RAMS REDUCEENERGY USE

iReduce Campaign

MASC 439 CAMPAIGNS TEAM

Suhaer Attalah

Kristin Blakey

Ci’Ara Boyd

Serena Hirasawa

Marshall Hunter

Charniece Jarmon

Caitlin Naghibi

Jeremy Rider

Elizabeth Riedel

Leslie Rivera

Megan Schmidt

Annelise Severson

Stephanie Velarde

Victoria Valentine

Anthonette Ward

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1 Executive Summary

Section 2 Backgrounder Key Publics Situation Analysis

Section 3 Goals, Objectives, Strategies & Tactics

Section 4 Strategy 1 Social Media, Graphics & Literature

1.1 Social Media

1.2 Freshman Orientation

1.3 Light Switch Decals

1.4 Stall Seat Journal

1.5 Special Messaging

Strategy 2 Participation & Awareness Events

2.1 “Lights Out” Events

2.2 Sustainability Day 2013 iReduce Table

2.3 Th e ConseRVAtion Cup

Budget 2013 Energy Reduction Survey

Section 5 Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C

Section 6 Glossary

SECTION 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYTh e immediate public response to energy conservation is almost always a resounding “yes, yes!,” but how does one convince 50,000 students that their actions really matter?

In 2008, former Virginia Commonwealth University president Eugene P. Trani signed the Ameri-can College and University President’s Climate Commitment promising to achieve university carbon neutrality by the year 2050. Th e Offi ce of Sustainability at VCU has pledged to meet this goal by reducing the university’s annual amount of energy consumed by students, faculty and staff through eff ective communication strategies which will evoke sustainable behavior changes throughout the VCU community.

Th e iReduce Campaign aims to motivate students to reduce their energy usage through posi-tive behavior changes. Th e campaign’s three main objectives are to increase the percent of VCU students who: • Turn off unused lights on campus by 20% • Unplug personal electronics by 10% • Choose energy effi cient lighting by 15%

Proposed strategies include providing students with information regarding energy usage reduction through social media outlets, graphical representation and tactical literature, as well as student participation in awareness events on campus.

Th rough the implementation of these strategies, students will not only help bring VCU closer to its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, but also gain valuable knowledge to make sustainable changes in other aspects of their lives. Nearly all of the information provided to students can be applied at their workplace, off -campus home, or other energy-consuming environment. Being frugal with energy consumption shouldn’t end when students step off campus.

SECTION 2

BACKGROUNDERTh e client, Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) Offi ce of Sustainability, made its fi rst of-fi cial statement committing to environmental sustainability in higher education through the Tal-loires Declaration in 1991. VCU’s president Emeritus Eugene P. Trani, Ph.D., signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment in April 2008. Th e University pledged to create a climate action plan by 2010 and to achieve carbon neutrality by the year 2050.

Th e Offi ce of Sustainability’s goal is to reduce the amount of energy consumed by students, faculty and staff through eff ective communication that will evoke behavior and sustainable lifestyle changes. Since the Sustainability Endowments Institute issued the university’s fi rst College Sustainability Report Card, VCU has improved its rating a C- in 2008 to a A- in 2011.

As a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, VCU has united with over 600 other universities to incorporate sustainable practices in “all facets of education and campus life.” VCU’s Offi ce of Sustainability eff orts include both the Medical College of Virginia Campus (MCV) and the Monroe Park Campus. Th e Offi ce of Sustainability also extends its eff orts to the university’s satellite facilities, such as the School of Social Work in Northern Virginia, the Sports Backers stadium in Richmond, Va., the VCU Rice Center on the James River in Charles City County and VCU Qatar, the School of Arts campus in Doha, Qatar.

VCU implemented a sustainability curriculum to aid in promoting sustainability as an interdisci-plinary focus. Th e curriculum is designed to facilitate cooperative teaching and research with the VCU International partner institutions. A plan has also been adopted to implement sustainability academics across VCU and will off er more sustainability courses to both undergraduate and graduate students. Students can enroll in sustainability related courses in environmental studies, and urban and regional planning, as well as seek to obtain a certifi cate in sustainability from the School of Business. In an eff ort to increase awareness of sustainability eff orts at the university, VCU has included sustainability teachings in student orientations, student move-in and move-out, the Governor Conference on Energy, America Recycles Day, Recyclemania and Earth Day.

Th e Offi ce of Sustainability is run by sustainability experts including Jacek Ghosh, director of sustainability; Steven Heintz, recycling and reuse coordinator; Carl Beckelheimer, energy manager; and Jordan Starbuck, sustainability coordinator. VCU’s Sustainability Committee consists of members that represent diff erent areas of the VCU community, and their mission is to further support campus sustainability initiatives.

KEY PUBLICS Th e key public targeted by this campaign is the VCU student body.

Furthermore, this public is broken into two sub-classifi cations: students with on-campus hous-ing and students with off -campus housing. While off -campus students still signifi cantly impact the amount of energy used in VCU buildings, the average on-campus student’s individual behav-iors have a greater direct consumption eff ect on campus energy usage.

SITUATION ANALYSIS

SWOT ANALYSIS

SITUATION ANALYSIS

Strengths & OpportunitiesTh e strengths and opportunities show the Go Green eff ect will serve as a better contribution to the overall methods currently practiced by the University. Th e Offi ce of Sustainability should employ specifi c tactics to attain objectives. In order to implement what could be the strength, we must fi rst have changes in behavior to benefi t from the opportunities.

Weakness & Th reatsWeaknesses and threats include lack of interest and knowledge among the student population. Students and faculty are unaware of the benefi ts of reduced energy consumption. Th reats stem from economic recession; students and parents are unable to invest in more expensive ‘green’ products. Students and parents cannot physically see the benefi ts of energy effi cient lighting and ‘green’ products.

Opportunity StatementTh e Offi ce of Sustainability is working towards making Virginia Commonwealth University climate-neutral by 2050. Virginia Commonwealth University’s Offi ce of Sustainability needs all students to contribute by cutting the amount of electricity use within the university. Th e of-fi ce should seize communication opportunities to raise awareness and engage the VCU student population. Th is campaign off ers specifi c strategies and tactics to change student behaviors in an eff ort to reduce student electricity consumption.

SECTION 3

GOAL, OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES & TACTICS

GoalTo motivate Virginia Commonwealth University students to reduce the university’s carbon foot-print by reducing electricity usage, helping VCU achieve American College and University Presi-dents’ Climate Commitment.

ObjectivesTo increase the percent of VCU students who turn off unused lights on campus by 20%, unplug personal electronics by 10% and choose energy effi cient lighting by 15% through a yearlong cam-paign targeted at behavioral change on campus.

(From September 2012 Survey Results: Energy Star: +69.3%-30.6%, Lights Off : +99.1%-0.9%, Unplug: +41.8%-58.1%)

Strategies & TacticsStrategy 1: Provide students with infor-mation regarding energy usage reduction through social media outlets, graphic com-munications and tactical literature.

Tactic 1.1: Social MediaTwitter-focused, with included social media calendar

Tactic 1.2: Freshmen OrientationInformative literature for incoming fresh-man on where to purchase energy effi cient products, how to conserve energy in their residence hall, and what energy effi cient initiatives are already active on campus

Tactic 1.3: Light decalsOriginal graphics created by our design team to be placed in VCU buildings as friendly reminders to conserve energy

Tactic 1.4: Stall Seat JournalSeasonal write-ups providing students with helpful tips, facts, and reminders about energy conservation

Tactic 1.5: Special MessagingDigital messages created by our design team to be placed on VCU library comput-ers

Strategy 2: Engage students by participa-tion in awareness events on campus.

