bggg white paper sustainability at usf r1

8/6/2019 BGGG White Paper Sustainability at USF R1

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JUNE 24, 2011

Bulls Go Green and Gold (BGGG) Team Professor Francis Tobienne, Jr.

Kim DauResearcher, Writer, Editor Professional WritingJohn FernandezInterviewer, Writer ENC3250.797A11

Michael LatiniInterviewer, Writer College of Arts and Sciences

Margaret McLeanEditor, Writer, 140 Seventh Avenue South, 33701

Template Design, and Artwork St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Protecting the environment today to

sustain the environment for the future


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CONTENTSThe Need for Green .................................................................................................................... 1

What is Sustainability? ............................................................................................................... 2

Turning Green ............................................................................................................................. 2

Early Environment ...................................................................................................................... 2

USF Gives Green a Try ................................................................................................................. 3

The Office of Sustainability ......................................................................................................... 4

Institutional Initiatives ............................................................................................................... 6

Infrastructure .............................................................................................................................. 6

Operations .................................................................................................................................. 7

Management .............................................................................................................................. 8

Current Initiatives ....................................................................................................................... 9

Students ............................................................................................................................. 9

Designed Environment .................................................................................................... 11

Academics ........................................................................................................................ 11

Parking and Transportation ............................................................................................. 13

Procurement and Dining Services.................................................................................... 15

Making Sustainability Work ...................................................................................................... 15

USF Physical Plants .......................................................................................................... 15

Facilities Planning and Construction ................................................................................ 15

For the Future ........................................................................................................................... 20USF Gets Results ...................................................................................................................... 21

Impact of Going Green .............................................................................................................. 21

Benefits of Going Green............................................................................................................ 22

Outreach.................................................................................................................................. 22

Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 24

Who to Contact ........................................................................................................................ 25

Works Cited ............................................................................................................................. 26

Annotated Bibliography ........................................................................................................... 28


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LIST OF FIGURES

List of FiguresFigure 1. Strong Sustainability Model ................................................................................................... 1

Figure 2. USF Tampa Entrance Sign ....................................................................................................... 1

Figure 3. World Natural Gas Consumption after World War II ............................................................. 2

Figure 4. Aerial View of USF in 1968 ..................................................................................................... 2

Figure 5. Original USF College of Business Administration ................................................................... 3

Figure 6. View of Campus Landscape after Trees Planted .................................................................... 4

Figure 7. USF 2007 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report ........................................................................ 8

Figure 8. FLeX House Model ................................................................................................................ 10

Figure 9. Campus Recreation Green Bike Program ............................................................................. 13

Figure 10. MLK Plaza Walkway ............................................................................................................ 13

Figure 11. Bull Runner Shuttle ............................................................................................................ 13

Figure 12. USF Garbage/Recycling Truck ............................................................................................ 14

Figure 13. Solar Electric USF Postal Service Truck ............................................................................... 14

Figure 14. USF St. Petersburg LEED-Certified Science and Technology Building ................................ 16

Figure 15. USF Polytechnic Campus .................................................................................................... 16

Figure 16. Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions .................................................................... 18

Figure 17. USF CAP CO2 Emission Forecast ......................................................................................... 20

Figure 18. USF St. Petersburg S.E.A.S. Harbor Clean Up Flyer ............................................................ 23 Figure 19. Aerial View of USF in 2009 ................................................................................................. 24

LIST OF TABLESTable 1. Student Initiatives .................................................................................................................... 9

Table 2. Designed Environment Initiatives.......................................................................................... 11

Table 3. Academic Initiatives ............................................................................................................... 11

Table 4. Transportation and Parking Initiatives .................................................................................. 14Table 5. Procurement and Dining Services Initiatives ......................................................................... 15

Table 6. Physical Plant and FPC Initiatives .......................................................................................... 19


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ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

Abbreviation or Acronym Definition

AASHE Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher

Education

ACUPCC American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment

CAP Climate Action Plan

CMP Campus Master Plan

CO2 Carbon dioxide

FLeX Florida zero energy prototype

FPC Facilities Planning and Construction

IT Information Technology

LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental DesignS.E.A.S. Student Environmental Awareness Society

SEA Student Environmental Association

STARS Sustainability Tracking Assessment & Rating System

USF University of South Florida


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THE NEED FORGREENAdvances in technology have allowed nations to

develop worldwide at an ever-increasing pace. Thisrapid development is not without costsincreased

demand for and resulting shortages of natural

resources; growth in waste and waste disposal

issues; raised levels of contamination of water,

land, and air; and global warming. As a result,

individuals, private organizations, and public

institutions worldwide are going green by

developing and implementing sustainability

ideologies, practices, and programs.

The methods used to achieve sustainability goalsdepend on the category. Individuals change habits

and lifestyles. Private organizations and businesses

develop sustainability initiatives, taking into account

the economics of sustainability, while maintaining

focus on long-term shareholder and social values. Public institutions and governments implement

green policies to satisfy present and future basic economic, social, and security needs. The methods,

however, are by no means limited by category.

Whether these goals are accomplished through the purchase of energy efficient and

environmentally friendly products and recycling; analysis and modification of business systems and

construction of green buildings; or integration of environmental, economic, and social values into

policy, each category recognizes the need to sustain natural resources for present and futureneeds and protect the environment.

Recognizing its sustainability needs, the

University of South Florida (USF) developed a

plan in 1995 to enhance it sustainability

programs, and has since then, implemented

institution-wide sustainability initiatives on all

of its campuses.

The information contained herein primarily

describes the initiatives, impact and benefits,

outreach, and future goals for the Tampacampus, but the initiatives are applicable to all

USF campuses.

1This model assumes that the economy only exists in the context of a society and that many important aspects of

society do not involve economic activity. It also assumes human society and the economic activity associated with it are

totally constrained by the natural systems of the planet.

Figure 1. Strong Sustainability Model1

Figure 2. USF Tampa Entrance Sign


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WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY?Sustainability in terms of the environment is the ability to adapt, adjust, and endure challenges of the

ever-changing environment. Environmental awareness is now a growing trend within government,businesses, and colleges and universities. Sustainability is a long-term approach to environmental

protection and process improvements. Sustainable design prevents pollution from the start and calls

for systems thinking that acknowledges the connections between the economy, the environment,

and social responsibility. As the worlds population increases, it must embrace the planet and the

resources it has to offer and think in terms of sustainability.

