Bulls Going Green White Paper

Team Bulls Going Green2 0 1 5 W h i t e P a P e r

Student Green enerGy Fund analySiS

B y D a n i e l l e D e g e l e

D u s t i n g a r o n

B r i a n n a F i e l D s

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D r . F r a n C i s t o B i e n n e

u n i v e r s i t y o F s o u t h F l o r i D a

2 | Team Bulls Going Green

taBle OF COntentS

Executive Summary................................................................................................... 3

The American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment .......... 4

So what is sustainability?..........................................................................................The Patel Office of global SustainabilityUSF Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (FY 2010-2011)

5

University of South Florida Climate action plan (CAP)........................................... 6

Initiatives.....................................................................................................................Comparative Table of Similar Schools

8

Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF).......................................................................... 10

Interview with Andy Rodriguez, USF Student Body President............................. 12

Conclusion................................................................................................................... 13

Glossary........................................................................................................................ 14

Works Cited................................................................................................................. 15

Bibliography ............................................................................................................... 16

2015 Student Green Energy Fund Analysis | 3

exeCutive Summary

I n an ever mobile and technology obsessed society, it is in no way surprising that greenhouse gases would be on the rise. Noticing this trend, colleges in

the United States have taken measures to allow student to assist in doing their part to combat these increases and their accompanying consequences.

While college is certainly a time of personal growth in terms of academics, it is also a place for students to develop a sense of responsibility for their community and personal citizenship. With colleges acting as miniature societies, containing not just educational facilities, but hospitals, law enforcement offices, public transportation, restaurants, and opportunities to become involved within the community, such as sporting events, school sponsored service organizations and clubs, as well as countless other extracurriculars, universities provide students with the perfect atmosphere to begin taking pride in a community, instilling a greater desire for personal involvement.

Noticing the opportunity to present students with a chance to make a schoolwide impact, potentially extending to a global level, the University of South Florida has made extensive efforts to better educate students on sustainability and assist them in contributing to a more sustainable future. Some of these efforts include the implementation of the Student Green Energy Fund (SGF), the establishment of the Patel College of Global Sustainability, as well as a plethora of initiatives to reduce, recycle, and reuse in order to create a more sustainable future.


the ameriCan COlleGe and univerSity PreSidentS’ Climate COmmitment

“The American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, signed by USF President Judy Genshaft in 2008, obligates USF-Tampa to conduct an annual greenhouse gas emissions inventory and develop a long-term Climate Action Plan (CAP) to reduce and, eventually, eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from the Tampa campus operations and infrastructure.“ (“Student Green Energy Fund,

n.d.“). This commitment is based on the mission to build a sustainable future through innovative solutions, which aims to put an end to the emissions of greenhouse gasses. With this committment follows a trickle down effect of action throughout the Univerity’s community.

Diversity plays a huge part in building a sustainable community. In order to thrive in society, one must network, share ideas, and discuss theories that will possibly change the future and lead to breakthrough innovations.

“This commitment is based on the mission to build a sustainable future through innovative solutions, which aims to put an end to the emissions of green house gasses.

“


“[Sustainability is]

development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of

future generations to meet their own needs.

”

SO what iS SuStainaBility?

Humans are as dependent on the natural environment as the environment is dependent on society. An increased focus on sustainability results in increased economic growth and poverty relief.

In 1987, a World Commission on Environment and Development report entitled, “Our Common Future” (also known as the Brundtland report) defined sustainable development as , “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

the Patel OFFiCe OF GlOBal SuStainaBility

The Patel Office of Global Sustainability (PCGS) was established in 2009 in order to oversee the requirements set forth in the Climate Action Plan. The sector oversees the Student Green Energy Fee administration and fund management. The office also serves as a means of building partnerships, allowing for the creation of University-wide programs that would lead to a more sustainable campus.

uSF GreenhOuSe GaS emiSSiOnS inventOry (Fy 2010-2011)

The University has executed a plan of action, and the results of the inventory show an improvement in several different categories. During the full calendar year of 2010 and 2011 there was a notable reduction in natural gas consumption compared to previous year’s data. Also, during the same time period there was an overall elimination of gasoline, reduction in Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel, and an increase in B100 Biodiesel consumption. The use of fertilizers was also a huge improvement for the university with a substantial reduction in nitrogen fertilizers. Overall, the University of South Florida successfully reduced GHG emissions compared to previous years. The only increase in emissions during this period was traveling to and from the campus and also directly financed auto travel.


