Advancing Sustainability Across California Community Colleges: A Focus on STARS and Palomar College’s Journey

As part of California Community Colleges’ commitment to the Chancellor’s Office Vision 2030 and the updated Climate Action and Sustainability Goals, each district is expected to submit a Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS®) report to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) and meet the STARS Reporter benchmark. STARS offers a standardized framework for measuring sustainability performance, helping districts to track progress, share best practices, and contribute to a more sustainable future across the entire system.  

Understanding AASHE STARS® 
Developed by AASHE, STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework that allows districts to measure their sustainability efforts across five key areas: 

  • Academics 
  • Engagement 
  • Operations 
  • Planning & Administration 
  • Innovation and Leadership 

With nearly 1,300 institutions participating globally, STARS is one of the most widely recognized systems in higher education for assessing sustainability progress. The program not only facilitates cross-institutional comparison but also supports districts in setting meaningful goals and receiving recognition for their achievements, from Bronze to Platinum ratings. 

Importantly for California Community Colleges, districts may participate individually by campus or collectively as a district, offering flexibility in how reporting is structured. Shared responses for common credits—such as those tied to statewide policies—can further streamline the reporting process. AASHE has also updated guidance to support more accessibility for systemwide participation. 

Spotlight on Palomar College: Building from the Ground Up 
One example of successful STARS implementation comes from Palomar College, where Dennis Astl, Manager of Construction and Facilities Planning, has led a thoughtful and practical approach to launching a sustainability strategy rooted in the STARS framework. 

Inspired by a session on the Board of Governors’ Sustainability Goals, Palomar began its STARS journey by building a cross-functional team and focusing on small, achievable goals. The college earned a STARS Bronze rating, uncovering hidden strengths along the way—like its certified Level 2 Arboretum, a 203-acre botanical collection initiated by students in the 1970s. 

Palomar’s experience emphasizes the importance of: 

  • Top-down support and cross-campus engagement 
  • Avoiding perfection traps by collecting available data and building from there 
  • Using tools like Lean A3 for clear, actionable sustainability planning 
  • Tapping into longstanding programs and student-led efforts to earn credits 

Palomar’s success story illustrates how STARS can be used not only as a compliance tool, but as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and pride in institutional legacy. 

What’s Next 
As California Community Colleges work toward Vision 2030 and updated Climate Action and Sustainability Goals, districts should begin aligning with the STARS reporting framework. By doing so, districts can take advantage of shared resources, minimize duplicative efforts, and contribute to a unified sustainability narrative across California’s 116 colleges. Whether your district is just beginning or ready to submit, STARS provides a proven, flexible path forward. 

For more information about AASHE STARS or how your district can get started, visit stars.aashe.org or contact the AASHE STARS team at stars@aashe.org. 

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