6/17/2015

Sustainability and Technology at USF Melissa Gascot, Alec Greider, Artur

Izoita, Michael Ho, Mark Izevbigie

University of South Florida, Saint Petersburg 140 7th Avenue South Saint Petersburg, FL 33701 Dr. F. Tobienne, Jr ENC 3250

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Table of Contents Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 1

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 3

ASUPCC ......................................................................................................................................................... 4

USFSP Student Green Energy Fund ............................................................................................................... 7

USF Green Building ....................................................................................................................................... 8

Interview ....................................................................................................................................................... 9

Conclusion 11

Sources and Annotated Bibliography12

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Executive Summary

This document discusses the different organizations affiliated with American

universities, including USF, that seek to place a greater focus on the research and development

of sustainable technologies and practices. These organizations range from the massive

governing body that is the ACUPCC to the smaller, local problem-solving group that is the USFSP

Student Green Energy Fund. We describe how the ASUPCC provides a framework for over 700

universities to follow in order to become greener entities and how USF fits into and operates

within that paradigm. The document concludes with an interview with a former student who

discusses USFs growth into an environmentally conscious institution and what has changed in

that regard since she was a student.

The American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment is focused on solidifying its

vision and strategic initiatives. With a goal towards establishing new LEED Certified buildings

and to cultivate symbiotic relationships between society, community, and environment,

ACUPCC is working towards three main strategic initiatives:

Sustainability- activities where the Earth is a self-sustaining planet that can healthy

support its habitants engaging ecologically, economically, and environmentally.

Climate Plans- to lower greenhouse gas emissions programs for waste managements and

energy efficient buildings throughout universities and colleges.

The Student Green Energy Fund proposing and developing plans for sustainability

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This whitepaper is a document in progress, outlining the commitments, achievements and

environmental effects of going green

Introduction

As colleges and universities lead the way in research and innovation, they too must be

leaders in the endeavor to create green technologies to foster a brighter and more sustainable

future. With so many brilliant thinkers and researchers under their employ, universities are

tasked with the burden of channeling that brain power for the greater good. Saving the planet

is a tall order for any institution or organization, so cooperation and communication between

universities is absolutely crucial. The American College & University Presidents Climate

Commitment is an organization that unites universities with the common goal of creating a

sustainable future and is just one of the great organizations that will be highlighted in this white

paper. In addition to this national organization, we will also be discussing organizations and

efforts that USF has made in order to contribute to the national call for sustainability, including

the Climate Action Plan for the University of South Florida, the University of South Florida St.

Petersburg Student Green Energy Fund, the USF Science and Technology Buildings LEED

certification, and the Patel College of Global Sustainability. Lastly, we have an interview with a

former USF student who offers some perspective on how the University has changed for the

better since the 90s.

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ACUPCC

The American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment is an initiative

which was developed in 2006 by a group of university presidents, with support from Second

Nature (link 1). Second Nature is an organization founded in 1993 which provides consulting

services and information to help higher education lead the way to a sustainable future (link 2).

Since the ACUPCC was formed, hundreds of university presidents have signed the commitment

to lead their universities towards climate neutrality. When a university joins the program they

are encouraged to undertake a set of steps that will lead them to decreasing carbon emissions

and facilitate creating carbon offsets (link 3). These steps encourage the university to analyze

their current sources of waste and emissions, develop plans for reducing/eliminating them, and

set milestones that will make success or failure clear. The ACUPCC cannot punish its member

universities for not meeting the requirements using legal or financial means. However, the

ACUPCC does provide accountability. For example, when a member fails to submit reports, the

fact that they are "not in good standing" is made publicly available, and its board members,

students and faculty is notified of this condition and they have good reason to help the

university get back on track. Furthermore it publishes recommendations for universities to

follow, explained later, which help create a structure which which will systematically push the

university towards making better decisions and focusing more and more on sustainability.

The ACUPCC so far has had a great impact on the network of colleges and universities at large.

