Go Green Go Bulls Final

7/31/2019 Go Green Go Bulls Final

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Go Green

Professional Writing

ENC3250-798

Professor Francis Tobienne

Team 4 Quatro Verde

David Little

Jonathan Lagman

Josh Roberts

Kristin Thompson

Pamela Jenkins

Vincent Saunders

Go Green, Go Bulls!


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Table of Contents

Executive Summary 3

Introduction 4

Historical Context 5-6

Green Building 6-9

Energy 10-12

Water Conservation 13-14

Recycling and Conservation 14-16

Transportation 16-19

Concluding Note 20-21

Annotated Bibliography 22-24

Work Cited 25-26

Glossary 27-28

Table of Contents


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The University of South Florida has demonstrated

through their many initiatives and programs a consistent

forward thinking dedication toward its students, faculty,

and the community it serves. While looking back on its

accolades and accomplishments with pride the University

is not complacent. In fact, the University of South Florida

is just getting started.

The conclusion of this document not only shows the

University of South Florida mercurial rise to ecological

prominence but the environment it has developed. This

environment is one of higher education augmented with a

sense of the place, conscience, and accountability. At a

time where the word green is bantered about as apolitically correct clich, the University of South Florida

implements green as a conscious course of day to day

practice. Many institutions talk the talk, the Bulls walk the

walk. Each step we take towards building a sustainable

environment, impacts the future for the University, the

Tampa Bay Community and beyond. With each concise

action the University leaves a positive impression, with its

day to day commitment the University provides a living

example.


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Going Green is just no longer a saying, its a

movement. As a whole, we are consuming and

producing waste at a rate faster than our earth

can manage. Because of this, much of the worldis rethinking new modes of operation to cut

down on the ecological degradation that we

have become accustomed to; there have been

many changes and advances in almost every

aspect of our lives; whether its using reusable

grocery shopping bags, driving a hybrid vehicle,

or simply buying the water bottle with less

plastic. Businesses and institutions all over the

world have committed to the worldwide

phenomena and have steadily begun making

changes to make sure our planet thrives, and

the University of South Florida is not so

different.

The University has been undergoing numerous

changes over the years to better our planetwith environmental programs and policies to

make the school a more sustainable one. With

these continuing updates, the University of

South Florida is reaching its goal towards a

greener and more sustainable school by

removing some of its own carbon footprint.

The white paper will detail the Universitys

efforts it has made towards going green with

specific programs, current options, and future

plans to ensure the University of South Florida

has indeed, joined the movement.


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On April 12, 2008, University of South Florida President Judy Genshaft signed a commitment with The

American College & University Presidents Climate Committee (ACUPCC)). Prior to the signing the

University of South Florida had contributed what amounts to an informal confederation of forward

thinking groups with various agendas. Four years later, during the ACUPCCs annual Climate Leadership

Summit in Washington D.C., The University of South Florida will receive a 2012 Second Nature ClimateLeadership Award. This award earns USF the title of Most Innovative Climate Leader among 674

Universities. The four years between President Genshafts historic signing in 2008 and the

Universitys upcoming achievement award brought many programs and initiatives to further the

Universitys dedication to a Green Environment.

In August 2009 Dr. E. Christian Wells, Anthropology, created the University Of South Florida

Office Of Sustainability, serving (to present) as its director.

In January 2010 the University joins the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in

Higher Education (AASHE). The AASHE is a coalition of Colleges and Universities that track and

assess sustainability performance among its members.

On February 11, 2011 the University of South Florida launched the United States first School of

Global Sustainability. The Patel School of Global Sustainability, named after renowned

cardiologist and philanthropist Dr. Kirin Patel, is lead under the stewardship of Dr. Kalanithy

Vairavamoorthy and deputy director Christian Wells.

In April 2010 the University of South Floridas efforts to employ its go green rhetoric into

practice came to fruition with the completion of the USFSP Science and Technology building.

The building, constructed by the innovative Creative Contractors, was given a LEED certified

Gold award and the Princeton Revue subsequently named USF a leading Green University. LEED

certification formalizes a set of Environmentally-friendly parameters for building construction,

developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. The Council serves as an impartial third party

granting an ascending order of awards ranging, LEED Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. In March 2011 the Dr. Kiran Patel Center for Global Solutions became the first LEED Gold-

Certified Building on the Tampa Campus.

In March 2011 the USF student body voted for and the Florida Board of Governors approved the

Student Energy Fee. This fee is used to establish or improve the use of renewable energy

technologies or energy efficiencies that directly lower greenhouse gas emissions, waste, or

energy costs. USF New Fee Info.

In April 2012 USF planted 300 trees for earth day, 250Live Oaks and 50 Bald Cypress. These

were part of 1000 trees earmarked by the Arbor Day Foundation.

In June 2011, USF Tampa upgraded their water fountains to include a water bottle filling

apparatus, promoting using chilled tap water instead of spring water. USF News 6-20-11

In July 2011 USF began replacing its gasoline and electric carts with solar powered models. In November 2011 USF announced its initial Student Green Energy Fund awards donating

$300,000 to several solar projects on campus.

In March 2012 the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus installed electric car

charging stations. TB Bus Journal 3-28-12.

In April 2012 USF planted 300 trees for earth day.


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June 21 marks the annual summer solstice every year and in will mark the conclusion of the

ACUPCCs annual Climate Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. Just four years after University

President Judy Genshaft committed USF toward a progressively green course of action the

University will be awarded one of its most prestigious awards. Just as the summer solstice marks

the transition from spring to summer, this award marks a new day as USF takes its position as a

leader in the Green Movement.

Green Building

There is a dramatic difference between using

the term Green in a rhetorical context and

implementing it as a daily procedure. The

University of South Florida practices the later.

Nowhere is this more prevalent and less

obvious to the average observer than in the

numerous building projects sprouting on thevarious campuses. From the LEED Award

Winning Science & Technology building and

new Student Services Facility on the St.

