FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Monika Urbanski
Senior Manager of Resources, Data Quality & Publications
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
resources@aashe.org
Top Colleges and Universities Recognized in AASHE’s 2026 Sustainable Campus Index
(September 8, 2026) – As the urgency for sustainability action in higher education continues to grow, the 2025 Sustainable Campus Index (SCI), released today by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), highlights colleges and universities that are leading the way.
The report celebrates top-performing institutions across 13 impact areas of sustainability, as measured by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS®), and features innovative stories of leadership from campuses around the world.
The 2025 SCI offers value for multiple audiences:
- Prospective students: Identify colleges and universities that prioritize sustainability in academics and operations, helping you find a campus that aligns with your values.
- Higher education alumni: Learn how your alma mater is advancing sustainability and find opportunities to advocate for further action.
- Sustainability staff & administrators: Benchmark your institution against peers, discover areas for growth, and draw inspiration from top performers.
- The public: See how higher education institutions are driving positive change both on campus and in surrounding communities.
The 2026 SCI is an essential resource for understanding, celebrating, and advancing sustainability in higher education.
Top Institutions by Institution Type and Version:
Associate and short-cycle institutions:
- Red River College Polytechnic (V3.0)
- Dawson College (V2.2)
Baccalaureate institutions:
- University of Minnesota, Morris (V3.0)
- Dickinson College (V2.2)
Master’s institutions:
Doctoral/Research institutions:
- Stanford University V3.0)
- Université de Sherbrooke (V2.2)
“The 2026 Sustainable Campus Index demonstrates the remarkable breadth of sustainability leadership taking place across higher education,” said AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser. “From institutions setting the pace through exceptional performance to innovative initiatives taking shape on campuses around the world, this year’s Index offers examples that can inspire new ideas and action across the sector. Even amid significant challenges facing this work, colleges and universities continue to demonstrate persistence, leadership, and meaningful progress. We are proud to celebrate the achievements featured in this year’s Index, as well as the collective efforts of all STARS participants working to advance sustainability in higher education.”
About STARS
The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS®) is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. It caters to a wide range of institutions, from community colleges to research universities, supporting both advanced sustainability goals and initial steps toward sustainability. For more information about the STARS program, visit stars.aashe.org.
About AASHE
AASHE empowers higher education administrators, faculty, staff, and students to be effective change agents and drivers of sustainability innovation. AASHE enables members to translate information into action by offering essential resources and professional development to a diverse, engaged community of sustainability leaders. We work with and for higher education to ensure that our world’s future leaders are motivated and equipped to solve sustainability challenges. For more information, visit www.aashe.org. Follow AASHE on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, formerly Twitter.
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