Union County Review

Kean University has recently been awarded a silver STARS rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) for its outstanding achievements in sustainability. The STARS program is a widely recognized framework that evaluates a college or university's sustainability performance in various aspects of higher education.

Kean President Lamont O. Repollet expressed his gratitude to the university community for their commitment to sustainability goals. He acknowledged the efforts of the Presidential Task Force for Sustainability and all members of the Kean community who contributed to the university's sustainability initiatives.

Felice Vazquez, Kean senior vice president for planning and special counsel to the president, highlighted the significance of achieving the silver rating on the university's first attempt. She emphasized that sustainability at Kean goes beyond physical environment concerns to encompass issues of environmental justice, human rights, and building sustainable communities, stating that it is ingrained in Kean's DNA.

The STARS rating was based on four major categories: academics, engagement, operations, and planning/administration. Kean received recognition in academics and research for programs focused on the environment, research aligned with the United Nations 17 Sustainability Development Goals, and the integration of sustainability principles into a significant portion of the curriculum.

In the area of engagement, Kean was commended for its community partnerships, inter-campus collaborations, and various sustainability initiatives such as food composting, river cleanups, and biodiversity monitoring. The university's efforts in planning and administration were also lauded, particularly in the areas of access, affordability, diversity, equity coordination, and employee satisfaction.

The President's Sustainability Task Force, led by individuals from various departments within the university, played a pivotal role in driving sustainability efforts at Kean. The task force consists of faculty, staff, students, and administrators from all campuses, working together to promote sustainability initiatives.

AASHE, an association of colleges and universities dedicated to creating a sustainable future, recognized Kean University's commitment to sustainability among its diverse members worldwide. With this silver STARS rating, Kean continues to demonstrate its dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices in higher education.