Petersburg Campus to the Patel Center for

Global Solutions Building in Tampa, USF has

shown a dedication towards Green Construction

Architecture, Builders, and Environmental

impact

USF has not cast a blind eye at its existing

structures by renovating facilities, replacing

antiquated roofing and using sustainable

technologies to fit those structures in place. A

recent interview with Creative Builders Officer

Joshua Bomstein revealed the approach of first

creating a shell to which various efficient

modes of insulation can be affixed. Like

renovations mentioned earlier the new roofs

have a Solar Reflective Index (SRI) of no less

than 94. A point of pride with the builder and

university alike is the amount of unused or

spent materials that are diverted from our

landfills and recycled. That number exceeds

80%.

By hiring the most innovative local builders USF

contributes to the economy of the Tampa Bay

Area. Since the builders are local, the projects

go to the local workforce insuring accountability

for the projects as well as providing jobs. Local

businesses supporting the construction industry

also benefit, from cement manufacturers to

retailers the projects provide a close destination

for their products cutting expense as well as

fuel emissions. By utilizing Renewable building

materials, Low Flow water fixtures, ChilledWater Cooling, and other Green Technologies

the University of South Florida along with their

builders are creating a new standard for eco-

friendly, higher education campuses.


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Creative Contractors, Inc. Walking and

Talking Green.

(An interview by David Little.

w/ Joshua Bomstein VP Business

Development):

David Little: Good morning Mr. Bomstein. I am

acquainted with the Science & Technology

facility at St. Pete. I watched the new building

go up since this fall. Can you tell me of anyother work you have done for USF?

Creative Contractors: Well we contracted on

the USF Sarasota Marine and Science Structure

but that was before the USGBC came into the

Picture. As you know we are finishing up the

USFSP Student Activities Facility. You

mentioned the Science & Technology building;

we also constructed the Fountain and designed

the landscaping.

DL: USGBC?

CC: United States Green Building Council, they

are the third party that grants a LEED

certification. I serve on the Florida USGBC

advisory board.

DL: Thats perfect. Can you explain to us the

logistics of LEED certification (pronounced as it

reeds)?

CC: LEED certification has its roots in the early

90s but did not really take off until 2002/2003.What LEED certification does is dictate the

formal parameters for constructing a Green

Structure/ Building. Until LEED, the term Green,

had no real definition and anyone could say

they were building green facilities whether they

were, or not. I like to use the example of

Energy Starand appliance stores. An appliance

may claim to be efficient but with Energy Star

Certification the buyer can see to what extent

its claims are true. Energy Star provides thirdparty verification.

DL: I read that the USFSP building was awarded

a gold certification, how many certifications are

there?

CC: Good question, Im glad you asked. There

are 4 Certification levels. Just LEED certified

Silver, Gold, and Platinum. We achieved 43

points (out of a total possible 69) on the Science

and Technology Building. The LEED Rating

System has changed since then and is now

based on 110 total possible points. One of the


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primary challenges in achieving energy

efficiency in the building was dealing with a

significant outside air requirement for the

laboratory portion of the

building. Laboratories, by code, require fresher

outside air in a building to help maintain air

quality. In Florida this is very energy intensive

because before you can bring air into a building,

it needs to be conditioned and

dehumidified. Doing that requires equipment

and energy use. Thus the mechanical (air,

heating, etc.) system was designed to function

as efficiently as it could give this challenge.

DL: What other aspects go into the credits or

grades?

CC: Well in the case of the new Student

Activities Center we used recycled products

from the steel foundation to the ceiling tiles.

Another is providing heating and air

conditioningthrough the chilled water system.

DL: Chilled Water System?

CC: We ran water pipes through the building

and can either chill the water or heat it,

depending on the outside temperature. Ceiling

fans thendisperse the cool air leading to far less

usage of the mechanical air conditioning. We

further employ Energy Recovery where excess

heat is trapped and funneled to the water

heating system preheating the water. In each

case there is a marked reduction in energy use.

DL: Does using water as a temperature control

result in greater water consumption?

CC: The whole Science and Technology building

uses 40% less water than before. The urinals

for instance are high efficiency units. Instead of

using a gallon of water per flush they use less

than a pint, 1/10th of a gallon. The flooring we

use is not typical vinyl but is constructed from

Rapidly Renewable sources. Rapid renewal

materials consist of organic plants that can be

grown quickly with a high yield. Look at the

wall treatments around the water fountains in

USFSP and you will find bamboo panels, an

example of a Rapid Renewable source.

DL: I have been on a number of construction

sites and I noticed on Creative Contractors site

there wasnt a waste bin overflowing that must

come into play with your mission.

CC: Yes, CC is very proud to say that greater

than 80% of all the waste incurred is recycled

and special attention is given to all VOC items.

DL: Thats Volatile.?

CC: Volatile Organic Compounds. We are

working next to the Bay and items like paint andadhesive are not very water soluble so their

disposal is kept under scrutiny.

DL: CC did the landscaping?

CC: We did, using Florida friendly plants.


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DL: Florida Native Plants?

CC: We use the term Florida friendly to encompass plants that are both draught and deluge

tolerant. The present landscape needs only minor maintenance. Florida friendly plants are

ones easily adaptable to the local weather cycles

DL: I think I have enough but can I ask you of any other projects of note in the area.

CC: Our first significant Ecological project was in 1989 with a Doctors office on Harrison and

Bellaire. We built to the owners request for certain specs that have since become everyday

policy. We just finished a 30,00sq. Ft Platinum certified Community Center, the first Platinum

structure in the Tampa Bay Area. Our experience with building for the University of South

Florida facilities is a demand for a broad scope of eco-friendly aspects to each contract... This

suits our company since we have worked and resided in the Tampa Bay area for almost forty

years.


