UC Riverside has earned top ratings along with an overall gold award from an organization that tracks the sustainability efforts of the nation’s colleges and universities.

The 2025 Sustainable Campus Index, a publication of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, or AASHE, recognizes top-performing colleges and universities in 13 sustainability impact areas, as measured by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System, or STARS. The rating system includes four tiers from bronze to platinum, the top rating. The organization posted its 2025 Sustainability Index on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

UCR tied for No. 1 for investment with UC Berkeley and tied for No. 2 for public engagement. It also was No. 2 in the categories of curriculum; procurement and waste; and representation and access.

More than 1,200 institutions in 52 countries participated in the program, reporting achievements in academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership.

AASHE described the colleges and universities in the report as leaders in sustainability.