STARS is a program of AASHE, The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, and is a comprehensive sustainability rating system for colleges and universities that addresses the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability. Developed by the higher education community through a transparent and inclusive process, STARS provides a shared framework for understanding, measuring, and advancing sustainability in higher education.

ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s Gold rating reflects its overall performance across four main categories, Academics, Engagement, Operations, and Planning & Administration. STARS ratings are based on an institution’s total score across all credits and are earned through an assessment process that incorporates data accuracy and quality assurance measures.

Earning a Gold rating for the second time highlights ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s ongoing commitment to embedding sustainability into teaching, research, operations, and community engagement, and to continuous improvement over time.

View ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s published STARS submission .

The campus continues to promote and develop sustainability initiatives on the campus, and in 2025 a new Tiny Forest will be added to complement tree planting in other parts of the campus and the new larger green space of Alumni Park. Thank you to the ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ community for helping nature thrive on our campus.

For information on all campus biodiversity programs visit here.

]]> /sustainability/2025/tiny-forest-coming-to-carleton/ Tue, 29 Jul 2025 18:38:05 +0000 /sustainability/?p=5004 Sustainability ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ is thrilled to announce that we are partnering with local environmental organization EnviroCentre to establish a tiny forest at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´! Read on to learn more about this new addition to our campus green space.Ìý

What is a Tiny Forest?Ìý

A tiny forest is a small-scale, densely planted group of native plants, including trees and shrubs. They are intended to recreate a forest environment, often in an urban area. The dense planting arrangement mimics a natural forest and also allows the plants to grow more quickly. Tiny forests are based on a method developed by the Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki.Ìý

Why a Tiny Forest?Ìý

Tiny forests have numerous benefits for both people and the environment. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing. Tiny forests also provide a habitat for native insects and wildlife, which increases biodiversity. They also help improve air quality, absorb rainwater, sequester carbon emissions, and provide shade.ÌýÌý

The tiny forest also aligns with multiple goals of our Outdoor Space Master Plan, particularly:Ìý

• Climate-Positive Design: Designing outdoor spaces to sequester carbon
• Relax & Recharge Nodes: Providing opportunities to enjoy nature across campus to boost wellbeing

ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Tiny Forest Details:

ÌýLocationÌý

The tiny forest site is located on the north end of campus, in front of the Tennis Dome on University Drive. The site is just off the footpath, so passers-by will have an opportunity to pause and enjoy the green space.Ìý

Composition and SizeÌý

To recreate a forest environment, the tiny forest will consist of densely planted native trees and plants in three layers: a canopy layer of trees, a shrub layer, and a forest floor layer.ÌýÌý

The planting list is not yet finalized, but possible species candidates for each layer include white spruce and silver maple for the canopy layer, highbush cranberry and Canadian elderberry for the shrub layer, and anise hyssop and smooth aster for the forest floor.Ìý

The tiny forest site is about 200 metres squared in total. Each square metre will contain about one plant from each of the 3 layers, meaning that the tiny forest will be home to about 600 plants in total, including 200 trees!Ìý

Community spaceÌý

The tiny forest is intended to be a community green space for everyone on campus to enjoy. Benches and signage will be added next to the tiny forest for visitors and members of the campus community to sit, relax, and enjoy the forest atmosphere!Ìý

To allow the tiny forest to grow and thrive, interference should be minimal before and after planting. We ask that the campus community and visitors to this space please respect the tiny forest and help it grow by not disturbing the fenced-in site.Ìý

PlantingÌý

Planting is currently set to begin in Fall 2025. Sustainability ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ will be seeking volunteers within the campus community to assist with planting. Stay tuned for more details closer to the planting time!Ìý

This ranking reflects the university’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility across teaching, research, and campus operations. With over 2000 universities participating worldwide, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´’s placement demonstrates a strong foundation and growing momentum in key areas of global importance.

For the 2025Ìýrankings, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ contributed data under the following SDGs:

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals (required by THE for all submissions)

These contributions highlight our institutional strengths in research and teaching towards sustainable energy systems, sustainable infrastructure, and responsible resource management, as well as our commitment to collaboration in tackling global challenges.

