The Climate Metrics of Move-Out: Turning Dorm Donations into STARS Points and Zero-Waste Progress

Sustainability offices are being asked to show progress on waste, and not just diversion rates. The UC Sustainable Practices Policy asks each campus to cut per-capita municipal solid waste 50% below FY 2015–16 levels by 2030, and CSU campuses are working toward their own zero-waste goals under the CSU Sustainability Policy. Move-out is one of the few times a year when a single program can visibly shrink the waste stream.

This session is about the numbers. We'll cover what to measure during move-out (weight, item counts, and items redistributed), how to turn that into avoided-waste and emissions estimates you can defend, and where reuse fits in AASHE STARS 3.0, including the surplus and reuse indicator in the Materials Management credit and per-person waste generation in Waste Generation & Recovery. We'll also show how to package those results so Housing, leadership, and green-fund committees see a reason to invest.

You'll walk away with

• A short list of move-out metrics worth tracking, and how to collect them without extra burden
• Where move-out reuse fits in STARS 3.0 and your system's waste goals
• A one-page framing for pitching the program to Housing and campus leadership

Who should join

Sustainability managers, zero-waste coordinators, STARS liaisons, climate action plan staff, and green-fund committee members.

Ready to bring dorm reuse to your campus? Every registrant can book a free 30-minute follow-up with the ReDorm team to map out a program for your campus. Register to save your spot, and the recording will be sent to everyone who signs up.

Sources: UC Office of the President, zero waste goals · AASHE STARS 3.0, Materials Management · AASHE STARS 3.0, Waste Generation & Recovery