Seattle U is #3 in the U.S. for Sustainability Among Master’s Institutions

Seattle University was once again recognized as a leading institution for advancing sustainability and environmental justice with the release of the 2020 Sustainable Campus Index by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). Seattle U ranked #3 nationally as an overall top performer among master’s institutions. Additionally, among the 650 higher education institutions that were measured, the university was #4 in the curriculum category and #8 in the public engagement category. 

Seattle U also earned a Gold STARS rating from AASHE. STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) is a voluntary framework used by hundreds of colleges and universities to measure, report and strengthen their contributions to global sustainability.

The 2020 Sustainable Campus Index (SCI) recognizes top-performing colleges and universities overall by institution type and in 17 sustainability impact areas, as measured by STARS.

AASHE’s curriculum measurement covers courses, programs and learning outcomes in sustainability, living laboratory initiatives, immersive experiences, sustainability literacy and faculty development.

According to the report, “Higher education institutions are uniquely positioned to understand and address sustainability challenges. Colleges and universities help equip students to lead society to a sustainable future by developing and offering learning opportunities in sustainability.”

The public engagement measurement covers community and intercampus partnerships, continuing education, community service, public policy participation and trademark licensing.

“Seattle University has a deep commitment to sustainability in the classroom, in the field and across campus, which is reflected in this recognition and similar top rankings we’ve received,” says Provost Shane P. Martin. “Being stewards of our planet is a hallmark of the Jesuit ethos, which is reflected in the academic and research opportunities our students have.”

Earlier this year, the university also was recognized as a Top 20 school on Sierra’s Cool School list for 2020 and by the Princeton Review’s 2021 Green Honor Roll of the Top 50 colleges that earned the highest scores by the publication for their sustainability efforts, with Seattle University ranking #16.