A Sustainable Future, Together

The UMSL Sustainability Office compiles information on sustainability initiatives on and around campus to progress the Campus Sustainability Action Plan; which is designed to foster an active culture of sustainability through teaching, learning, and research.

We aim to reduce greenhouse gases, lower energy and water consumption, decrease pollution, and expand our campus sustainably. These goals include supporting sustainable procurement, leading in transportation practices, and increasing waste diversion.

 

Campus Sustainability Action Plan

Goals
  1. Active Culture of Sustainability: Promote sustainability teaching, learning, and research.
  2. Reduced Greenhouse Gases: Lower overall energy and water consumption.
  3. Pollution Reduction: Decrease air, water, and soil pollution and toxins.
  4. Campus Expansion: Increase built square footage to certification level.
  5. Sustainable Procurement: Support best practices in sustainable procurement.
  6. Sustainable Transportation: Lead in local sustainable transportation practices.
  7. Waste Diversion: Increase diversion of solid waste and reduce resource impact.
Aspirations
  1. Eco-Literate Campus Population: Foster an environmentally aware community.
  2. Reduced Dependence on Fossil Fuels: Minimize reliance on fossil fuels.
  3. Sustainable Food Policy: Achieve all goals in sustainable food policy.
  4. High-Performance Buildings: Ensure 100% of campus buildings operate at high-performance levels.
  5. Sustainable Purchasing Policy: Achieve all goals in sustainable purchasing policy.
  6. Sustainable Transportation Policy: Achieve all goals in sustainable transportation policy.
  7. Zero Net Waste: Aim for zero waste in operations.

What is STARS?

STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) is a comprehensive framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. Developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), it covers various aspects such as academics, engagement, operations, and planning. Institutions can earn ratings from Bronze to Platinum based on their achievements.

Analysis of Current Status and Needs:

Achievements (Green - Complete/Pursuing)
  • Curriculum: Sustainability Literacy Assessment
  • Campus Engagement: Employee Educators Program
  • Public Engagement: Community Service
  • Buildings: Building Operations and Maintenance
  • Energy: Clean and Renewable Energy
  • Transportation: Support for Sustainable Transportation
  • Coordination, Planning, and Governance: Sustainability Planning
  • Diversity and Affordability: Assessing Diversity and Equity
  • Innovation: Bicycle Friendly Campus, External Reporting Assurance
In Progress (Yellow)
  • Curriculum: Undergraduate Program, Graduate Program
  • Campus Engagement: Student Educators Program, Student Life
  • Public Engagement: Community Partnerships
  • Air and Climate: Greenhouse Emissions
  • Buildings: Building Design and Construction
  • Dining Services: Sustainable Purchasing
  • Energy: Building Energy Consumption
  • Grounds: Biodiversity
  • Purchasing: Sustainable Procurement
  • Transportation: Campus Fleet
  • Water: Water Use
  • Coordination, Planning, and Governance: Sustainability Coordination
  • Health, Wellbeing & Work: Employee Compensation
  • Innovation: Academy-Industry Connection, Anchor Institution Network