White Paper
Content
A Going Green White Paper 4202 E. Fowler Avenue Tampa, FL 33620 813-974-5398 http://usfweb2.usf.edu/sustainability
The Impact of a Bull! USF’s Sustainability Program
By Members of Team Impact August 5, 2011
Members of Team Impact
James Aristilde Justin Moore Courtney Folino Jason Kowalski
Contents
Introduction Beginning of Green Going Green Efforts Going Green Interview Summary Works Cited Annotated Bibliography 3-4 5-8 9-11 12-13 14-15 17 18
Introduction History of the University of South Florida. The Resources that sustain USF's size. What is USF’s Sustainability Program? The History of USF’s Sustainability Program. The Purpose of USF’s Sustainability Program. Going Green Efforts The building up of USF’s going Green. Summary Summarize the Sustainability Program, the Outcome of an environmentally aware University
Table of Contents University of South Florida~ 2 ~
History of USF
The University of South Florida was the first public university established for Florida to meet the needs of rapid growth in urban regions. The growth of USF was just as rapid as the people it was established to serve. In 1965 the St. Petersburg campus, was established. The St Petersburg campus had administrators in its early days that were creative and ambitious. Through their work they built support from the City Council, St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, State Legislature, Board of Regents and intellectual leaders which lead the institution closer to becoming a graduate institution. Then 1970 the college of Medicine was established. Today the name of the College of Medicine is USF Medicine International. In the same time of the College of Medicine’s creation the New College in Sarasota became a part of USF. In 1980 University of South Florida had established a Graduate School, opened the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, the Lakeland Campus, and had an enrollment of 30,000 Bulls. In the 1990s USF was recognized as a major research university and had about $100 million in research funding. Today the University of South Florida is one of the nation’s top research institutions. The University of South Florida has been around for 56 years and celebrated the 50th year in 2006. In the time of the 50th year of USF it had more than 180,000 graduates with 43,000 students in 200 of the graduate/undergraduate programs. Is it such a surprise the growth of USF? Not at all! University of South Florida advertises and
University of South Florida~ 3 ~
demonstrates there superb academics, world class interdisciplinary research, distinguished faculty, with a diverse student body. But the list doesn’t stop here they have Big East Conference athletics and year round sunshine. With a University that offers so much it’s no wonder why so many students from all regions around the World to pursue their education. Over the years the University of South Florida has undoubtedly grown, but with all those students comes the need of many
resources to support them. On top of the need of resources comes the responsibility of getting all campuses to educate students in the amount of waste their presence brings. Students need parking areas, buildings for classes and for some to live. Teachers, Students, Faculty all need these resources and on top of these resources they produce wastes. Should USF just ignore the need to reduce waste and resources? Not at all! USF has taken a proactive step in decreasing the amount of waste and resources by going green.
University of South Florida~ 4 ~
The Beginning of Green
The University of South Florida has initiated a program to handle all the needs of the institution. The project of tackling USF’s need to be green became what is now known as the Office of Sustainability. The goal of sustainability has been in the works since 1995, with significant advancement through the years, the early Office of Sustainability was recognized by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education being rated a gold rating on USF’s newest building. The main reference to USF’s efforts is listed in the Campus Master Plan. A welldocumented master plan will lead to “smarter growth”, a major concept in sustainability. “The plan promoted using infill development, increased density, and parking lots as development sites in order to reduce sprawl, traffic, utility extensions, offcampus light pollution, and minimize increases in impervious areas while undeveloped land” preserving
In the first 10 years of the plan USF planted over 2,000 trees, provided students with a free off-campus shuttle system(powered by biofuel), and increased the quality of oncampus residence halls. Throughout the years, the university has worked to help influence other forms of transportation. The program did not just begin in 1995, 15 years prior, energy conservation was a major concern. Since 1990, USF has had an on-campus recycling site. USF has approximately saved $10 million with TheGreenLight replacement program. With the growth in high-energy demand, USF has still managed to decrease its electrical usage by 3 percent averagely over the past 6 years. This year, as previously mentioned one of the universities
University of South Florida~ 5 ~
newest buildings called the Patel center for Global Solutions, that received the coveted gold rating by Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education is just starting plans with USF to have 7 more buildings LEED certified on the Tampa and St. Petersburg campus. In 2006, Dr. Linda Whiteford, a professor of Anthropology, was hired on as the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Strategic initiatives. Dr. Whiteford’s main focus was campus and community sustainability. A year into her position Dr. Whiteford created a committee of about 30 faculty, staff, and students. Finally, in 2009, Provost Wilcox created the Office of Sustainability, which serves as the single point of contact for all sustainability programs.