Turning GreenThe green movement has taken shape since the

1830s when intellectuals began to publicly

criticize institutions for their neglect toenvironmental awareness. Environmental

awareness became apparent after the Second

World War, mainly due to the rapid increase in

the worlds population. Popular scientists began

to investigate and draw attention to the rising

demand of the planets natural gases. We have

come a long way since then today, the green

movement has become a lifestyle. Businesses

have dedicated a large part of their budgets, and

universities a large part of their endowments, to

reducing their impacts on the environment.

Early EnvironmentThe USF Tampa campus was built on

land that first served as a hunting

preserve, an orange grove, and then

as the north end of Henderson Air

Field during World War II. The land

was cleared of trees to provide

airspace for planes to take off and

land. Upon completion, USFs large,

widespread campus was austere, withsparse landscaping of sand, patches of

grass, and scattered trees. One of our

team members who attended USF in

the 1970s, remembers enduring

lengthy walks in the blistering heat from the dormitory to classes.

Figure 3. World Natural Gas Consumption after World

War II

Figure 4. Aerial View of USF in 1968

University Center (now

(site of the Marshall

Student Center)

Administration

Building


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Nainan Desai, assistant director of USFs Physical Plant, confirmed the campus conditions in an

interview, saying In the early years, the campus had few trees. Those planted when the university

was built were still young and small, so shade was a rare commodity. Students would rush from

building to building, not lingering outside to chat with friends or relax between classes.

USF Gives Green a TryUSF pioneered its green movement in 1979

with the opening of the original bunker-

styled College of Business Administration

building. Although a new business building

has been constructed adjacent to the

original, it is still in use and unique at USF in

that two-thirds of it is underground, and it

has a landscaped roof over the first floor.

This building was the universitys first

attempt to reduce its impact on the

campus environment. Other early

initiatives included a recycling

program in the 1980s and replacement oflight bulbs with more energy efficient green

lights in the 1990s.

In 1995, USF, using the Environmental Protection Agencys Smart Growth principles,

developed its Campus Master Plan (CMP) to improve its sustainable goals and practices on a

university-wide basis, including outreach to the external university community.

During the first ten years after implementation of the CMP, the university planted over 2,000 trees,

operated a free off-campus biofueled shuttle system to reduce office campus traffic congestion,

arranged free regional transportation for students, increased the number of on-campus residence

halls, and constructed bike lanes and sidewalks to improve on- and off-campus pedestrian and

bicycle access and safety. USF also enhanced it recycling program by providing recycling sites to

everyone on campus and increasing the number of recycling containers in campus buildings.

Figure 5. Original USF College of Business Administration

Smart Growth Principles

Based on the experience of communities around the nation that have used smart growth approaches to create and

maintain great neighborhoods, the Smart Growth Network developed a set of ten basic principles:

1. Mix land uses2. Take advantage of compact building design3. Create a range of housing opportunities and choices4. Create walkable neighborhoods5. Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place6. Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas7. Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities8. Provide a variety of transportation choices9. Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective10. Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kirkanos2882/3530147320/in/photostream/


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USF had a history of expertise in the area of

sustainability, but lacked a centralized base to

coordinate the separate efforts. After

identifying principal campus and community

target areas for development and investment,

Dr. Linda Whiteford was

appointed Associate Vice

President for Academic

Affairs and Static Initiatives

in 2007. Dr. Whiteford

organized a campus-wide

Steering Committee to

focus on USFs green

movement. The committee began an on-going Sustain-A-Bull campaign,

involving USF, the Hillsborough County Planning Commission, and other

organizations. It also was instrumental in obtaining the USF presidents approval to become a

signatory of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment

(ACUPCC) in April 2008 and become a Charter Participant of the Association for the

Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). AASHE manages the

system that rates and grades colleges sustainability programs. Dr. Whiteford is currently

the Vice Provost for Academic Program Development and Review and directs the Global Academic

Partners Program.

The Office of SustainabilityThe Office of Sustainability was created in July 2009 to manage USFs climate

impact assessment and reporting, as well as to serve as the single point of

contact for sustainability programs and activities for the USF system. Dr. Christian

Wells, currently the Deputy Director of the Patel School of Global Sustainability

and Associate Professor of Anthropology, was hired as the inaugural Director of

the Office of Sustainability on August 6, 2009. Under his direction, the Office

developed and executed a combination of institutional and business

sustainability initiatives, including changes to its infrastructure, operations, and

management. These initiatives include:

(1) reducing greenhouse gas emissions(2) coordinating environmental activities on campus(3) coordinating educational and community-based initiatives on sustainability(4) seeking and coordinating external funding for sustainability related campus activities(5) coordinating external evaluations for campus sustainability

Figure 6. View of Campus Landscape after Trees

Planted

Images of Vice President Whiteford and Deputy Director

Wells courtesy of the University of South Florida


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USFs sustainability goals and practices were incorporated into its 2007-2012 Strategic Plan, an

aggressive plan to elevate the performance and rankings ofUSF as one of the nations leading

research universities. The plan provides the USF community with the vision, goals, strategies, and

measures to promote university and student successes and is directed at innovation, newknowledge, and economic development from local to global levels.

Since the inception of the Office of Sustainability, USF has pledged itself to become a green

university and continually updates its commitment through innovation and development.

