Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) has been recognized as the leading community college in the United States for its sustainability efforts by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). The college received a STARS Gold rating from AASHE's Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), which evaluates and promotes sustainability in higher education.
This marks the tenth consecutive year that RVCC has been nationally acknowledged by AASHE for its sustainability initiatives. Additionally, RVCC achieved a perfect score for water use, earning it the No. 1 ranking among community colleges in this category.
"We are extremely honored that Raritan Valley Community College is being recognized by AASHE as the top community college in the nation for its sustainability efforts. RVCC’s STARS Gold rating is a reflection of the college’s longstanding commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint," said RVCC President Michael J. McDonough.
The STARS program, with over 1,200 participants across 52 countries, is a widely recognized framework for publicly reporting comprehensive information on a college or university's sustainability performance. Participants report their achievements across five main areas: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership.
"STARS was developed by the campus sustainability community to provide high standards for recognizing campus sustainability efforts," stated AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser. "Raritan Valley Community College has demonstrated a substantial commitment to sustainability by achieving a STARS Gold Rating and is to be congratulated for their efforts."
Unlike other rating systems, STARS is open to all higher education institutions with transparent criteria accessible to anyone. The program allows institutions to earn credits based on their performance, enabling internal and external comparisons with similar institutions.
Sustainability initiatives at RVCC have significantly reduced campus energy emissions by 58% since 2005. The college holds certifications such as River Friendly, Bee Campus USA, and Monarch Watch. It boasts three solar installations, a greenhouse, electric car charging stations available to the public, a green roof and wall, pollinator gardens, rain gardens, rainwater harvesting systems, and buildings constructed to LEED standards. In 2009, RVCC became the first community college in the nation to sign an environmental stewardship agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency. Its current Strategic Plan further formalizes its dedication to sustainability.
PHOTO CAPTION: Raritan Valley Community College has a two-story atrium “living wall” of vegetation known as a green wall located in the Bateman Student Center. The wall is irrigated by rainwater collection. – Photo courtesy of RVCC.
