This is an optional Innovation & Leadership (IL) credit. IL credits recognize institutions that are seeking innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and demonstrating sustainability leadership in ways that are not otherwise captured in STARS. Scoring in the Innovation and Leadership section is capped at 10 bonus points total.
Credit Language
IL 35: Nitrogen Footprint – version 3.0
Questions & Answers
How has this credit changed between STARS Version 2 and Version 3?
Partial points are now available for this bonus credit. A comprehensive list of differences can be found in the STARS 3.0 Summary of changes.
Suggestions for Institutions
- Work with your institution’s food and wastewater management team(s) and similar to determine whether an energy system certification has been achieved, and/or to consider pursuing such certification
Potential Data Quality Issues
- Documentation must be provided that the institution has calculated its nitrogen footprint during the previous three years.
- If earning the full 1 bonus point, there must be evidence that the nitrogen assessment includes scope 3 nitrogen emissions from purchased food and wastewater.