Arizona State University (ASU) has been recognized as a leading institution in sustainability, receiving high marks in the 2025 Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) report from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. The university was named a “top performer” in the 2025 Sustainable Campus Index and earned a Premium STARS rating, with special recognition for its three-credit sustainability general education requirement.
Peter Schlosser, vice president and vice provost of global futures and director of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at ASU, commented on the achievement: “This rating is a reflection of ASU’s dedication to innovation and advancing a sustainable future for all. Our impact is demonstrated across the board, from success in training future generations to be change-makers to improving facilities and implementing solutions-oriented action. We are committed to adapt, evolve and lead. We are committed to continued investment in all aspects of sustainability to improve the long-term well-being of people and our planet.”
The STARS program is widely used for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to sustainability performance at colleges and universities worldwide. With over 1,200 participants in 52 countries, institutions report achievements across five areas: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership.
ASU ranked among the top 10 globally in six assessment areas: second place in both energy and climate as well as doctoral and research institutions; fourth place in transportation and investment; sixth place in research; and seventh place in procurement and waste. The university received an overall score of 91.1.
Morgan R. Olsen, executive vice president, treasurer and chief financial officer at ASU, stated: “AASHE’s continued recognition of ASU as a top performer highlights the collective commitment of our students, faculty and staff to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our institution as we constantly aspire to become a more fully sustainable university. By embedding sustainable practices across campus, we’re creating long-term value for the university and the communities we serve and preparing our students to lead in a world where sustainability is essential to progress and impact.”
Miki Kittilson, dean of the College of Global Futures at ASU, emphasized education’s role: “At ASU, we are reimagining education for impact,” said Kittilson. “At the College of Global Futures, we are creating pathways for students to pursue careers that drive real, lasting change.”
ASU’s recent recognition follows its placement by Times Higher Education as No. 1 among U.S. institutions—and among the top ten worldwide—for advancing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Since 2015, the Sustainable Campus Index has honored colleges setting standards for sustainability across key areas such as country ranking, institution type, academics, operations, planning/administration, engagement with communities or stakeholders outside their own campuses—celebrating those making measurable progress.
In addition to these recognitions for environmental efforts on campus,the City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department recently partnered with an Arizona State University tech startup, Argos Vision. This collaboration involves developing smart traffic cameras that will collect data aimed at improving safety during a one-year pilot program at select locations.
Further highlighting its reputation,Arizona State University was named number one in innovation for eight consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings.