CaP FOCuS areaS

I t was required by the ACUPCC that USF Office of Sustainability prepare a document otherwise known as the CAP to provide evidence of promoting increasing amounts of

sustainability and reduction in emissions of pollutants. The CAP focuses on a series of steps to take in order to execute their campaign. These five steps can be described as follows:

A. An overall designed environment that exhibits open space while focusing on irrigation, conservation, and management of designed resources.

B. A built environment should show examples of recycled and renewable materials while using features such as dual plumbing, low-flow water fixtures, and water metering.

C. Students and staff should use other forms of transportation including bicycling and/or taking advantage of the USF Bull Runner or Hart bus systems, while exhibiting a huge environment for parking.

D. Focusing on the energy that is used and produced by the university and making sure that it is being monitored and controlled.

E. Consumption should be controlled by reducing waste, introducing new forms or recycling and reusing, as well as controlling construction debris.

univerSity OF SOuth FlOridaClimate aCtiOn Plan (CaP)

The Climate Action Plan, otherwise known as the CAP, for the University of South Florida focuses directly on particular methods to successfully reduce carbon dioxide emissions. An outline of these methods includes designing enviornments, building environments, energy, transportation, consumption of resources and waste. The University of South Florida is also a member of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) which has established a goal of creating a sustainable campus.


“The CAP emphasizes certain strategies to

reduce carbon dioxide emissions over time. These strategies are aligned with specific

scopes of greenhouse gas emissions to

better leverage and focus institutional

strengths and to set periodic (five-year)

priorities for resource allocations.

”(Campus and Community

Sustainability, 2010)

The University of South Florida’s Climate Action Plan (2010) notes a recent and problematic increase of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. Some of these gases, such as carbon dioxide, contribute greatly to climate change and issues related to a changing climate, such as droughts, the rising sea level, and increased storm intensity.

The relationship between individuals and earth isn’t fully a mutual partnership. Our earth continuously gives to us though we cannot give anything in return. Instead of protecting the planet, we constantly deplete our very own resources and pollute our skies. There are numerous effects to our actions including, global warming, animal extinction, and air pollution etc. We need to view the earth more as a gift and not take advantage of the beautiful effects it has to offer. The difference we make as an individual might be hard to see because it typically will reach out to others we have never met. What

we do as a society today determines our future here on earth. We can either choose to do right by earth or wind up damaging it even more and losing our crucial resources all together.

Realizing that colleges, acting as communities themselves, can contribute to the increase in greenhouse gases, the University of South Florida began additional research to determine an approximation of USF’s annual contribution to greenhouse emissions. The research determined that the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus alone contributes to the emission of 250,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases. USF Health as well as its auxiliary facilities contribute an additional 150,00 metric tons of GHG’s, making for an annual emission of 400,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases.


The Office of Sustainability’s current initiatives are highlighted by eight main areas. These

include, student initiatives, designed environment, academics, transportation, water, energy, recycling, and green building.

Student Initiatives In 2010, the University of South Florida implemented a campus-wide educational program that focuses on educating students in all of USF’s housing and residential facilities about the importance of recycling.