USFs Sustainability Pledge

use 100% recycled paper in all of our promotional materials recycle paper after using both sides of the sheet reduce paper usage whenever possible by using electronic means of communication set office printers to automatically print double-sided pages purchase Energy Star rated electronics use compact fluorescent light bulbs in all lighting fixtures reduce wasted energy by turning off lights, computers, and other appliances when not in use only use reusable bottles for beverages implement low flow fixtures and toilets in its facilities recommend carpooling, use of public transportation, bicycling, and walking for transportation purposes encourage participation in web conferences and teleconferences to reduce travel related emissions recycle all paper, plastic, and aluminum waste dispose of other waste, such as batteries, compact fluorescent lights, and electronics properly return ink cartridges and toners to the manufacturers for recycling use biodegradable dishes and utensils for catered events

Office of Sustainability Contributions to the USF Strategic Plan

1. Strengthening and supporting integrated and synergistic interdisciplinary research across disciplinary,departmental, college and campus boundaries (Strategic Goal 1)

2. Building a sustainable campus environment at USF (Strategic Goal 2)3. Constructing an up-to-date clearinghouse of information about all the sustainability engagement

activities currently occurring at USF and encouraging and rewarding faculty, staff, and student

engagement in sustainability initiatives (Strategic Goal 3)

4. Creating a sustainable environment that supports an expanded and improved teaching and researchmission, a more engaged residential community, and a university-based global village (Strategic Goal 4)


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USFs green initiatives have not gone unnoticed, as the university was recognized in the 2011

edition ofThe Princeton Reviews Guide to 311 Green Colleges for (1) receiving the gold STARS

rating, (2) for having LEED-certified buildings, and (3) for being a signatory of the ACUPCC. The

gold STARS

rating USF received proves that we are truly green andgold, said E. ChristianWells, Director of USFs Office of Sustainability. According to Dr. Wells, the STARS system helps

us track our sustainability efforts and allows us to find out weak spots. (Cash)

INSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVES

InfrastructureInfrastructure is everything we use every daywithout thoughtincluding water and wastewater

treatment plants, sewers, drainage, water supply, and many other facilities. Sustainable

infrastructure is infrastructure that lasts longer, or repairs itself; uses less energy, water, and

natural resources; produces less air and water pollution; and generates less solid or hazardous

waste. It is infrastructure that protects the health and well-being of future generations as well asthe current generation.

USF implemented several measures within its infrastructure to go green. In addition to initiating of

the Office of Stability, which includes a website to provide information on sustainability activities,

the university formed an Advisory Council and a Technical Advisory Board that includes members

from the entire university and established a Green Fund with a gift from the Tampa Electric

Company Energy Foundation to develop a sustainable financial base.

Sustain-A-Bull NewsUSF Receives Gold STARS Rating

The University of South Florida is one of a small number of universities nationwide whose efforts to build an environmentally-

conscious campus and advance sustainability efforts through cutting-edge research have earned a gold rating from the Association

for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, the nations leading advocacy group for the green campus movement.

USF scored top marks in sustainability innovation and activities, as well as its coordination and planning for a more sustainable

campus. The university also scored solid marks for its commitment to academic research on a wide range of sustainability issues; of the

54 academic departments at USF, 38 have faculty members actively engaged in sustainability research.

The report is another major landmark in USFs progress toward creating a healthier campus with a lessened impact on the

environment while working toward advancing sustainability concepts through research.

While there are still challenges in energy use and transportation where most of USFs carbon emissions emanate, USF is continuing

its efforts to promote carpooling, car-sharing services, the use of public transportation and bicycle use, including safer and more

extensive bike lanes in and around the campus. The report makes clear, however, that its the incremental daily march toward more

careful use of limited resources that is making a difference at USF.


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To promote the green movement and recycling at USF, The Office of Sustainability implemented

programs to highlight and award faculty, staff, and students who are committed to making USF a

cleaner, greener campus.

OperationsOperational sustainability is the ability to meet operational objectives over extended periods of

time. USF has added sustainability to its objectives through consideration of design, operations,

and management in virtually every system.

USFs operational sustainability efforts include compliance with the ACUPCC by reporting a

comprehensive Greenhouse Gas inventory (see sample in Figure 7); compilation a Climate Action

Plan (CAP) by the Sustainability Steering Committee and nearly 50 students, faculty, and staff;

preparation of proposals for external funding to create a Decision Center for University

Sustainability; creation a university-wide policy on campus and community sustainability to

implement the recommendations outlined in the CAP, and close collaboration with the academiccolleges and other units, Facilities Planning and Construction (FPC) and the Physical Plant, campus

stakeholder groups and community partners on numerous initiatives and activities in sustainability

as outlined in the CAP.

Office of Sustainability Funded and Managed Programs

Sustainability Champions Program

This program highlights outstanding faculty and staff who demonstrate a strong commitment to making the USF campus and

community a cleaner, greener place to live and work. Sustainability Champions are selected based on their commitment to

conserving resources, reducing waste, recycling and reusing materials, increasing energy efficiency, and other behaviors that will

help make USF a more sustainable campus.

Sustainability Mentors Program

This program highlights outstanding faculty and staff who mentor undergraduate or graduate students in sustainability activities

on campus, with the dual goals of celebrating faculty/staff mentoring excellence and encouraging others to serve as mentors.

Sustainability Mentors are selected based on their commitment to working with USF students on sustainability issues as well as

the social, economic, and environmental impact of these efforts.

Sustainability Fellows Program

This program, in collaboration with the Office of the Provost, provides graduate students with the opportunity to work closelywith the Office of Sustainability staff to make USF a green university. Sustainability Fellows serve as Graduate Research

Assistants, coordinating sustainability activities on campus, educational and community-based initiatives on sustainability, and

other tasks integral to the mission of the Office of Sustainability.

Sustainability Scholars Program

This program, in collaboration with the Office of Undergraduate Research and stakeholder groups, provides undergraduate

students with the opportunity to work closely with the Office of Sustainability staff to make USF a green university. Scholars

collaborate on a range of sustainability projects on campus, examining and assessing social, economic, and environmental

practices that promote or impede sustainability that helps the USF community become a cleaner, greener place to live and work.

Scholars learn how to construct and implement a formal research design, receive training in research ethics and relevant

methods for data collection and analysis, and use their results to help create and evaluate policies and programs for

sustainability initiatives at USF.


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Figure 7. USF 2007 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report

ManagementSustainability management is the ability to direct the course of a company, community,

organization, or country in ways that restore and enhance all forms of capital (human, natural,

manufactured, and financial) to generate stakeholder value and contribute to the well-being of

current and future generations.