By help universities put a higher priority on sustainability, they have successfully helped

reshape that higher education institutions think about major decisions involving transport &

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commuting, purchased energy, usage of chemicals, directly financed travel, usage of supplies et

cetera. This has caused a seismic shift in resource consumption and energy savings. According

to the ACUPCC Five-Year Report, published only five years after its inception, shows that

universities have decreased the emissions of greenhouse gases by 25% within those five years

(link 4). Universities also have saved millions of dollars with relatively low pay-off periods by

rethinking their energy solutions. For example, the University of Arkansas invested 52 million

dollars into measures increasing the efficiency their campus, which consequently gives them 6

million dollars in savings per year. In a more extreme example Butte College invested into

bringing solar panels into their campus. With their investment, they will be saving between 50

and 70 million dollars within the next 15 years (citation: 5 year report). By thinking creatively

and not being limited by traditional constraints or misunderstandings, such as the idea that

green energy is expensive, we can uncover many optimizations and ways around traditional

problems. This is the core of the mission of the ACUPCC, the foundation of its impact on

colleges and universities stems from the cross-pollination of ideas causing many win-win

decisions to be made which further the network of colleges and universities forward, towards

sustainability as a group. One beneficiary of such cooperation was Elizabeth City State

University, which joined the ACUPCC in 2010. After they signed on, following the ACUPCC's

recommendations, they created a plan to achieve sustainability, and set up a director of

sustainability along with a committee to coordinate efforts. This committee sought out

cooperative relationships with other organizations for support implementing new policies. One

of the organizations they partnered with was the Environmental Defense fund (EDF) which sent

an intern to the university in the summer of 2010 to work on ways to reduce energy

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consumption. This intern helped identify three hundred thousand dollars of savings to the

university, which would come at only a cost of fifty-nine thousand dollars and will be payed

back within 1.8 years (Citation 6). Through these kinds of creative collaboration we can go far,

developing our university campuses to achieve maximum efficiency and optimization at the

smallest cost possible. By following ACUPCC's recommendations, over 30% of the 677 [as of

2012, this needs to be updated] signatories have developed action plans which will lead them

to carbon-neutral sustainability by 2030. While this sounds like a far-fetch and impractical goal,

some universities have almost done it already. One example is the Mount Wachusett

Community College (MWCC). While their energy consumption was immense (9 million kWh),

they managed to decrease it to almost half, by decreasing the campus size, and using it more

effectively. Further, the college invested into many different ways of cutting down on the

amount of energy produced with traditional methods, such as solar power and geothermal.

Finally, in 2011, two wind turbines were completed and ready for use. Each of them is capable

of producing 1.65 MW of electricity, thus providing sufficient electricity to power the entire

campus with some left over. The energy that is left over can be sold for a profit (Citation 7).

MWCC demonstrates that it is completely feasible for an institution to completely step off the

grid, severing its dependence on fossil fuels. This case helps show how the philosophy and

simple rules of accountability established by the ACUPCC can profoundly affect the network of

colleges and universities. Seeing what can be done inspires other institutions, causing a cascade

towards sustainability and climate neutrality.

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USFSP and the Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF)

Ranking in Princeton Reviews Green Colleges Guides, is a key indicator to USFSPs

strategic plan of sustainability is working. (htt5) These ratings are evidence to the strategies

establish through Strategic Goal #5: In fracture to meet current and future needs: The goal

states that it plans for growth by supporting designs for an estimated enrollment of students of

10,000. USF St. Petersburg strives to provide the human capital, facilities communications

systems, staff, faculty and student support needed for our current campus to flourish and to

implement strategic growth. (htt5) The growth is not to any one specific strategic plan, yet

attacks various strategies in one plan and executing them. Another indicator of how effective

this plan is the percentage of expectations met in the American College and University

Presidents Climate Commitment. (htt5) Because USFSP is a signatory institute of the American

