1

How did the University of South Florida

first adopt sustainability initiatives, and
how have those practices been continued
through today?

The University of South Florida has made
their desire to adopt the going green
movement to their University quite apparent.
Students may take note of this as they pay
the green energy fund component of their
Tuition bills, but not all fully understand
where exactly that money goes to. In reality,
the green energy fund collected in each
student paycheck is part of a grand goal, the
goal of the University of South Florida to
eventually become climate neutral. Many
different clubs, activities, and even a new
school have become active within the
University of South Florida, all of which aid
the university in its sustainability programs,
helping to eventually achieve climate
neutrality.



Compilators:
Michael Stepanski
Maggie McClosky
Lauren Singer

Enc 3250
Professor F. Tobienne









June 18, 2014
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Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 3
The Origins of USFs Green Movement ................................................................................................... 4
Climate Action Plan- Outlining the Main Goals of the Universitys Green Movements ..................... 5
Ongoing Movements within the University .............................................................................................. 6
Students of the School of Global Sustainability learn by doing ............................................................... 6
A Variety of Clubs Ensures Students of all Interests are Involved in the Green Movement .................... 7
News of Current Events Highlight USFs Ongoing Initiatives ................................................................. 7
Understanding the Status of USFs Green Movement Relative to Others ............................................. 8
Awards Demonstrate the Universitys Sustainability Achievements ....................................................... 8
Comparisons to Other Universities Highlight USFs Strengths and Weaknesses .................................... 8
UCF vs USF .......................................................................................................................................... 9
FSU vs USF .......................................................................................................................................... 9
FAU vs USF ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Global Comparisons to Other Nations Reveal Similarities to USF ........................................................ 10
The United Kingdom .......................................................................................................................... 10
Center for Sustainability in Shanghai ................................................................................................. 11
Comparisons Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 11
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................. 12
Glossary of Terms ..................................................................................................................................... 13
Annotated Bibliography ........................................................................................................................... 14
Works Cited ............................................................................................................................................... 16


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Introduction

The following report addresses four main parts of the USFs movement to go green. These
components are the: the history of the green movement; the overarching goals of the green
movement as cited by the Climate Action Plan; actions and initiatives designed to achieve the
stated goals; and, finally, both regional and international comparisons of external sustainability
practices, both of which help to better understand the strength of USFs green movement. First,
in order to develop a better understanding of the movement in general, we examine the history of
USFs sustainability initiatives. This is done by looking at the first efforts to improve
sustainability that occurred within the University. We also acknowledge the first time the
University demonstrated a desire to improve sustainability in an official format by publishing
such goals in its Master Plan. Finally, we see how the University turned its sustainability
initiatives from passing efforts into overarching commitments of the University as it establishes
an official office to oversee such efforts and signs a document recognizing its dedication to
achieving climate neutrality.

After examining the history of the University, we gain an appreciation of its dedication to
achieving its sustainability goals. With this in mind, we can more easily accept the goals the
University outlines in its Climate Action Plan. This incredibly important plan outlines the central
goal of the University of South Floridas sustainability initiatives- that is, to achieve climate
neutrality. The definition of climate neutrality is further discussed in the appropriate section, as
well as the specific strategies the University claims to employ in order to achieve this lofty goal.
Knowing this main goal of the University, we then examine the many actions the University
employs to achieve such goals. Appearing in our discussion are clubs dedicated to the going
green movement, a school entirely devoted to teaching students about sustainability, and
descriptions of current events occurring within the University which demonstrate its commitment
to going green. Finally, our white paper ends with a section comparing USFs sustainability
initiatives with those of local Universities and the systems employed by Universities of foreign
nations. This last section puts USFs actions in perspective, allowing us to compare its initiatives
with those of others.