USF has incorporated sustainability initiatives into its management and participates in and

implements many green programs and activities to maintain sustainability. In addition to joining

Arizona State University, University of California Los Angeles, Penn State, and other select

universities as Charter Participants of AASHE STARS, management also provides organizational and

thought leadership for the highly successful (ca. 4,000 attendees) Annual Campus and Community

Sustainability Conference, where participants share best practices pertaining to Floridas future in

terms of sustainability. Memorandums of Understanding with community partners are drafted tocreate actionable links between the Office of Sustainability and Tampas educational, nonprofit, and

business communities. USF also hosted the 2008 and 2009 Going Green Tampa Bay Expos, where

sustainable products and services were exhibited.

Management uses the CMP to emphasize conservation and sustainable practices in its operations,

including land use, energy and water consumption, recycling, landscaping, transportation,

construction, dining servicesalmost every part of USFs infrastructure.


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Current Initiatives

StudentsUSF students are actively encouraged to participate and, more importantly, to lead in numerous

sustainability organizations or programs. Student initiatives include Student Government

participation in sustainability initiatives, such as lobby as passage of a $.75-per-credit-hour

renewable energy fee and creations of organizations to educate and work with others, both locally

and globally, on sustainability issues. A summary of student initiatives is show in Table 1.

Table 1. Student Initiatives

Student Government- Created a new office, Chief Sustainability Officer; successfully lobbied for $.75-per-credit-hour

renewable energy fee to generate funds for research on renewable energy projects.

Housing and Residential Education - Implemented a campus-wide recycling program in all residences.Student Environmental Association

- Educates the community about the environment and works towards making USF moreenvironmentally-friendly.

Students in Free Enterprise

(Refill-A-Bull)2

- Serves members of the community through educational outreach projects that representsocial, economic, environmental, personal, ethical, and sustainable change.

Emerging Green Builders

(ConservaBull)3

- Creates mutually beneficial relationship among University of South Florida students, theTampa Bay community, and local business leaders in the area of green building and

sustainability.

Engineers for a Sustainable World- Coordinates efforts a multidisciplinary group at the University of South to in actively reduce

poverty by improving environmental, social, and economic sustainability worldwide.

Engineers without Borders

(Water for Miches)4

- Partners with developing communities worldwide in order to improve their quality of life.Alliance of Concerned Students

- Explores and advocates for alternative education, alternative media, and resourcemanagement and sustainability.

Necessary Improvements to

Transform our Environment- Advocates continuous campus safety and student health

2Refill-A-Bulls goal is to reduce the use and waste of plastic beverage bottles on campus through the use of reusable

metal containers.3ConservaBulls goal is to enhance students awareness of energy and water consumption.

4Water for Miches goal was to bring clean water to the 500 residents of Miramar in the Dominican Republic who had no

clean water source.


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Sustain-A-Bull News Solar Power Plant Coming to USF

Yogi Goswami, the John and Naida Ramil Professor at University of South Florida, and his team at the

College of Engineering are building a solar power plant at the USF Tampa campus solar park to research

ways to make solar energy available 24 hours a day, 7days a week (Temple).

The on-campus solar power plant is being funded with a grant from the State of Florida through the

Florida Energy Systems Consortium. Included in this project is a thermal storage system being developed

with $3.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Sustain-A-Bull News FLeX House Team Florida

Team Floridaan interdisciplinary group of students and faculty led by USF College of the Arts School of Architecture and

Community Design Professor Stanley Russell, and includes the USF Colleges of Engineering, Arts and Sciences, and Business; the

Florida State University College of Engineering; the University of Florida School of Building Construction and Interior Design; and

the University of Central Floridas Florida Solar Energy Center is entering a newly-piloted Florida zero energy prototype (FLeX)

house into the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011.

This event raises awareness of solar energy, and the FLeX House models purpose is to encourage builders to create homes that

are not only environmentally friendly, but are affordable as well.

The FLeX House is being built in Florida by the Beck Group with assistance from Team Florida, which is providing coordination,

design, and engineering capabilities, and expertise. The house will be shipped to Washington, DC, upon completion where it will

be displayed with other green houses built by teams around the world (Melendez). Ultimately, the house will be sent back to USF

to become a part of its solar park and function as the Zero Energy House Learning Center to raise environmental awareness.

Figure 8. FLeX House Model


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Designed Environment

Designed environment is focused on the connections between the social, built, and natural

environments to make informed decisions about community development and resourcemanagement. USFs designed environment initiatives have converted the campus from its original

harsh outdoor environment, from which people wanted to escape, to one in which people are willing

meet, socialize, and relax. A summary of designed environment initiatives are shown in Table 2.

Table 2. Designed Environment Initiatives

Campus Design

- Construction of buildings four stories or greater to conserve land- Build public spaces- Improve road, bicycle, and pedestrian ways

Greenway- Develop and expand greenway through implantation of stormwater management, landscape

improvements, placement of future buildings, and linking Greenway areas

Integrated Landscape - Plant treesForestation - Protect tree roots from construction runoffXeriscape Development

- Use drought-resistant, native plantsWaterscape Improvement andIrrigation

- Implementation of an aggregate campus-wide stormwater system- Construction of cisterns for storage and re-use of rainwater

Academics

The colleges of USF have initiated sustainability objectives as they pertain to their areas of

expertise. The College of Marine Science focuses on environmental education and research, while

the College of Business has added business sustainability and sustainable enterprise to its

curriculum. The College of Engineering, especially the Department of Civil and Environmental

Engineering, uses physics to study biological systems in its various engineering programs. Table 3

summarizes the sustainability initiatives of USFs colleges.

Table 3. Academic Initiatives

College of Arts and Sciences

- Exact focus or relevant courses on sustainability in Natural sciences (biology, chemistry, geology,geography), Interdisciplinary science, Social sciences (anthropology, geography, government and

internal affairs), Humanities

College of Behavioral and

Community Sciences- Community focus

College of Business - Business sustainability and sustainable enterpriseCollege of Education - Environmental educationCollege of Engineering - Biophysical environmentCollege of Marie Science - Environmental education and research and global climate changeCollege of the Arts - Incorporation of environmental themes into themesHonors College - Seminars and projects on environmental projectsGraduate School

- Grants for research projects by masters and doctoral studentsDr. Kiran C. Patel Center for

Global Solutions

- Nonpartisan, independent research in areas of education, water and sanitation, urbanizationand migration, and sustainability for solutions to global problems

Center for Urban

Transportation Research- Provide results of transportation research to government, education system, and public

Clean Energy Research Center - Research , develop, and clean energy sources and systemsPower Center for Utility

Explorations

- Explore energy-related issues in renewable energy transmission, distribution, and generationsystem


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Sustain-A-Bull News School of Global Sustainability

The University of South Florida launched the nations first School of Global Sustainability, an innovative effort aimed at preparing

students for a new generation of green collar careers and to find solutions for a world challenged to protect its fragileenvironment and limited resources. World-class researchers in water, clean and renewable energy, climate change, coastal

environments, human health, and sustainable cities will unite in programs that focus on the worldwide challenges to creating

sustainable systems.