Tactic 2.1: Lights Out EventsTwo events involving turning all power off in a social setting to encourage and pro-mote awareness of VCU’s eff orts to reduce energy usage

Tactic 2.2: Sustainability TableInformational and interactive table present at VCU Sustainability Day 2013

Tactic 2.3: ConseRVAtion CupResidence hall competition between VCU and University of Richmond to see who can reduce their electricity usage more

SECTION 4

STRATEGY 1

SOCIAL MEDIA,GRAPHICS & LITERATURE

1.1 SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook & TumblrFacebook is a very important component in any social media campaign. Th e reason for our lack of focus on improving the Facebook page is because the Offi ce of Sustainability has done a great job maintaining and updating the page. Everything from the types of posts to the amount of times posting has been well executed. Th e same is visible on the Tumblr page with the posts being cohesive with the information posted on Facebook. Our main focus will be to improve the Twitter account to maximize the potential on all social media platforms.

TwitterMany students in today’s technology-savvy world receive news and stay connected through so-cial media outlets like Twitter. Updating Twitter several times a week to keep students involved and maintain an active social media presence by the Offi ce of Sustainability is crucial. Information used in the tweets can include: • Facts about saving energy • Tips on how to save electricity and money in your apartment and dorm • Fun facts about electricity and energy • Photos • Upcoming events through the Offi ce of Sustainability and environmental events in Richmond • Contests for students • News

Th e Offi ce of Sustainability also needs to develop its own hashtag to use for tweets. Some possible hashtags are #electricity, #vcu, #vcugoesgreen and #lightsout.

Using other hashtags that spread the message of the Offi ce of Sustainability to VCU campus and community is also important. Hashtags like #vcu and #rva can help increase followers and spread of the message.

Some good times to tweet are in the morning and at the beginning of the workday, over the lunch hour and in the early evening as the workday is ending. During those times there is a great opportunity to reach more followers on Twitter.

Using Twitter to engage students before events is critical to build awareness and involvement. For example, Twitter could be used to promote the upcoming dorm competition. A hashtag could be specifi cally created for that event. VCU could collaborate with U of R to use the same hashtag and reach both student populations to increase engagement and friendly competition.

1.1 SOCIAL MEDIA

Twitter (cont.)Tailoring tweets for holidays and special events will also help to keep the Offi ce of Sustainability’s Twitter account relevant. Below are some possible subjects for Tweets to be used during holidays and on a monthly basis:

Twitter PostsJanuary 15- Green is the new black. Be fashionable, be sustainable, turn it off . 23- First week of classes done! Don’t forget to stay green!

February 1- Do you think we will be done with winter or do we still got a few more weeks? Let us know! 4- Today is the day we begin the energy conservation competition with UR! Do your part and help us win by conserving energy! 13- Th ough accounting for only 5 percent of the world’s population, Americans consume 26 percent of the world’s energy. 18- Th is is the fi nal week of the UR/VCU Energy Competition! Let’s show those spiders who’s the best! 22- Keeping items plugged in doesn’t seem so bad, but you’re actually wasting electricity, money, and hurting the environment. Please unplug! 26- Th ank you to everyone who participated in the UR/VCU Energy Conservation Competition! Th e winner will be announced at the 3/6 bball game! 28- Tell us how you plan on being green this spring break! Enter to win a free t-shirt!

April 3- Come out to the Great bike Round Up tomorrow from 11am-2pm! 4- Great Bike Round up! 11am-2pm 9- If every American recycled just one-tenth of their newspapers, we could save about 25 million trees each year. 18- Come out tomorrow and join Green Unity as they host the Earth Day Bazaar! 19- Green Unity - Earth Day Bazaar (9am-5pm) 22- Happy Earth Day! Happy Earth Day to the best planet in the world! Th anks for being our home! 26- Happy Arbor Day! It’s Arbor day! Send us a picture of you and your friends planting a tree or fl ower today and enter for a chance to win a prize! 30- Last day of classes. Last one in a classroom? Turn off the lights on the way out

1.1 SOCIAL MEDIA

Twitter Posts (cont.)May 1 - Microwaves use less energy than stovetop cooking. VCU students, keep doing your part by microwaving those taquitos! #vcugoesgreen 6 - Ever wanted to know how much energy you use and how much it costs? Try this product by Belkin! http://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-F7C005 16 - Tell us how you plan on being green this summer and enter to win a free water bottle! 22 - Have a great and safe summer vacation!

June 5 - Use a water-effi cient shower head. Th ey’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month. 10 - Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month. 21 - Wash your car on the lawn, and you’ll water your lawn at the same time 27 - Guilty of taking too long of a shower? Try this product to help you cut your time and save water! http://bit.ly/QKkgEs

July 11 - Choose airlines with in-fl ight recycling programs 16 - “Book non-stop fl ights whenever possible. A signifi cant percentage of a plane’s carbon emissions come from takeoff and landing.” 22 - If renting a car, choose a hybrid or the smallest car for your needs. 26 - “Walking tours are low-impact and inexpensive and help you get to know a place on a more intimate level.” Audiblejourney.com 31 - ”Staying at a hotel? Make sure you ask about the hotel’s recycling program, and sort your trash accordingly.”

August 22 - Fall classes begin. Good habits start in college. Leaving your apartment or dorm? Remember, lights out! 26 - A compact fl uorescent light bulb uses 75 percent less energy than a regular bulb and it can last up to four year

September 4 - Why is saving electricity important to you? Best tweets/pictures win a prize! 19 - Saving electricity = saving you money = saving the environment! Th at’s the math that we all like to see! 24 - Top 5 Energy Effi ciency Smartphone Apps to make going green easier! http://bit.ly/rBpPSr

1.1 SOCIAL MEDIA

Twitter Posts (cont.)October 8 - How do you save electricity? Best tweets/pictures win a prize! 22 - Come out this week to Are you Afraid of the dark! 24 - Come out tomorrow to Are you Afraid of the Dark in the Student Commons at 4pm 30 - Did you know that most electricity comes from energy produced by fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal.

November 4 - Americans use 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour 14 - Every month Americans throw out enough glass bottles and jars to fi ll up a giant skyscraper but all of these jars are recyclable 19 - A plastic bottle often travels thousands of miles before you buy it, so carry a reusable container or drink locally sourced water. 29 - Make sure you recycle all those paper and plastic bags you get today while shopping!

December 10 - Th e electricity needed to illuminate the lights on the Las Vegas strip could power a town of 25,000 people. 18 - Tell us how you plan on saving energy this holiday season! Enter to win a prize! 19 - A plastic bag that is not biodegradable can take up to 400 years to be broken down. 30 - Did you know that Americans throw away enough aluminum cans to rebuild our entire commercial fl eet of airplanes every three months!

1.1 SOCIAL MEDIA

Graphics

Twitter

1.1 SOCIAL MEDIA

Graphics

Facebook

1.1 SOCIAL MEDIA

Graphics

Tumblr

1.1 SOCIAL MEDIA

2013 Calendar

1.1 SOCIAL MEDIA

2013 Calendar (cont.)

1.1 SOCIAL MEDIA

2013 Calendar (cont.)

1.1 SOCIAL MEDIA

2013 Calendar (cont.)

1.2 FRESHMAN ORIENTATIONIn order to increase student’s awareness and to make them more energy-conscious, starting with the incoming freshman class would have the largest impact. Gaining this crucial student involve-ment from the beginning of their time at VCU is necessary to make VCU more environmentally friendly.