College & University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), they are committed to

establish policies to the construction for new campus buildings to meet as a minimum of a

silver Leed certificate; furthermore, adopting an energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy

with a requisite of energy star appliances. (htt4)

Since 2007 The Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF) was established and led by the

collaboration, the state-wide, and student driven campaigns. SGEF is financed through a very

low cost of $1.00 per credit hour. This gives all the students of USF from each individual campus

the rights to vote, propose new projects, to approve project fees and affirm the following

modifications in their main campus. Every three years there will be an opportunity to confirm

the support of the fee assessed to students for the SGEF. (htt1)

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The Student Green Energy Fund is for the universities to use by assisting the universities

in reducing energy cost. SGEF reduces energy cost through the conservations, avocations for

generating clean power, geothermal power technologies, and the reduction of greenhouse gas

emissions. SGEF propels in providing a growing experience model that disembowels student

leadership and inspiration towards a greater cause. Such cause would be sustaining the

environment, instructing the students, and community with living a greener life. (htt1)

USF St. Petersburg is one of the campuses that are committed to environmental

stewardship and sustainability. USFSP is acknowledged for their sustainable campus to improve

waste management, climate and energy, transportation, green building, water efficiency, and

green purchasing. The campus has stations for recycling batteries, computer parts, and mobile

devices for the storage and collection of recyclables. USFSP offers preferred parking for those

vehicles that are energy efficient which reinforces students to think twice about buying a

vehicle that does not have those benefits. It is a strategic plan to impact the students to receive

a positive reinforcement for being conscious and educated environmental sustainability. There

are also designated areas for bicycle storage. The green buildings feature roofs that reduce the

urban heat island effect helping with improving the communitys environment and quality of

life. An open space promotes biodiversity; furthermore a well-designed landscape not only adds

beauty to the campus but also reduces your heating and cooling cost. The water efficient

landscaping lowers energy costs in maintaining the buildings cooler in the summer and warmer

in the winter. The green buildings have been a great success in becoming a more green campus.

(htt2)

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The first green building to receive the Leadership in Environment and Energy Design

(Leed) Certified Gold was the Science and Technology building. The building will provide

extensive teaching for science and research. This achievement came with the collaborations

from the faculty members and administrators. This building was constructed with 20% of

recycled content used for raw materials, 10% of materials used came from within 500 miles of

the campus, and 50% use of Forest Stewardship Council Certified wood. (htt) Because of the

materials used during construction, the planning and design, the Science and Technology

building earned the highest award. The green building opened the gate way to constructing

more Fleed Certified buildings. (htt3) In 2014, the University Student Center received a Fleed

Certificate for its construction, planning, and design. This green building was also built with

recycled materials similar to the Science building. These buildings provide a better environment

for students to collaborate and learn together especially because students play a key role in the

green initiatives. (htt)

Interview

Interviewer name: Elina Linderman

Reference: Former USF and USF ST. Petersburg Student with degree in Accounting and Spanish.

Q: Since you attended USF in 1998 for your first bachelor's and return for your second in 2014,

what significance difference did you notice?

A: Overall the awareness and desire for the students to be environmentally friendly and green

was unbelievable and you could definitely see the changes. Prime example will be many

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classmates not throwing their trash around like they used to and they are actually carried their

garbage to the containers and recycling their trash. In addition, I have observed the recycling

bins throughout the campus for batteries and mobile devices. It was a great idea to have those

bins accessible. Recycling was available in the cafeteria areas. All the materials used for class

needed to be printed including syllabus and handouts, also any project needed a hard copy to

be turned in; now, everything is online and I am sure we are saving lots of trees.

Q: If you could recommend some improvements for a more environmentally friendly campus,

what would it be?

A: USF St. Petersburg should implement a program for cultivating organic food. This program

can educate the next generation to be more environmentally friendly by eliminating pesticides

and chemicals that are dangerous to society and environment.

Q: In your opinion, have the faculty, staff, and students of USF campuses motivate the

importance of going green?

