BOISE, Idaho- The University of Idaho (U of I), which created an Office of Sustainability in 2023, is showcasing new climate-related recognitions from conservation groups.
Sarah Dawson, who became the university’s first sustainability director in 2022, announced that U of I has been certified as a Tree Campus by the Arbor Day Foundation and as a Bee Campus by the Xerces Society.
Both certifications designate U of I’s landscaping as conducive to local species and responsible conservation.
The Gem State’s flagship institution of higher learning also earned a STARS Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, which is the second highest rating offered by the organization.
The ranking included an assessment of the university’s impact on the environment. The university scored highest on innovation and leadership and lowest on investment and finance.
To continue pursuing the institution’s sustainability goals, U of I plans on developing a composting regime and a sustainability certificate program.
