{"id":83066,"date":"2026-07-24T00:05:58","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T00:05:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english.saigonbiz.com\/vn\/university-of-the-fraser-valley-achieves-gold-stars-sustainability-rating\/"},"modified":"2026-07-24T00:05:58","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T00:05:58","slug":"university-of-the-fraser-valley-achieves-gold-stars-sustainability-rating","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english.saigonbiz.com\/vn\/university-of-the-fraser-valley-achieves-gold-stars-sustainability-rating\/","title":{"rendered":"University of the Fraser Valley achieves Gold STARS sustainability rating"},"content":{"rendered":"
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UFV advances from Silver to Gold in recognition of progress across teaching, research, operations, governance, and community engagement.<\/em><\/p>\n

Abbotsford, B.C., July 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The University of the Fraser Valley has achieved a Gold rating through the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), a globally recognized sustainability reporting framework administered by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. <\/p>\n

The achievement marks a significant milestone in UFV\u2019s sustainability journey. Elevating\u00a0the university from a\u00a0Silver\u00a0rating to\u00a0Gold<\/a>\u00a0recognizes\u00a0years of progress across teaching, research, campus operations, planning, governance, and\u00a0campus\u00a0community engagement.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThis achievement reflects the dedication and collaboration of our entire university community,\u201d says UFV president James Mandigo. \u201cSustainability is increasingly central to how universities prepare students for the future, manage resources responsibly, and contribute to the well-being of their communities and ecosystems. Achieving a Gold STARS rating demonstrates that UFV is delivering on our shared responsibility of acting locally and thinking globally as we advance our strategic priorities.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

STARS is one of the most comprehensive sustainability assessment systems used by colleges and universities worldwide. Institutions voluntarily report on hundreds of indicators that measure sustainability performance across environmental, social, and economic dimensions. UFV has been evaluated in a broad range of categories, including curriculum, research, campus engagement, public engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Gold status signifies that the university has demonstrated excellence and leadership in integrating sustainability throughout its operations and academic mission. <\/p>\n

Over the past several years, UFV has developed an energy and climate plan, implemented campus energy-efficiency projects, advanced active transportation infrastructure, expanded sustainability-related curriculum and research opportunities, enhanced engagement with students and employees, and developed a Sustainability Action Pathway to guide future progress. <\/p>\n

The university has also strengthened its sustainability governance and reporting processes, ensuring that sustainability considerations are increasingly embedded in decision-making across the institution. <\/p>\n

\u201cAchieving Gold status is the result of years of sustained effort across many areas of the university,\u201d says Doran Hoge,\u00a0UFV director of Energy and Sustainability. \u201cThis recognition reflects not only operational improvements such as energy conservation and greenhouse gas reduction initiatives, but also the work being done by faculty, staff, students, and community partners to advance sustainability through teaching, research, and engagement. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt demonstrates that sustainability is becoming part of the culture of UFV.\u201d <\/p>\n

For UFV, sustainability is closely aligned with its commitment to student success and community impact. <\/p>\n

\u201cAs a teaching-focused university, we have a responsibility to prepare graduates who can help address the complex environmental, social, and economic challenges facing our communities,\u201d says UFV provost Tracy Ryder Glass. \u201cThe Gold STARS rating recognizes the tremendous work being done across our academic programs to integrate sustainability into learning, research, and experiential education. It reflects our commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to a more sustainable future.\u201d<\/p>\n

While the Gold rating is a significant achievement, university leaders view it as an important milestone rather than a final destination. The STARS assessment provides a roadmap for future action and highlights opportunities for continued advancement in sustainability performance across all areas of the institution. <\/p>\n

\u201cAchieving Gold demonstrates that meaningful progress is possible when sustainability becomes a shared commitment to being a Changemaker Campus,\u201d Mandigo says. \u201cWe are proud of what has been accomplished, and we look forward to building on this momentum as we continue creating a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for our university and the communities we serve.\u201d <\/p>\n

For more information about\u00a0UFV\u2018s Sustainability\u00a0activities, led by UFV\u2019s Office of Sustainability visit:\u00a0https:\/\/www.ufv.ca\/sustainable-ufv\/<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Photo Descriptions<\/b><\/p>\n

Photo1.jpg – UFV holds March for Sustainability events each spring, encouraging students, staff, and faculty to engage in sustainable habits and activities.<\/i><\/p>\n

Photo2.jpg – The university has created pollinator gardens on the Abbotsford campus.<\/i><\/p>\n

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For media inquiries:<\/b>\u202f\u202f
Stacy Kirpichova, MA\u00a0
Director, UFV Communications\u202f\u202f\u00a0
stacy.kirpichova@ufv.ca<\/a><\/p>\n

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About UFV<\/b>\u202f<\/p>\n

Located in the beautiful Fraser Valley just east of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)\u202fis a\u202ffully accredited<\/a>, public university that enrolls approximately 15,000 students per year. UFV has\u202fcampuses and locations<\/a>\u202fin Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, and Hope.<\/p>\n

We offer\u202fmore than 100 programs<\/a>, including three master\u2019s degrees, 21 bachelor\u2019s degrees with majors, minors, and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen\u202ftrades and technology programs<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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