In addition to its campus-wide recycling program, the University of South Florida hosts several service organizations that work in partnership with the Office of Sustainability. These include organizations dedicated to educational outreach, such as the Student Environmental Association and the Students in Free Enterprise; advocate groups, such as Student Government which, as of 2010, contains a Chief Sustainability Officer position, Necessary Improvements to Transform our Environment, and USGBC Students at USF; and , service organizations such as Engineers for a Sustainable World and Engineers without Borders, both of which strive to promote sustainability on both a community and global level.

Designed EnvironmentThe Office of Sustainability’s Designed Environment initiative serves as a means of planning for a more sustainable campus in terms of buildings and landscape. Its organizations and efforts include:

• Campus Design: Open Space Network and Greenway Expansion• Integrated Landscape• Forestation• Xeriscape Development• Waterscape and Irrigation Improvement• Conservation

AcademicsAside from the M.A. in Global Sustainability offered by the PCGS, numerous of the University of South Florida’s individual colleges, such as the College of Behavioral and Community Services, the College of Business, the College of Education, and many others, offer courses and programs that will inspire and educate Bulls to create a more sustainable future. In addition to these programs, USF’s research facilities include:

• Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions• Center for Urban Transportation Research• Clean Energy Research Center• Power Center for Utility Explorations

TransportationThe Office of Sustainability has implemented multiple programs and initiatives that discourage the use of modes of transportation that lead to greater amounts of air pollution and greenhouse gases. These include:

• Initiatives that encourage pedestrian and bicycle commuting• Bus systems and other forms of mass transit• Modified intersections that reduce motor vehicle idling• Increased parking cost and lowered parking space availability to motivate students to use “cleaner” methods of transportation

initiativeS


WaterThere are many programs at USF that strive to reduce water usage. These efforts include:

• A water conservation campaign in partnership with the Southwest Florida Water Management District • The use of waterless urinals and automatic faucets and flush valves• Xeriscaping

EnergyThe Office of Sustainability is committed to principles that involve the monitoring, commissioning, conservation, recovery, and renewal of energy resources.

Recycling and Waste ManagementThe University of South Florida has an extensive list of policies and procedures that contribute to the reduction of waste. Many of USF’s instructors and faculty members have gone paperless, using digital drop-boxes and documents. In cases where creating waste is unavoidable, USF has extensive recycling efforts, including the recycling of paper, electronic, and construction equipment. In fact, between 1996-2007, USF recycled 48 tons of aluminum and 9,700 tons of mixed paper.

Green BuildingsUSF anticipates that five of its buildings on three separate campuses (Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Lakeland) will receive LEED certifications. To ensure this, USF has utilized an assortment of green building technologies, such as:

• Smart masonry• Recycled content materials• Renewable building materials• Green roofs• Rainwater harvesting• Low-flow water fixtures• Dual-Plumbing• Water Metering

name of university rank Similarities Differences

Georgia institute of technology

10 16 of its buildings are LEED certiÞed.

the school has added pervious surfaces, removed paved parking lots, taken on 13 campus reforestation projects

University of Connecticut

9 The university has a bike sharing programs to help the community

The school offers hundreds of classes related to environmentalism as part of its commitment to instilling eco-literacy in its student body

Green Mountain college

8 instead of tractors, horses plow GMC's Þelds.

The school has 150-kilowatt, biomass-fueled solar panels to generate electricity

University of South Florida

7 USF has programs like the Share-a-bull bike program, electric car charger stations and reÞllable drink stations

Our goal is to use as many resources as possible to ensure that our campus stays green.

name of university rank Similarities Differences

Georgia institute of technology

10 16 of its buildings are LEED certiÞed.

the school has added pervious surfaces, removed paved parking lots, taken on 13 campus reforestation projects

University of Connecticut

9 The university has a bike sharing programs to help the community

The school offers hundreds of classes related to environmentalism as part of its commitment to instilling eco-literacy in its student body

Green Mountain college

8 instead of tractors, horses plow GMC's Þelds.