The School of Global Sustainability also will help educate a new workforce for the new green economy, which is expected to create

2.5 million new jobs in coming years.

The University ofSouth Florida is committed to creating a 21st

Century which is healthy, sustainable, and prosperous for both

Florida and global communities. This school is a major step in that direction, said USF President Judy Genshaft.The School of

Global Sustainability will leverage USFs existing strengths to build new opportunities for our students and faculty. We are

dedicated to preparing our students to face the challenges of the world we know now and of the world that will exist in their

lifetime.

The school will not be a traditional bricks-and-mortar school, and students will use online learning and the latest technological

advances to complete programs efficiently. The first degree program, a masters degree in global sustainability, will initially focus

on water, with other concentrations being developed in food security and health, natural environments, gender, ethnicity and

class, global citizenry, climate change, coastal wetlands, the history of sustainable communities and megacities. An

interdisciplinary approach to learning will be used and will allow students and researchers to explore issues through the

perspective of corporate social responsibility public policy, poverty reduction, and education in relation to areas of science,

technology, math, and engineering which are in important in the development of sustainable technologies.

While the schools focus will be global, it will draw on USFs local roots in a major coastal city facing the challenges of climate

change, protection of threatened natural resources and population growth.

In creating this School of Global Sustainability, we are re-imagining and redefining higher

education, said USF Provost Ralph Wilcox. We are leveraging our interdisciplinary strengths

and partnerships in academia and private industry and positioning our students for success in

a competitive, globalized world.

USF and the new School of Global Sustainability recognize that the health of the

environment and its human occupants is intricately interwoven and interdependent, andthey can only be understood in a global context, said Linda Whiteford, USFs Associate Vice

President for Academic Affairs and Strategic Initiatives. Therefore, the new school will be

truly global, drawing students, faculty, data, problems, and solutions from around the world.


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Parking and Transportation

USF's Tampa CMP contains numerous long-range

sustainability initiatives that give priority topedestrians, bicyclists, and public transit.

USF is improving bicycle lanes and encouraging the

use of bicycles on campus by adding bike racks

throughout the campus and improving bike security

and racks on USF and public transit. USF student have

established a bicycle club, and the Campus Recreation

Center rents bicycles.

Pedestrian corridors are also being improved. Trees,

trellises, and arcades have been established to

increase shade on sidewalks.

On-campus housing and dining and other services

have been increased to encourage and enable

students, staff, and faculty to remain on campus

during the day rather than take off-campus lunch

breaks.

Commuters are also provided with transportation

options, such a fare-free rides on the regional bus

system and USFs Bull Runner Transit system. Because

of USF's leadership in providing commuter options, USF

has been a designated member of "Best Workplaces forCommuters, a national recognition program.

Figure 9. Campus Recreation Green Bike

Program

Figure 10. MLK Plaza Walkway

Figure 11. Bull Runner Shuttle


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USF extensively uses electric and gasoline golf carts to

minimize operating costs and carbon footprint. A

conscious attempt is made to reduce the number of

street-licensed vehicles to make off-campus tripsthrough increased use of on-campus stores for

maintenance and office supplies. The Physical Plant has

purchased larger electric powered vehicles to deliver

campus mail, supplies, and furniture. Fossil fuel-based

vehicles are being retired as new electric vehicles

arrive. Transportation and Parking Initiatives are

summarized in Table 4.

Table 4. Transportation and Parking Initiatives

Pedestrian and

Bicycle Commuting

- Improve pedestrians and bicycle ways- Add bicycle racks throughout the campus- Improve bicycle security- Improve safety for bike riders and pedestrians

Bus System

- Increase on-campus housing and dining services lessen off-campus breaks- Use biodiesel-fueled buses- Improve public bus bays and shelters- Implement Automatic Vehicle Locator for commuters to track bus arrivals times- Implement automatic passenger counting so rides can track seat availability

Commuter Options

- Arrange fare-free transportation on USF and regional bus transportation- Provide free carpool and vanpool services- Improve roadways (with assistance from Hillsborough County)- Provide low-rate hybrid rental cars to students, staff, and faculty who need to leave campus during the day- Reduce traffic growth

Motor Vehicle Idling - Improve intersections (with assistance from Hillsborough County) to reduce idle timeMass Transit

- Partner with public organizations to improve transit- Research rapid transit system connecting USF to downtown Tampa and other areas to eliminate the need to

drive

Parking

- Build multi-level parking structures to eliminate parking sprawl- Modify class schedules to even parking demand and increase use of existing classrooms and facilities- Offer compressed workweek and flextime

Campus Fleet- Use alternate fuels- Purchase electric-powered vehicles for delivering campus mail , supplies, furniture- Provide on-campus stores and supplies to reduce the number of street and need to make off-campus trips

Air Travel - Transition to electronic travel request systemEducation Mission

- Offer course on transportation sustainability- Provide technical support and education programs for transportation professionals- Provide real-life experience for students as USF transit drivers

Figure 12. USF Garbage/Recycling Truck

Figure 13. Solar Electric USF Postal Service

Truck


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Procurement and Dining Services

Procurement and ARAMARK/USF dining services have incorporated sustainability

initiatives into their services, such as purchase of post-consumer waste products,reusable products, green cleaning products, as well as recycling paper and grease for

biofuel. In addition, dining services supports local growers and purchases Fair Trade

productsproducts that have been produced and traded in an environmentally and

socially fair way. A summary of Procurement and Dining Services initiatives are

show in Table5:

Table 5. Procurement and Dining Services Initiatives

Procurement

- Purchase Energy Star computer equipment- Purchase flex fuel for university fleet- Emphasize sustainability to bidding vendors- Purchase Green Seal-certified cleaning products- Purchase office paper, paper towels, and toilet paper containing recycled content

Dining Services

- Use fresh produce from local growers and fairly grown and traded food products- Use organic produce- Offer vegan and vegetarian meals at every location- Implement trayless dining to save water- Provide reusable cups and bags to transport food purchases- Provide reusable to-go containers- Recycle cardboard and tin- Use low-watt lighting- Recycle grease for biofuel- Use paper products made from 100% unbleached, recycled content- Switch to greenware that uses renewable corn-based resin- Use green cleaning supplies

Making Sustainability WorkUSFs Physical Plants and FPC are responsible for building, installing, and retrofitting USFs

buildings, equipment, and systems to make them green.

