POTSDAM -- Clarkson University has earned a top rating from an organization that measures the sustainability performance of colleges and universities.

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education's Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (AASHE STARS) program has given Clarkson a gold rating for its socially responsible investment in sustainability education and research.

The rating puts Clarkson in the top one-third of campuses across the globe that self-reported on sustainability programs to the organization.

AASHE STARS says their report indicates that sustainability is a “high priority” at Clarkson. The university provides classes, projects and degree programs directly related to the environment and sustainability, and “a concerted effort is being made to improve the culture of sustainability on campus through student engagement and operations.”

"It really takes a cross-campus effort to achieve this," said Susan E. Powers, the Spence Professor in Sustainable Environmental Systems. "It's not just a few people in one office. It's the efforts of the whole community. We have substantial programs and commitments that support applying sustainability concepts in courses, in our financial considerations and energy systems."