The office of Sustainability lists four institutional gains to help build a cleaner, greener USF. The gains are as followed, Infrastructure wise the office has
completely redesigned the website to help facilitate contact with the office. The office has developed a distinguished Advisory council that serves as an advisory board for the office. USF has partnered with TECO energy foundation to develop a “green fund” which serves as a stable fiscal base for the office. Lastly, the office has initiated several new programs like Sustainability Scholars program for undergraduates, a Sustainability Fellows program for graduate students, a Sustainability Mentors program to recognize the contributions of faculty and staff, and a Sustainability Teaching Grants program to enhance USF's sustainability curriculum. The next institutional gain is categorized under the operations portion. USF has been in compliance with the ACUPCC by reporting a GHG inventory report. Currently the office is working with the Sustainability Steering committee, which is made up of about 50 people to compile a Climate Action plan. A university wide policy is currently in place on campus that implements the recommendations
University of South Florida~ 6 ~
laid out by the Climate Action Plan. The office does not just rely on campus involvement, they are working with numerous groups, academic colleges, and the community to implement what is outlined by the Climate Action plan. There are about 7 listed initiatives the office of Sustainability sees as most important in order to get their message across. Student government created the Chief Sustainably Officer position; all student residences have implemented a recycling program, and numerous student groups. On campus all new buildings with have at least 4 stories so that USF can still have plenty of landscape that is
efforts to improve the fauna are underway. Since 1995 the university has used droughttolerant plants so that landscape will not be affected by extreme weather. The university has also incorporated a storm water system to help with flooding. USF’s recycling and waste management program is extensive and focuses on seven different issues. The USF purchasing department is currently looking into energy efficient, Flex Fuel vehicles, and emphasis on the importance of sustainability to USF vendors in the competitive bidding process. Currently the physical plant, department has instilled green certified products for cleaning such as “TM foam soap (made by GOJO specifically for Unisource), Spartan chemicals (including all purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, carpet cleaner, floor seal and finish, floor finish remover, clean by peroxy 15, and Green Solutions Industrial Cleaner), and paper multifold towels).” towels, roll paper
beneficial to the world. Throughout campus habitat islands are linked together now, the heat islands are reduced, and Products (toilet tissue jumbo 80 percent recycled content,
University of South Florida~ 7 ~
Going green in dining services is something USF is working greatly to improve. For instance, USF is researching all green produce from a company that supports local farmers. All dining halls offer USDA Organic Certified, Vegan & Vegetarian options at every location, every day. They have implemented tray-less dining to save water and energy (32,992 gallons of water saved per academic year), and provide reusable recyclable cups
incorporated low-watt light bulbs saving 1689 kilowatts a year and grease that is recycled for biodiesel.
for discounted fountain beverage purchases and reusable recyclable bags to transport food purchases.” In all the USF dinning halls, USF has
In the waste department, yard waste is sorted by a company that burns “solids” to generate electricity, scrap metal is recycled, and food waste is turned in to fertilizer. USF teachers are now using a digital drop box system that eliminates paper usage. Student assistants have researched and found that USF has recycled 9,700 tons of paper and 48 tons of aluminum since the program’s inception.
University of South Florida~ 8 ~
USF Going Green Efforts
Transportation is another major initiative that the office of sustainability is implementing. The bus system at the Tampa campus of USF used biodieselfueled fare-free campus bus services. Biodiesel fuel omits a dramatic reduction in all regulated emissions. It has also been proven that biodiesel fuel poses no health threat to human health. The commuter system provides multiple passenger vehicles to decrease the number of single occupant vehicles in an effort to improve air quality. Another option is to rent a hybrid car, a WeCar, through Enterprise Rent-a-Car at low rates for faculty, students, and staff. To decrease excessive idle time USF has completed and collaborated with Hillsborough County to construct multiple edge campus intersections. These multiple edged intersections reduce greenhouse gas/air pollution. Improvements are being made to USF’s mass transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities that will provide and encourage other safe
alternatives for transportation. By managing location, availability, and cost of parking alternative methods of transportation are encouraged. Electric and gasoline golf carts are used to minimize operating costs and carbon footprint. Experimentations with a solar powered golf cart retrofit kit within The Physical Plant is being researched to be applied to wider application. Processing of travel requests and reimbursements has been changed to an electronic system in the year 2010. This provides data regarding miles traveled by passengers. As mentioned
University of South Florida~ 9 ~
above, many different initiatives are successfully being made in
the sustainability efforts. Water sustainability efforts are another major initiative being made by USF. Southwest Florida Management District has partnered with USF on a university-wide conservation campaign. For construction project sites greater than 1 acre a National Pollutant Discharge Eliminating System (NPDES) requires development of EPA Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Waterless urinals were being considered, but after extensive research it was decided not to use them because of no economic benefit, or no payback. Water metering helps prevent waste and conserve water usage. Residential halls are the only buildings that are not individually metered. Majority of the buildings on the Tampa campus of USF have been retrofitted with motion sensing,
automatic faucets, and flush valves. The golf course of USF, The Claw, used non-potable storm water for irrigation. A rainwater harvesting system, which is used for the flushing of toilets, is implemented in The Dr. Kiran C. Patel center for Global solutions. USF has also implemented a new policy that any new landscaping must be non-invasive exotic plants. Species used must be able to resist periods of drought and which require little fertilization and use of chemicals. Water usage patterns are adjusted accordingly to various sensors that are used throughout the campus. This is called weatherinformed irrigation. USF has been successful in water waste reduction, conservation, and management. Energy monitoring, commissioning, conservation, recovery, and renewables are different efforts being used by USF’s office of sustainability. New standards have been set by USF in building insulation values for walls, roofs, windows, motor, and equipment efficiencies, mechanical systems insulation
University of South Florida~ 10 ~
and controls for both HVAC and lighting. As part of the Building Construction Document process life cycle cost analysis and FLACOM (Florida Commercial Building Energy Computational Program) are required. Commissioning is now a requirement for all new and renovated buildings. Under the
Green Lights program first replaced T12 fluorescent lamps and magnetic ballasts with F32 T8 fluorescent lamps and electronic ballasts. Currently underway, is the replacement of F32 fluorescent lamps with F28 T8 lamps in all buildings on campus over 4 million square feet. All vending machines have an installed vend-mizer, a motion sensing lighting and energy control system for vending machines. Currently, incandescent traffic lights are being replaced with LED traffic lights. Motion sensing light
switches have been installed throughout campus to conserve energy. Energy recovery is also implemented. Low efficiency chillers have been replaced, heat pipes have received additional insulation, roof replacement, with reflective surfaces, have been ongoing. Even though it is not required by Florida Building Code return ducts are insulated. The College of Engineering established a 20,000 watt solar charging station in 1995. The Clean Energy Research Center at USF has received over $15 million of funding and have many continuing projects and initiatives currently underway and more to be implemented.
