University of Massachusetts Amherst
AC-8: Campus as a Living Laboratory

Institution is utilizing its infrastructure and operations for multidisciplinary student learning, applied research and practical work that advances sustainability on campus in at least one of the following areas:

• Air & Climate
• Buildings
• Dining Services/Food
• Energy
• Grounds
• Purchasing
• Transportation
• Waste
• Water
• Coordination, Planning & Governance
• Diversity & Affordability
• Health, Wellbeing & Work
• Investment
• Public Engagement
• Other

This credit includes substantive work by students and/or faculty (e.g. class projects, thesis projects, term papers, published papers) that involves active and experiential learning and contributes to positive sustainability outcomes on campus (see the Credit Example in the STARS Technical Manual). On-campus internships and non-credit work (e.g. that take place under supervision of sustainability staff or committees) may count as long as the work has a learning component.

This credit does not include immersive education programs, co-curricular activities, or community-based work, which are covered by AC 5: Immersive Experience, credits in the Campus Engagement subcategory, and credits in the Public Engagement subcategory, respectively.

This credit applies to all institutions where students attend the physical campus.

Institutions earn 0.4 points for each area covered, regardless of how many projects there are in each area. Institutions with projects that cover 10 or more areas earn the maximum of 4 points available for this credit.

Timeframe

Projects and work conducted within the three years prior to the anticipated date of submission are eligible for this credit.

Sampling and Data Standards

Not applicable