Th is is the current list of what new students should bring to campus as distributed by the VCU Housing Department:

Alarm clock, blankets, bed and bath linens, desk lamp, fl ashlight, iron and ironing board, electric power strips with surge protectors, pillows, plants, posters, stereo, toiletries, wastebasket and non-fl ammable decorative items.

Students living in apartment-style residence halls should bring dishes, kitchen utensils, pots and pans, toilet plunger and kitchen and bathroom cleaning supplies (including sponge mop and sponges). We rec-ommend that students contact their future apartment-mate(s) about possible duplication of items prior to arrival on campus.

One compact refrigerator (1.6 amps or 4 cubic feet, UL approved) and one small microwave oven (0.8 cubic feet, 755 watts, UL approved) per room are allowed in the 9-month residence halls.

Th e University provides a 2-door, 2.9 cu. ft. refrigerator/freezer in rooms in Cabaniss Hall and the Gladding Residence Center Phase II (GRC2), and a full-size refrigerator is supplied in the GRC Phase III (GRC3) suites. Again, it is recommended that students contact their future roommate(s) about possible duplication of items prior to arrival on campus.

Some things that the Offi ce of Sustainability could recommend be added to the list include:

• Energy saving/LED light bulbs (for lamps, dorm etc) • Energy star printer/laptop • Buy and energy star microwave and compact refrigerator OR share with a room mate so uses less electricity. • Bike • Instead of just bringing a power strip, bring a smart strip which saves more energy http://www.amazon.com/Smart-Strip-Protector-Autoswitching-Technology/dp/ B0006PUDQK

1.2 FRESHMAN ORIENTATIONOther Suggestions for Orientation and New Students:

• Building relationships in the community can add to information and suggestions provided to the incoming students. For example, making new students aware of Ram Bikes and the resources they off er can help students be more energy conscious. Working with Ram Bikes to increase student’s awareness would be benefi cial to achieve the goal. • Th e Offi ce of Sustainability can also reach out to area merchants and see if any would be willing to off er VCU students a discount or any savings if they purchase energy-saving appliances or light bulbs to satisfy the updated the “What to Bring” list for new students. Ace Hardware of Pleasants Hardware are two local businesses that may be interested in collaborating with the University. Th e Offi ce of Sustainability could collaborate with local businesses and then off er saving to students in the form of coupons in the back of the student handbook or other VCU material given to new students. • Off er a reward or pledge to new students if they choose not to bring all/any of the small appliances like microwaves, dorm refrigerators, etc. Leaving these items at home or sharing them with a roommate would help save electricity by using less power in the dorms. Also, students would also not have to remember to unplug them when not in use or the hassle of moving them into the dorm. • Northwestern University off ers an example of modifying the new student list: http://purpleisgreen.wordpress.com/sustainable-packing/

Contact the VCU Housing department for collaboration and modifi cation of the new student list.

Central Housing Offi ce301 West Cary Street, 1st fl oor P.O. Box 842530 Richmond, VA 23284 Phone (804) 828-7666 Fax: (804) 828-2466

1.3 LIGHT SWITCH DECALSAlong with the knowledge that individuals will receive about energy conservation, it would benefi t the campaign if visual reminders of the VCU Goes Green iReduce Campaign were also available in the form of decals, either for the wall, the light plate itself, or both.

Custom decals were created by the Graphics team to encourage behavior change through engag-ing copy. With trendy styles and popular memes incorporated into the design, the decals are meant to be placed on walls above and around light switches as fun reminders to turn the lights off as individuals leave an empty classrooms and rest rooms on campus. Th ese decals can also be given away to interested persons at the iReduce Sustainability Table during next year’s Sustainability Day. Aside from the decals, glow-in-the-dark stencil designs have been created to spray paint on to walls under light switches with the simple message of “Th ank You.” Turning off lights in order to read the message creates an engaging experience for VCU community members and reinforces a sense of pride and participation in the university’s energy conservation eff orts.

Two options for Glow-in-the-Dark paint:

Krylon K03150 Glowz spray paint received positive reviews through Amazon.com as a consumer-grade option to be used on white-washed walls.

Th e best on the market is an industrial-grade paint product made by Glow, Inc., but it is also proportionately more expensive.

Pricing by size:1/2 Fl. Oz. - $7.982 Fl. Oz. - $19.981/2 Pint - $49.981 Quart - $149.981 Gallon - $439.985 Gallons - $1,649.98Or customized decals can be created through Dezign With a Z. - sales@dezignwithaz.com

Decals should be submitted at 300 dpi in PDF form.

I DECLARE A1, 2, 3, 4

THUMB WAR!

1.3 LIGHT SWITCH DECALS

Black and White

1.3 LIGHT SWITCH DECALS

Glow in the Dark

1.4 STALL SEAT JOURNALSmall stories to be included in four of the monthly issues of the Stall Seat Journal: February, April, September, November. Each month is designed to focus on sustainability tips for students that would be seasonally appropriate.

February: Dorm competition awareness. Submission due January 1, 2013.April: Keeping electricity costs down in summer months. Submission due March 1, 2013.September: Where to get energy effi cient products for freshmen. Submission due Aug. 1, 2013.November: Energy saving tips for students. Submission due by October 1, 2013.

Contacts for Stall Seat Journal are Linda Hancock, Amanda McGann: thewell@vcu.edu

Four Monthly IssuesFebruary 2013: RED,GOLD,GREEN

Aside from hearts and red let’s help VCU Continue to “Go Green”

It’s as easy as…

1. Turning out the lights or unplugging your charger, it’s like you might as well

fl ip that switch or yank the cord, the same way you (are about to) wash your

hands when you leave this stall.

2. Represent your university this month just by doing that, too easy because .........

3. We all want to win against University of Richmond, not just in

basketball but in the DORM COMPETITION. Aside from having a win, you’re

doing something great, and easy.

Prizes apply (aside from a winning in basketball)

Greenest Regards,

Offi ce of Sustainability

1.4 STALL SEAT JOURNAL

Four Monthly Issues (cont.)April 2013:

Th e weather in unpredictable for the most part in Richmond. One thing’s for sure though, the summers can be HOT! Beside’s unplugging your electric devices, here’s a few tips to keep those electricity costs down during the summer so you can invest in more “less” clothes to wear....

1. Line dry clothes when possible

2. Invests in fans (instant cool), turn up thermostat

3. Go back to the “olden days” & wash dishes by hand instead of using dishwasher

4. Seal your ducts, don’t let cool escape!

5. Replace AC fi lters as needed (easy to forget, write date on the fi lter!)

6. Hide from the hot sun by investing in good window shading

7. Open the windows on those days where we’re lucky enough to get a cool breeze.

Four Monthly Issues (cont.)September 2013:TRUE or FALSE?Do cell phone and/or iPod chargers continue to use electricity, even after the device has been disconnected?TRUE: In order to stop the fl ow of electricity completely, the charger must be unplugged.

Fact:A small LCD TV will use only 60 watts, but large plasma screens can use around 450watts. Remember the larger the screen the more watts it will use!

DID YOU KNOW…Daylight savings time was originally started in an eff ort to conserve electricity infactories, by adjusting operating hours to allow the factory to be lit by natural lightinstead of artifi cial lighting?