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Energy

USF, as an institution, is keenly aware of the

impact it has to the quality of education for its

student body, faculty members, its research

projects, host city and state, and the

environment. The consolidation of greening

efforts through the Office of Sustainability is

evidence of USFs commitment to creating a

sustainable future. USFs energy conservation

programs such as the Green Lights Program

which involves the use of highly efficient

electronic ballasts coupled with energy

conserving fluorescent resulted in over $1

million in savings and over 11 million kilowatt-

hours annually. Converting fluorescent lamps

and ballasts to F28 T8, from F32 T8, saves 4-

watts (32-28 watts energy savings). In lamp

nomenclature, F28 means less watt

consumption and T8 refers to its size. See Figure

2.1. It may not sound like much but when

aggregated over an entire facility and

extrapolated annually, cost savings as it relates

to energy consumption clearly raises an

eyebrow.

Figure 2.1

Image Courtesy of & IEEE

The application of a comprehensive energy

metering and monitoring system to trend and

optimize energy usage with advanced

environmental controls called Direct Digital

Control Systems helps optimize the usage of

air conditioning systems. These systems, while

capable of reducing energy consumption, can

be more efficient when the building itself is

optimized. The USF developed DDC used to

control HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air

conditioning) in its buildings are deployed over

the University's fiber backbone network. The

cost for implementing this solution is very small.

The primary challenge that is common to all

facilities, laboratories in particular, is fresh air.

Air handling units are typically the largest

energy consuming equipment in our facilities.

Reducing waste by operating them in a scaled

down mode when the facilities are unoccupiedoffer one of the major energy and cost saving

opportunities. Joshua M. Bomstein, VP of

Business Development and LEED AP for Creative

Contractors Inc. noted: One of the primary

challenges in achieving energy efficiency in the

building [USFSP Science Building] was dealing

with a significant outside air requirement for

the laboratory portion of the

building. Laboratories, by code, require fresher

outside air in a building to help maintain airquality. In Florida this is very energy intensive

because before you can bring air into a building,

it needs to be conditioned and

dehumidified. Doing that requires equipment

and energy use. Thus the mechanical (air,

heating, etc.) system was designed to function

as efficiently as it could, given this challenge.

USF's research buildings use the most energy,

according to the Office of Sustainability, and the

University may add even more to increase its

revenue by promoting grants and contracts for

research, said Christian Wells, director of the

Office of Sustainability.

USFs commitment to making its facilities more

energy efficient by implementing a broad range

of tactics ranging smarter facilities using sensors


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to advanced environmental controls exposes

the tip of the iceberg. The College of

Engineerings research centers are pioneering

the way into a greener, sustainable future.

Research Centers such as Clean Energy

Research Center (CERC):

http://cerc.eng.usf.edu/ whose main objective

is develops and promotes the

commercialization of renewable energy

solutions. Since 1992, CERC has been actively

participating in the development of renewable

energy and successfully delivered on the

following activities:

CERC achieved a world record efficiency

(15.8%) thin film cadmium telluride solarcells for low cost applications.

Developed the nations first 20,000 watt

solar/electric charging station for electric

vehicles.

Created a mobile data acquisition system

for the U.S. DOE EV Site Operator program.

Constructed a micro turbine power plant

fueled by landfill gas at the Hillsborough

Heights Landfill in Tampa.

CERC also developed a hybrid solution bycombining solar and thermal as an alternative

fuel source, with hydrogen at its core. The

College of Engineerings Energy expertise is

focused around hydrogen. See figure 2.2.

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the

universe.

In March of 2009, Power Center for Utility

Explorations (PCUE):http://pcue.eng.usf.edu

andProgress Energy Florida have been selected

by Floridas Energy and Climate Commission to

build the largest and most comprehensive

smart grid in the Southeast, serving at least

5,000 customers on the west side of St.

Petersburg and St. Pete Beach. The joint

venture between USF and Progress Energy,

dubbed the Sustainable Electric Energy

Delivery System (SEEDS) is in line with the

National Energy Policy goals.

Todays grid traditional grid - is the

infrastructure that transports electricity from a

production plant coal, nuclear or hydroelectric

dams for example to homes or businesses.

The design requirement for the grid was written

in the 1950s when the objective was keeping

the lights on. Figure 2.3 illustrates a traditional

grid.Figure 2.3

Logical representation of todays electrical infrastructure
http://cerc.eng.usf.edu/http://pcue.eng.usf.edu/http://pcue.eng.usf.edu/http://pcue.eng.usf.edu/http://pcue.eng.usf.edu/http://cerc.eng.usf.edu/


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The grid performs the central delivery function.

High-voltage wires and substations that

transport power long distances are known

collectively as the transmission system.

Medium-voltage wires and substations that

move power locally are known as the

distribution system. With the proliferation of

electronic devices, growth of the internet and

the computer revolution demand for electricity

is increasing yet our reliance on aging,

outmoded infrastructure remains constant.

A Smart Grid is a new concept on how

electricity is managed. A smart grid functions as

an integrated, interactive network that is made

up of many smaller power plants with built inintelligence. It allows power from alternative,

renewable sources to be fed into the system

such as solar panels on a house roof. Smart

Grids consists of smart devices, two-way

communications and advanced software. Smart

devices such as meters, monitors and intelligent

electronic devices gather information about the

flow and condition of power, and about the

condition of equipment. Smart Meter system,

provide intelligent energy management andimprove energy efficiency.

PCUE is exploring power engineering and

energy issues comprehensively from

sustainable, clean, distributed power to

distribution, and generation systems. PCUE

develops innovative solutions to the complex

challenges in electricity infrastructure, and to

train the next generation of power engineering

professionals. In partnership with other Floridacolleges with expertise and resources in the

Smart Grids and Energy Storage programs, USF

is a proud member of the Florida Energy

Systems Consortium.


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Water Conservation

Awareness is everything. People recycle

because there are reminders everywhere

(recycling bins, signs, and notices) in public

buildings, but you never really see signs or

notices for water conservation. There is no

resource more precious than water. Some

Philosophers believe that water is the origin of

this earth. There is no resource that is misused,abused, and misunderstood the way water is.

Safe drinking water, healthy ecosystems, and a

stable food supply are just a few things that are

put at risk with our misuse of this wonderful

element. If people are reminded every day of

how easy water is wasted then it is easier for us

to take initiative.

