Ratings

Sustainability Ratings & Recognition

Rice University is proud to be recognized as a leader in campus sustainability. Through rigorous assessments and national rankings, Rice continues to demonstrate its commitment to environmental responsibility, innovation, and equity.

AASHE STARS: Gold-Level Sustainability Leadership

Rice received a Gold rating in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) in 2018, being the highest scorer in the state at the time. STARS is the premier tool for evaluating sustainability performance in higher education, assessing institutions across academics, engagement, operations, planning, and innovation.

Rice has submitted STARS reports in 2011, 2014, and 2017, offering a clear view of our progress over time.

In 2019, Rice was featured in AASHE’s Sustainable Campus Index, ranking:

  • #2 in the U.S. for Diversity & Affordability
  • Tied for #6 in Sustainability Research

View Rice’s STARS Reports on the AASHE website here.

Tree Campus USA: A Living Arboretum

Rice’s entire campus is designated as the Lynn R. Lowrey Arboretum, and in 2022, the university earned its 11th consecutive Tree Campus USA certification from the Arbor Day Foundation. This recognition honors Rice’s commitment to tree care, biodiversity, and green space stewardship.

LEED-Certified Buildings: Green by Design

Rice has multiple buildings certified under the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program, the most widely used green building rating system in the world. These certifications reflect Rice’s dedication to energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable construction.

Explore Rice’s LEED-Certified Buildings here.

Green Dining Recognition

In 2016, all of Rice’s undergraduate dining halls were certified as Green Restaurants by the Green Restaurant Association, making Rice one of only two universities (alongside Harvard) to achieve this distinction. (Note: Certification expired in 2020.)

Other Historic National Rankings