USF Physical Plants

USFs physical plants provide most of the universitys services for their respective campuses and

have been instrumental in implementing many of the campus sustainability initiatives for present

campus facilities.

Facilities Planning and Construction

FPC provides architecture and engineering services to all USF campuses. FPC is tasked with design

and redesign of sustainable buildings and is committed to operation and maintenance of physical

resources that promotes sustainability and protection of the environment.


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In addition to ensuring new buildings are

fully sustainable and capable of LEED-

certification, the FPC is pursuing a LEED

Existing Building Operations andMaintenance certification from the U.S.

Green Building Council. The Science and

Technology Building at USFs St. Petersburg

campus was certified in 2011.

Major renovations have been made to

several buildings, including Chemistry,

Education, Science Center, and Kopp. LEED-

accredited professionals are on the FPC

staff. Several roofs (including the library)

have been replaced roofs with high

insulation and reflectivity values. Sunscreens on southern window exposures continue to beinstalled, along with high efficiency glass. USF is developing an IT-networked centralized remote

building energy management/control and individual building metering of energy and water use and

centralized data collection. The university is conducting life cycle analysis on its construction

materials and are developing standards in building insulation values for walls, roofs, windows, motor

and equipment efficiencies, mechanical systems insulation, and controls for heating, ventilation, air

conditioning, and lighting.

An energy and cost saving chiller plant

was completed at USFs Sarasota-

Manatee campus in April 2011. In this

FPC initiative, the air-conditioningsystem in the central energy plant was

upgraded from an air-cooled system

similar to the ones found in most houses

to a water-cooled and ice storage

system. The thermal storage system will

make ice during electrical low-cost, off-

peak hours, and then use that ice to cool

the university during high-cost peak

hours of operation.

USF also expects the Polytechnic

campus in Lakeland, FL, and the Interdisciplinary Science and Wellness and Nutrition buildings onthe Tampa campus to be LEED-certified.

Figure 14. USF St. Petersburg LEED-Certified

Science and Technology Building

Figure 15. USF Polytechnic Campus


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What is LEED?

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally-recognized green building certification system

developed by the U.S. Green Building Council in March 2000 to provide building owners and operators with a framework for

identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations, and maintenancesolutions.

LEED promotes sustainable building and development practices through a suite of rating systems that recognize projects that

implement strategies for better environmental and health performance. The rating systems are developed through an open,

consensus-based process led by committees consisting of diverse groups of volunteers representing a cross-section of the

building and construction industry.

LEED is flexible enough to apply to all building types commercial as well as residential, working throughout the building

lifecycle design and construction, operations and maintenance, tenant outfitting, and significant retrofitting. LEED for

Neighborhood Development extends the benefits beyond the building footprint into the neighborhood it serves.

LEED also makes business sense, benefiting commercial building owners as well as tenants.


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Sustain-A-Bull News USF Opens First LEED-Certified Building

USF opened its first LEED-certified building, the Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions and the School of Global Sustainability, in

January 2010. The center represents a new era in rethinking how public spaces are created and limited resources are managed.

The building is fully green and made from building products that were extracted or manufactured from sources in a 500-mile radius

of Tampa to lessen the environmental impact of transporting materials to the campus. More than 90 percent of the construction waste

was recycled to lessen the impact on area landfills. LEED-certified buildings require submission of recycling records.

Wood paneling and detail came from either wood-composite materials or from managed forests, such as the doors that are made

from quick growing, inexpensive bamboo. Materials from the earth that cannot be replenished were not used. Low or no-emittingpaints and construction adhesives were used to improve indoor air quality.

The building is also fully xeriscaped with drought-resistant plants native to Florida. Large trees on the construction site were removed

and replanted in another location, and pine needles were used as mulch. Special parking spaces have been designated for energy-

efficient vehicles and those who carpool and bike to workand a shower room is available to employees who bike to work.

The building, which is designed to use resources efficiently to conserve water and energy features:

Countertops made of recycled steel shavings, glass, and resin Toilets that flush with captured rainwater and condensation from the air conditioning system Landscaping is native to Florida with drought-tolerant plants Renovated carpeting Underground 30,000-gallon recycled water tank Underground lighting systems that turn off automatically as an occupant leaves the room Use of natural light to lower the need for electric lighting Lower-cost, longer-life LED lights and efficient fluorescent fixtures Roof-top solar panels on the roof heat water Windows glazing to keep heat out while letting light in Individual workspace temperature controls Recycling bins throughout the building

The center houses the Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions and the School of Global Sustainability, classrooms, student programs,

and public meeting spaces. The offices of USFs top officials and other administrative services also are also located at the center.

Figure 16. Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions


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Physical Plant and FPC sustainability and green building initiatives are listed in Table 6.