Universities, especially massive Universities like

USF are a major product of water misuse. With47,000 unaware students, one could imagine

just how much water is come to waste daily. In

a minute of leaving the faucet running, a total

of four gallons of water are wasted. Many of

the buildings on the Tampa campus are

retrofitted with motion sensing automatic

faucets and flush valves. On the St. Petersburg

campus, according to Joshua Bomstein, VP

Business Development with Creative

Contractors, Inc. the new Science and

Technology building uses 40% less water than

before. For example, the urinals have in the

past used a gallon of water per flush; now use

1/10th of a gallon.

USF has done things like removing cafeteria

trays from the food court because of the

amounts of water used to clean those trays, and

installed smarter water fountains that fillwater bottles and keep track of the amounts of

water used from each fountain station.


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Water conservation is the one area that USF

lacked in correlation to the areas in which they

have excelled so much. The university is one of

only two to receive a gold rating in the

Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating

System (STARS), a program that rates

sustainability of colleges and universities.

Results released in 2011, rated USF poorly on

the section relating to water conservation,

giving USF a total score of 0.81 of the seven

possible points offered in that section.

(http://www.usforacle.com). In an effort to

address that score, spring semester 2011 USF,

in partnership with the Southwest Florida

Water Management District kicked off the

Every Drop Counts campaign in hopes to raise

water conservation awareness. Student

alumnus John Morgan created a sculpture

consisting of 111 empty gallon water jugs

representing the average water consumption

per day of one individual living in the Tampa

Bay area. The sculpture was displayed in the

Marshall Student Center.

Recycling and Conservation

Paper Conservation

USFs individual departmental efforts to cut

back on the ecological footprints they leave

behind, has led to an enormous collective effort

to go green across campus. In the wake ofUSF facing some of the most drastic budget cuts

in school history, a major objective in going

green is also being able to cut costs and reduce

expenses so that the school can retain

sustainability. USFs computer labs were once

overseen by the USF Student Government,

whom would allocate the number of prints per

day per student. Until recently the number of

prints that were allowed daily was 40 prints for

black and white. Mathematically with the

number of students that attend the school,there is a potential that on any given day there

can be a large amount of prints done. With an

estimated student population of over 45,000

(Princeton University) and an allotment of 40

prints per day the total numbers are

astounding. If every student that attended the

university came into the computer lab to print

and used the maximum number of prints

allowed, there would be a total of 990,000

sheets of paper used that day. Multiply that by

the estimated 75 scholastic days in an average

college semester and the numbers can be mind

boggling. At a potential total number of

135,000,000 prints per semester the chance for

conservation is great. Conservatree.org says

that one tree can make 8,333.30 sheets of

paper, which means the number of trees that

could be used per semester in USFs computer

labs would be an astounding 16,200 trees. We

all know how valuable trees are to the

environment and to the earth as a whole. With

the number of students expected to be printing

every day something had to be done for theschool to become more conservative with the

usage of paper goods. Last spring, the

computer labs in the Marshall Student Center

(MSC) saw about 3,000 visitors a day. This

semester, they've seen about 30,000 a day, he

said. (Kumar). With cuts in the number of

prints allowed, the numbers have dwindled


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dramatically. The computer labs now only allow for students to print a maximum of 22 prints per day.

This drops the number of potential prints per semester down from 135,000,000 down to 74,250,000.

That in change lessens the number of trees affected from 16,200 down to 8,910 trees. The difference

between these numbers is astronomical once it is understood that this is one of thousands of

universities in the United States.

Officials for both USF Student Government as well as Tech Smart (the one-stop place for computer

technology on campus) know the daunting tasks that they continually face to keep up with the schools

efforts to go green, as Tech Smart store manager denotes, "When we originally started, we knew this

was going to be a learning process," he said. "We had never done anything of this caliber. We will

continually reanalyze our needs."

Dining Services Conservation

USF encourages students and faculty to dine in and use the reusable table wear however since this is not

always an option USFs dining services did away with the formed foam to go boxes in an effort to be

greener. According to Dr. Christian Wells with the USF office of sustainability the foam boxes take

centuries to degrade and they take up more space in landfills than paper does. Dr. Wells also says theStyrofoam is not good for your health. In place of the foam to go boxes, hard reusable recyclable plastic

is now being used. The new to go boxes are part of a food plan and require a deposit of four dollars

apiece. Students can have as many of the hard plastic boxes as they want or need and then can return

them at any time and get their four dollar deposit back. There are also recyclable reusable to go cups

for fountain drinks and bags to carry the food out of the dining hall.

Recycling

Dining Services Recycling

Not only does Dining Services at USF make a conscience effort to conserve, they also take great effort to

recycle. The cardboard and tin materials used in the dining hall are recycled through Frito-Lay and

Republic Waste Services. The grease used in USFs restaurants is taken by Darling or Filtafry Restaurant

Services and recycled. The grease is used to make biodiesel that powers automobiles. Some of the

dining halls use paper napkins that are made from recycled content and are switching to green-ware

which uses a renewable corn-based resin. Outside every hall there are three recycling containers for

students and faculty to recycle their trash.

Campus Recycling

The University of South Florida has distributed over 2000 recyclable containers on campus for justpaper. According to the first waste audit that was conducted on years 1996 through 2007, there were

9,700 tons of mixed paper recycled. The audit also shows that 48 tons of aluminum was recycled during

this time. In an effort to expand the recycling program USF distributed 350 recycling containers to

academic and administrative offices on the Tampa campus. There is also a plan in place to put

aluminum recycling containers in residence halls. The USFSP campus offers a recycling drop off for

computer equipment.


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Procurement

The USF purchasing department has several general efforts underway such as purchasing Energy Star

computer equipment and purchasing flex fuel for use in the universities fleet. Currently Green Seal

Certified products are being purchased by Physical plant for cleaning purposes. This includes all purpose

cleaner, glass and carpet cleaner, floor sealer, finish and remover, as well as Green Solutions Industrialcleaner. As far as paper products go USF currently purchases toilet tissue that is 80 percent recycled

content and recycled office paper.

