Awards & Certifications

AASHE STARS Silver

Berea College has been recognized by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) as a STARS Silver Institution. To read the report, click on the link below.

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Accredited Arboretum Level I

In 2025, 120 acres of Berea College’s campus earned Arboretum designation. Certified as a Level 1 Accredited Arboretum through Arbnet, The Arboretum at Berea College is a result of generations of students, staff, and faculty being committed to the benefits of having a tree-lined and tree-canopied campus. This green space is cared for by the Grounds and Urban Forestry staff and their amazing labor student team.

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Animal Welfare Approved

Cattle and hogs at Berea College’s Farm are Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) by A Greener World. We ensure that our animals are able to behave naturally throughout their lives, and that they are free from unnecessary pain, thirst, hunger, and fear. They have outdoor access for most of their lifespan, are able to breed naturally, and are processed at the nearest available AWA processing facilities. We pride ourselves on saying that our livestock have very good lives, and only one bad day.

Bee Campus USA

Bee Campus USA is an initiative of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon. Its mission is to galvanize communities and campuses to sustain pollinators by providing them with healthy habitats rich in a variety of native plants and free of pesticides. As a member of the Bee Campus USA community since 2019, with efforts led by then-First Lady Laurie Roelofs, Berea College creates dedicated pollinator-friendly spaces across campus.

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Forest Stewardship Council Certified

Berea College’s Forest is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. FSC is a non-profit organization. Their focus is on the preservation of forests world-wide and addressing threats to those woodlands, such as issues related to biodiversity, climate, and deforestation. The program is also verified through the University of Kentucky’s Center for Forest and Wood Certification.

Green Restaurant Certified

Berea College Dining earned Green Restaurant Certification through the Green Restaurant Association by meeting rigorous environmental standards in areas such as waste reduction, energy and water efficiency, sustainable food sourcing, and chemical use. This certification demonstrates our ongoing commitment to environmentally responsible dining and continuous improvement.

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Tree Campus USA

Berea has been a member of the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus Higher Education since 2011. This program fosters a greener and healthier campus by involving the students, faculty, staff and the broader Berea community in tree care and decision-making.

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Tree Farm Certified

Berea College’s Forest is Tree Farm Certified and is enrolled in the American Tree Farm System (ATFS). The American Tree Farm System is a program of the American Forest Foundation. The ATFS “works to give people the tools they need to be effective stewards of America’s forests.” The program is also verified through the University of Kentucky’s Center for Forest and Wood Certification.

USDA Certified Organic

Berea College manages about 400 acres of USDA Certified Organicu crop land. Certified Organic land is managed using techniques that help preserve and protect soil, the environment, human health, and wild species. Organic producers use approved soil amendments and inputs to manage crop health and fertility. Crop rotation, conservation tillage, and regenerative farming are keys to our success. We never use GMO seeds.

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