Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has been named a top performer in the 2025 Sustainable Campus Index, ranking sixth among 167 doctoral and research institutions for its sustainability curriculum. The index, published by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), recognizes colleges and universities that demonstrate best practices in sustainability.
The Sustainable Campus Index evaluates institutions based on self-reported data using the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). FGCU received an overall Gold STARS rating for the fourth consecutive time, having previously earned this status in 2014, 2017, 2020, and 2024. Universities are required to update their information at least every three years to maintain their ranking.
“We’re proud to be recognized in the Sustainable Campus Index for our leadership in sustainability-focused academics and research,” said Kathleen Crawford, environmental sustainability coordinator in FGCU’s Department of Environmental Health & Safety. “This distinction highlights FGCU’s commitment to advancing ecological understanding and building resilient systems through interdisciplinary collaboration. From field-based studies to innovative research on sustainable resource management, our campus continues to expand knowledge that supports thriving natural and human communities.”
The index ranks top performers across more than a dozen impact areas. In the curriculum category, it measures how well students are prepared to lead positive change through classroom instruction and experiential learning. According to Crawford, FGCU’s recognition reflects its dedication to integrating sustainability throughout academic programs and learning outcomes. This focus aligns with one of five main goals outlined in FGCU’s 2024-29 Strategic Plan.
Crawford noted that while the University Colloquium: A Sustainable Future has long been a foundational course at FGCU, the university recently broadened its graduation requirement for sustainability courses. “These new offerings are designed to reflect the breadth of academic programs and disciplines across the university, while also aligning with Southwest Florida’s evolving workforce and resiliency needs,” she said.
FGCU was also recognized as a top performer for research conducted by its academic departments and research centers. The research category considers incentives for sustainability-related projects, responsible innovation practices, and support for open access publishing. FGCU achieved a perfect score in this area.
“FGCU’s sustainability research spans critical areas such as climate resilience, water quality, biodiversity, sustainable engineering and community engagement, with a focus on addressing real-world challenges in Southwest Florida and beyond,” Crawford said.
Highlighted initiatives include The Water School’s work on coastal resilience and ecosystem health; Seidler Undergraduate Research Fellowships; Whitaker Institute mini-grants; and ScholarsCommons—an open-access repository where faculty share their work publicly.
“Through these programs, FGCU empowers students and faculty to engage in meaningful research that contributes to environmental stewardship, regional resilience and global sustainability solutions,” Crawford added.
The university also received high marks for engaging students directly with sustainability practices through campus operations—a living laboratory approach integrating infrastructure into hands-on learning opportunities.
Meghan Fay Zahniser, executive director of AASHE, commented on FGCU’s achievement: “Your progress serves as inspiration for students, staff and faculty everywhere who are working to integrate sustainability into their daily lives and professional practice. Together, the collective achievements of all STARS participants illustrate the power of higher education to drive solutions at scale and to model the leadership needed for a more sustainable future.”