Transportation

With USF trying to reach its goal towards a more sustainable school, transportation has also become a

significant issue and is important to USF. The university has put a large emphasis on its transportation

options and programs supporting students and faculty. Most students today attending USF commute

mostly by car, but with more transportation alternatives implemented by USF, students and faculty

members can help the university cut down on emissions. Along with current selections and programs for

transportation, USF also has future plans for bikers and pedestrians. These current and future plans will

help encourage the use of emission-less transportation and put the University of South Florida closer to

its goal.

Bull Runner

The Tampa campus of the University of South Florida currently offers a fare-free program to students,

faculty, and staff, known as the Bull Runner Transit. This transit system has six routes with thirty bio-

diesel fuel run buses. Students, faculty, and staff can present their USF ID card and the Bull Runner will

provide free transportation anywhere on campus, as well as some off-campus sites such as: Wal-Mart,

the University Mall, Busch Gardens, and some off-campus housing. In August 2002, USF began running

its transit system on 100% bio-diesel fuel. Bio-diesel fuel is an approved alternative fuel listed with the


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Environmental Protection Agency. The university has thirty bio-diesel fueled buses, among these there

are thirteen transit style buses, nine are bluebird with a Cummins engine and four are Thomas with a

Cummins engines. There are also seventeen Cutaway style buses, eleven are Fords with a 7.3 power

stroke engine and six are Chevrolets with a 6.5 Dura max engine. The advantages of having buses that

run off bio-diesel fuel are they are environmentally friendly reducing black smoke from bus exhaust and

reducing dependency on foreign oil. By using bio-diesel fuel, USF Parking and Transportation Services

received a Green Fleet award from the Clean Air Partnership Tampa Bay in August 2002.

WeCar

The University of South Florida is one of the first institutions in Florida to implement a car-sharing

program called WeCar. WeCar provides a convenient, cost effective, and environmentally friendly

hourly car rental option designated to provide an innovative solution to parking and transportation

challenges at the university (Assistant Vice President of WeCar).

WeCar was started in 2009 in partnership with Enterprise Rent-a-Car, where students, faculty, and staff

can rent a fuel-efficient car by the hour, day, or even overnight. Currently USF has four hybrid cars, three

Toyota Prius and one Ford Escape. The process is simple for students, faculty and staff to rent one of

the cars provided. If you are at least eighteen years of age (with parental signature), who is a licensed

driver, with a credit card, you are eligible to rent through WeCar. There is a one-time application fee of


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twenty dollars and a membership fee through Enterprise of fifty dollars. Members can rent a Prius for

ten dollars an hour or rent an Escape for twelve dollars an hour, which includes gas and insurance.

WeCar members can make reservations in advance or immediately using any device with an internet

connection. With a membership, one is given a card, which is swiped on the front windshield to unlock

the car. Once unlocked, the rental clock starts. When a member is finished with the car, all they have to

do is park the vehicle in the same spot, leave the keys inside and lock it by sliding the card on the front

windshield. By offering car sharing, it gives students more options, knowing there are times when

people have to depend on a car to run an errand (Shopes). Taking this new approach to transportation

will help reduce pollution and traffic congestion.

Zimride

Zimride, known as the university carpooling community, was started a couple of years ago by two

graduate students in California, John Zimmer and Logan Green, using $250,000 dollars from a Facebook

grant. The program allows students to create a profile much like Match.com to display personal

preferences in finding other students interested in carpooling to campus. USF joined the program in

October 2010, and in November it partnered with the University of Central Florida to create more ride

sharing between universities. The website for Zimride keeps track of miles saved as well as reduction of

potential carbon dioxide. Currently the Zimride program at USF is funded by USF Parking and

Transportation Services, USF student government, and USF Office of Sustainability. Not only does this

reduce fewer emissions and cars traveling on campus, it also creates opportunities for students to

socialize and make new acquaintances.

Borrow Our Bikes

At the University of South Florida, Campus Recreation offers free bike rentals to all USF students. They

offer about seventy-five bike rentals a day, and students are also given the option between a cruiser and

a mountain bike. Not only are the bikes free to rent, but a helmet, lights and a lock are all included in the

rental. The campus also offers a low-cost bike repair shop so that students are encouraged to ride a bike

versus driving their car. With widened sidewalks, multiple bike racks across campus, and pedestrian

crosswalks, this makes bike riding through campus stress free.


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Electric Car Charging Stations

On December 14th

2011 USF Tampa campus held an opening ceremony unveiling the first

electric car charging stations located near the Marshall Student Center. Since December, the

St. Petersburg campus has opened two charging stations which are located in Parking Lot 2 on

the eastern side of the campus and are available 24 hours a day. The charging stations will be

free to the public for the first year; however, do require a valid parking permit. At that time the

University will review and decide if any fees for using the stations will be required.

Future Plans

The Tampa campus at the University of Sought Florida has begun future plans to enhance

bicycle lanes and pedestrian crosswalks. USF plans to construct more bicycle pathways through

campus, already having four miles of constructed lanes, and provide students with an increased

amount of bike racks. These additional racks will be placed near new construction and inside

parking garages, which will provide cover from weather and additional security. To improve

pedestrian crosswalks, USF plans to implement more pedestrian crosswalks at signalize

intersections and also at new construction and renovated facilities.


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Every day our planet is changing due to greenhouse gases being released into our atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide, Methane, Nitrous Oxide and Fluorinated gases trap energy in the atmosphere

and cause it to warm. This process essential and natural however too much causes our climates

to change and could cause irreversible damage affecting our society and ecosystems. As

individuals and organizations it is our responsibility to do our part in protecting the Earth.

Taking steps daily to conserve and recycle is not only the ethical action to take it can also save

households and businesses money and provide economic benefits in form of jobs. Continued

efforts in research and development on behalf of The University of South Florida will only

improve our chances of being able to meet the needs of future generations.


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Sustainability is a value about how you live your life. You can either choose to help create

sustainable, healthy communities that are kind to the planet and the people who inhabit it, or

you can choose to go about doing business as casual and expect the next generation to pay the

price. For me, that is not a choice at all. Sustainability is common sense.

