AUCA Achieves STARS Bronze Rating: A Milestone for Kyrgyzstan's Sustainability Efforts.

December 2, 2024

AUCA Achieves STARS Bronze Rating: A Milestone for Kyrgyzstan's Sustainability Efforts.

The American University of Central Asia (AUCA) has made history by becoming the first institution in Kyrgyzstan to earn a STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) Bronze rating. This significant achievement highlights AUCA's commitment to sustainability and positions it as a regional higher education leader.

The STARS program, developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), is a comprehensive and transparent framework that allows colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. With over 1,200 participants from 52 countries, STARS is recognized globally as the premier system for publicly reporting sustainability efforts in higher education.

AUCA's successful completion of the STARS assessment was made possible through the dedicated efforts of key individuals within the university. Mira Dzhakshylykova, former Coordinator for Sustainable Development, was pivotal in guiding AUCA through the rigorous evaluation process. Additionally, Bermet Taalaibek kyzy, Co-chair of the AUCA Task Force on Sustainable Development, contributed significantly to this achievement. Their leadership and vision have been instrumental in fostering a culture of sustainability at AUCA.

The STARS framework evaluates institutions across five key areas:

1. Academics: This area assesses how sustainability is integrated into academic programs and curricula.

2. Engagement: This focuses on how well institutions engage students, faculty, and staff in sustainability initiatives.

3. Operations: This evaluates the environmental performance of campus operations and facilities.

4. Planning and Administration: This area looks at institutional policies and planning related to sustainability.

5. Innovation and Leadership: This assesses innovative practices and leadership initiatives that promote sustainability.

AUCA has achieved a Bronze rating, demonstrating its commitment to integrating sustainable practices into its operations and academic offerings. This milestone reflects AUCA's dedication to environmental stewardship and sets a precedent for other Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia institutions to follow suit.

You can view the public report of the American University of Central Asia on the STARS website

<< go to news list