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The Origins of USFs Green Movement

While the University of South Florida created the Office of Sustainability in 2009 to oversee its
sustainability efforts, the University has participated in sustainability initiatives for nearly two
decades now. Some of USFs earliest efforts to going green occurred in the 1980s, when
multiple campuses replaced light bulbs with a less energy consuming system of a major central
plant chiller. A later initiative was the creation of a campus recycling site in 1990, available to all
members of the USF campus. Since that year, increasing the number of recycling bins across the
USF campus has been an achievement and continuing goal of the University. While these
original initiatives show USFs long lasting dedication to the green movement, the first record of
USF officially citing a desire to improve the sustainability of its practices was in the USF Tampa
Campus Master Plan in the year 1995. Within this document was one of the Universitys first
initiatives, which was directed towards increasing infill development and increasing the density
of campus activity. The purpose of such initiatives was to concentrate greater amounts of the
USF population within a set area, so as to reduce traffic and utility extensions, prevent further
pollution from occurring off-campus, and allow for undeveloped land to remain untouched. In
addition to these concentration efforts, the Tampa Campus also created a greenway of about 125-
acres for the purpose of linking wildlife habitats and protecting the wildlife themselves. Since
these first few initiatives, sustainability goals have been continuously cited as an important need
by each of USFs campuses.

As the University of South Florida increased the number of sustainability initiatives it has
participated in, it has found the need to create a series of commitments and organizations
dedicated to overseeing such initiatives. Initially, in the year 2006, Dr. Linda Whiteford, a
professor of Anthropology, was asked to assume a leadership role in regards to identifying
specific facets of the University in which sustainability efforts could be improved. As such a
leader, Dr. Linda Whiteford, alongside a temporary committee of 30 members of USFs faculty,
staff, and students, was able to convince USF president Judy Genshaft to sign on to American
College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) in the year of 2008. This
commitment, signed by a number of universities within the United States, is a dedication by the
signing university to commit itself to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
Following the signing of this document, Executive Vice President established the Office of
Sustainability for the University of South Florida. This office has been assigned to record and
address USFs impact on the climate as well as serve as an overseer of all USFs sustainability
programs. The Office of Sustainability continues to create and sustain sustainability programs,
and is currently run by Dr. Christian Wells, a doctorate in Anthropology.


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Climate Action Plan- Outlining the Main Goals of the Universitys
Green Movements

Recognizing their dedication to reducing greenhouse gases, the University of South Florida
composed and signed a Climate Action Plan in 2010. This document outlines the goals of the
University in regards to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and how it plans to achieve such
goals. One of the main goals contained within the plan include dated benchmarks for percentage
reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, the University hopes to achieve the
following benchmarks:
Interim Milestone Emission-Reduction
Target
Target
Date
Baseline
10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2015 relative to baseline emissions in
2009
20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 relative to baseline emissions in
2009
50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 relative to baseline emissions in
2009
80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 relative to baseline emissions in
2009

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Graphically, these benchmarks can be represented as follows:


Eventually, the University hopes to be entirely climate neutral by the year 2070. Climate
neutrality, as defined within the ACUPCC, consists of not emitting any greenhouse gas
emissions at all, or emitting very little and utilizing methods through which the carbon emissions
created can be offset. In order to achieve this lofty goal, the University has outlined specific
objectives and strategies designed to reduce or offset its emissions. Among these strategies is a
stated desire to increase the efficiency of energy use on campus, which they claim to be the main
way in which carbon emissions will be reduced through 2015. They also stated plans to increase
the efficiency of fuel usage, such as through the use of biodiesel in order to improve MPG. Such
reductions related to fuel usage are planned to be more of a focus in the future, as technologies
which permit it become more prevalent. In addition to these greenhouse gas mitigation strategies,
the Climate Action Plan noted the creation of the School of Global Sustainability, designed to
better educate students of the University in regards to necessity and possibility of improving
sustainability.

