Santa Clara University is committed to building a more sustainable and just future. To ensure we remain innovators, our performance is evaluated by the AASHE STARS system, the standard benchmark for sustainability in higher education.

View SCU's 2026 Full STARS Report

2026 STARS Report - Key Highlights 

Academic Innovation Across All 6 Schools

• 300+ Faculty & Staff Trained: Expanded cross-disciplinary sustainability curriculum development across all 6 colleges.

• 100% Business Foundation Coverage: The entire faculty team for BUSN 70 (the core course for all business majors) completed sustainability training—ensuring every business student begins their education rooted in ethics and environmental stewardship.

• Student Thought Leadership: Over 60 students presented original research on food security, clean water, and climate resilience at our inaugural Sustainability and Environmental Justice Research Symposium.
  
  

Clean Energy Leadership & Self-Sustaining Funds

• Doubled Solar Capacity: Completed the Bird Solar Initiative, installing photovoltaic arrays across three key campus locations to exceed our 2024 energy target.

• Reinvested Savings Model: Energy savings generated by the solar arrays directly fund future efficiency upgrades, including smart temperature management and campus-wide LED lighting retrofits.
  
  

Circular Economy & Community Support

• Zero Waste Move Out & Bronco Surplus: Diverted 3,800 lbs. of reusable items from landfills in 2025, providing nearly 100 first-generation students with essential room supplies at zero cost.

• Bucky’s Thrift Store: Re-homed over 2,000 lbs. of clothing and supplies since opening in Fall 2024, giving students an accessible, sustainable alternative to fast fashion.

• 15 Years at The Forge Garden: Celebrated 15 years of our half-acre campus garden bridging agricultural theory and local food security.
  
  

Dive into the data! View our complete report and verified indicators directly on the official STARS portal.

How it Works

STARS evaluates our progress across four core areas of campus life, with bonus points for innovative initiatives:

• Academics: Evaluates curriculum & research, including academic courses, learning outcomes, number of graduates in sustainability programs, a literacy assessment, support for and access to research related to sustainability, and how the University uses the campus as a living laboratory.

• Campus Operations  Measures all aspects of the operations management, which includes greenhouse gas emissions, the amount of local food in dining services, the power mix that fuels buildings, waste minimization, diversion, and management, biodiversity and landscape management, as well as University purchasing choices and processes.

• Engagement  Campus and community impact and reach through events, programs, publications that relate to student life and staff development, as well as partnerships with local government,  other campuses, and service within the community.

• Planning & Administration  Long-term commitment to sustainability as evidenced by initiatives and policies regarding sustainability planning, governance, diversity and affordability, the University's investments, and well-being in the workplace.

  + Innovation & Leadership: This section allows institutions to share their unique and exemplary practices and initiatives. SCU earned 100% in this area by showcasing:

  • The Bird Solar Initiative: A Gift that Keeps Giving
  • Equity in Action: Santa Clara University’s Circular Economy of Care
  • Leading for the Common Good: Santa Clara University’s Ecosystem of Sustainability and Environmental Justice
    
    

View SCU's 2026 Full STARS Report