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С��è��ý earns gold, deepens commitment to climate and sustainability leadership

Story by Misty Bouse. Photos by Ric Getter and James Hill.

С��è��ý is once again making waves in the sustainability world.

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) recently named С��è��ý a top performer in its adding another major milestone in the college’s long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility. This recognition follows С��è��ý’s Gold rating from STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) in March from the most widely recognized framework for publicly reporting sustainability performance in higher education.

“We are thrilled, as this sustainability rockstar-like designation validates our collaborative and holistic approach,” said Briar Wray, С��è��ý’s associate dean of sustainability strategies. “This is a big year for us as we update our Climate Action Plan and continue pushing the envelope for sustainability leadership in higher education.”

In addition to its overall Gold rating, С��è��ý earned special recognition for excellence in “Buildings & Grounds, Procurement and Waste, and Innovation,” particularly for its Basic Needs and Sustainability Leadership program. The Campus Sustainability Index is grounded in the STARS system, which assesses progress in five major categories: academics; engagement; operations; planning and administration; and innovation and leadership.

“We’re so pleased to be recognized by AASHE with a STARS Gold rating for our sustainability accomplishments,” said Stephania Fregosi, С��è��ý sustainability analyst. “At С��è��ý, sustainability happens across the institution, and it’s awesome to see how our values are transforming the college.”

С��è��ý’s sustainability efforts span nearly 20 years. The college’s Board of Directors adopted a Sustainability Policy in 2006 and soon after signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, setting a course toward climate neutrality.

Since 2012, С��è��ý has used STARS to measure and enhance its progress, earning recognition as a top performer among associate-level institutions nationwide. The 2025 Gold rating represents the college’s strongest performance to date.

With more than 1,200 participants in 52 countries, AASHE’s STARS program is a transparent, open-access platform that promotes shared learning and collaboration across higher education. Ratings—ranging from Bronze to Platinum—reflect how deeply sustainability is woven into an institution’s culture and operations.

Sustainability remains an essential pillar of С��è��ý’s mission, driving initiatives that integrate environmental stewardship into academics, operations, and community engagement. As the college revises its Climate Action Plan, leaders say the work is far from done.

“We’re proud of how far we’ve come,” Wray said. “But sustainability is about continuous improvement. We’re stretching to go even deeper, to make С��è��ý a model for what’s possible.”

For more information, visit or pcc.edu/climateaction.��

Climate Action Plan Update 2025-2026

Take part in the and help guide the college’s next steps toward climate justice. Your voice matters in shaping a greener, more equitable future at С��è��ý.

The survey takes about 10–15 minutes to complete, and all responses will remain confidential with the Climate Action Planning Task Force. At the end, you can enter a drawing for sustainably sourced, upcycled prizes like a cooler tote made from retired С��è��ý banners packed with a reusable tumbler and cutlery set, or a С��è��ý T-shirt that shows your climate pride.

Enter .