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Creighton University Ranks High On Sustainability

Creighton University has recently been recognized for its sustainability steps --receiving a STARS Bronze rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

The A-A-S-H-E Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) program  is used by over 800 organizations in 30 countries to evaluate sustainability efforts.

Belyna Bentlage, Sustainability Coordinator at Creighton, says one of the university’s accomplishments is a dramatic reduction in electricity use.  

“Within facilities management, there is an energy management team, and they took it upon themselves to go through all of our campus buildings and optimize our energy systems. So, we have been able – from 2010 until 2017 -- we have reduced our electricity usage by about 24%.”

Bentlage says Creighton’s goal is to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2028 and become “climate neutral” by 2050. 

Bentlage says Creighton’s definition of sustainability encompasses more than energy reduction.

“Sustainability means more than just putting up wind turbines or solar panels. It’s really about how we invest our dollars in a responsible way and also how we care for our humans on campus.”

For more information, the website is Creighton.edu/sustainability