The city of Lawrence is to be commended for becoming the first city in Kansas to receive four stars from the nation’s most recognized sustainability rating service.

The STAR Communities rating system evaluates local governments on economic, environmental and social factors to measure sustainability. STAR stands for Sustainability Tools for Assessing and Rating. Communities are rated on a scale of one to five stars with five being the best. Just four cities have received a five-star rating: Northampton, Mass.; Seattle; Baltimore; and Cambridge, Mass.

The STAR rating system began in 2012 and provides a set of best practices for sustainability. So far, more than 60 communities have been certified, and Lawrence is one of just 25 cities to receive four or more stars.

The four stars put Lawrence on par with Washington, D.C.; Austin, Texas; and Portland, Ore. Lawrence outshone other cities that went through the certification process, including Wichita, St. Louis and Columbia, Mo., which received three stars each.

The rating is no small matter for the city’s residents. Sustainability initiatives create demonstrated savings that benefit taxpayers.

City Manager Tom Markus said the rating was a “significant achievement” for Lawrence. Added Mayor Mike Amyx, “With this four-star rating, we are set apart in a class of cities that take sustainability and the concepts of creating livable cities seriously.”

Lawrence Sustainability Coordinator Eileen Horn said that the STAR rating covers seven areas, including objectives related to the quality of the city’s buildings, energy use and natural systems, as well as ones related to education, equity and the economy.

The certification process included a review of 44 objectives overall and evaluated data from several city and county departments, partner agencies and nonprofit organizations. All objectives represent components important to the quality of life and prosperity of a city.

Lawrence received high scores for its recycling program, historic preservation and outdoor public spaces, as well for education and safety. Objectives where the city received fewer than half the points possible — and thus, the city has room for improvement — include the city’s level of climate adaption, infill and redevelopment, and quality jobs and living wages.

The four star rating puts Lawrence in a class with some of the nation’s most forward-thinking communities. It’s validation that sustainability efforts are working and a well-earned badge for city officials.