Ongoing Movements within the University

Students of the School of Global Sustainability learn by doing
Recognized within the University of South Floridas Climate Action Plan, the School of Global
Sustainability offers a diverse collection of courses in various fields including the social
sciences, engineering, business, the humanities, arts, and health. The School was created for the
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purpose of allowing working professionals the opportunity to learn about issues pertaining to
climate neutrality and sustainability. Many of the courses are offered through an online setting.
Currently, the school is only available to graduate students. A Masters Degree in Global
Sustainability is offered to students who hope to obtain a specialized, upper-level knowledge
within the field. The school also hosts and funds research in scientific disciplines dedicated to
improving sustainability. For instance, one student has the task of designing and manufacturing
renewable energy sources such as the cultivation of algae. Another student is currently
conducting research on the improvement of urban water management systems. Both student and
faculty of the school take their learning beyond the classroom, participating in many local events
dedicated to green efforts within the Tampa community. For instance, just recently students and
faculty of the school presented at Floridas Energy Workshop, a workshop dedicated to
displaying research on renewable energy resources. Research presented by USF faculty covered
topics such as producing algae at a reduced cost and obtaining usable biodiesel fuels from waste
oils. Apart from this, students within the M.A. program are also assigned the task of encouraging
local businesses to go green. As part of their curriculum, students engage with the businesses to
help them adopt greener practices, such as identifying ways to reduce plastic waste or improving
the opportunity for businesses to recycle.
A Variety of Clubs Ensures Students of all Interests are Involved in the Green Movement
Beyond the Student Environmental Association and the Student Environmental Awareness
Society which focus on providing the USF community with opportunities to volunteer and
spread awareness about sustainable efforts and a greener campus, there are several clubs that
invites students to support the movement in specific ways. For example, Timmy Global Health,
Global Water Brigades, and World Watch take a global perspective on improving the
environment by providing solutions for underdeveloped communities in need and becoming
aware of sustainability issues beyond the United States. Engineers Without Borders and Student
Physicians for Social Responsibility are two organizations that call certain majors to accept their
position in improving the environment through developing communities with engineering
projects, work to eradicate issues such as global warming and nuclear threats, and advocate
social justice with the knowledge their education has provided. Animal House and Wildlife
Conservation Club at the University of South Florida focus on animal safety, shelters, and abuse
awareness while Whats In The Food and Food Activists Revolutionizing Meals work to address
healthier options for students and the environment. Lastly, a couple gardening clubs show
concern for environmental issues: The Gardening Club and Botanical Gardens Club- Friends of
the Garden. These clubs encourage civic engagement, awareness and improvement by providing
volunteer opportunities.

News of Current Events Highlight USFs Ongoing Initiatives
Student organizations continue to work daily toward a better world. On Saturday, June 14, 2014
Student Environment Association invited Facebook friends to participate in an environmental
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project to Stamp Out Caesar Weeds which were taking over Colt Creek State Park. The
Facebook group invites all to join in on activities like this, taking steps to create change.
Recently, on February 5, 2014 it was reported that, Researchers in the University of South
Floridas Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering have been awarded a $2.22 million
grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to establish a national research center to
tackle a dire issue plaguing waterways in Florida and across the country: nutrient pollution from
wastewater and stormwater runoff. This grant provides yet another opportunity for experienced
USF students, faculty and researchers alike to apply their time and knowledge to the goal of local
sustainability (statewide). Beyond an environmental impact, engineering professor James
Mihelcic who is taking the lead on this project, stated, The research will benefit the public
because poor water quality lowers the economic, social, and environmental value of our Nations
waters for current (and future) generations. Current events today produce a brighter tomorrow.
Understanding the Status of USFs Green Movement Relative to
Others

Awards Demonstrate the Universitys Sustainability Achievements
In May 2010, USF received the honor of being included in The Princeton Reviews Guide to 286
Green Colleges. The free guide can be downloaded at www.princetonreview.com/ greenguide
and www.usgbc.org/campus. Christian Wells, director of the USF Office of Sustainability said,
It is an honor to be singled out for inclusion in the recent Princeton Reviews Guide to Green
Colleges, which was prepared in conjunction with the highly respected U.S. Green Building
Council. Our inclusion is testament to the hard work and steely dedication of numerous students,
staff, faculty, administrators, and alumni over the past few years to make USF a cleaner, greener
place to live and work.
Comparisons to Other Universities Highlight USFs Strengths and Weaknesses
Within the region, universities are responding to pressures to follow the green movement and
create more sustainable campuses. Some universities, however, are doing more than simply
reacting to the societal demands for green consciousness. One such school is the University of
South Florida. By comparing and contrasting USF with other similar schools in the region, we
can see that USF truly subscribes to the going green mentality and is taking steps to make a
difference.