University of South Florida~ 11 ~
An interview with John P. Trecastelli
To further understand the University of South Florida’s going green initiatives one of the members of Team Impact conducted an interview with John P. Trecastelli, RA Associate Director of Facilities and University Architect Facilities Planning and Construction Services “Hello, My name is Jason Kowalski; I am a student at the USF St. Petersburg Campus. I am conducting research on the USFSP campus green initiative and its efforts to “Go Green”. I would like to ask you a few questions about the green effort/initiative at the St. Petersburg Campus. If you could please take a moment to answer the questions and give your feedback and responses, it would be greatly appreciated.” Q: What efforts do you feel are making the most impact on the going green? campus
A: Replacing inefficient lighting, sending building demolition content to recycling centers, highly reflective roofing systems. Q: How long did it take to get the green initiative formed? A: I would suggest you check on the USGBC website regarding this timeframe. Gov. Charlie Christ also signed into law a bill requiring any new Florida governmental buildings constructed utilize a green building program.
University of South Florida~ 12 ~
Q: How long does it normally take to get plans put into practice? A: Since this is now Law, Florida’s governmental entities are required to use a green building practice. Q: When do you feel changes actually started taking place? A: When the Law was passed in 2006. Q: What are the costs associated with going green and recycling? A: Costs may vary depending on the type and size of building, what green building practice is being employed and at what level of is being utilized ( e.g. LEED has a certified, silver, gold and platinum levels) Q: Is the campus saving money and resources by going green? A: Ultimately yes. Energy costs continue to rise and therefore employing energy efficient building systems (while initially expensive) most likely will save operating dollars over time. The only caveat is in regard to the maintenance costs for employing these systems long term….the jury is still out since these are newer technologies with very little performance history. Q: What do you feel can be done to further improve efforts to go green and further implement green projects? A: Research and Development within the “green industry” for more efficient systems with longer life cycles and shorter pay back periods would make green initiatives more palatable to building owners. (similar issues as those that exist in the automobile industry regarding the consumer’s use of electric or hydrogen fuel cell cars vs. gasoline vehicles).
University of South Florida~ 13 ~
USF’s Going Green Impact
Today the University of South Florida is no stranger to going green. USF has initiated projects from A to Z from stopping Styrofoam use to planting trees. The University of South Florida continues to pursue being greener but there is much more that can be done in the areas of recycling and energy efficiency. USF needs to still needs to spread awareness of its going green efforts to affect not only just the campuses but the communities they are located in. The awards that USF has earned, along with national recognitions for being a top green institution will give many opportunities for the continued growth of USF’s sustainability program. USF has given career opportunities to those who will be creating unique and impactful technologies to further the vision of USF going greener. In 2009 USF hosted a going green Tampa expo. The expo focused on showing the ideas about renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable design, resource efficient development and green building. Today the expo has been in conjunction with the Spring Plant Festival. The University of South Florida’s decision to do this helped impact the numbers for funds for the Botanical Gardens.
USF this year now used the bulk of its showcasing of going
University of South Florida~ 14 ~
green at Earth Day Tampa Bay 2011. The University of South Florida like other institutions has made over the years the idea of going green more normal and to be expected. USF is still leading the way however in their research into new energy and renewable energy. USF is efficiently using the basic projects of going green such as recycling and being cautious of harmful emissions from vehicles and buildings. A school with more than 43,000 students in 200 programs in both graduate and undergraduate being sensitive to how harmful they are to the environment is an attractive element of the University of South Florida. USF has not let itself fail in sustainability, and so long as growth, awareness to students about not being careless with waste, and efforts in creating more efficient sources of energy USF will always have an impact in the sustainability of their communities this way. With all that the University of South Florida has been doing to go green, one can speculate the level it will be at in the future. All non
natural gas powered buildings, and maybe more gardens in between structures. USF could bring in the world the first self powered University ever. The foundation of possibilities for the future of USF’s going green has been set. One thing that is an absolute is that the University of South Florida has embraced being green for more reasons other than that it matches the colors of its logo.