Dr. E. Christian Wells

Director of the Office of Sustainability


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Bomstein, Joshua. "Creative Contractors, Inc." Telephone interview. 14 June 2012.

A face to face interview turned into a phone interview that proved invaluable to my research. Mr. Bomstein

provided insight into the construction of two major facilities at USF SP as well as projects on the Sarasota and

Tampa. Of particular interest is Creative Contractors adherence to Green Policy not just to LEED (Leadership in

Energy and Environmental Design) Certification but in its own corporate policy which exceeds those certification

parameters.

Carney, Ann. "Sustainable Leader." USF Magazine. USF News, Summer 2012. Web. 08 June 2012.

.

Ms. Carneys article and much of the magazine itself served as a great vehicle for understanding the history of the

USF Green Movement. By offering a chronological perspective it becomes apparent that the Green movement has

grown exponentially in the past ten years, so much so that USF is at the front of the Florida Green Universityagenda.

Burke, Kevin. "USF Receives Top Accolade for Environmental Action." - University of South Florida.

N.p., 2 May 2012. Web. 8 June 2012. .

Mr. Burke reports on USFs Second NatureClimate Leadership Award awarded this past May. Initiatives citing

praise included electric vehicle charging stations to refillable bottle stations. He gives credit to USF President Judy

Genshaft for signing the original climate commitment for USF in 2008. The award will be presented to her June 21-

22 in Washington DC.

Shopes, Rich. "USF to Test Drive Car Sharing." St. Petersburg Times [Tampa] 23 July 2009: N. pag.

News Bank. Web. 11 June 2012.


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Thurston, Susan. "Find a Buddy-Or 2- and Carpool with USF." St. Petersburg Times [Tampa] 3 Dec.

2010: N. pag.News Bank. Web. 11 June 2012.

Thurstons article offers information on a new program to USF to help USF become a greener campus called

Zimride. The article offers information on how the program was started and how the program is beneficial to the

campus and to the students. The author describes not only how the program helps USF remove more of its carbon

footprint, but also how it provides USF students with even more transportation options.The article provides ample information to readers. The information is very informative to why Zimride started and

how it is efficient for USF. The author incorporates the user friendly effects of Zimride that USF students look for. It

also details how the user can specify what they are looking for in a carpool and will provide much needed

information that I can include in my section of the group research paper. The author provides many details that are

needed when conducting research for a paper. I plan to incorporate this detailed information into the

transportation section of the research paper.

"Transportation." Patel School of Global Sustainability. N.p., 2011. Web. 11 June 2012.

.

This website provides great information on future plans USF is using to help the campus become more sustainable.

It details the plans in great length, and also provides information of some of the current options that are accessibleto USF students and faculty. USF plans to enable more walking and biking stations to help reduce the numbers on

cars on campus.

It is refreshing how much detailed information this website provides. It is very informative and easy to read. The

website states the future plans first, and then lists current options to students and faculty, which all of this makes

USF more sustainable.

This website will be extremely helpful when writing the group paper. The information on the website matches

what I was looking for in the research process. Not only does it give me information for future plans that USF,

which I wasnt really looking for, but it also provides more information on current options that will match what I

am planning to write about

Kumar, Divya. University Hopes to Raise Water Conservation Awareness. The Oracle. Web, 14 June

2012http://www.usforacle.com/university-hopes-to-raise-water-conservation-awareness-1.2453989

Divya Kumar brings attention to the University of South Floridas hopes to raise water conservation awareness in

this article. The University, along with the Southwest Water Management District, started a campaign called

Every Drop Counts. The article discusses an art installment made of empty gallon-sized jugs that represent the

daily consumption ofan average individual in the Tampa bay area. Kumars article shows how important water

conservation is to USF and brings understanding of water waste in a measurement that can be seen in the empty

jug art.

Kumar, Divya. "TechSmart to become more efficient."USF Oracle 03 07 2012. n.pag. News. Web. 11

Jun 2012.


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great increase in the number of students that were to visit the computer labs daily, and how Student Government

and Tech Smart planned on accommodating the influx of traffic they planned on seeing.

[email protected], . "Trees Into Paper."Conservatree.org.conservatree.org, 1988-2012. Web.

13 Jun 2012.

The purpose of this web collection was to inform people how one tree can produce so much for our world. This

site gave statistical information in regards to how many reams and sheets of paper can be produced from one tree

as well as the benefit of recycling. It shared that reduction and recycling are two vital parts in the conservation of

trees. The site even went in detail of showing how to calculate how many trees would be saved per the amount of

paper used so that people could account for how much of a positive impact people were making on the

environment.

Whiteford, Linda. "University of South Florida Sustainability Initiative Report."acad.usf.edu. N.p., n.d.

Web. 14 June 2012.

http://www.acad.usf.edu/Office/Strategic-Initiatives/docs/USF-Sustainability-Initiative-report.pdf>.

The report provides strategic and tactical information about how USF is going green not just for its campus,

student and faculty but also for its host city, county and state. The report articulates the management of USF green

activities, it relationships with other colleges in the state of Florida and the costs associated with supporting the

initiative.

"USF St. Petersburg Developing Solar Battery to Store Power for Homes." - Tampa Bay Times. Ivan

Penn, 26 June 2011. Web. 14 June 2012..

USF and Progress Energy partner on using solar power.