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UCF vs USF
We will first look at The University of Central Florida as compared to The University of South
Florida. UCF, whose mission statement for their sustainability effort is, To obtain energy
efficient operation of building systems through education, optimization, and verification while
providing professional leadership and fostering sustainable growth calls for educational
outreach to generate behavior modification; they seem to still be in the first phase of going
green while USF is creating and implementing a Climate Action Plan in order to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. UCF is attempting to make their campus more eco friendly by means
of education rather than action. USF, on the other hand, is creating and implementing mitigation
strategies and action steps in order to enforce the education they also offer. USFs president,
Judy Genshaft signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment
which requires signatories to complete a greenhouse gas emissions inventory, set target dates
and interim milestones for becoming climate neutral, take immediate steps to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, integrate sustainability into curriculum programming, and ensure that
all of these efforts are documented and transparent to the public. Through this document, which
is annually updated by the USF Office of Sustainability, USF not only monitors its greenhouse
gas emissions, but it also sets goals to reduce them while recognizing the ever-changing nature of
sustainability.

FSU vs USF
Next, we will see the stark differences in Florida State Universitys discourse as compared to
The University of South Florida. FSU is taking strides to create a more sustainable campus
however, unlike USF, they cease their movement there. The University of South Florida is
committed to creating a sustainable campus not only for the betterment of our campus and its
students and staff but also for the betterment of our community both local and global. USFs
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Climate Action plan states that they are committed to making its campus and community a
cleaner, greener place to live and work.

FAU vs USF
When comparing Florida Atlantic University and The University of South Florida, the
differences are incredible. FAU had begun a Green Wave program which instills the ideas of
sustainability in its staff members. It supplies a course to professionals so they can work in a
green environment. The staff members then audit their work space to determine its level of
sustainability. While this is a good start, they make no efforts to include any students or
community members in their attempts at sustainability. The University of South Florida
recognizes these ideals must be taught to everyone; staff members, students, and the community
alike and urges all to educate themselves and make a change so that their goals of a sustainable
community may come to fruition.

Global Comparisons to Other Nations Reveal Similarities to USF
Discourse on climate change can be heard throughout the world as it is an issue that affects us
all. It is paramount to look to other countries to see what steps they are taking to steer ourselves
in the right direction.

The United Kingdom
Beginning with the United Kingdom, there are three Sustainable University ranking systems in
place emphasizing the need for a sustainable university and recognizing those universities which
excel in the going green movement. The three systems are The People & Planet Green League,
Green Gown Awards, and EcoCampus. The People & Planet Green League focuses on the
environmental and ethical performance of universities while the Green Gown Awards recognizes
a number of categories from Carbon Reduction to Sustainable Procurement. EcoCampus is
unique in that it implements a four step system which recognizes universities who not only
formulate a plan to become more sustainable but also implement that plan, operate it, and correct
the issue. If a university is to reach the correction phase, they receive an award of platinum.
In the following graph we can see the People & Planet Green Leagues top ten universities in
2013. The overall score is a combination of the universitys practices within policy as well as
performance. This depicts the importance of the going green movement in other areas than our
own.
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Center for Sustainability in Shanghai
In Shanghai, the most populated city in a country that is well known for its smog pollution, The
Center for Sustainability was created. It is made up of a combination of business men and
women in order to educate students on Chinas sustainable development. Similarly to most of
the Florida schools methods, however, The Center surrounds its mission on dialogue and idea
sharing rather than action or advocacy. Their website even states that they understand that
solutions will not come from environmentalists, architects, engineers, economists and lawmakers
alone but from collaboration between all industries pulling together in one direction. While this
is a step in the right direction, it is not enough to make a change. USF recognizes this and has
created a Climate Action Plan to enforce the principles of sustainability.