University of South Florida~ 15 ~
Works cited
"Brief History of USF." Http://www.lib.usf.edu. Web. Aug. 2011. <http://www.lib.usf.edu/First50/USF_history.htm>. "Sustain-A-Bull USF - Key Areas - Strategic Initiatives - Academic Affairs - University of South Florida." Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President. Web. Aug. 2011. <http://www.acad.usf.edu/Office/Strategic-Initiatives/Sustain-A-Bull-USF.htm>. "International Affairs - College of Medicine - USF Health." USF Health - Education, Research, Healthcare in Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health. Web. Aug. 2011. <http://health.usf.edu/medicine/ia/history.htm>. "About USF St. Petersburg." Http://stpete.usf.edu. Web. Aug. 2011. <http://stpete.usf.edu/aboutusf/index.htm>. "Admissions." University of South Florida. Web. Aug. 2011. <http://www.usf.edu/Admission/index.asp>. Press Release. "USF Sustainability Earn Coveted "gold" Award." In Education, Environmental, Energy, Parks & Agricultural, Hillsborough County (2011). Print. Patel, Kiran. "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design: Case Study." PDF File.
Amrhein, Saundra. "Water Is Focus of Global Sustainability Master's Program - University of South Florida." Under Construction. University of South Florida, 21 Sept. 2010. Web. 28 July 2011. <http://news.usf.edu/article/templates/?a=2772>. “Engineers for a Sustainable World at USF”.Engineers for a Sustainable World Chapter at the Universityof South Florida, 2006. Web. July 28, 2011 “Campus & Community Sustainability”.Going Green Expo, 2009. Web. July 28, 2011 “Going Green at USF”. Digital Bullpen. Web. 28 Apr. 2011
University of South Florida~ 16 ~
Annotated Bibliography
The research found seems to touch the various ways in which the University of South Florida strives to be Green. Team Impact did very well finding various sources on what USF is doing on many levels of being Green, however I would like to hopefully find some information on actual numbers of energy reduction or waste being reduced. Facts are nice but sometimes Graphs can really paint the whole picture of how USF is impacting the environment.
Press Release. "USF Sustainability Earn Coveted "gold" Award." In Education, Environmental, Energy, Parks & Agricultural, Hillsborough County (2011). Print. This article is about USF receiving a gold rating by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. The article states few university’s receive this prestigious award. USF only started the program in 2010 and in just a year later they receive a gold rating. This article will be used to show that USF must be making quite the impact in the environment due to this national recognition.
Patel, Kiran. "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design: Case Study." PDF File.
This is a PowerPoint presentation by Dr. Kiran C. Patel. This in-depth presentation goes over the LEED rating system. LEED stands for leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and it is monitored United States Green Building Council. The reason LEED went to USF s for 4 reasons Productivity, Wellness and Morale are enhanced by sustainable buildings and sites. We believe that this information will support how USF seeks outside professionals to make even the buildings they design in the future more Green. We hope to find more information on a comparison between a LEED building and a Non-LEED building to show how much energy and resources are reduced.
Amrhein, Saundra. "Water Is Focus of Global Sustainability Master's Program - University of South Florida." Under Construction. University of South Florida, 21 Sept. 2010. Web. 28 July 2011. <http://news.usf.edu/article/templates/?a=2772>.
The University of South Florida has made several efforts in their sustainability efforts in going green. Some of the universities efforts include transportation, water, and energy conservation methods to protect our environment and human health. The University of South Florida has extensively contributed to successful sustainability efforts. This source gives us straight up information on the areas USF is going green in. We will use sources like this one as the bulk of our information to write the white paper to show what USF is doing about going green.
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“Engineers for a Sustainable World at USF”. Engineers for a Sustainable World Chapter at the University of South Florida, 2006. Web. July 28, 2011 USF’s Sustainability Partners started as a group of faculty, students, and staff who met regularly during 2007 to discuss sustainability issues. In 2008, weekly meetings were held to gather and share information on who’s involved in researching, teaching, and outreach relating to sustainability issues. This source we can use when we explain the formation and origins of USF’s Sustainability Program. “Campus & Community Sustainability”. Going Green Expo, 2009. Web. July 28, 2011
This website shows how USF hosted an event for exhibitors and sponsors to benefit from the increased audience. Families from around the Tampa Bay area have many fun, interactive activities to explore while enjoying the beautiful USF Tampa campus. And Florida benefits by drawing increased attention and focus to some of the best green and sustainable thinking the state has to offer. The source stated how this year’s Campus and Community Sustainability Conference is joined forces with the Going Green Tampa Bay Expo. This Source will be good for the white paper because we can use this as one of the ways USF gets awareness out about going green thus impacting the environment. “Going Green at USF”. Digital Bullpen. Web. 28 Apr. 2011 This source talked about USF’s Sustainability program since the very beginning. It had some students talk about what it was like having USF go through these changes. It went from the starting of early recycling plans to buildings. We feel this source will help illustrate how USF’s going green efforts were slow starting but soon became well known and looked after.