A: There were many events on campus that supported going green; encouraging students and

staff to be informed and involved.

Q: How has USF impacted your life and do you practice the safe keeping of our planet?

A: It was a huge impact in my life. I own a low emission car. I used to only recycle paper but

now I recycle plastic as well. When I was a student at USF I stopped printing and geared myself

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into being more modern and conscious of when to print to conserve paper. I have taught my

only son that we need to take care of our planet as we do our bodies and home. He no longer

throws garbage everywhere, it has been hard for him to adjust but he is finally getting into the

routine of where to place such items for recycling. It is time consuming but it is worth doing my

part for the environment.

Conclusion

Since 2012, the ACUPCC and signatories are committed to neutralize the effects of

climate change by educating students through the staff and faculty members that support

going green from universities and colleges. Universities and colleges have taken the correct

actions to better sustain our Earth. With the help of Second Nature

http://secondnature.org/about/mission, Education for sustainability will push forward

proactively. In addition, The Climate action plan for University of South Florida is committed to

further lowering the greenhouse gas emissions until it is neutralized. The amazing LEED

Buildings have already reduced energy cost and lowered GHG emissions and will continue to do

so through universities investing in these type of unique and effective construction. The

Students at USF are voicing their opinions and managing their plans in an intelligent way with

the proposals accepted through The Student Green Energy Fund. The purpose of having all this

positive support is to have a healthier Earth, society, and community that we are all proud of

and appreciate.

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Sources

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.usfsp.edu/sustainability/green-buildings/

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.usfsp.edu/sustainability/sgef/

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.usfsp.edu/sustainability/sgef/

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://psgs.usf.edu/news/article/usf-science-technology-building-earns-

leed-certification

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.usfsp.edu/sustainability/climate/

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.usfsp.edu/sustainability/sustainable-campus/

http://www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/about/mission-history

http://secondnature.org/about/mission

www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/about/faqs

http://www.secondnature.org/news/acupcc-five-year-report-underscores-profound-impact

Five Year Report. http://www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/reporting/annual-report/five-

year-report

Partnering for a Sustainable Campus. Rober G. Gaines. (Part of the Five Year Report)

Mount Washusett Community College. Daniel M. Asquino, Ph.D., President. (Part of the Five

Year Report)

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Annotated Bibliography

ACUPCC five-year report underscores profound impact. (2012). Second Nature, Inc. Retrieved from

http://www.secondnature.org/news/acupcc-five-year-report-underscores-profound-impact

Since its beginning five years ago, the ACUPCC and its almost 700 signatories have demonstrated

a profound and positive impact in negating the effects of climate change and integrating

sustainable practices on their campuses since the programs inception in 2007. This source

provides the reader with an update as to where and how far the program has come since its

inception five years ago and the success it has seen.

ACUPCC Mission and History. (2015). American College & University Presidents Climate and

Commitment. Retrieved from http://www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/about/mission-

history

The American College & University Presidents Climate and Commitment is an effort to address

global climate disruption by a network of colleges and universities that have made institutional

commitments to eliminate net greenhouse gas emissions from specified campus operations and

to promote the research and educational efforts of higher education to equip society to re-

stabilize the earths climate. With our campus of USFSP being one of the university campuses

that is part of ACUPCC the relevance of this source is very important. This source provides us

with USFSPs plan to address the Climate and adoption date of the climate action plan and the

necessary goals and approaches to limiting our effect on the environment.

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Second Nature About and Mission. (2013). Second Nature, Inc... Retrieved from

http://secondnature.org/about/mission

Second Nature is an organization founded in 1993 which provides consulting services and

information to help higher education lead the way to a sustainable future. Second Nature is the

organization that supports and overlooks the ACUPCC program. Second Nature as a source

offers us insight on the goals and early works of working together with ACUPCC to provide for a

better future for planet Earth. Second Nature lists five objectives that they currently have to

approach the current issue of our global warming and to aim for sustainability. The source

provides information necessary to gain background information on the Second Nature

Organization and their role in making campuses more green.

