The University of New England earned a STARS Silver Rating for its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. This is the first time UNE has participated in the internationally recognized assessment.
With more than 1,300 participating institutions in 53 countries, STARS is regarded as the leading framework for assessing sustainability in higher education.
“A silver rating for our first time participating is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Alethea Cariddi, UNE’s director in the Office of Sustainability.
“This process helped us better understand our strengths, identify opportunities for improvement and build stronger systems for tracking and advancing sustainability across the university,” Cariddi said.
The STARS silver rating reflects a year-long effort involving data collection and collaboration in academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration and innovation and leadership.
The data underwent a rigorous review process, including external peer reviews from sustainability professionals at two other higher education institutions.
In its assessment, UNE highlighted several initiatives, including:
- The David Evans Shaw Institute of Public and Planetary Health, launched in 2026, which brings together public health, environmental science, aging, policy, medicine, business and related disciplines to address the interconnected challenges of human and environmental health.
- UNE’s Interactive Sustainability Map, a publicly accessible digital resource that showcases campus sustainability features, natural assets, and operational initiatives, while connecting them to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- The student-driven Surplus with a Purpose Shop, which promotes waste reduction and reuse by giving donated clothing, dorm supplies and household goods a second life. Since opening in 2024, the shop has diverted more than four tons from the waste stream.
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. provides institutions with resources, professional development and a support network to advance sustainability in governance, operations, education, research and community engagement.