Toor, Gurpal S., and Donald P. Rainey. "History and Current Status of Reclaimed Water Use in Florida."EDIS SL308 (2012): n. pag. Electronic Data Information Source. University of Florida, 2012. Web. 12

June 2012

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss520

This web page goes over the history and current status of reclaimed water usage in Florida. I believe that the use

of reclaimed water is a monstrous factor in becoming a green university. In this research I would like to touch

base on the importance of this matter and also shed some light on the process. The info on this page was given by

a Mr. Gurpal S. Toor, assistant professor, Department of Soil and Water Science, Gulf Coast Research and

Education Center of Wimauma FL, and also by Mr. Donald P. Rainey, GI-BMPs Statewide Coordinator, Sarasota

County Extension Service; a more than credible source .
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://conservatree.org/http://conservatree.org/http://conservatree.org/http://acad.usf.edu/http://acad.usf.edu/http://acad.usf.edu/http://www.acad.usf.edu/Office/Strategic-Initiatives/docs/USF-Sustainability-Initiative-report.pdfhttp://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss520http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss520http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss520http://www.acad.usf.edu/Office/Strategic-Initiatives/docs/USF-Sustainability-Initiative-report.pdfhttp://acad.usf.edu/http://conservatree.org/mailto:[email protected]


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Penn, Ivan. "USF St. Petersburg Developing Solar Battery to Store Power for Homes." - Tampa

Bay

Times. Tampa Bay Times, 26 June 2011. Web. 18 June 2012. .

Kassem, Sarah. "USF Gives Sustainability Effort the 'green' Light." The Oracle. USF Oracle, 8 Apr.

2010. Web. 18 June 2012. .

Phillips, Kimmi. "USF Gives Sustainability Effort the 'green' Light." The Oracle. USF Oracle, 20

Apr.

2009. Web. 18 June 2012. .

Orlowski, Mark. "University of South Florida College Sustainability Report Card 2011."University

of South Florida. Sustainable Endowments Institute, n.d. Web. 18 June 2012. .

"Environmental Sustainability Intern Named and Solar Dok Installed." - University of South

Florida.

University of South Florida, 16 May 2012. Web. 18 June 2012. .

"Physical Plant Sustainability and Energy Conservation." Physical Plant Sustainability and Energy

Conservation. University of South Florida, n.d. Web. 18 June 2012..

Logan, Bill. USF is taking green to a whole new level, out with Styrofoam, in with reusable to go

boxes. ABC Action News. Web. 17 June 2012.

http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_tampa/usf-is-taking-green-to-a-whole-new-

level%2C-out-with-styrofoam%2C-in-with-reusable-to-go-boxes>

Recycling and Waste Management. Patel School of Global Sustainability. University of South

Florida, n.d. Web. 17 June 2012.

USFSP. Disposal of Computer Equipment. Web 18 June 2012.

"Carpools Benefit Students." The Oracle Online. Oracle, 30 Nov. 2010. Web. 16 June 2012.

.
http://www.greenreportcard.org/report-card-2011/schools/university-of-south-floridahttp://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_tampa/usf-is-taking-green-to-a-whole-new-level%2C-out-with-styrofoam%2C-in-with-reusable-to-go-boxeshttp://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_tampa/usf-is-taking-green-to-a-whole-new-level%2C-out-with-styrofoam%2C-in-with-reusable-to-go-boxeshttp://psgs.usf.edu/usf-office-of-sustainability/initiatives/recycling/http://www.usfsp.edu/computing/computer_disposal.htmhttp://www.usfsp.edu/computing/computer_disposal.htmhttp://psgs.usf.edu/usf-office-of-sustainability/initiatives/recycling/http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_tampa/usf-is-taking-green-to-a-whole-new-level%2C-out-with-styrofoam%2C-in-with-reusable-to-go-boxeshttp://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_tampa/usf-is-taking-green-to-a-whole-new-level%2C-out-with-styrofoam%2C-in-with-reusable-to-go-boxeshttp://www.greenreportcard.org/report-card-2011/schools/university-of-south-florida


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Peterson, Lindsey. "A Study in Sharing." Tampa Tribune [Tampa] 24 July 2009: N. pag. Access

World News. Web. 16 June 2012.

.

"Transportation." Patel School Of Global Sustainability. University Of South Florida, n.d. Web.

16 June 2012. .

"USF, Enterprise Rent-a-Car to Launch WeCar Car Sharing Program." The Bulls Pen. N.p., n.d.

Web. 16 June 2012. .

University Of South Florida. University Of South Florida, n.d. Web. 16 June 2012.

.

University Of South Florida. University Of South Florida, n.d. Web. 16 June 2012.

.

Carney, Ann. "Sustainable Leader." USF Magazine. USF News, Summer 2012. Web. 08 June 2012.

.

Burke, Kevin. "USF Receives Top Accolade for Environmental Action." - University of South

Florida. N.p., 2 May 2012. Web. 8 June 2012. .

Bomstein, Joshua. "Creative Contractors, Inc." Telephone interview. 14 June 2012.

Cash, Jocqui. USF News USF One of nations Top Green Colleges

May 2010:http://news.usf.edu/article/templates/?a=2295

Toor, Gurpal & Rainey, Donald. History and Current Status of reclaimed Water Use in FloridaNovember 2009:http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss520#FOOTNOTE_2

EPA. Climate ChangeBasics. Web 21 June 2012. http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/basics/

Rogers, Chris Dinesen. The Importance of Going Green. Livestrong.com. Web 21 June 2012

http://www.livestrong.com/article/134490-the-importance-going-green/

"Clean Energy Research Center - Home." Energy Expertise. University of South Florida, n.d. Web.

18 June 2012.

.

Kyker, Andy. "IEEE Entity Web Hosting - Home." IEEE Entity Web Hosting - Home. GeneralElectric, 2010. Web. 18 June 2012.

.

"Smart Grid and Energy Storage." FESC. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 June 2012.

