Sep 14, 2021

Vancouver, BC – Langara College is pleased to announce that it has earned a Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) Silver rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System measures and encourages sustainability through all aspects of higher education.  

Langara College is deeply committed to creating a sustainable community. As an educational institution, we have the responsibility to lead sustainable initiatives that make positive change. We actively seek opportunities to integrate sustainability awareness and practices into all aspects of campus life. 

The silver rating was earned through such initiatives as our Sustainability Student Ambassadors, our on-campus gardens, environmentally designed structures under the LEED rating system such as our Science and Technology Building, environmental course programming, and energy reducing initiatives including HVAC system upgrades, and alternative energy sources. 

Following Langara’s 2025 Strategic Plan, the College’s goal is to develop strategies that fight climate change through increasing our environmental sustainability. This work includes identifying additional energy reduction measures, developing student programs that build awareness - such as our Sustainability Student Ambassador Program - and most importantly, engaging with our community and stakeholders to build advocacy. 

“The STARS Silver rating is an important recognition of our sustainability accomplishments to date, and I look forward to building upon and continuing our commitment to sustainability as a priority throughout the institution,” said Yusuf Varachia, Vice-President, External, at Langara College. “Through numerous examples across operations, administration, and academics, our community can see the College’s commitment to sustainability in action, a key component to life at Langara.” 

With more than 900 participants in 40 countries, AASHE’s STARS program is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability performance. Participants report achievements in five overall areas: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership. 

“STARS was developed by the campus sustainability community to provide high standards for recognizing campus sustainability efforts,” said AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser. “Langara College has demonstrated a substantial commitment to sustainability by achieving a STARS Silver Rating and is to be congratulated for their efforts.”  

Unlike other rating or ranking systems, this program is open to all institutions of higher education, and the criteria that determine a STARS rating are transparent and accessible. Because STARS is a program based on credits earned, it allows for both internal comparisons as well as comparisons with similar institutions. 

Langara College’s STARS report is publicly available on the STARS website. 

About Langara College   
Located in beautiful Vancouver, B.C., Canada, snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies education to more than 23,000 students annually. With more than 1,700 courses and 130 programs, Langara’s expansive academic breadth and depth allows students of all ages, backgrounds, and life stages to choose their own educational path. Langara is also known as snəw̓eyəɬ leləm 'house of teachings', a name given to it by Musqueam, on whose unceded traditional territory the College is located.  

Learn more.   
Mark Dawson   
Manager, Public Affairs  
Langara College  
mdawson@langara.ca