Other hints, tips, and fun facts: • Leave your computer in “sleep mode,” and it will continue to use small amounts of electricity. Most computers have an “energy saving mode.” Look in your computer’s options menus, and use the energy-saving options when possible. • When warming small amounts of food, a microwave can save a third of the power of a conventional electric stove, but you waste more energy by using the microwave to thaw frozen foods. Plan ahead. Let them thaw in the refrigerator. • A laptop computer uses around 60 watts of power, but a desktop unit can use 300 watts • When you turn on an incandescent light bulb, only 10 percent of the electricity used is turned into light. Th e other 90 percent is wasted as heat.

A simple way to save electricity is by pur-chasing appliances with a good Energy Star rating. Th e government-endorsed Energy Star program promotes energy effi ciency and is designed to help reduce electricity use, while protecting the environment.

Many of these appliances can be found at local storesincluding: Target Rite-Aide Wal-Mart Walgreens Amazon.com eBay

TRY IT OUT!Load your washing machine fully for each wash. If you do not have a full load, adjust the water level of your machine to save on water and power.Turn off lights and heating when the room is not in use.Turn the TV off if you are not watching it….DUH!Iron more clothes at one time to avoid wasting energy reheating the iron.

epeat.net is a website that provides energy effi cient electronics. Find a green friendly notebook, laptop or desktop today!

1.4 STALL SEAT JOURNAL

Four Monthly Issues (cont.)November 2013: Switch it off ! Energy Saving Tips

Energy conservation is a numbers game that you can help win! When not in use, a printer re-quires about fi ve watts of electricity per hour to stay in ready mode and the average household uses about 11,000 watts of electricity per year. If each of the 17.5 million college students in the U.S unplugged their printer for an additional 8.5 minutes per day, it would save enough elec-tricity to supply more than 413,000 homes for a year. Th e eff ort to save even small amounts of electricity pays off when everyone pitches in!

1.4 STALL SEAT JOURNAL

With over 60 digital screens on the Monroe Park and MCV campuses, the VCU digital signage system is a great way to communicate to the VCU community about events and helpful infor-mation. Th ough the target audience of our campaign are students, VCU digital signage has the added benefi t of reaching non-audience segments such as faculty and staff as well. Th e purpose of using this medium of communication would be to remind students of upcoming energy reduc-tion events as well as reminding them of issues to stay aware of throughout the school year.

Th ink in terms of highway billboards. Digital signage messaging should be concise enough to be read in less than 10 seconds.

Provided below are examples of possible reminder signs to post throughout the school year in order to keep students engaged and aware of VCU’s energy reduction eff orts.

Digital Signage requests need to be submitted to the department of Technology Services 1-2 weeks prior to their implementation dates if you’re providing all of the graphic information for the ad. Graphics can either be PowerPoint slides or images formatted to 16 x 9, 72 dpi.

Technology Services Contact Information:Hope Adams - adamsh@vcu.edu or 828-3653 to discuss options.Gary Garbett - garbettgl@vcu.edu

For more information, please visit: http://www.ts.vcu.edu/askit/3674.html

1.5 SPECIAL MESSAGING

1.5 SPECIAL MESSAGING

STRATEGY 2

PARTICIPATION & AWARENESS EVENTS

2.1 “LIGHTS OUT” EVENTS

Siegel Center BlackGoldGreenTh is tactic involves a thirty second “Lights Out” event during VCU Basketball game promoting awareness to reduce electricity usage to those on- and off -campus as well as those who have not been reached through other mediums.

During the VCU homecoming game against Northeastern University on February 4, 2013, a brief thirty second black out inside the Siegel Center before the game begins aims to raise awareness of VCU’s energy conservation eff orts. Prior to the blackout, the PA announcer will say, “And now a brief message from the VCU Offi ce of Sustainability, who is leading the way to a greener and brighter future. Th e lights will be turned out during the following message.” Th e Offi ce of Sus-tainability representative will then proceed to the middle of the court to read the following mes-sage from a note card illuminated by a fl ashlight:

“In coalition with the Are You Afraid of the Dark Event, VCU’s Offi ce of Sustainability presents the Lights Out Event! In an eff ort to help the VCU goes green initiative, the lights will go out for the next 10 seconds.”

[Lights go out]

“Th e goal of the VCU goes green campaign is to make VCU carbon neutral by 2050. In order to make this possible, we need all VCU students to help by turning off unnecessary lights, unplugging personal electronics when not in use, and by choosing energy effi cient lighting. Remember, green is the new black. Be fashionable. Be sustainable. Turn it off . Th ank you.”

Th is tactic grabs the attention of everyone in attendance at VCU’s 2013 homecoming game.

2.1 “LIGHTS OUT” EVENTS

TelegRAM Release

Th e VCU Offi ce of Sustainability hosts a “Lights Out Event” at the VCU vs. Richmond basketball game on Wednesday, March 6 at 8:00 p.m. at the Stuart C. Siegel Center. Before the start of the game, the lights will be turned off for 10 seconds to promote the VCU goes green initiative and the conservation of energy. For more information, contact jghosh@vcu.edu.

Press release:

LIGHTS OUT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMedia Contact:Offi ce of Sustainability804-628-5199www.vcugoesgreen.vcu.edu

Th e Offi ce of Sustainability continues to “go green” by turning out the lights

(Richmond,Va.)- Due to the growing awareness of “going green” at Virginia Commonwealth, Th e Offi ce of Sustainability announces a brief thirty second blackout inside the Siegel Center at the Northeastern vs. VCU homecoming game February 4, 2013.

Th e brief blackout is in “light” of continued eff orts to raise energy conservation awareness for VCU students. Let’s continue to be involved in reducing the amount of electricity usage to better our environment, and do it together as a community. Go Rams, BLACK,GOLD,GREEN.

About the VCU Offi ce of SustainabilityTh e VCU Offi ce of Sustainability believes in the importance of protecting our natural resources for the benefi t of our future and future generations. In April of 2008, VCU was one of the 600+ universities to pledge drafting a climate action plan by 2010 and become carbon neutral by 2050.

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Artwork:

2.1 “LIGHTS OUT” EVENTS

Are you Afraid of the Dark?On October 23, 2013 the electricity will be cut off in the University Student Commons as well as in the courtyard between that building and Grace E. Harris Hall in order to promote awareness about wasting electricity and encourage students to be more energy effi cient. Live acoustic music will be featured during the event and 200 green glow stick takeaways will be given out to partici-pants. Th e event is scheduled for October in order to seize on the Halloween spirit of the month by encouraging students in attendance to wear costumes. Th is one and a half hour event is meant to be a fun celebration of energy conservation eff orts. Pamphlets on effi cient energy saving tech-niques will also be available during the event.

Pricing Options for glow sticks:

• 8” LumiStick Brand Glowsticks Glow Stick Bracelets Mixed Colors (Tube of 100) costs $15.58 but can be found for $9.00 on Amazon.com. • CoolGlow Educational Products - 25 4” Standard Glow Sticks Assorted Colors - Simply snap and shake are $20.00 and can be found for $12.50 on Amazon.com. • SuperGlow Multicolor glow-sticks 8 inch 100 count costs $25 at Party City. • Multi-glow-stick super value pack 30 count cost $17 at Party City. • Multicolored glow-stick necklaces 4 inch 25 count costs $25 at Party City.

2.1 “LIGHTS OUT” EVENTS

TelegRAM Release

Th e VCU Offi ce of Sustainability hosts a “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” black out event On Friday, October 23, 2013 in the VCU commons outside area to promote energy conservation awareness. Students encouraged to wear Halloween costumes. For more information, contact jghosh@vcu.edu. Press release:

ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Offi ce of Sustainability804-628-5199www.vcugoesgreen.vcu.edu

VCU Goes Green by hosting the fi rst, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, lights-out event.