University of South Florida~ 18 ~
The Impact of a Bull! USF’s Sustainability Program
By Members of Team Impact August 5, 2011
Members of Team Impact
James Aristilde Justin Moore Courtney Folino Jason Kowalski
Contents
Introduction Beginning of Green Going Green Efforts Going Green Interview Summary Works Cited Annotated Bibliography 3-4 5-8 9-11 12-13 14-15 17 18
Introduction History of the University of South Florida. The Resources that sustain USF's size. What is USF’s Sustainability Program? The History of USF’s Sustainability Program. The Purpose of USF’s Sustainability Program. Going Green Efforts The building up of USF’s going Green. Summary Summarize the Sustainability Program, the Outcome of an environmentally aware University
Table of Contents University of South Florida~ 2 ~
History of USF
The University of South Florida was the first public university established for Florida to meet the needs of rapid growth in urban regions. The growth of USF was just as rapid as the people it was established to serve. In 1965 the St. Petersburg campus, was established. The St Petersburg campus had administrators in its early days that were creative and ambitious. Through their work they built support from the City Council, St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, State Legislature, Board of Regents and intellectual leaders which lead the institution closer to becoming a graduate institution. Then 1970 the college of Medicine was established. Today the name of the College of Medicine is USF Medicine International. In the same time of the College of Medicine’s creation the New College in Sarasota became a part of USF. In 1980 University of South Florida had established a Graduate School, opened the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, the Lakeland Campus, and had an enrollment of 30,000 Bulls. In the 1990s USF was recognized as a major research university and had about $100 million in research funding. Today the University of South Florida is one of the nation’s top research institutions. The University of South Florida has been around for 56 years and celebrated the 50th year in 2006. In the time of the 50th year of USF it had more than 180,000 graduates with 43,000 students in 200 of the graduate/undergraduate programs. Is it such a surprise the growth of USF? Not at all! University of South Florida advertises and
University of South Florida~ 3 ~
demonstrates there superb academics, world class interdisciplinary research, distinguished faculty, with a diverse student body. But the list doesn’t stop here they have Big East Conference athletics and year round sunshine. With a University that offers so much it’s no wonder why so many students from all regions around the World to pursue their education. Over the years the University of South Florida has undoubtedly grown, but with all those students comes the need of many
resources to support them. On top of the need of resources comes the responsibility of getting all campuses to educate students in the amount of waste their presence brings. Students need parking areas, buildings for classes and for some to live. Teachers, Students, Faculty all need these resources and on top of these resources they produce wastes. Should USF just ignore the need to reduce waste and resources? Not at all! USF has taken a proactive step in decreasing the amount of waste and resources by going green.
University of South Florida~ 4 ~
The Beginning of Green
The University of South Florida has initiated a program to handle all the needs of the institution. The project of tackling USF’s need to be green became what is now known as the Office of Sustainability. The goal of sustainability has been in the works since 1995, with significant advancement through the years, the early Office of Sustainability was recognized by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education being rated a gold rating on USF’s newest building. The main reference to USF’s efforts is listed in the Campus Master Plan. A welldocumented master plan will lead to “smarter growth”, a major concept in sustainability. “The plan promoted using infill development, increased density, and parking lots as development sites in order to reduce sprawl, traffic, utility extensions, offcampus light pollution, and minimize increases in impervious areas while undeveloped land” preserving
In the first 10 years of the plan USF planted over 2,000 trees, provided students with a free off-campus shuttle system(powered by biofuel), and increased the quality of oncampus residence halls. Throughout the years, the university has worked to help influence other forms of transportation. The program did not just begin in 1995, 15 years prior, energy conservation was a major concern. Since 1990, USF has had an on-campus recycling site. USF has approximately saved $10 million with TheGreenLight replacement program. With the growth in high-energy demand, USF has still managed to decrease its electrical usage by 3 percent averagely over the past 6 years. This year, as previously mentioned one of the universities
University of South Florida~ 5 ~
newest buildings called the Patel center for Global Solutions, that received the coveted gold rating by Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education is just starting plans with USF to have 7 more buildings LEED certified on the Tampa and St. Petersburg campus. In 2006, Dr. Linda Whiteford, a professor of Anthropology, was hired on as the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Strategic initiatives. Dr. Whiteford’s main focus was campus and community sustainability. A year into her position Dr. Whiteford created a committee of about 30 faculty, staff, and students. Finally, in 2009, Provost Wilcox created the Office of Sustainability, which serves as the single point of contact for all sustainability programs.
