SCI-2018

Methodology
Data presented in this publication are based on valid STARS 2.1 and 2.0 reports
submitted between March 2, 2015 and March 30, 2018. Reports submitted after
this date will be included in next year’s SCI.
Identifying Top Performers
Top performers within a topic were determined based on percentage of applicable points earned within a
subcategory and adherence to STARS credit criteria. For institutions with multiple valid reports (e.g., those
that submit STARS reports annually), only scores from the most recent reports were considered. Ten top
performers were identified for each topic and institution type, an increase from five to ten this year. In
instances of tied scores, some categories included more than 10 top-performing institutions. In this year’s
SCI, tie breaks (+) were determined based on institutions’ completion of of Exemplary Practice credits
assigned to a given subcategory.
Identifying Highlighted Institutions
Each section of the SCI highlights best practices from institutions that submitted reports between July
1, 2017 and March 30, 2018 (previous reports were considered for highlights in past SCIs). Highlighted
initiatives were selected based on level of innovation and overall impact in advancing sustainability.
Diversity in institution type, country, region and other characteristics were also taken into account.
Institutions that submit STARS reports annually have the opportunity to be highlighted in the SCI every year.
Average Score Data
Each section of the SCI includes charts displaying average scores by institution type, country, and student
FTE enrollment. For institutions that submitted multiple reports, the averages include scoring data from their
most recent reports only. Institutions that submitted as STARS Reporters were excluded from average score
calculations since scoring information for Reporters is not published.
Dickinson College’s 12-acre solar array, completed in 2018 through a power purchase agreement.
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