(Richmond, Va.) - In order to promote the conservation of electricity and encourage students to be more energy effi cient, Virginia Commonwealth University is leaving the Commons in the dark for an hour and a half on the evening of Friday, October 23, 2013.

Students are encouraged to wear their Halloween gear to be more festive. Glow sticks and pam-phlets will be given out free-of-charge.

Any local bands interested in playing that night are encouraged to contact Virginia Common-wealth University at 804-___-____.

About the VCU Offi ce of SustainabilityTh e VCU Offi ce of Sustainability believes in the importance of protecting our natural resources for the benefi t of our future and future generations. In April of 2008, VCU was one of the 600+ universities to pledge drafting a climate action plan by 2010 and become carbon neutral by 2050.

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Artwork:

Organize a VCU Goes Green table at Sustainability Day (October 12, 2013). Th e table will be run by one VCU Offi ce of Sustainability employee and 1- 2 interns. Th e goal of the table is to engage students by more than just a table full of text-heavy handouts. Th e table should be easily visible and accessible. Eye-catching colors (bright green tablecloth) and fun music will pique student interest. May consider including free pizza and sodas or snacks to draw students to table.

Deliverables/Activities1. Stickers/decals designed by graphics team - Provide stickers created by graphics team to keep consistency with other tactics. Sticker should be pride based (message: I am an energy saver, as opposed to call to action/ reminder decals) so that students can display them wherever they choose (laptop, note book, car, home). - 3”x 3” circle stickers can be purchased from Vistaprint (www.vistaprint.com). 50 sheets of 6 can be purchased for $169.99. All three stickers can be purchased at this rate for a total (including tax and shipping) of $519.95.

2. Light bulb exchangeIf students bring their used light bulb to the table, it will be exchanged for a new energy effi cient light bulb. Energy Star light bulbs can be purchased in bulk (total cost $377.00 for 100 indi-vidual products) and other energy effi cient light bulbs can be purchased (total cost $309.00 for 100 individual products). Th e advantage to this is that not only will students be provided with a sustainable product that they can use in their home/residence hall, but by bringing us their used light bulbs we can ensure that they are recycled properly. No broken glass should be accepted and students are limited to one new light bulb, but are welcome to bring as many light bulbs to recycle as possible. Th e exchange should target on-campus housing residents, but can include off -campus students and faculty.

2.2 SUSTAINABILITY DAY 2013 iREDUCE TABLE

3. Small two part info sheet, printed on recycled cardstock - 10 ways to reduce electricity consumption. - Listing VCU-specifi c facts about energy consumption vs. conservation and how VCU plans to promote and become a more sustainable university. - Recycled cardstock price quote: $110 for 500 handouts from Richmond Printing Service on 1806 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA - 804/355-4488

2.2 SUSTAINABILITY DAY 2013 iREDUCE TABLE

4. Game show activity: Guess the kWStudents can participate in a quick 5 question quiz. Th ey receive candy for participating and each question they answer correctly. If all fi ve questions are answered correctly, they win a Belkin Conserve Power Switch (purchase of 20 switches @ $6.99 is recommended. Total cost $152.30 after shipping). Th e team member responsible for running the game should be enthusiastic and engaging with students, think “game show host” persona.

Quiz Questions (correct answers are in bold)

1. Turning off a power strip cuts off all power to an appliance.a. Trueb. False

2. Who won the 2013 conseRVAtion cup?a. VCUb. U of R(correct answer to be determined in spring semester)

3. Which is a way to reduce your energy consumption?a. Turn off lights and unplug appliances while not in useb. Open blinds for natural lightc. Use a ceiling fan to cool off during warm weatherd. Take the stairs rather than the elevatore. All of the above

4. How much energy does a compact fl uorescent bulb save compared to a normal incandescent bulb?a. 20%b. 40%.c. 60%

5. Where are VCU solar panels located?a. Cary street parking deck.b. Schafer court. c. W. Broad & North street parking decks

6. Which VCU building uses the most energy?a. Sanger Hall. b. Cary Street Gym. c. Trani Life Sciences Building

2.2 SUSTAINABILITY DAY 2013 iREDUCE TABLE

2.3 THE CONSERVATION CUP

OverviewTh e Campus Conservation Nationals Competition between VCU and University of Richmond, titled the conseRVAtion cup, will start on Feb. 4 and will end Feb. 25. Th e competition will mea-sure the percentage change of energy used in all residence halls from both campuses that have energy dashboards. • Th e aim of the competition will be to encourage a behavior change in students. • Th e biggest focus will be getting them to turn off the lights and unplug electronics when they’re not in use.

University of Richmond will announce the competition on Jan. 24 at the home basketball game against VCU. Th e winner will be announced at the VCU game on March 6. University of Richmond is working on a joint press release, game posters and a power point slide for special messages to be used on both campuses. VCU Offi ce of Sustainability is working on a letter of commitment and will be sending that letter out to those involved by Dec. 15. During the competition there will be updates every few days on which campus is in the lead. Th e winner of the competition will be given a trophy to keep on their campus and that trophy will be reissued to the competition winner every year.

T-shirt DesignVCU Offi ce of Sustainability is designing t-shirts. Th e front of the t-shirts will be the same for both schools but the back will be diff erent for each. Th ey will be exclusively given out to volun-teers/conseRVAtion leaders. Th e font used on the back should be the same as the one used on the front of the t-shirt. Any additional design added to the back should also be cohesive with the rest of the shirt’s design.

back of shirt

2.3 THE CONSERVATION CUP

TelegRAM Release

VCU will mention the competition in the VCU TelegRAM for students email. Th is is an example of a write-up to be used in the TelegRAM:

Dorm Competition “conseRVAtion cup”VCU Offi ce of Sustainability and University of Richmond Offi ce of Sustainability are hosting a dorm competition for the Campus Conservation Nationals. Th e conseRVAtion cup dorm com-petition will reward the campus that saves the most energy between February 4th and 25th. Th e competition will include all residence halls on both campuses that have energy dashboards. Students will help VCU win by turning off lights and unplugging electronics when not in use.

For more information visit http://www.vcugoesgreen.vcu.edu/.

BUDGET

Social Media $0

Freshman Orientation $0

Light Decals $300 est.

Glow in the Dark Paint $150

Stall Seat Journals $0

Special Messaging $0

“Lights Out” Events

• Siegel Center BlackGoldGreen $0

• Are You Afraid of the Dark (Glowsticks) $50 est.

iReduce Sustainability Day Table

Stickers/decals $520

Light bulbs $309

Printing to recycled cardstock $110

ConseRVAtion Cup T-shirts $630

TOTAL $2,069 est.

2013 ENERGY REDUCTION SURVEYParticipation from students will help in measuring energy reduction behaviors as a part of VCU’s Climate Commitment to neutralized greenhouse gases on campus.

SECTION 5

APPENDIX ATelegRAM posting format: (https://magnolia.vcu.edu/knews/kpub.nsf/nlarticle_web?openform)VCU’s Offi ce of Sustainability team is conducting a survey on the energy use behaviors of stu-dents on both campuses. Results from this fi ve- to 10-minute survey will aid the offi ce in mea-suring energy reduction behaviors as part of VCU’s Climate Commitment to neutralize green-house gases emitted on campus. All responses are anonymous. For more information, contact [email address]. Take the survey at [SurveyMonkey.com web link].

