Memberships
The University holds memberships in several organizations that provide opportunities and tools that help meet sustainability goals:
AASHE empowers higher education faculty, administrators, staff and students to be effective change agents and drivers of sustainability innovation. AASHE web resources, publications, webinars and conferences are open to the UNC Charlotte community by using your university email to create an account. AASHE is also the source for the campus sustainability assessment tool, STARS. UNC Charlotte has been a member since 2008.
Carolina Recycling Association is committed to conserve resources by advancing recycling and waste reduction throughout the Carolinas. The CRA is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting, educating, inspiring, informing, and advocating for recycling professionals across the Carolinas – serving as a resource to connect members with cutting edge technology, networking opportunities, and educational opportunities. UNC Charlotte has been a member since 1998.
Second Nature is committed to accelerating climate action in and through higher education. They do this by mobilizing a diverse array of higher education institutions to act on bold climate commitments, to scale campus climate initiatives, and to create innovative climate solutions. UNC Charlotte holds the Carbon Commitment and reports greenhouse gas emissions and climate action plans to Second Nature on an annual basis. UNC Charlotte has been a member since 2009.
EarthShare NC inspires and provides opportunities for individuals and corporations to actively participate in work for healthy and sustainable communities across NC alongside their nonprofit Members. UNC Charlotte has been an EarthShare NC Corporate Partner since 2022.
Sustain Charlotte is a nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire choices that lead to a healthy, equitable and vibrant community for generations to come. UNC Charlotte has been a member since 2017.
The Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC) is a global community dedicated to driving positive impact through the power of procurement. SPLC members use programming and resources to leverage their procurement for positive environmental and social benefits, and have access to peers and leaders to lead innovation, increase impact, and implement solutions for sustainable procurement. UNC Charlotte has been a member since 2023.
The U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a sustainable, prosperous future through LEED, the leading program for green buildings and communities worldwide. USGBC has over 900 online courses and professional certifications available to all UNC Charlotte students, faculty and staff. UNC Charlotte has been a Gold member since 2020.
Assessment and Achievements
The Sustainability Office conducts comprehensive assessments of sustainability on campus using the AASHE STARS Tool. In 2016 UNC Charlotte earned a silver rating on the first attempt. STARS covers four areas of campus performance: academics, engagement, operations and planning and administration.
Princeton Review’s “Guide to Green Colleges” is based on the STARS assessment of colleges and universities. UNC Charlotte was first listed in the 2014 publication of that influential guide for potential students.
In 2009, Chancellor Emeritus Philip L. Dubois signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. In 2021, Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber re-signed the commitment, now called the Carbon Commitment, which is focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving carbon neutrality.