While theÌýImpactÌýRankingsÌýare distinct from traditional reputational or operational assessments, they are recognized as a global benchmark for sustainability output in higher education. As more universities participate, they also provide an important platform to showcase the work being done across higher education to address the growingÌýimpacts of climate change.

There is strong potential for ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ to expand and enhance its participation in future editions, reflecting the full breadth of sustainability activity across academic, operational, and student-led initiatives.

For more details, visit:Ìý

The Hub currently accepts the following items:

• Printer Cartridges: All desktop printer cartridges can be dropped off for recycling, reducing plastic waste and promoting materials recovery.
• Textbooks: Gently used textbooks published within the last 15 years are accepted for potential reuse or redistribution.
• Batteries: A wide range of household batteries can be deposited. For a full list of accepted types see the Sustainability ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ website.
• Markers and Pens: All spent markers, pens, and similar writing instruments can be recycled—an easy way to reduce plastic and ink waste.
• Small Electronic Waste (E-Waste): A variety of small electronic items are accepted for safe disposal and recycling. For a full list of accepted personal e-waste see the Sustainability ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ website.

Why it matters:
This initiative helps divert valuable resources from landfill, supports responsible waste management, and raises awareness of sustainability practices among students, faculty, and staff. By making it easy to recycle everyday items, the Reuse and Recycling Hub contributes to a more environmentally conscious campus and fosters a culture of care and responsibility.

Stop by the Hub during your next visit to the Nideyinan Building, and do your part to support ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s sustainability goals.

]]> /sustainability/2025/carleton-recognised-as-only-university-in-canada-to-achieve-bronze-tier-in-net-zero-challenge/ Tue, 29 Jul 2025 18:25:35 +0000 /sustainability/?p=4991 ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University has been recognised as the only university in Canada to achieve the Bronze Tier in the Government of Canada’Ìý, a significant milestone that reflects ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s leadership in climate action and sustainability.

This achievement is closely aligned with the university’sÌýEnergy Master Plan, which outlines a path toward deep emissions reductions, energy efficiency, and the transition to a low-carbon campus. ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s participation in the Net-Zero Challenge reinforces its commitment to transparent reporting and the setting of science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets.

As federal sustainability requirements become increasingly integrated into procurement and funding processes, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s leadership ensures it is well-positioned to meet evolving expectations while continuing to advance institutional and shared national climate goals.

This recognition highlights ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s role as a leader in post-secondary climate action and its ongoing efforts to build a sustainable future.

As we approach the holiday season, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University is committed to maintaining our leadership in sustainability while creating a greener campus for everyone. Together, we can make a significant impact by taking small, simple steps to reduce energy consumption and protect the environment before heading into the winter break.

Here are some actions you can take to support our shared sustainability goals:

1. Unplug and Power Down:
   Ensure all non-essential electronics, such as computers, monitors, printers, and office equipment, are turned off and unplugged. Even in standby mode, these devices consume electricity.
2. Adjust Thermostats:
   If you have control over your office thermostat, set it to a lower temperature to conserve energy.
3. Switch Off the Lights:
   Turn off all lights in your workspace, meeting rooms, and common areas.
4. Water Your Plants:
   If you have plants in your office, give them a thorough watering before you leave to keep them healthy during the break.
5. Reduce Waste:
   Dispose of waste and recyclables properly before leaving and aim to minimize single-use items as you wrap up for the term. Avoid using excessive packaging when gifting items.
6. Use Refillable Mugs and Bottles:
   Bring reusable mugs or water bottles during your holiday travels to reduce plastic waste.
7. Plan for a Sustainable Return:
   When scheduling your return in the New Year, consider transit options like public transportation,Ìýbiking, or carpooling to reduce your environmental footprint.

Thank you for your commitment to sustainability and for helping ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ remain a community leader in energy conservation and environmental responsibility. Together, we can make a difference, both on campus and beyond.

We wish you and your families a joyful and sustainable holiday season!

Energy and Sustainability Services