Climate Action Plan for University of South Florida. (2010). American College & University Presidents

Climate and Commitment Reporting System. Retrieved from http://rs.acupcc.org/cap/607/

The Climate action plan for University of South Florida provides and lists goals of the program

adopted by the ACUPCC and aims for climate neutrality in 2070. By the year 2050, the University

of South Florida will emit 80 percent less carbon dioxide than it did in 2007-2008. On the way to

meeting this goal, USF has three critical benchmarks: 10% reduction by 2015, 20% reduction by

2025, and 50% reduction by 2040. This specific source provides invaluable information such as

graphs, charts, and diagrams in which will provide extreme detail in the featured white paper.

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Frequently Asked Questions about the ACUPCC. (2015). American College and University Presidents

Climate Commitment. Retrieved from

http://www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/about/faqs

Most commonly asked questions when speaking on the ACUPCC and getting involved can be

answered here. The ACUPCC provides a vast amount of answers that can be readily available to

anybody who is curious about their goal and how universities across the nation can make a

difference. The source allows for curious minds who are looking to get involved in their campus

and also our reader to better familiarize themselves with the ACUPCC and offers us as well

insight into many questions that can be addressed in our white paper.

LEED Certified Buildings (Green buildings). (2015). University of South Florida St. Petersburg LEED

Certified buildings. Retrieved from http://www.usfsp.edu/sustainability/green-buildings/.

USFSPs Science and Technology building (STG) is the first LEED Certified Gold building in the USF

System and the University Student Center has also received LEED Gold Certification in Fall of

2014. The Kate Tiedemann College of Business, which is currently starting construction, is also

planned for LEED Gold Certification. This source provides the positive and environment features

what our campus buildings are capable of and how much they are better than the average

buildings that are not LEED certified. The purpose of the white paper is to focus on the USFSP

campus and its efforts to go green and this perfectly shows what USFSP is doing to go green.

Student Green Energy Fund. (2015). University of South Florida St. Petersburg Student Green Energy

Fund. Retrieved from http://www.usfsp.edu/sustainability/sgef/

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The Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF) was initiated as a collaborative, state-wide, student-led

campaign in 2007. With support from USF Tampas Office of Sustainability, other key faculty and

staff, and student organizations, students from USF Tampa and USF St. Petersburg passed the

SGEF proposal through the USF Board of Trustees and the Florida Board of Governors. With this

the student body of their respective campuses are able to vote, approve, and affirm any

subsequent modifications on their campuses. This is used to assist the university in reducing

energy costs through conservation, promoting power generation using clean and renewable

energy technologies and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This source provides information

on student lead campaign that promotes environment friendly goals and renewable energies for

both campuses of USF Tampa and USF St. Petersburg.

USF Science & Technology Building Earns LEED Certification. (2010). University of South Florida Dr. Kiran

C. Patel College of Global Sustainability. Retrieved from http://psgs.usf.edu/news/article/usf-

science-technology-building-earns-leed-certification

The Science and Technology building at USFSP will broaden science teaching and research at the

institution, and it will do so as the first building in the USF system to earn leadership in

Environmental and Energy Design. Faculty members and administrators from USFSP and the USF

college of Marine Science collaborate to create this multifunction building. Support from the

Progress Energy Foundation funded the Progress Energy Earth Science Laboratory. Matched by

the state Courtelis Capital Facilities Match Program, the gift equipped the laboratory and

provided lab casework and equipment for research tailored to the study of physics, geology and

other geosciences. This source explains the very beginning of the USFSP going green movement

and our very first building that earned enough credits for Gold LEED certification. The Gold LEED

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certification is overseen by the U.S. Green Building Council, which is a national rating system for

buildings design, constructed and operated for improved environmental and human health

performance which goes with our current research goal for our white paper.