SurveyMonkey.com Format:

IntroductionTh is survey is being conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University’s Offi ce of Sustainability, which focuses on reducing VCU’s carbon footprint through recycling, reducing fuel consumption, reducing electricity and gas consumption, and other ‘green’ activities.

“Sustainability” is the goal of maintaining a good quality of life, understanding the needs of fu-ture generations and the limits of natural systems within which human life depends.

Your participation in this survey is a critical step in the research process to help measure energy reduction behaviors by students on VCU’s campus.

All responses will be kept entirely anonymous.

Th is survey should take anywhere between 5-10 minutes to fi ll out.

Your time and participation are greatly appreciated.

APPENDIX A

Questions1. Are you a student at Virginia Commonwealth University? Yes No

2. How would you rate the importance of these issues to you? (Answer options: Very Important, Somewhat Important, Somewhat Unimportant, Not Important at All, Not Familiar with Th is Issue) Water Conservation Alternative Transportation Recycling Energy Conservation

3. How would you rate your interest in participating in these types of events at VCU?(Answer options: Very Interested, Some Interest, No Interest) View printed materials on energy conservation tips & tricks Watch video tutorials on reducing your energy consumption Participate in workshops on how to reduce energy consumption in your dorm/apt/home Join a student club which focuses on sustainability issues 4. How environmentally conscious would you consider your lifestyle? Very environmentally conscious... I’m committed to going “green” in all aspects of my life. Somewhat environmentally conscious... only when it’s convenient/cost-free for me. Not environmentally conscious... I have no desire to change my lifestyle or behaviors. I would be more environmentally conscious if I knew how.

5. If you DO consider yourself environmentally conscious, what is your main motivation? It saves money I care about the earth and environment I am part of a sustainability organization or initiative on campus or in the community Other (please specify)

6. If you DON’T consider yourself environmentally conscious, what is the main deterrent? It is too inconvenient on campus I don’t know enough to change my habits I don’t care, someone else at VCU will clean it up Other (please specify)

7. Do you turn off lights when you leave an empty room on campus (such as dorms, study rooms and classrooms)? Always Usually Rarely Never

APPENDIX A

Questions (cont.)8. Do you unplug phone chargers, appliances and power strips when not in use? Always Usually Rarely Never

9. Do you buy EnergyStar certifi ed appliances and lighting for your dorm/apt/home? Always Usually Rarely Never

10. What resources have been the most infl uential in forming your energy usage behaviors? (Please check all that apply.) Competitions/Events Social Media- Facebook/Twitter Printed materials posted around campus Friends/classmates Parents/guardians Professors/faculty Other (please specify)

11. What is one way you’d like to see VCU advocate/participate in energy conservation?(fi ll in the blank)

12. Would you like to be a part of a future “green” campaign or “green” team at VCU to help spread awareness about energy conservation? Yes Maybe No

13. What does it take to motivate you to reduce your energy usage? (fi ll in the blank)

14. Are there any sustainability issues not addressed in this survey that you think are important? (fi ll in the blank)

15. When you think of VCU’s Green eff orts on campus, what is one word that comes to mind? (fi ll in the blank)

APPENDIX A

Questions (cont.)DEMOGRAPHICS

16. Please indicate your gender: Female Male

17. Please indicate your age: Under 18 24 - 27 18 - 20 over 28 21 - 23

18. What is your grade level? Freshman Graduate student Sophomore PhD student Junior N/A (faculty/staff member) Senior Other (please specify)

19. What is your major or program of study? (fi ll in the blank)

20. On what campus do you spend most of your time? Monroe Park Campus MCV Campus

21. When are most of your classes? In the day In the evening A mix between the day and evening

22. What type of housing do you currently live in? VCU on-campus dorms Off campus housing Off campus housing with parents

Th ank you for your time and participation.

VCU’s Offi ce of Sustainability is committed to reducing the campus’ greenhouse gas emissions by 3,000 metric tons per year. Your responses to this survey are an essential part of the research process that will enable the offi ce to achieve these goals.

If you would like to know more about the Offi ce of Sustainability’s eff orts in and around VCU’s campus, please visit our website at: http://www.vcugoesgreen.vcu.edu

23. Additionally, if you would like to provide your name and email address in order for the of-fi ce to contact you with any further questions regarding possible plans for energy reduction on campus, or if you’d like to participate in any possible future campaigns as a student ambassador to the VCU community, please leave your information below. Th is is entirely optional. Name:Email:

APPENDIX B

September 2012 Energy Reduction Survey ResultsTh is survey was admitted to students through Facebook marketing and TelegRAM promotion. 111 people submitted responses in the month of September. It was administered with the per-mission of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Offi ce of Sustainability, which focuses on reduc-ing VCU’s carbon footprint through recycling, reducing fuel consumption, reducing electricity and gas consumption, and other ‘green’ activities.

1. Are you a student at Virginia Commonwealth University? 91.0% Yes 9.0% No

2. How would you rate the importance of these issues to you? (Answer options: Very Important, Somewhat Important, Somewhat Unimportant, Not Impor-tant at All, Not Familiar with Th is Issue) Water Conservation Alternative Transportation Recycling Energy Conservation

APPENDIX B3. How would you rate your interest in participating in these types of events at VCU?(Answer options: Very Interested, Some Interest, No Interest) View printed materials on energy conservation tips & tricks Watch video tutorials on reducing your energy consumption Participate in workshops on how to reduce energy consumption in your dorm/apt/home Join a student club which focuses on sustainability issues

APPENDIX B4. How environmentally conscious would you consider your lifestyle? Very environmentally conscious... I’m committed to going “green” in all aspects of my life. Somewhat environmentally conscious... only when it’s convenient/cost-free for me. Not environmentally conscious... I have no desire to change my lifestyle or behaviors. I would be more environmentally conscious if I knew how.

APPENDIX B5. If you DO consider yourself environmentally conscious, what is your main motivation? It saves money I care about the earth and environment I am part of a sustainability organization or initiative on campus or in the community Other (please specify)

6. If you DON’T consider yourself environmentally conscious, what is the main deterrent? It is too inconvenient on campus I don’t know enough to change my habits I don’t care, someone else at VCU will clean it up Other (please specify)

APPENDIX B7. Do you turn off lights when you leave an empty room? Always Usually Rarely Never

8. Do you unplug phone chargers, appliances and power strips when not in use? Always Usually Rarely Never

APPENDIX B9. Do you buy EnergyStar certifi ed appliances and lighting for your dorm/apt/home? Always Usually Rarely Never

10. Were you aware that the VCU Goes Green campaign is operated by the Offi ce of Sustainability? Yes No

APPENDIX B11. What resources have been the most infl uential in forming your energy usage behaviors? (Please check all that apply.) Competitions/Events Social Media- Facebook/Twitter Printed materials posted around campus Friends/classmates Parents/guardians Professors/faculty Other (please specify)

12. What building on VCU’s Campus do you think uses the most electricity?

APPENDIX B13. What is one way you’d like to see VCU advocate/participate in energy conservation?

I want to be able to recycle my ink cartridges.

More modern technology for energy conservation.

To go paperless for everything, particularly Records & Registration (change of major, historical repeat, course request, graduation application and many, many other forms). Th ere has to be a way to have a paper-less paper trail.

Make better, safer biking paths for cyclists. I would ride my bike more if i felt safer riding it.

Instruct students on energy conservation. Have an energy conservation challenge.

