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STAR Communities Seeks New Pilots, Sets Date for National Release of Sustainability Standard
by Don Knapp
STAR Communities is pleased to announce the launch of the STAR Community Index 1.0 in fall 2012—the nation’s first standard for sustainable communities. STAR is a national, consensus-based rating system for community sustainability. When released in fall 2012, STAR will provide communities a standard and comprehensive set of goals, objectives and performance measures by which to improve interdependent environmental, economic, and social conditions. STAR will provide local governments and community leaders with the framework and tools they need to set baselines, adopt targets, then measure and validate their progress across a standard and comprehensive set of goals, objectives and evaluation measures.
Seeking 25-40 Pilot Communities
With the release of the standard, STAR Communities seeks between 25‐40 U.S. communities to pilot STAR’s rating system, online reporting tool, and associated products and services.
If your community is interested, please download and fill out the Expression of Interest Form, and read the FAQ.
STAR Pilot Community Program - Expression of Interest Form (pdf)
When completed, save and submit electronically to info@starcommunities.org. EOI forms will be reviewed beginning August 15, 2012.
STAR Pilot Community Program - FAQs (pdf)
Read general information on the pilot, including pricing and program benefits.
STAR Community Index - Background & Assumptions (pdf)
Looking for more in-depth information on the STAR Community Index? This publication addresses background information, the STAR framework, registration and applicant details, and data standards.
STAR Framework of Goals & Objectives (pdf)
Review the system's current framework.
More About STAR
What is the STAR Community Index?
The STAR Community Index™ is the nation’s first framework for evaluating, quantifying, and improving the livability and sustainability of U.S. communities. STAR uniquely combines:
- A framework for sustainability encompassing the social, economic and environmental dimensions of community;
- A rating system that drives continuous improvement and fosters competition; and
- An online system that gathers, organizes, analyzes, and presents information required to meet sustainability goals.
Founding Partners and Organizational Structure
- In 2008, ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, the U.S. Green Building Council, the National League of Cities and the Center for American Progress established a partnership to develop the STAR Community Index in response to growing interest from their member organizations and the communities they serve.
- In 2012, STAR Communities incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in the District of Columbia; STAR Communities has a 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor, the Global Philanthropy Partnership, based in Chicago, IL.
- Founding partners hold seats on STAR governance committees along with sustainability leaders from local governments.