Comparisons Conclusion
Be it abroad or within our nation, universities are attempting to tackle the environmental
problems we face today. Leading the charge, however, is the University of South Florida which
has not only created an action strategy but plans to see these ideas come to fruition. USF
recognizes the need for education on the subject to all individuals and for all individuals to work
in tandem in order for a change to be made on our campus, in our community, and around the
globe. Only in this way will environmental discord turn to harmony.

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Conclusion

Overall, the University of South Florida has done an excellent job of improving the sustainability
of its campus. An incredible multitude of different clubs and activities dedicated to going green
have been occurring within the University for a number of years, and the number appears to keep
growing. When comparing USF to other universities of the state, the University of South Florida
appeared to adopt their strengths while avoiding their weaknesses. Overall, USF appears to be
well set on its initial path to achieving reduced fossil fuel emissions. Yet, the battle is not over
yet. Achieving climate neutrality is a daunting task, but if USF continues to aggressively
improve its sustainability and steadily decrease its emission of greenhouse gases, the ability to
attain climate neutrality may be possible.

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Glossary of Terms
American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC)- an
agreement signed by many American universities; each signing university promises to
reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, with an ultimate goal of achieving climate neutrality
Carbon Reduction-The act of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the environment
to prevent the Greenhouse Gas Effect
Climate Action Plan- a plan created by USF which outlines specific goals in the reduction
of its greenhouse gas emissions, deadlines by which these goals will be attained, and
strategies to achieve said goals
Climate Neutrality- a term describing an institution that does not emit any greenhouse
gasses, or utilizes methods to offset the greenhouse gasses it does emit
EcoCampus-This is an award program that recognizes universities for environmental
management systems and their education programs.
Green Gown Awards-These awards recognize universities who take sustainability
initiatives.
Green Wave program- This program is an educational program designed to promote
sustainability in the office work space
Greenhouse Gas Emissions-These are any gases that lead to the greenhouse effect which
causes a rising level of carbon dioxide and global warming.
Office of Sustainability- An official organization within USF created to serve as a central
point of reference for all matters pertaining to sustainability; the Office itself also creates
many initiatives geared towards producing a sustainable campus environment
The People & Planet Green League-The league is a ranking system of UK universities
which measures school environmental and ethical performance.
School of Global Sustainability- an educational department within the University of
South Florida which participates in courses, research, and community involvement in
issues related to sustainability
Smog Pollution-This is an unhealthy mixture of smoke, fog, and chemical fumes that are
incredibly hazardous to inhale.
Sustainability-This term refers to the ability of a continuing environmental stability due
to something not causing harm to the environment.
Sustainable Procurement-This refers to obtaining sustainability for long-term
environmental health.
Tampa Campus Master Plan- A plan outlining the development of the Tampa component
of USFs campus; this includes construction such as the creation of new buildings,
monuments, or roadways

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Annotated Bibliography

http://www.sustainable.ucf.edu/about
This webpage describes the efforts the University of Central Florida is taking to educate students
about greenhouse gas emissions. It lists the organizations mission and vision for the future.

http://sustainablecampus.fsu.edu/About-Us
This page offers a brief description of Florida State Universitys sustainability project as well as
its mission statement, history, and team members.

http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/607-cap.pdf
This PDF is the University of South Floridas Climate Action Plan which is a detailed document
which outlines the universitys continuing effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

http://www.fau.edu/facilities/sustain/green-wave.php
This webpage discusses Florida Atlantic Universitys Green Wave program which instills the
ideas of sustainability in its staff members. It supplies a course to professionals so they can work
in a green environment and describes how the staff members then audit their work space to
determine its level of sustainability

http://www.sustainableuni.kk5.org/#/su-rankings/4547096375
This page shows the three Sustainable University ranking systems in place which emphasize the
need for a sustainable university and recognize those universities which excel in the going green
movement. It lists and explains the three systems which are The People & Planet Green League,
Green Gown Awards, and EcoCampus.

http://www.sustainabilityinchina.com/about-us.html
The webpage depicts the Center for Sustainability which is made up of a combination of
business men and women in order to educate students on Chinas sustainable development. The
page shows the companys vision, mission, and their team members.

http://news.usf.edu/article/templates/?a=2295
This is an article from May 2010 that covers the most recent information about USFs green
movement. It is mainly about the honor USF received by being included in The Princeton
Reviews Guide to 286 Green Colleges. The free guide can be downloaded at
www.princetonreview.com/greenguide andwww.usgbc.org/campus.
The article also sheds light on several specific ways USF students, faculty, and the greater
community work toward a greener environment every day.

