2025 Sustainable Campus Index ranks UMD No. 1 in Research

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) ranks UMD No. 1 in the U.S. for Research and No. 3 in Representation & Access on its 2025 Sustainable Campus Index.

UMD made significant strides from the previous year, when it was tied for seventh in Research and was not recognized for Representation & Access. UMD also earned full points for Innovation & Leadership, recognizing initiatives that go beyond standard sustainability criteria.

The index celebrates colleges and universities that are leading the way in sustainability, showcasing top performers by country, institution type, and across 13 impact areas. Rankings are based on data from the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), a reporting framework used by hundreds of institutions.

UMD’s top Research ranking reflects the breadth of sustainability inquiry across campus, with scores of academic departments conducting related studies. Leading efforts include the Center for Global Sustainability, the Center for Health Risk and Communication, and the Maryland Energy Innovation Institute. The university’s strength in Representation & Access reflects its commitment to ensuring sustainability progress benefits all, supported by organizations like the Office of Multicultural Involvement & Community Advocacy, the LGBTQ+ Equity Center, and Belonging & Community at UMD.

The University of Maryland this year became the first Big Ten institution to achieve carbon neutrality—25 years ahead of schedule. This achievement reflects a 43% reduction in emissions between 2005 and 2024, 100% renewable-sourced grid electricity since 2020, and strategic carbon offsets.

In March, UMD again earned a STARS Gold rating from AASHE for excellence in areas such as academics, engagement, operations, dining, and transportation.

“The Office of Sustainability is thankful to all of our partners across campus who helped us prepare information to submit to AASHE so that the UMD community can receive the recognition it deserves,” said Mary Dorman, executive director of the Department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability & Risk.

Published October 29, 2025