The school has 150-kilowatt, biomass-fueled solar panels to generate electricity

University of South Florida

7 USF has programs like the Share-a-bull bike program, electric car charger stations and reÞllable drink stations

Our goal is to use as many resources as possible to ensure that our campus stays green.

comparative table of similar schools

Table 1. Sierra Club’s 2014 Top 10 Greenest Colleges


Student Green enerGy Fund (SGeF)

T he green energy fund is a fee charged to students to make the University a better

place overall. The Green Energy Fund helps fund things like the sharable bike program, solar panels, LED lights, refillable water stations and electric car chargers around campus. This fee has helped tremendously to make the University of South Florida more environmentally friendly in many different ways. This fee gives faculty and students the chance to reduce energy costs,conserve energy, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and promote renewable energy technologies. this gives students the opportunity for their ideas to become reality. It also keeps students involved. Students can send their ideas to the SGEF and the committee reviews the issue and what can be done to fix it. They will start to fund the operation and things will just improve from there.

Share-a-Bull Bike ProgramShare-a-Bull gives students the opportunity to travel the campus free of charge and ownership. Students can borrow a bike from the University for up to two hours at a time. each bike rented out has a GPS on it to track where the bikes are at all times. Therefore, If students download the Share-aBull bike app on their smartphone they are able to locate a bike on campus. This app also gives students a security code to unlock the bike so they can use it for themselves. this is a free and easy way for students to get to their destinations as quick and easy as possible.

Solar PanelsSolar panels help the school use energy from the sun. This recycled energy goes towards the garage for lights, elevators and electric-vehicle charging stations. It is also stored in a battery system. if there is left over energy it goes towards

an electric grid and is stored for another time when solar energy must be used immediately.This is very helpful to the environment because it helps save energy and recycle used energy.

LED LightsLED lights have replaced the metal halide lights in the parking garages. This is beneficial to the campus because it saves a huge amount of energy. It also saves the campus money in the long run. There has been a 70% reduction in the universities spendings on lighting annually. This also has made the parking garages brighter and safer for students and faculty.

Refill-a-Bull Water StationsThe Refill-a-Bull water stations help in three major ways. They help reduce, reuse and refill. they reduce the amount of bottles students and faculty are purchasing. They provide everyone the chance to reuse the same bottles and cups, rather than always getting a new cup for every drink consumed during their long days on campus. This also gives teachers and students the chance to refill used bottles and cups with a refreshing drink. It makes things easy for the staff and students and creates an alternative to throwing away perfectly good bottles and cups every few minutes. It is good for the environment and keeps the campus nice and clean.

Electric Car ChargersThe electric car charges throughout the University provide students and teachers with the opportunity to charge their cars while they are in class. Overall this is better for the environment and keeps the air fresh for students and faculty. So far there are eight stations campus and the number will just increase over time.


Fees are collected and maintained in a dedicated auxiliary account (“In the Auxiliary Trust Fund – Budget Basis”), and all expenditures for projects funded from the account are approved and paid from that account. The auxiliary fund is administered by the Office of Sustainability. The OS Director is the authorized signatory on the account. An objective cost review is conducted periodically in order to assure accurate estimates. Reports on project expenditures are made on a periodic basis. Unused funding for projects is returned to the fund for other projects. (“Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF)”, n.d.)

Since the SGEF is maintained as an auxiliary account, a six percent withholding is required for administrative overhead. In addition, a minimum of five percent of the fees collected is

held annually in reserve for contingencies and bad debt. A maximum of three

percent of the fees collected can be used annually to fund a term-limited OPS staff position (“SGEF Manager”) to manage the fund, as approved by the SGEF Council. A maximum of 10 percent of the

fees collected can be used annually to purchase energy monitoring

equipment and related supplies and services, as approved by the SGEF Council,

to ensure the efficacy of projects supported by the Fee. (“Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF)”, n.d.)