Table 6. Physical Plant and FPC Initiatives

Building Materials- Commission building envelope for new and current campus buildings to ensure buildings are fully functional

Smart Masonry - Enhance building features and look with building materialsMaterials Conservation - Use materials that eliminate need for other materials, i.e., such as stained brick that doesnt need paintMaterials Recycling

and Recycled Content

Materials

- Recycling of demolition materials and construction- Use recycled content in construction materials

Renewable Building

Materials- Use renewable sources of building materials

Green Roofs - Replace roofs with solar roofs with high insulation values and high reflectivity

Recycling

- Mixed paper (over 7,100 tons office paper, newspaper, magazines, cardboard since inception of program)- Aluminum cans (over 48 tons since inception of program)- Glass and plastics- Mixed metals- Yard debris, tree limbs and wooden waste- Fluorescent bulbs and fixture ballasts- Electronic equipment

Reuse, Renovate, and

Retrofit - Energy

Conservation and

Recovery

- Install high efficiency glass on windows- Upgrade lighting systems with modern, high efficient electronic ballasts and energy conserving fluorescent

bulbs

- Replace F32 (32-watt) lamps with F28 (28-watt) lamps- Retrofit classrooms with electronic motion sensors that turn off the lights when classrooms are not in use- Implement an IT-networked energy metering, monitoring, and control system to track and help optimize

energy usage at campus buildings

- Retrofit buildings with Direct Digital Control Systems that optimize the usage of air conditioning systems- Develop and implement computerized energy management system for air handling units- Retrofit campus buildings with High Solar Reflective Index roofing materials to reduces building heat load

and cooling energy usage

- Replace inefficient gas and electric operated chillers with the most energy efficient electric chillers available- Replace old, inefficient boilers with new high efficiency boilers to reduce natural gas usage- Equip environmental systems at some buildings with heat pipe energy recovery systems to reduce energy

usage

- Convert chilled water distribution system from primary/secondary pumping to variable primary pumping toincrease temperature difference between supply and return chilled water to improve chiller performance

- Update campus design standards to have high efficiency insulation on all underground chilled water and hotwater distribution piping

- Initiate a natural gas purchase program as a result of utilities deregulation- Research, design, and develop renewable energy sources

Water Conservation

- Retrofit of campus buildings with motion sensing automatic faucets and flush valves- Building water metering- Use of non-potable water for irrigation- Dual plumbing by use of cisterns to collect rainwater for toilet flushing- Xeriscape landscaping- Use of weather-informed irrigation

Stormwater Pollution

Prevention

- Coordination and adherence to Florida Department of Environmental Protection on construction projects- Development of good housekeeping practices for students, faculty and staff, Tampa residents, and

businesses and contractors to mitigate pollution from stormwater runoff

Green Building- Coordinate construction for LEED-certified buildings- Renovate buildings


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For the FutureMany of USF sustainability initiatives

are on-going programs and willcontinue long into the future. New and

more efficient methods to reduce its

carbon footprint will be incorporated

into the CAP and Strategic Plan as they

are discovered and developed.

In the near term, USF plans to reduce

its greenhouse gas emissions by 50

percent or greater, obtain more than

30 percent of its energy from non-fossil

fuel or nuclear sources, and reduce its

impact on storm water pollution by reducing its fertilizer applications all within the next five years.

The CAP shows that by 2050, USF carbon dioxide emissions will be 80 percent less than in 2007-

2008, the baseline year. USF plans to meet three critical benchmarks in CO2 reduction: 10 percent

by 2015, 20 percent by 2025, and 50 percent by 2040. After 2050, through renewable energy

certificates, carbon offsets, and increased sequestering of CO2 by the Greenway, USF expect to be

climate neutral by 2070.

Figure 17. USF CAP CO2 Emission Forecast

Sustain-A-Bull News USF Chosen to Be Part of Global Education Project

The University of South Florida has been selected by the Association of American Colleges and Universities as one of 32 universities to

participate in General Education for a Global Century, a curriculum and faculty development project aimed at educating students in all

aspects of a rapidly globalizing society. This comes at a time when higher education leaders are increasingly focused on globalcurriculum as a strategy to secure the competitive edge of American students, as well as bolster the nations diplomatic and security

interests around the world.

Beginning in the fall of 2011, USF students will focus the first two years of their undergraduate study on a series of courses centered

on global topics and complete their baccalaureate degree in their major of choice within four years. The program is geared toward

those interested in pursuing degrees and careers related to global issues, including environmental and cultural sustainability, public

and community health, economic development and sustainable enterprise, human rights and social justice.

USF students will have opportunities for service learning opportunities that take them into the communities they study, directed

research projects, and opportunities to study abroad. Nationwide, the effort creates a new opportunity for students who will be

living, working, and socializing in an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world to begin their careers with a deep

understanding of the challenges and opportunities of globalization.


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USFGETS RESULTS

Impact of Going GreenUSFs green initiatives have reduced the amount of water used on campus. Dining services alone

saves, per year, 32,992 gallons of water from its implementation of trayless dining and 1,689

kilowatt hours by using green lights. As a whole, USF saves over 11 million kilowatt-hours annually

from the Green Lights program. Recycling has greatly reduced the amount of waste. The Physical

Plant has recycled over 48 tons of aluminum and over 9,700 tons of paper.

The universitys green initiatives have had a direct impact on its faculty, staff, and students. The

campus community is aware green initiatives. Personal interviews (used for independent research)

with faculty and students gave insight on the impact and reflected their views on USFs green

movement.

1. Shawna Feinman, a former Student Environmental Association member of StudentEnvironmental (SEA) discussed the importance of green initiatives that USF has and

will have participated in. Feinman described the petitioning of the Student

Government Association on campus for a Green Fee, stated, The student body will

benefit from having a more sustainable campus, but not right away. (Feinman). The

issues some have come across, is that benefits may not outweigh costs. This is not

entirely true, Feinman explained. The student body will benefit from having a more

sustainable campus, but not right away. The problem is that so many people need

instant gratification. Changing the way people think and operate is going to take a long

time. (Feinman).

2. Per Peter Funke, Students and faculty will benefit from the newly constructed PatelCenter. Peter also explained the importance of the inclusion of green lighting and its

future effects.

3. USF senior, Athena Montes noted the recycle friendly bins around campus (Montes).4. Kevin Argote, he expressed his opinion on ways to improve upon the going green

campaign for a more eco friendly university. He believes that there should be more

easily available information on ways students can participate in USF green efforts.

5. Gustavo Mesa noticed, The water fountains on campus now have bottle water fillerthat helps cut the amount of plastic bottles used.


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Benefits of Going Green

The benefits of sustainability initiatives are both tangible and intangible. In addition to increasedawareness and participation in the green movement and an enhanced public image, USF has

received funding from private and government organizations and has seen direct cost-savings from

the reduction of water and energy consumption and waste disposal.