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http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1090&context=honors_et&sei-
redir=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.com%2Fscholar%3Fhl%3Den%26q%3Dusf
%2Bgoing%2Bgreen%2Bmovement%26btnG%3D%26as_sdt%3D1%252C33%26as_sdtp%3D#
search=%22usf%20going%20green%20movement%22
This thesis from Spring 2012 is an example of the efforts of USF, in every aspect, to make the
campus a greener place. The thesis states that it will give some insight into ways that USF can
continue to simultaneously expand its facilities and promote a green attitude amongst all who
participate. This is based on the fact that USF is primarily a research university, and much of
our funds go towards labs and facilities to further our research. This thesis gives examples of
how to improve the campus even further by improving the research methods.

https://www.facebook.com/seausf
Heres the link to the Student Environmental Associations Facebook group.
For example, on Saturday, June 14, there was an environmental project opportunity to Stamp
Out Caesar Weeds which were taking over Colt Creek State Park. The Facebook group invites
all to join in on activities like this, taking steps to create change.
http://www.princetonreview.com/green-honor-roll.aspx
This article confirms Princetons decision to include USF in the rankings for the greenest
universities in the U.S. It also mentions how each year, USF annually hosts the Campus and
Community Sustainability Conference and there are 18 groups on campus working toward a
greener future!

http://psgs.usf.edu/office-of-sustainability
This article provides an overview of the history of all of USFs sustainability initiatives. It
discusses the first green programs the University adopted, and then it goes on to highlight the
creation of official clubs such as the Office of Sustainability.

http://rs.acupcc.org/cap/607/
This article highlights the official benchmarks USF set in regards to the reduction of its
greenhouse gas emissions. It also develops the goals set to achieve these benchmarks.

http://www.usforacle.com/news/view.php/690894/Universitys-new-school-will-be-first-in-
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the school of global sustainability, discussing
what topics the school will cover and who may enroll within its Masters program.

http://psgs.usf.edu/about_patel_school_of_global_sustainability/
This is a webpage dedicated to informing its readers about the School of Global Sustainability at
USF. It links to many articles highlighting activities implemented by faculty and staff of the
school.
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Works Cited

Patel College of Global Sustainability. Sustainability programs and initiatives at USF and
around the world. 2013. Document. 16 June 2014.

ACUPCC Reporting System. Climate Action Plan for University of South Florida. 14 May 2010.
Document . 16 June 2014.

Cash, Jacqui. USF One of Nation's Top Green Colleges. 5 May 2010. Document. 16 June 2014.

Center for Student Involvement. Organization Search. n.d.

Cerny, Brittany and Kristina Heritage. University's new school will be first in the nation. 15
February 2010. Document. 16 June 2014.

Clounts and Shannon. Green Wave Program. 11 April 2014. Document. 16 June 2014.

Facebook. Student Environmental Association (SEA) at USF. n.d. Document. 16 June 2014.

Florida State University. Sustainable Campus. n.d. Document. 16 June 2014.

Naughton, Colleen. USF Awarded Prestigious EPA National Research Water Center in Nutrient
Management. 5 February 2014. Document. 16 June 2014.

The Center for Sustainability. Forming Leaders for Sustainable Development. n.d. Document. 16
June 2014.

The Princeton Review. Green Honor Roll. 2014. Document. 16 June 2014.

University of Central Florida. Sustainability and Energy Management. n.d. Document. 16 June
2014 .

Wells, Christian. Green Labs are Gold: Evaluating and Improving the Environmental Impact of
USFs Laboratories. 2012. Document. 16 June 2014.