“The Student Green Energy Fee is a nominal student fee (0.58 percent undergraduate resident per credit hour, 0.27 percent graduate resident per credit hour) that is used to assist the University of South Florida in conserving energy, reducing energy costs, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting renewable energy technologies. With approval from the Florida Board of Governors on March 24, 2011, students at each campus vote in a student body referendum every three years to determine if they support the fee and at what rate. On April 27-28, 2011, the referendum for the Tampa campus passed with 70 percent of students voting to approve the fee at the rate listed above. The next referendum took place Spring 2014, Student Government voted to approve the fee.” (Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF)”, n.d.)

The Fee is collectively managed by the Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF) Council, which consists of 15 individuals: 12 regular (voting) members, two alternates, and one Chair.The Student Government (SG) President nominates six student members and one student alternate from the USF Tampa Campus upon the recommendation of the SG University and Community Affairs Department or other administrative unit of the SG designated by the SG President. The Director of the Office of Sustainability (OS) nominates six faculty/staff members and one faculty/staff alternate from the USF Tampa Campus upon the recommendation of the Sustainability Initiative Steering Committee or other administrative unit of the OS as designated by the OS Director.(“Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF)”, n.d.)

Fee adminiStratiOn

FundS manaGement


A ndy Rodriguez is the current University of South Florida student body president. Mr. Rodriguez so graciously agreed to an

interview via phone to give some background information on the University of South Florida’s Green Energy Fee - a fee charged to every student. The money collected goes towards the student green fee committee. In the past four years it has gone towards solar

panels, possible parking sensors and internal university problems.

what campus did the green fee start at?A: Tampa and Saint Petersburg campuses initiated it in 2011.

what was the main reason the uSF green fee was established?A: Because in 2008 the president agreed to sign a Climate Action Plan. This brought light to a sustainable plan. Students requested an implemented plan on campus in 2011. This fee must be passed every three years. The next time we will see it on the ballot is in 2017.

how did the student government go about the idea in the beginning?A: University students association was in favor of the final approval. The final part of the process was to go through the student facility governors.

why is it so important for uSF to be one of the top universities that are going green?A: It is important because USF has proven itself as a leader. As a University that is conscious of the environment. Students are passionate of the green fee fund.

When this fee was first established what was the overall reaction of the students?A: Students were thrilled about the idea! There was a 70% pass rate on the ballot. Students supported the idea. It was a great success.

what resources have the green fee helped pay for since it has been established?A: The number one resource that the green fee

has helped pay for is the sharable bike program. This is a program where students can rent a bike for two hours through the university. The second popular would be the electric car chargers on campus. The green fee has also helped pay for solar panels, LED light balls in the parking garage and refillable hydration stations.

Who was the first person to mention the idea of the green fee?A: to my knowledge the student body president in 2011 came up with the idea.

do you think the green fee will be included in students tuition for much longer?A: Yes the green fee has done great things on campus for both facility and students.

would you encourage other universities to begin charging a green fee in student’s tuition?A: Absolutely! It is only a minimum charge of 12 dollars per student. This fee has a huge impact. It is important to have this impact. It uses the money for great things and other universities should definitely start to charge this small amount for fantastic outcomes. 12 dollars per student adds up and helps in the long run.

what is your personal opinion on the added on fee?A: It is great! I witnessed the project first hand. It is a helpful and great project. Only 12 dollars per student and it adds up. In the end it helps the students, faculty and university.

interview with

Andy Rodriguez, USF Student Body President


COnCluSiOn

The University of South Florida has made several improvements to promote a more sustainable campus. As a university, the students and staff are driven to make a difference not only at our campus but in the community as well. They have focused on incorporating solar power, water bottle refill stations, recycling units campus wide, and reducing waste production.

The USF Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory from the years 2010 to 2011 is an outstanding example of the strides that our campus has made to be more sustainable. They have successfully incorporated biodiesel consumption, an overall elimination of gasoline, and diminution of sulfur diesel.