Involve the students in workshops and activities and such to show how to conserve energy, etc.

Use more natural light in the library, etc.

Use as much energy as possible from alternative resources.

Use of more alternative energy sources

VCU has some great programs/initiatives in place already such as the free air pumps and the bicycles that can be borrowed. I didn’t know about them until I was looking specifi cally for that information as part of a diff erent research project on VCU’s website. I think it is important to develop the programs that VCU already has in place and to market them and get the word out better.

Using recyclable/biodegradable supplies in laboratories on both campuses to reduce plastic wastehelping students to advocate it personally in their lives at home- whether on or off campus 1) Ban incandescent light bulbs from school buildings 2) Replace paper towel dispensers with Dyson air blade dryers, which are more effi cient than traditional air hand dryers 3) Have programmable times for classroom lights so off automatically when not in use. 4) Increase solar panels on buildings

Massive switch to LED lights. Promote carpooling.

Start a supplementary solar and/or wind energy system to lower grid consumption and educate students in their operation and use (engineering class with hands-on experience).

A fair of energy conservation. Show movies about it or create awareness in classrooms.

APPENDIX B13. What is one way you’d like to see VCU advocate/participate in energy conservation? (cont.)

Composting Workshops and free garden plots to students (perhaps to students with a GPA of 3.5 and up?)

Renewable energy to power buildings, reduce consumption

Some kind of incentive program for students, like earn points and turn them in for something. Creating some new signs and make students more aware of current programs. Maybe sponsor day trips to diff er-ent places and doing clean-up eff orts for like a park, stream etc.

More energy effi cient lighted rooms (motion sensors) like the ones in West Grace South Dorm

Allowing students to see how reducing electricity use directly applies to them.

Installing solar panels on buildings, recyclable food wrappers/containers, incentive programs

Form a club and throw events to advocate energy conservation.

More recycling eff orts in the buildings. I see a lot of recycling location outside on campus but not many inside

Using less lights at the library.

Solar panels, wind turbines, etc.

I think possibly converting the dorms to be more energy convertible. I haven’t seen many recycling ef-forts, just large trash cans in the laundry room.

More awareness for conservation of electricity and recycling.

Making an eff ort to inform students about energy conservation, and take legitimate steps to curb the university’s energy use and carbon footprint.

To see the offi ce of sustainability actually carry out the suggestions in the Energy Effi ciency Sprint Challenge

Waterless urinals, solar powered street lights on campus, green roofs, pervious pavement, more energy conservation demonstrations/displays.

Composting!

APPENDIX B14. What is one way you’d like to see VCU advocate/participate in energy conservation? (cont.)

Th e classrooms do not need to be so warm in the winter or cold in the summer: 82 in the summer and 68 or 65 in the winter, spring and fall are a little tricky

Build many more bike racks and air pumps

Retrofi ts of older buildings for energy conservation

Recycling in all classrooms - better recycling in art buildings.

Solar energy panels. Turning off lights at night.

Less plastic bags from food service areas; recycle plastic utensils and bottle caps

Dual Flush handles on all bathrooms, not just some. More variety of recycling bins around campus, not just bottles and offi ce paper - next to every trash can

Green buildings

Turning off computers in computer labs or in the library when not in use Putting a timer for lights in all the buildings on both campuses

I’d like to see a bigger push for Energy conservation on campus

Rooftop gardens. Solar panels. More HONESTLY local food, no more of that shitty Aramark shit. Give back to the community that you’re overtaking.

Composting, easier ways to recycle, cutting down waste

Off ering more alternative transportation throughout the metro area. I would love to take more advantage of GRTC but I work and live in Midlothian and there are only trips to and from Chesterfi eld during rush hour. If there was a lunch time/early afternoon route back and forth to Midlothian I would ride GRTC to and from school.

LEED certifi ed buildings and exhibit of LEED practices used.

Motion or time sensitive lights. For instance the lights in dorm halls would automatically dim for quiet hours or late in the evening and bathroom lights would be motion activated during early morning hours such as 1AM-7AM. Sometimes in my hall we turn off the lights because they’re too bright when we wake up- you’d save energy and make mornings more pleasant.

APPENDIX B14. Would you like to be a part of a future “green” campaign or “green” team at VCU to help spread awareness about energy conservation? Yes Maybe No

APPENDIX B15. What does it take to motivate you to reduce your energy usage?

If I had more knowledge on the subject

Save me money. Not everything should be so expensive to go free (light bulbs, organic eating, etc)

I’d like to see exactly where my energy use goes to (maybe at the end of my electricity bill).

Seeing others doing it as well, so the eff ect will be greater

Getting my spouse more involved. His uninvolvment deters my involvement.

Make energy saving appliances more accessible

Prizes, fi nancial incentive

Education on how to reduce energy usage.

I would like more hard facts.

A bit more convenience.

Aff ordable alternatives to current methods ( i.e. simpler solar kits ).

Tips to do so

Accessibility of proper tools

If I was able to see how it would directly aff ect me, instead of only aff ecting VCU

Convenience

If I’m reminded of the harmful eff ects of what would happen if we don’t conserve energy.

Seeing the direct impact between wasting resources and its eff ects on the environment.

Have it make economic sense.

Statistics of reduction in carbon emissions or how much money saved.

More convenience. My husband and I both work full time and attend school full time so time is extremely limited for us.

Available alternatives. My commute is over ten miles each way - too far to bike or walk - and computer use is imperative for my major. Meeting with study groups could be more effi cient with better online support.

APPENDIX B16. Are there any sustainability issues not addressed in this survey that you think are important?

Needs to promote sustainable energy over fossil fuel consumption

Composting

Using more local products and partnering with local businesses to reduce transportation costs VCU is doing a great job but we need to keep pushing forward!

Knowledge of education of alternate methods of life habits. For example, hang drying clothes versus us-ing the dryer.

Reducing waste and consumption: reduce amount of plastic, trash, paper and water used

Pollution and Greenhouse gases would be a good topic to address and inform other students of.

VCU probably uses more energy on A/C and heat than any other single use. While it might cost in comfort, it is neither cheap, effi cient, nor “environmentally conscious” to keep these massive struc-tures frosty cool all summer long.

No, but I think that so many college students need to be more aware of when they leave lights and TV’s on when they leave the room for hours. It’s a huge waste of electricity!

Automatic doors for public rest rooms

Buying locally-grown food

Reduction

Widespread public transportation in the Richmond Metro Area

Recycling in Dorms- there isn’t a bin for papers and cardboard and such, only one for bottlesI did not see any mention of Reuse of resources. Th e installation of water bottle refi lling fountains was an excellent idea, particularly as they display the number of plastic bottles saved. I would be inter-ested to know if there are other similar ‘Re-use’ programs in place.