An article written by Jacqui Cash, USF One of Nations Top Green Colleges,explained how the USF

is saving money and water at the campuses physical plant by reducing watering duration times and

also installing low volume units, which use about 30 to 40 percent less water than traditional

methods, and not watering certain areas. The recent $.75-cent-per-credit-hour green fee will help

benefit the schools drive for renewable energy, explained Cash. The benefits of a more green

campus will continue to grow as the program gets stronger and more people take action. (Cash)

Student Environmental Association (SEA) member Shawna Feinman said the benefits of the projecthave begun to show monetary benefits. Feinman explained, Going green is a selling point for

universities, especially those seeking to attract green students. She later added, Students can

now look up the progress of their prospective university at

and students are doing just that. Feinman continued, The growth of the green project at USF has

many benefits when it comes to attracting students and families who are becoming more

environmentally conscious as popularity builds in the hype to a cleaner environment. (Feinman)

Other benefits include $15 million in funding for renewable energy research, design, and

development projects, increased funding for sustainability education, and cost savings of over $9

million in natural gas costs. The Green Lights program, which was completed a few years ago,

currently saves over $1 million annually.

OUTREACHIn addition to campus-wide sustainability initiatives, USF actively reaches out to its

surrounding communities to engage them in its sustainability efforts. For, example,

USFs faculty, staff, and students participate in the student-run RecyleManiaTM, a

friendly competition in which college campuses across the U.S. compete in programs

to encourage recycling and reduce waste (Cash). RecycleManiaTM is organized by the

Student Environmental Association, in conjunction with Physical plant and Dining

Services (Stars Sustainability Tracking Assessment & Rating System). The winner is

determined by the college that collects and recycles the most recyclable materials.

In 2011, USF placed second in Florida and was ranked 25th out of the 199 colleges that

participated in the competition, recycling 20.8 pounds per person (Reduce, Reuse,

RecycleManiaTM).


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The Stampede of Service is an

event in which 3,000+ students

volunteer their time to various

charities, including KeepHillsborough Beautiful, to clean up parks and

neighborhoods.

Another organization that gives back to the

community is the Student Environmental

Awareness Society (S.E.A.S.) at

USF St. Petersburg, which has created a

monthly event to help clean up the harbor

front. Participants are provided with bags and

gloves to clean up the harbor.

S.E.A.S. is open to students, faculty, staff,affiliates, and member of the surrounding

community who are interested in promoting

awareness of environmental issues. It

combines outdoor activities, such as hiking,

camping, fishing, and canoeing with activities,

such as beach and campus clean ups and

beach restoration.

Figure 18. USF St. Petersburg S.E.A.S. Harbor Clean Up

Flyer


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CONCLUSIONUSF has made significant progress in its green movement since its initial efforts. The university is

committed to student, faculty, and staff involvement in research, development, andimplementation of sustainability initiatives, as outlined in its Strategic and Campus Master Plans.

Incorporation of sustainability initiatives into its infrastructure, operations, and management are

indicative of USFs commitment to meeting its sustainability objectives, and this commitment has

been substantiated by the AASHE gold STARS rating USF received in 2011.

Figure 19. Aerial View of USF in 2009

Marshall Student Center

(previous site of the University Center)

Administration

Building


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WHO TO CONTACTFor more information on the University of South Floridas sustainability programs and how to get

involved, contact:

Address: University of South Florida

4202 E. Fowler Avenue, CGS 101

Tampa FL, 33620 USA

Phone: 813-974-5398

Email: [email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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WORKS CITEDAmerican College & University Presidents Climate Commitment. Climate Action Plan for

University of South Florida. 14 May 2010. Web. 21 June 2011

Chachere, Vickie. Green Patel Center Opens at USF. The Oracle. 21 January 2010. Print.

Chachere, Vickie. USF Chosen to Be Part of Global Education Project. University of South Florida

News. 9 November 2010. Web. 22 June 2011

Environmental Protection Agency. Smart Growth Principles. Smart Growth, About Smart Growth.

n.d. Web. 15 June 2011

Environmental Protection Agency. What is sustainability? Sustainability, Basic Information. 2

March 2011. Web. 8 June 2011

Feinman, Shawna. Personal Interview. 14 June 2011

FLeX House. Team Florida Showcases FLeX House at USF Engineering Expo. 22 February 2011.

Web. 21 June 2011

Kumar, Divya. Construction for Solar Decathlon close to completion. The Oracle. 16 June 2011.

Print

Melendez, Barbara. Energy Companies Helping Fund Solar House. University of South Florida

News. 18 February 2011. Web. 21 June 2011

Melendez, Barbara. Solar House Competition Heats Up. University of South Florida News. 19

January 2010. Web. 21 June 2011

Mesa, Gustavo. Personal Interview. 14 June 2011

Montes, Athena. Personal Interview. 14 June 2011

My Education Articles. The History of the Going Green Movement. Web.

Temple, Lisa. Solar Power Plant Coming to USF. University of South Florida News. 5 January 2011


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U.S. Energy Information Administration Annual Energy Review. Figure 17. Natural Gas Overview.

United States Energy History. June 2001. Web. 18 June 2011

This website shows the historical production and consumption of natural gas and other

fuels and projects future trends.

University of South Florida Facilities Planning and Construction. n.d. Web. 18 June 2011

This website lists information on FPCs services; past, present, and future projects, the

CMP; for all USF campuses.

University of South Florida Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President. USFs Greenhouse

Gas Inventory. Strategic Initiatives News. 2007. Print.

This report provides information on the various causes of USFs greenhouse gases, the

amount emitted by each cause, and the total amount of greenhouse gases USF produces.

Whiteford, Linda. University of South Florida Sustainability Initiative Report. 13 October 2009.

Print.

This report describes the University of South Floridas Sustainability initiatives in terms of

recycling, conserving water and energy, informing its people and society, and being

socially responsible in terms of protecting the environment. The report further discusses

USFs past, present, and future goals in regard to the going green movement. Ultimately,

USF is extremely involved in the efforts of sustainability; the University has many different

organizations and study body members who are dedicated to making USF a more

environmentally friendly place.

bggg white paper sustainability at usf r1

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