STARS Report
STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System) is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities around the world to measure their sustainability performance. In May 2018 TRU submitted its third report (first in 2011 gained silver; second in 2015 gained gold) and was delighted to learn we received a platinum rating with a score of 88.31 — the highest ever achieved by any institution.
Growth in percentage of available points
Energy and air quality
Using more renewable energy and using less energy overall
Progress
- Retrofits completed on almost all buildings to achieve energy conservation
- Solar energy installations
- Hired full-time energy specialist
- Reduced the most energy of any BC institution over the past four years
Stats
- 35% reduction in GHG emissions since 2010, exceeding 2020 target
- 665MMBtu of on-site solar energy installed
Waste
Diverting waste from landfill and using less materials overall
Progress
- 500+ zero-waste containers installed
- All campus events and functions are zero-waste
- Electronic collection bins installed across campus
Stats
- Waste diversion rate rose to 61% in 2017
- Annual waste generated is 522 tonnes
Water
Reducing and reusing water on campus
Progress
- Building water assessments completed using 2017 data
- Target set in 2018 of 29% water consumption reduction over 2017 baseline
Stats
- Annual cost of water at TRU is $180,000
Dining services and food
Offering healthy food choices and sourcing food locally and ethically
Progress
- On-site ‘urban cultivator’ used to grow herbs and salad greens
- Vegan dining program
- All food packaging is compostable or biodegradable
- Straw-free campus
Stats
- 18% of food served is third-party verified or locally sourced
- 10% of food waste is composted in-house
Transportation
Promoting active and alternative transportation choices
Progress
- BC Transit UPASS provided to all students
- TRU RideShare and Zipcar programs implemented
- 8 electric vehicles introduced to operations fleet
- Bike share and bike purchase programs introduced
Stats
- 33% increase in transit use, resulting in 30% reduction in single occupant vehicle trips
- 8 electric vehicle chargers are located on campus