UC San Diego Ranks 5th Globally for Sustainability Efforts

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UC San Diego is one of the top five universities recognized globally by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) for sustainability. AASHE’s Sustainable Campus Index highlights higher education institutions at the forefront of sustainability, recognizing top achievers by nation, institution category and performance across 13 key impact areas. The rankings were determined using data from the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), a comprehensive framework adopted by hundreds of institutions to evaluate, disclose and enhance their sustainability efforts. UC San Diego received a STARS Platinum rating in late 2024.

Campus Sustainability Officer Carrie Metzgar noted the significance of the ranking for UC San Diego. “Being recognized in the top five for doctoral and research institutions in the AASHE Sustainable Campus Index is a powerful affirmation of our strategic focus on climate action and sustainability,” Metzgar said. “This recognition reflects the systems-level transformation we are spearheading to embed sustainability into the fabric of campus life, operations and learning.”

Vice Chancellor of Operations Management and Capital Programs, Niraj Dangoria, who oversees campus sustainability, noted that the ranking is a reflection of the ongoing efforts made by the entire campus community. “Our journey to a more sustainable UC San Diego has been embraced by students, faculty and staff who have integrated sustainable practices into every aspect of campus life,” Dangoria said. “We are deeply grateful for their support and partnership as we continue to move forward to improve campus sustainability.”