Through the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment they have continued dedicating time and resources to more higher education research which will in return create new breakthrough theories and innovations. The campus is also apart of the Campus Action Plan which requires evidence of increasing amounts of sustainability and reduction of certain pollutants. By becoming another university to take part in this campaign we have designed a truly innovative approach to tackling those carbon dioxide emissions.

Student organizations on campus allow students to really make a difference and by taking initiative they have shown others the importance or reducing waste and recycling. Some examples of student bodies that play a part in making a difference include service organizations such as, Engineers for a Sustainable World and Engineers without Borders, both of which strive to promote sustainability on both a community and global level.

Although there has been many different resources that have contributed to these reductions, the Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF) has definitely helped fund a numerous amount of campus needed activities and supplies. We now have solar panels, a sharable bike program, LED lights, and refillable water stations thanks to this small fee. Students may not realize what a difference the fee that they pay through tuition makes such a difference but as a campus we can see it truly does.


GlOSSary

allocations- The action or process of allocating or distributing something.

biodiesel- A biofuel intended as a substitute for diesel.

built environment- Human made surroundings that provide the setting for humansurvival.

contingencies- A future event that is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty.

climate action plan- A plan created that purposes reduction in carbon dioxideemissions.

consumption- The action of using up of a resource.

conservation- The action of preserving something.

Deplete- Use up of supplies or resources.

energy- The strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity.

emissions- The production and discharge of something.

forestation- A large area chiefly covered with trees and overgrowth.

implementation- The process of putting a decision or plan to effect.

initiatives- The ability to assess and initiate things independently.

infrastructure-The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities.

innovative- Featuring new methods.

masonry- The work of a mason.

Nominal- Existing in the name only.

plethora- A large of excessive amount of something.

referendum- A general vote by the electorate on a single political question that hasbeen referred to them for a direct decision.

sustainable- Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.

Xeriscape Development- A style or landscape design requiring little to noaggregation or maintenance.


wOrkS Cited

Andrews, Avital. “AMERICA’S GREENEST COLLEGES: THE TOP 10.” (n.d.) Retrieved November 11, 2015, from http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/slideshow/top-ten-coolest-schools-2014.

Affairs, A. (2010, July 26). Campus and Community Sustainability. Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://regulationspolicies.usf.edu/policies-and-procedures/pdfs/policy-10-051.pdf

Brinkmann, R., Corpion, K., Dibella, T., Wells, C., Whiteford, L., Trotz, M., . . . Proctor, L. (2010). Climate Action Plan of 2010. Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://reporting. secondnature.org/site_media/uploads/cap/607-cap.pdf

Climate Action Plan for University of South Florida. (2010, May 14). Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://rs.acupcc.org/cap/607/

Operating Budget of the University of South Florida. (2014). Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://usfweb2.usf.edu/bpa/OB/14-15/OperatingBudget_14_15.pdf

Patel College of Global Sustainability at USF. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http:// psgs.usf.edu/usf-office-of-sustainability/usf-office-of-sustainability/green-energy-fund/

Sibole, A. (2013, June 1). The Ethics of Sustainability: Why should we care? Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/focusareas/environmental_ethics/ sustainability-arguments.html

The American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment: Mission of Second Nature. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://www.presi dentsclimatecommitment.org/

University of South Florida Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory FY 2010-2011. (2010). Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/ghg/963-2011-invento rycalculator.pdf


BiBliOGraPhy

Andrews, Avital. “AMERICA’S GREENEST COLLEGES: THE TOP 10.” (n.d.) Retrieved November 11, 2015, from http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/slideshow/top-ten-coolest-schools-2014.

This resource is Sierra Club’s 2014 most environmentally responsible universities. The universities ranked are dedicated to greening every level of their operation—from energy usage to recycling to food sourcing to curriculum—that sustainability has become woven into their very culture.