The office of Sustainability lists four institutional gains to help build a cleaner, greener USF. The gains are as followed, Infrastructure wise the office has
completely redesigned the website to help facilitate contact with the office. The office has developed a distinguished Advisory council that serves as an advisory board for the office. USF has partnered with TECO energy foundation to develop a “green fund” which serves as a stable fiscal base for the office. Lastly, the office has initiated several new programs like Sustainability Scholars program for undergraduates, a Sustainability Fellows program for graduate students, a Sustainability Mentors program to recognize the contributions of faculty and staff, and a Sustainability Teaching Grants program to enhance USF's sustainability curriculum. The next institutional gain is categorized under the operations portion. USF has been in compliance with the ACUPCC by reporting a GHG inventory report. Currently the office is working with the Sustainability Steering committee, which is made up of about 50 people to compile a Climate Action plan. A university wide policy is currently in place on campus that implements the recommendations
University of South Florida~ 6 ~
laid out by the Climate Action Plan. The office does not just rely on campus involvement, they are working with numerous groups, academic colleges, and the community to implement what is outlined by the Climate Action plan. There are about 7 listed initiatives the office of Sustainability sees as most important in order to get their message across. Student government created the Chief Sustainably Officer position; all student residences have implemented a recycling program, and numerous student groups. On campus all new buildings with have at least 4 stories so that USF can still have plenty of landscape that is
efforts to improve the fauna are underway. Since 1995 the university has used droughttolerant plants so that landscape will not be affected by extreme weather. The university has also incorporated a storm water system to help with flooding. USF’s recycling and waste management program is extensive and focuses on seven different issues. The USF purchasing department is currently looking into energy efficient, Flex Fuel vehicles, and emphasis on the importance of sustainability to USF vendors in the competitive bidding process. Currently the physical plant, department has instilled green certified products for cleaning such as “TM foam soap (made by GOJO specifically for Unisource), Spartan chemicals (including all purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, carpet cleaner, floor seal and finish, floor finish remover, clean by peroxy 15, and Green Solutions Industrial Cleaner), and paper multifold towels).” towels, roll paper
beneficial to the world. Throughout campus habitat islands are linked together now, the heat islands are reduced, and Products (toilet tissue jumbo 80 percent recycled content,
University of South Florida~ 7 ~
Going green in dining services is something USF is working greatly to improve. For instance, USF is researching all green produce from a company that supports local farmers. All dining halls offer USDA Organic Certified, Vegan & Vegetarian options at every location, every day. They have implemented tray-less dining to save water and energy (32,992 gallons of water saved per academic year), and provide reusable recyclable cups
incorporated low-watt light bulbs saving 1689 kilowatts a year and grease that is recycled for biodiesel.
for discounted fountain beverage purchases and reusable recyclable bags to transport food purchases.” In all the USF dinning halls, USF has
In the waste department, yard waste is sorted by a company that burns “solids” to generate electricity, scrap metal is recycled, and food waste is turned in to fertilizer. USF teachers are now using a digital drop box system that eliminates paper usage. Student assistants have researched and found that USF has recycled 9,700 tons of paper and 48 tons of aluminum since the program’s inception.
University of South Florida~ 8 ~
USF Going Green Efforts
Transportation is another major initiative that the office of sustainability is implementing. The bus system at the Tampa campus of USF used biodieselfueled fare-free campus bus services. Biodiesel fuel omits a dramatic reduction in all regulated emissions. It has also been proven that biodiesel fuel poses no health threat to human health. The commuter system provides multiple passenger vehicles to decrease the number of single occupant vehicles in an effort to improve air quality. Another option is to rent a hybrid car, a WeCar, through Enterprise Rent-a-Car at low rates for faculty, students, and staff. To decrease excessive idle time USF has completed and collaborated with Hillsborough County to construct multiple edge campus intersections. These multiple edged intersections reduce greenhouse gas/air pollution. Improvements are being made to USF’s mass transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities that will provide and encourage other safe
alternatives for transportation. By managing location, availability, and cost of parking alternative methods of transportation are encouraged. Electric and gasoline golf carts are used to minimize operating costs and carbon footprint. Experimentations with a solar powered golf cart retrofit kit within The Physical Plant is being researched to be applied to wider application. Processing of travel requests and reimbursements has been changed to an electronic system in the year 2010. This provides data regarding miles traveled by passengers. As mentioned
University of South Florida~ 9 ~
above, many different initiatives are successfully being made in
the sustainability efforts. Water sustainability efforts are another major initiative being made by USF. Southwest Florida Management District has partnered with USF on a university-wide conservation campaign. For construction project sites greater than 1 acre a National Pollutant Discharge Eliminating System (NPDES) requires development of EPA Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Waterless urinals were being considered, but after extensive research it was decided not to use them because of no economic benefit, or no payback. Water metering helps prevent waste and conserve water usage. Residential halls are the only buildings that are not individually metered. Majority of the buildings on the Tampa campus of USF have been retrofitted with motion sensing,
automatic faucets, and flush valves. The golf course of USF, The Claw, used non-potable storm water for irrigation. A rainwater harvesting system, which is used for the flushing of toilets, is implemented in The Dr. Kiran C. Patel center for Global solutions. USF has also implemented a new policy that any new landscaping must be non-invasive exotic plants. Species used must be able to resist periods of drought and which require little fertilization and use of chemicals. Water usage patterns are adjusted accordingly to various sensors that are used throughout the campus. This is called weatherinformed irrigation. USF has been successful in water waste reduction, conservation, and management. Energy monitoring, commissioning, conservation, recovery, and renewables are different efforts being used by USF’s office of sustainability. New standards have been set by USF in building insulation values for walls, roofs, windows, motor, and equipment efficiencies, mechanical systems insulation
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and controls for both HVAC and lighting. As part of the Building Construction Document process life cycle cost analysis and FLACOM (Florida Commercial Building Energy Computational Program) are required. Commissioning is now a requirement for all new and renovated buildings. Under the
Green Lights program first replaced T12 fluorescent lamps and magnetic ballasts with F32 T8 fluorescent lamps and electronic ballasts. Currently underway, is the replacement of F32 fluorescent lamps with F28 T8 lamps in all buildings on campus over 4 million square feet. All vending machines have an installed vend-mizer, a motion sensing lighting and energy control system for vending machines. Currently, incandescent traffic lights are being replaced with LED traffic lights. Motion sensing light
switches have been installed throughout campus to conserve energy. Energy recovery is also implemented. Low efficiency chillers have been replaced, heat pipes have received additional insulation, roof replacement, with reflective surfaces, have been ongoing. Even though it is not required by Florida Building Code return ducts are insulated. The College of Engineering established a 20,000 watt solar charging station in 1995. The Clean Energy Research Center at USF has received over $15 million of funding and have many continuing projects and initiatives currently underway and more to be implemented.
