This introductory-level workshop will provide an overview of STARS and how it can be used to advance sustainability at your institution. You will sail away with an understanding of the framework, the reporting process from start to finish, and know where to find resources available to help you complete the journey and earn a rating. The workshop will focus on STARS Version 3, including how institutions can seamlessly transition from 3.0 to 3.1, slated for release later this year. 

This workshop is ideal for anyone that is new to STARS, thinking about using STARS, or is looking for a refresher on getting started, setting up data collection, and analyzing data. 

Participants will: 

• Receive guidance on goal-setting and developing a plan for report submission.
• Learn best practices for submitting for rating.
• Learn how STARS can be used to affect institutional change toward sustainability.
• Learn how STARS can be used to inform future sustainability initiatives.
• Ideate a project plan and brainstorm strategies to overcome common reporting challenges.
• Leave with a set of resources, including a sample project management tool, to support completion of a STARS assessment.

As this is part of a STARS spring training package, participants are encouraged to also consider enrolling in STARS 3.0 Data Quality Training & Certification, an intermediate-to-advanced, two-day training program that more fully prepares STARS users to submit a high quality report, and gives participants an opportunity to become STARS Data Quality-certified professionals.  

To accommodate participants with schedule or time zone constraints, this workshop is available for virtual (asynchronous) participation. We invite you to register even if you are unable to attend the live training. All resources and recordings will be shared with you after the workshop.  

Key Details

Registration Fees* 

AASHE workshops are usually priced as in the table below. We understand that costs can present a barrier to attendance and participation and we generally offer a scholarship program for all of AASHE’s workshops and courses. However, for AASHE-run workshops, we are offering a sliding scale payment model. All amounts give equal access to the workshop. To check a visual description of this model, visit Massachusetts Peace Action – Sliding Scale Guidance Page.

• If your bottle is full, consider paying the usual price.
• If your bottle is half full, consider paying half the price.
• If your bottle is empty or almost empty, consider paying what you are able to.

* To check if your organization is a current AASHE member, please search the AASHE Membership Directory.

Registration Policies:

• Registration deadline is Thursday, May 7, 12:00 p.m. ET.
• Payment is accepted in the form of Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards.
  If you need to pay by check or ACH, please contact us at least 5 weeks prior to the event start date. Registration using these forms of payment must be received 4 weeks prior to the event start date and full payment must be received by AASHE within 2 weeks of event start date.
• Cancellation Policy: A 20% processing fee applies to any cancellation prior to April 27, 2026. No refunds will be given after April 27, 2026.
• No substitutions are allowed.
• Registered participants will receive access to the recording after the live event.
• Review all Terms & Conditions.

Register here

Facilitators

Robin Frederick, ​University of Louisville and AASHE STARS & Resources Intern, AASHE Robin currently serves as the STARS & Resources Intern at AASHE, where they assist with STARS submission reviews and provide administrative and technical support for AASHE’s resource development. They are a PhD candidate in Urban and Public Affairs at the University of Louisville, with a focus on Sustainability and Public Administration, and hold a certification as a Sustainable Excellence Associate. At UofL, Robin actively participates in the university’s Sustainability Council, contributing to operations, planning, administration, and academic committees. Their research interests include the use of AASHE STARS as a tool for experiential learning, STARS assessments, greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting, and sustainability applications within emerging technologies. Robin currently serves as the STARS Liaison for UofL and submitted a STARS 3.0 report in March 2026. Previously, they served as the STARS Liaison for Indiana University Southeast (IUS), where they introduced the STARS framework and guided the institution’s inaugural report, which achieved a Silver rating.

Crystal Simmons, Bulletin Editor & Program Manager, AASHE After graduating in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in Appropriate Technology from Appalachian State University, Crystal opened App State’s inaugural office of sustainability. Crystal began working for AASHE in 2015 as part of the Programs team. She currently is the editor of the twice-monthly AASHE Bulletin newsletter, manages the AASHE Sustainability Awards, facilitates the Advisory Council, leads the AASHE Affiliates, and supports STARS technical and participant support. Being a graduate of Rockwood Leadership School and a certified listener through Seek Healing, her purpose is to infuse an ethic of care and concern in all her relationships, including those with the more-than-human world. Some of her identities include being a passionate community organizer and facilitator, daughter, sister, partner, land tender and ceremony creator, and dog parent.

Any questions about the workshop?
Please contact Daita Serghi, education@aashe.org

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