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College Commitments & Accomplishments

An AASHE STARS Gold rating signifies a significant commitment to sustainability in higher education. It indicates that a college or university has demonstrated a substantial level of achievement across various areas of sustainability, including academics, engagement, operations, and planning & administration. Gold institutions are recognized for their comprehensive and integrated approach to sustainability, fostering a campus environment that prioritizes environmental responsibility and empowers their community to make a positive impact.

Macalester has been named to The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Schools for 2026. Drawing from official data and student feedback, the guide recognizes colleges and universities that go above and beyond to show their commitment to sustainability. Macalester is ranked 18th among the top 50 schools.

  • Sustainable Transit

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  • Decarbonization

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  • Zero Waste

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  • Landscape & Outdoor Spaces

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  • Sustainability Commitments

    We Are Still In (2017)

    By signing the We Are Still In declaration, Macalester joined more than 3,800 leaders from all sectors of the US economy, including many college and university presidents, sending the message that, despite the actions of the Trump administration in withdrawing the United States from the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, American leaders are committed to addressing climate change.

     

    American Campus Act on Climate Change (2015)

    American Campuses Act on Climate Change is a White House initiative signed by President Rosenberg
    Further commits Macalester to become Carbon Neutral by 2020
    Integrates carbon neutrality and sustainability into the curriculum at Macalester

     

    Real Food Campus Commitment (2012)

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    Signed by President Rosenberg
    Commits college to purchasing 30% real food by 2020
    Real food is local, community-based, fair trade, humane, and/or ecologically sound
    Visit the Real Food Campus Commitment Website to learn more about the initiative. Find out more about Food At Macalester.

    Commitment To Sustainable Practices of Higher Education Institutions (2012)

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    Signed by President Rosenberg
    Full title – Commitment to Sustainable Practices of Higher Education Institutions on the Occasion of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
    The Commitment to Sustainable Practices of Higher Education Institutions ties Macalester’s commitment to internationalism to its sustainability goals.

     

    The Presidents’ Climate Leadership Carbon Commitment (2007) 

    Signed by President Rosenberg
    Climate Neutral (no net greenhouse gas emissions) by 2025
    Incorporate sustainability and climate issues into our curriculum
    The Presidents’ Climate Leadership Carbon Commitment is an initiative of the non-profit Second Nature.  As a signatory of the commitment, Macalester makes annual climate progress reports available to the public.

    Talloires Declaration (2000) 

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    Signed by President McPherson
    First official commitment to environmental sustainability in higher ed
    10 point action plan for incorporating environmental sustainability in teaching, research, operations and outreach