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An interview with John P. Trecastelli
To further understand the University of South Florida’s going green initiatives one of the members of Team Impact conducted an interview with John P. Trecastelli, RA Associate Director of Facilities and University Architect Facilities Planning and Construction Services “Hello, My name is Jason Kowalski; I am a student at the USF St. Petersburg Campus. I am conducting research on the USFSP campus green initiative and its efforts to “Go Green”. I would like to ask you a few questions about the green effort/initiative at the St. Petersburg Campus. If you could please take a moment to answer the questions and give your feedback and responses, it would be greatly appreciated.” Q: What efforts do you feel are making the most impact on the going green? campus
A: Replacing inefficient lighting, sending building demolition content to recycling centers, highly reflective roofing systems. Q: How long did it take to get the green initiative formed? A: I would suggest you check on the USGBC website regarding this timeframe. Gov. Charlie Christ also signed into law a bill requiring any new Florida governmental buildings constructed utilize a green building program.
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Q: How long does it normally take to get plans put into practice? A: Since this is now Law, Florida’s governmental entities are required to use a green building practice. Q: When do you feel changes actually started taking place? A: When the Law was passed in 2006. Q: What are the costs associated with going green and recycling? A: Costs may vary depending on the type and size of building, what green building practice is being employed and at what level of is being utilized ( e.g. LEED has a certified, silver, gold and platinum levels) Q: Is the campus saving money and resources by going green? A: Ultimately yes. Energy costs continue to rise and therefore employing energy efficient building systems (while initially expensive) most likely will save operating dollars over time. The only caveat is in regard to the maintenance costs for employing these systems long term….the jury is still out since these are newer technologies with very little performance history. Q: What do you feel can be done to further improve efforts to go green and further implement green projects? A: Research and Development within the “green industry” for more efficient systems with longer life cycles and shorter pay back periods would make green initiatives more palatable to building owners. (similar issues as those that exist in the automobile industry regarding the consumer’s use of electric or hydrogen fuel cell cars vs. gasoline vehicles).
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USF’s Going Green Impact
Today the University of South Florida is no stranger to going green. USF has initiated projects from A to Z from stopping Styrofoam use to planting trees. The University of South Florida continues to pursue being greener but there is much more that can be done in the areas of recycling and energy efficiency. USF needs to still needs to spread awareness of its going green efforts to affect not only just the campuses but the communities they are located in. The awards that USF has earned, along with national recognitions for being a top green institution will give many opportunities for the continued growth of USF’s sustainability program. USF has given career opportunities to those who will be creating unique and impactful technologies to further the vision of USF going greener. In 2009 USF hosted a going green Tampa expo. The expo focused on showing the ideas about renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable design, resource efficient development and green building. Today the expo has been in conjunction with the Spring Plant Festival. The University of South Florida’s decision to do this helped impact the numbers for funds for the Botanical Gardens.
USF this year now used the bulk of its showcasing of going
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green at Earth Day Tampa Bay 2011. The University of South Florida like other institutions has made over the years the idea of going green more normal and to be expected. USF is still leading the way however in their research into new energy and renewable energy. USF is efficiently using the basic projects of going green such as recycling and being cautious of harmful emissions from vehicles and buildings. A school with more than 43,000 students in 200 programs in both graduate and undergraduate being sensitive to how harmful they are to the environment is an attractive element of the University of South Florida. USF has not let itself fail in sustainability, and so long as growth, awareness to students about not being careless with waste, and efforts in creating more efficient sources of energy USF will always have an impact in the sustainability of their communities this way. With all that the University of South Florida has been doing to go green, one can speculate the level it will be at in the future. All non
natural gas powered buildings, and maybe more gardens in between structures. USF could bring in the world the first self powered University ever. The foundation of possibilities for the future of USF’s going green has been set. One thing that is an absolute is that the University of South Florida has embraced being green for more reasons other than that it matches the colors of its logo.
