take a deep dive into some of the most innovative sustainability initiatives in higher education—from academic integration to climate resilience and regional collaboration.
🔗 Register for the four upcoming sessions and learn about the award winners: https://www.aashe.org/series/award-webinar-showcase-2026/

Today, we celebrate the actions—both big and small—that are helping to shape a more sustainable future across higher education.

We invite you to share how your campus is making an impact this year. Submit your photos to the Campus Sustainability Hub to be featured in our Earth Day gallery.

Let’s keep the momentum going!
🔗 https://hub.aashe.org/submit-resource/photograph/

📊 Working on a STARS submission this year?

AASHE is offering two upcoming workshops designed to support institutions navigating STARS Version 3, whether you're just getting started or looking to strengthen the quality of your reporting.

🔷Introduction to STARS V3: Chart Your Course and Complete Your Journey
Learn how to navigate the STARS framework and plan a successful submission.

🔷STARS 3.0 Data Quality Training & Certification
Build confidence in your reporting process and earn certification recognizing strong data quality practices.

These sessions provide practical guidance from AASHE staff and the opportunity to connect with peers working on STARS reporting across higher education. For those with time zone or scheduling constraints, both workshops are available for asynchronous participation!

Learn more and register:
https://www.aashe.org/calendar/stars-intro-2026/
https://www.aashe.org/calendar/stars-data-quality-v3-spring-2026/

Earth Day is on its way! 🌍

Across higher education, campuses are taking action through clean-ups, sustainable food initiatives, climate events, and more.

📸 Join AASHE’s Earth Day photo campaign by sharing your sustainability efforts. Submit photos to the Campus Sustainability Hub to be featured in our gallery.

Let’s showcase the power of collective action!
🔗 https://hub.aashe.org/submit-resource/photograph/