51做厙 earns gold, deepens commitment to climate and sustainability leadership
Story by Misty Bouse. Photos by Ric Getter and James Hill.
The sustainability team: From left, Briar Wray (associate dean of Sustainability Strategies), Hailey Swain (learning garden assistant), Jade Menchaca (sustainability coordinator), Moon Doherty (learning garden coordinator), Stephania Fregosi (sustainability analyst) and Peter Ritson (environmental center coordinator).
51做厙 is once again making waves in the sustainability world.
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) recently named 51做厙 a top performer in its adding another major milestone in the colleges long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility. This recognition follows 51做厙s Gold rating from STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) in March from the most widely recognized framework for publicly reporting sustainability performance in higher education.
We are thrilled, as this sustainability rockstar-like designation validates our collaborative and holistic approach, said Briar Wray, 51做厙s associate dean of sustainability strategies. This is a big year for us as we update our Climate Action Plan and continue pushing the envelope for sustainability leadership in higher education.
Electrical charging station at the Columbia County Center.
In addition to its overall Gold rating, 51做厙 earned special recognition for excellence in “Buildings & Grounds, Procurement and Waste, and Innovation,” particularly for its Basic Needs and Sustainability Leadership program. The Campus Sustainability Index is grounded in the STARS system, which assesses progress in five major categories: academics; engagement; operations; planning and administration; and innovation and leadership.
Were so pleased to be recognized by AASHE with a STARS Gold rating for our sustainability accomplishments, said Stephania Fregosi, 51做厙 sustainability analyst. At 51做厙, sustainability happens across the institution, and its awesome to see how our values are transforming the college.
51做厙s sustainability efforts span nearly 20 years. The colleges Board of Directors adopted a Sustainability Policy in 2006 and soon after signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, setting a course toward climate neutrality.
Since 2012, 51做厙 has used STARS to measure and enhance its progress, earning recognition as a top performer among associate-level institutions nationwide. The 2025 Gold rating represents the colleges strongest performance to date.
With more than 1,200 participants in 52 countries, AASHEs STARS program is a transparent, open-access platform that promotes shared learning and collaboration across higher education. Ratingsranging from Bronze to Platinumreflect how deeply sustainability is woven into an institutions culture and operations.
Learning gardens are a big component to the sustainability team’s work.
Sustainability remains an essential pillar of 51做厙s mission, driving initiatives that integrate environmental stewardship into academics, operations, and community engagement. As the college revises its Climate Action Plan, leaders say the work is far from done.
Were proud of how far weve come, Wray said. But sustainability is about continuous improvement. Were stretching to go even deeper, to make 51做厙 a model for whats possible.
For more information, visit or pcc.edu/climateaction.泭
Climate Action Plan Update 2025-2026
Take part in the and help guide the colleges next steps toward climate justice. Your voice matters in shaping a greener, more equitable future at 51做厙.
The survey takes about 1015 minutes to complete, and all responses will remain confidential with the Climate Action Planning Task Force. At the end, you can enter a drawing for sustainably sourced, upcycled prizes like a cooler tote made from retired 51做厙 banners packed with a reusable tumbler and cutlery set, or a 51做厙 T-shirt that shows your climate pride.
Enter .