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Works cited
"Brief History of USF." Http://www.lib.usf.edu. Web. Aug. 2011. <http://www.lib.usf.edu/First50/USF_history.htm>. "Sustain-A-Bull USF - Key Areas - Strategic Initiatives - Academic Affairs - University of South Florida." Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President. Web. Aug. 2011. <http://www.acad.usf.edu/Office/Strategic-Initiatives/Sustain-A-Bull-USF.htm>. "International Affairs - College of Medicine - USF Health." USF Health - Education, Research, Healthcare in Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health. Web. Aug. 2011. <http://health.usf.edu/medicine/ia/history.htm>. "About USF St. Petersburg." Http://stpete.usf.edu. Web. Aug. 2011. <http://stpete.usf.edu/aboutusf/index.htm>. "Admissions." University of South Florida. Web. Aug. 2011. <http://www.usf.edu/Admission/index.asp>. Press Release. "USF Sustainability Earn Coveted "gold" Award." In Education, Environmental, Energy, Parks & Agricultural, Hillsborough County (2011). Print. Patel, Kiran. "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design: Case Study." PDF File.
Amrhein, Saundra. "Water Is Focus of Global Sustainability Master's Program - University of South Florida." Under Construction. University of South Florida, 21 Sept. 2010. Web. 28 July 2011. <http://news.usf.edu/article/templates/?a=2772>. “Engineers for a Sustainable World at USF”.Engineers for a Sustainable World Chapter at the Universityof South Florida, 2006. Web. July 28, 2011 “Campus & Community Sustainability”.Going Green Expo, 2009. Web. July 28, 2011 “Going Green at USF”. Digital Bullpen. Web. 28 Apr. 2011
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Annotated Bibliography
The research found seems to touch the various ways in which the University of South Florida strives to be Green. Team Impact did very well finding various sources on what USF is doing on many levels of being Green, however I would like to hopefully find some information on actual numbers of energy reduction or waste being reduced. Facts are nice but sometimes Graphs can really paint the whole picture of how USF is impacting the environment.
Press Release. "USF Sustainability Earn Coveted "gold" Award." In Education, Environmental, Energy, Parks & Agricultural, Hillsborough County (2011). Print. This article is about USF receiving a gold rating by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. The article states few university’s receive this prestigious award. USF only started the program in 2010 and in just a year later they receive a gold rating. This article will be used to show that USF must be making quite the impact in the environment due to this national recognition.
Patel, Kiran. "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design: Case Study." PDF File.
This is a PowerPoint presentation by Dr. Kiran C. Patel. This in-depth presentation goes over the LEED rating system. LEED stands for leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and it is monitored United States Green Building Council. The reason LEED went to USF s for 4 reasons Productivity, Wellness and Morale are enhanced by sustainable buildings and sites. We believe that this information will support how USF seeks outside professionals to make even the buildings they design in the future more Green. We hope to find more information on a comparison between a LEED building and a Non-LEED building to show how much energy and resources are reduced.
Amrhein, Saundra. "Water Is Focus of Global Sustainability Master's Program - University of South Florida." Under Construction. University of South Florida, 21 Sept. 2010. Web. 28 July 2011. <http://news.usf.edu/article/templates/?a=2772>.
The University of South Florida has made several efforts in their sustainability efforts in going green. Some of the universities efforts include transportation, water, and energy conservation methods to protect our environment and human health. The University of South Florida has extensively contributed to successful sustainability efforts. This source gives us straight up information on the areas USF is going green in. We will use sources like this one as the bulk of our information to write the white paper to show what USF is doing about going green.
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“Engineers for a Sustainable World at USF”. Engineers for a Sustainable World Chapter at the University of South Florida, 2006. Web. July 28, 2011 USF’s Sustainability Partners started as a group of faculty, students, and staff who met regularly during 2007 to discuss sustainability issues. In 2008, weekly meetings were held to gather and share information on who’s involved in researching, teaching, and outreach relating to sustainability issues. This source we can use when we explain the formation and origins of USF’s Sustainability Program. “Campus & Community Sustainability”. Going Green Expo, 2009. Web. July 28, 2011
This website shows how USF hosted an event for exhibitors and sponsors to benefit from the increased audience. Families from around the Tampa Bay area have many fun, interactive activities to explore while enjoying the beautiful USF Tampa campus. And Florida benefits by drawing increased attention and focus to some of the best green and sustainable thinking the state has to offer. The source stated how this year’s Campus and Community Sustainability Conference is joined forces with the Going Green Tampa Bay Expo. This Source will be good for the white paper because we can use this as one of the ways USF gets awareness out about going green thus impacting the environment. “Going Green at USF”. Digital Bullpen. Web. 28 Apr. 2011 This source talked about USF’s Sustainability program since the very beginning. It had some students talk about what it was like having USF go through these changes. It went from the starting of early recycling plans to buildings. We feel this source will help illustrate how USF’s going green efforts were slow starting but soon became well known and looked after.
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