.
http://c/Users/SW/Desktop/%3chttp:/infoweb.newsbank.com.ezproxy.lib.usf.edu/iwsearch/we/InfoWeb%3fp_action=doc&p_topdoc=1&p_docnum=1&p_sort=YMD_date:D&p_product=AWNB&p_text_direct0=document_id=(%20129C0C99983B75F0%20)&p_docid=129C0C99983B75F0&p_theme=aggdocs&p_queryname=129C0C99983B75F0&f_openurl=yes&p_nbid=W52U47GAMTMzOTk1NjUxNC42NzUwMzM6MToxMToxMzEuMjQ3LjAuMA&&p_multi=TTRB%3e.http://c/Users/SW/Desktop/%3chttp:/infoweb.newsbank.com.ezproxy.lib.usf.edu/iwsearch/we/InfoWeb%3fp_action=doc&p_topdoc=1&p_docnum=1&p_sort=YMD_date:D&p_product=AWNB&p_text_direct0=document_id=(%20129C0C99983B75F0%20)&p_docid=129C0C99983B75F0&p_theme=aggdocs&p_queryname=129C0C99983B75F0&f_openurl=yes&p_nbid=W52U47GAMTMzOTk1NjUxNC42NzUwMzM6MToxMToxMzEuMjQ3LjAuMA&&p_multi=TTRB%3e.http://news.usf.edu/article/templates/?a=2295http://news.usf.edu/article/templates/?a=2295http://news.usf.edu/article/templates/?a=2295http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss520#FOOTNOTE_2http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss520#FOOTNOTE_2http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss520#FOOTNOTE_2http://news.usf.edu/article/templates/?a=2295http://c/Users/SW/Desktop/%3chttp:/infoweb.newsbank.com.ezproxy.lib.usf.edu/iwsearch/we/InfoWeb%3fp_action=doc&p_topdoc=1&p_docnum=1&p_sort=YMD_date:D&p_product=AWNB&p_text_direct0=document_id=(%20129C0C99983B75F0%20)&p_docid=129C0C99983B75F0&p_theme=aggdocs&p_queryname=129C0C99983B75F0&f_openurl=yes&p_nbid=W52U47GAMTMzOTk1NjUxNC42NzUwMzM6MToxMToxMzEuMjQ3LjAuMA&&p_multi=TTRB%3e.


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A.C.U.P.C.C.: TheAmerican College & University Presidents Climate Commitment was established in

2007 with a mission to within two years, set a target date and interim milestones for becoming climate

neutral and Integrate sustainability into the curriculum and make it part of the educational experience.

USF joined in April, 2008.

Chilled Water System: Air Conditioning costs may be lowered by 20% when designed into a buildings

infrastructure. Instead of using a refrigerant (Freon), cooled water, complimented with fans is employed

to cool airspace. Benefits include use/reuse of water which eliminates potential refrigerated air leaks.

C.A.P. Tampa Bay: The Clean Air Partnership of Tampa Bay was formed in 2002 by the Environmental

Protection Commission of Hillsborough County. It is an air-quality initiative geared toward reducing

vehicle exhaust and congestion.

CERC: Clean Energy Research Center. The USF Clean Energy Research Centers fundamental

investigations into new environmentally clean energy sources and systems (hydrogen, fuel cells, solar

energy conversion and biomass utilization) meet the needs of power and energy producers and the

transportation sector through multi-disciplinary research, technical and infrastructure development and

information transfer.

DOE: Department of Energy - the federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy

policy of the United States; created in 1977.

Direct Digital Control Systems (DDC): Direct digital control (DDC) is the automated control of a

condition or process by a digital device (computer).

EV: Electric Vehicles.

Florida Native Plants: Due to the rampant introduction of non indigeounous plants and insects, plants

native to the peninsula have been squeezed out. By planting Native plants, far less fertilizers and water

are needed to preserve them.

GE: General Electric. A US company that manufactured computers from 1956 until 1970, when it sold its

computer division to Honeywell and left the computer business.

HVAC: HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) refers to technology of indoor and automotive

environmental comfort.

Hybrid: Anything derived from heterogeneous sources, or composed of elements of different or

incongruous kinds

IEEE: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

(IEEE, read I-Triple-E) is a non-profit professional association headquartered in New York City that is

dedicated to advancing technological innovation and excellence. It has more than 400,000 members in

more than 160 countries


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L.E.E.D.: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design: Developed by the U.S.G.B.C. in 1998, LEED

provides Builders, building owners and operators a concise framework for identifying and implementing

practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. It

is an open and transparent process where construction can be reviewed and scored under an array of

green parameters

Metering: To regulate the amount or volume, as of the flow of a gas or an electric current.

Micro turbine: A combustion turbine with a peak generation capacity of one hundred kW or less.

P.C.U.E.: The Power Center for Utility Explorations at USF was awarded a prestigious Smart Grid project

in 2009 exceeding $15 million. The system will integrate the use of renewable generation (energy) and

two-way communication between utility and electric loads within the customers residence. Benefits

include increased energy efficiency, reliability and security.

S.E.E.D.S.: Sustainable Electric Energy Delivery System. Progress Energy Florida and University of South

Floridas Power Center for Utility Explorations partnership program specializing on solar energy storage

system. It seeks to unlock the full potential of intermittent renewable technologies.

Smart Grid: A smart grid is an electrical grid that uses computers and other technology to gather and act

on information, such as information about the behaviors of suppliers and consumers, in an automated

fashion to improve the efficiency, reliability, economics, and sustainability of the production and

distribution of electricity.

S.R.I.: TheSolar Reflex Index is the measurable efficiency rate given to building materials measuring the

reflective properties governing solar glare and heat gain.

Student Green Energy Fee: A nationwide movement, the Student Green Energy Fee was approved by

USF students to impose upon themselves a fee per credit hour to improve and reinforce its value ofsocial, economic and environmental sustainability.

Thermal: Of, relating to, using, producing, or caused by heat.

Turbine: Any of various machines in which the kinetic energy of a moving fluid is converted to

mechanical power by the impulse or reaction of the fluid with a series of buckets, paddles, orblades arrayed about the circumference of a wheel or cylinder.

Traditional Grid: Refers to an entire continent's electrical network, a regional transmission network or

may be used to describe a sub network such as a local utility's transmission grid or distribution grid.

USGBC: The United States Breen Building Council consists of 79 Chapters over 50 States. They are the

governing body of LEED, dedicated to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost efficient andenergy saving green buildings.

VOC: Volatile Organic Compounds are generally associated with ground-water contaminates that have a

tendency to migrate with ground water into the drinking supply or aqua ecosystems. Examples include

nitrogen rich fertilizer into lakes or toxic waste seeping into an aquifer.

Go Green Go Bulls Final

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