Measuring sustainability

measuring sustainability at UNB

As UNB strives to become a more sustainable institution, it is necessary to assess our sustainability actions, successes, and shortcomings. Since sustainable outcomes are often qualitative, not quantitative, consistent measurement can prove difficult. To establish the existing level of sustainability at UNB, a third party sustainability assessment was conducted.

Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS)

STARS is a program of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

STARS was selected for measuring sustainability at UNB because it is:

  • A transparent, self-reporting, sustainable assessment tool specifically designed for universities and colleges.
  • The most widely recognized sustainability assessment for higher education, with over 900 institutions having obtained a STARS rating. 

UNB rating

UNB completed a STARS submission in 2017 & 2020 on the Fredericton Campus and in 2020 on the Saint John Campus. This assessment will continue every three years to measure UNB’s progress.

STARS has five possible ratings:

  • Reporter
  • Bronze
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Platinum.

As of 2020 UNB Fredericton & Saint John achieved Silver ratings respectively from STARS.

STARS provides UNB with information to guide our progress of sustainability. The rating that UNB receives gives public recognition to our sustainability efforts, representing - not replacing - the goal of becoming a sustainable institution.

Sustainability goals

climate change baseline and targets

In order to ensure that the Campus Sustainability Plan is successful, we've established both long- and short-term goals.  

Long-term goals

  • Is a leader in sustainable education and research.
  • Fosters a community engaged in sustainability.
  • Operates a sustainable campus.
  • Conducts planning and administration sustainably.

Short-term goals by 2025

  • Fulfilled CSP strategies.
  • A 10% increased STARS score.
  • Developed a succeeding Institutional Sustainability Plan (ISP) that will include initiatives on both the Fredericton and Saint John campus.