Affairs, A. (2010, July 26). Campus and Community Sustainability. Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://regulationspolicies.usf.edu/policies-and-procedures/pdfs/policy-10-051.pdf

This document is the policy outline for the Campus and Community Sustainability. It describes in detail, the purpose and intent, Statement of Policy, Definition of Term, and Priorities for steps toward Institutional Sustainability.

Brinkmann, R., Corpion, K., Dibella, T., Wells, C., Whiteford, L., Trotz, M., . . . Proctor, L. (2010). Climate Action Plan of 2010. Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://reporting. secondnature.org/site_media/uploads/cap/607-cap.pdf

This is the full 81 page CAP report. It details the plans that the University will take to support their mission to move towards a sustainable future. Key sections are: Climate Change, Sustainability, and the Role of the University, USF Institutional Overview, Brief History of Sustainability Initiatives at USF, Overview of the USF Climate Action Plan, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, Impact Mitigation Strategies, Action Steps for the Designed Environment, Action Steps for the Built Environment, Action Steps for Transportation, and Action Steps for Energy, Action Steps for Consumption.

Climate Action Plan for University of South Florida. (2010, May 14). Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://rs.acupcc.org/cap/607/

This web page highlight the University of South Florida’s Climate Action Plan Details; including the date the standards were adopted, Graphical Representation of Mitigation Strategies, Graphical Representation of Emissions Trajectory, and a link to the USF Climate Action Plan in its entirety. The Emissions Targets section details the Climate Neutrality Target Date, Interim Milestone Emission-Reduction Target, and Nonstandard Emissions Targets. Finally, the Narratives section elaborates on the Institution’s greenhouse gas mitigation strategies, the Institution’s plans to make sustainability a part of the curriculum for all students, the Institution’s plans to expand research


efforts toward the achievement of climate neutrality, and institution’s plans to expand community outreach efforts toward the achievement of climate neutrality.

Operating Budget of the University of South Florida. (2014). Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://usfweb2.usf.edu/bpa/OB/14-15/OperatingBudget_14_15.pdf

The 2014/15 Operating Budget for the University of South Florida System is the official breakdown and allocation of funds for the Tampa, Sarasota-Manatee, and St. Petersburg Campuses. Usage of funds pertaining to the Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF) fee is available in this document.

Patel College of Global Sustainability at USF. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http:// psgs.usf.edu/usf-office-of-sustainability/usf-office-of-sustainability/green-energy-fund/

This resource gives an overview on how the Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF); how it came into existence, fee administration and funds management. It gives some insight into The American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, signed by USF President Judy Genshaft in 2008, and elaborates on how the University is obligated to conduct an annual greenhouse gas emissions inventory and develop a long-term Climate Action Plan (CAP) to reduce and, eventually, eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from the Tampa campus operations and infrastructure. The document further explains the reasoning behind the opening of the USF Office of and how it is meant to oversee these requirements (USF Policy 10-051). The Office has since created a greenhouse gas inventory (baseline AY 2007-2008) and a CAP which concludes that energy consumption must be reduced to lower greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs.

Sibole, A. (2013, June 1). The Ethics of Sustainability: Why should we care? Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/focusareas/environmental_ethics/ sustainability-arguments.html

The American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment: Mission of Second Nature. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/

Second Nature has played a critical role in mobilizing higher education to move the needle towards the goal of a sustainable society. They have created and oversee the largest voluntary carbon neutrality commitment in any sector in the United States. Millions of students have passed through these schools and this history has placed Second Nature in a key leadership position working with higher education to advance sustainability.


University of South Florida Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory FY 2010-2011. (2010). Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/ghg/963-2011-invento rycalculator.pdf

This document is the University of South Florida Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (FY 2010-2011). The purpose of this report is to gauge the annual greenhouse gas emissions for the Tampa Campus of the University of South Florida. There is a considerable effort by numerous individuals in different departments throughout the University to make this report come together. This is the third year the report has been published and reflects the emissions for FY 2010-2011.

Bulls Going Green White Paper

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