APPENDIX BDEMOGRAPHICS

16. Please indicate your gender: 79.8% Female 20.2% Male

17. Please indicate your age: 2.0% - under 18 44.4% - 18 - 20 30.3% - 21 - 23 12.1% - 24 - 27 11.1% - over 28

18. What is your grade level? 22.2% - Freshman 16.2% - Sophomore 17.2% - Junior 28.3% - Senior 11.1% - Graduate student 2.0% - PhD student 1.0% - N/A (faculty/staff member) 2.0% - Other (please specify) Non-degree student Post-baccalaureate Certifi cate part-time student

19. What is your major or program of study? (Fill in the blank)AccountingAFO / bioArt FoundationBiologyBiologyBiologyBiology ( Botany)BusinessBusinessBusiness FoundationCinemaCraftEarly Elementary EducationEducationElectrical EngineeringEnvironmental studiesExecutive MBAExercise ScienceFashion DesignFashion MerchandisingFashion MerchandisingHistoryMass CommunicationsMass Communications

Mass Communicationsmass communicationsMass Communications: PRMaster of Sociology and Criminal JusticeMechanical engineerMedicineMPAMPAN/ANursingPhilosophyPre-nursingPre-Nursing/Exercise SciencePsychologyPsychology and SociologyPsychology/Pre-medPublic RelationsSocial SciencesSocial Work

Sociology/ Criminal JusticeSpanishStrategic AdvertisingUndeclaredUndeclaredUndeclared

APPENDIX B20. On what campus do you spend most of your time? 90.7% - Monroe Park Campus 9.3% - MCV Campus

21. When are most of your classes? 58.9% - In the day 15.8% - In the evening 25.3% - A mix between the day and evening

22. What type of housing do you currently live in? 31.3% - VCU on-campus dorms 56.6% - Off campus housing 12.1% - Off campus housing with parents

THANK YOU

23. Additionally, if you would like to provide your name and email address in order for the of-fi ce to contact you with any further questions regarding possible plans for energy reduction on campus, or if you’d like to participate in any possible future campaigns as a student ambassador to the VCU community, please leave your information below. Th is is entirely optional. Name:Email:

[Emails on next page]

APPENDIX B

EmailsAlejandra Siles silesam@vcu.edu

Amy Fox foxa2@vcu.edu

Andrea D’cruz dcruzag@vcu.edu

Anna Collins collinsae2@vcu.edu

Aria Roach roachar@vcu.edu

Ashley Bottoms Bottomsae@vcu.edu

Audrey Kirschner kirschneras@vcu.edu

Caitlin Naghibi naghibics@vcu.edu

Carlie Muessig muessigcm@vcu.edu

Chelcy Hedgspeth hedgspethcn@vcu.edu

Christina Tyler Tylercl4@vcu.edu

Danielle Honings honingsdm@vcu.edu

Elizabeth Galyean galyeanep@vcu.edu

Elliot Dondero-Pettit donderopetea@vcu.edu

Hollen Tillman tillmanhb@vcu.edu

James McCue mccuejm2@vcu.edu

Jennifer Ayers ayersjk@vcu.edu

Julia Rubert rubertj@vcu.edu

Justin McKenzie mckenzieja2@vcu.edu

Karen Murphy murphyke@mymail.vcu.edu

Karl Miyasako miyasakokk@vcu.edu

Katie Mandley mandleyke@vcu.edu

Kelsea Copeland copelandk2@vcu.edu

Kenneth Trinh trinhk3@vcu.edu

Kristen Ponton pontonkl@mymail.vcu.edu

Leo Somera lgsomera@vcu.edu

Lindsay LaFratta lafrattalm@vcu.edu

Margaret Carmel carmelml@vcu.edu

Nicolle Malone malonenm@mymail.vcu.edu

Paulina Reichenbach reichenbacpm@vcu.edu

Peter Johnson johnsonpc3@vcu.edu

Renee Hankins hankinsr@vcu.edu

Robbie Ashton ashtonri@vcu.edu

Shannon Ragan ragansc@vcu.edu

Steven Th ai thaisw@vcu.edu

Susan Teasley teasleysg@vcu.edu

Tressy Coats coatsta@vcu.edu

William Bono S2wjbono@vcu.edu

APPENDIX C

ResearchPrior to creating this campaign, analyses of the top 21 institutions on Th e Princeton Review 2013 Green College Honor Roll list were carried out in order to compare their communication eff orts with VCU Goes Green’s website. Th e following slides illustrate some of the observations made during these analyses.

SECTION 6

GLOSSARYAASHE Th e university signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commit-ment in April 2008, along with more than 600 universities, pledging to draft a climate action plan by 2010 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. In addition, VCU raised its grade on the College Sustainability Report Card, issued by the Sustainability Endowments Institute, from a C- in 2008 to an A- in 2011.

Carbon Footprint A carbon footprint is the measure of the impact human activities have on the environ-ment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases directly or indirectly produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide equivalents. Th e concept of the carbon footprint originated from the eco-logical footprint that was fi rst calculated in 1992 by Dr. William Rees at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Th e carbon footprint is a subset of the ecological footprint.

Compact Fluorescent Lights CFLs are very energy effi cient, using approximately one quarter of the energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. CFLs also have a very long lifespan, typically 6000- 15,000 hours compared to the 750-1,000 hours for a normal incandescent bulb, so they save energy and replacements over many years. http://energystar.supportportal.com/ics/support/KBAnswer.asp?questionID=15105.

Dominion Dominion is one of the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy, natural gas and electric. Dominion provides services to approximately 50 million homes and business in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of the U.S., where 40 percent of the nation’s energy is consumed. https://www.dom.com/about/index.jsp.

Ecological Footprint A measurement of human demand on the Earth’s ecosystems so that it is possible to estimate how much of the earth (or how many plant Earths) it would take to support humanity if everybody lived a given lifestyle. In 2006, humanity’s total ecological footprint was estimated at 1.4 planet Earths.

Eco-Friendly Also known as “environmentally friendly” or “nature friendly,” eco-friendly refers to goods and services that infl ict minimal harm on the environment.

Effi cacy Th e amount of energy service or useful energy delivered per unit of energy input. Often used in reference to lighting systems, where the visible light output of a luminary is relative to power input, effi cacy is expressed in lumens per watt. Th e higher the effi cacy value, the higher the energy effi ciency.

Energy Star Rated products that meet the energy effi ciency guidelines specifi ed by the U.S.

GLOSSARYEnergy Dashboard Th e VCU energy dashboard displays the amount of energy consumed by campus build-ings, shown in kilowatt- hours. It provides students, faculty and employees with a better un-derstanding of ongoing processes to reduce utility usage and greenhouse gas emissions through various methods. http://www.buildingdashboard.com/clients/vcu/.

Environmental Cost Th e monetary impact from the negative environmental eff ects resulting from the choices we make.

Fuel Cell A technology that uses an electromechanical process to convert energy into electrical power. Often powered by natural gas, fuel cell power is often cleaner than grid connected power sources. Hot water is produced as a by-product.

‘Green’ Th e adjective used to describe people, behaviors, products, policies, standards, processes, places, movements, or ideas that promote, protect, restore, or minimize damage to the environ-ment.

Micro Grid A smaller defi ned portion of the electric grid, located in the School of Engineering’s West Hall on VCU campus. Th e micro grid will allow VCU and Dominion to test energy-effi ent tech-nology and share power consumption data to predict future maintenance costs based on equip-ment energy analysis and to maximize energy conservation. Th e project will make energy adjust-ments to the building, lights, and equipment to save energy and costs, up to 4% annually.

Recycling Th e collection and reprocessing of materials into new products as a way to reduce re-source use and the amount of waste that enters landfi lls.

STARS Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System™ (STARS) is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. VCU has been working for a year to fi ll out STARS with a current provisional score of 46.86, Silver. Th e STARS report can be updated annually, but it is good for up to three years.

Sustainability “Sustainability” is the goal of maintaining a good quality of life, understanding the needs of future generations and the limits of natural systems within which human life depends.

Talloires Declaration Th e fi rst offi cial statement made by university leadership committing to environmental sustainability in higher education, in 1991. VCU has joined other universities in taking action to incorporate sustainable practices in all facets of education and campus life.