USF: THE GREEN EVOLUTION prepared for Dr. Francis Tobienne, Jr Professional Writing University of South Florida University of South Florida St Petersburg Student Center Educating for a Sustainable Environment Introduction: Universities are driving the sustainability movement forward by leading the way to a more sustainable educational environment. Campus sustainability has increased in importance to students and university policymakers over the last 20 years as they begin to fully understand how sustainability changes can affect the institutions and environment. The first green movement was started in 1990 with the signing of the Talloires Declaration by over 300 university administrators an action plan for incorpo- rating sustainability and environmental literacy in teaching, research, operations and outreach at colleges and Universities (Blackburn). Today, more than 600 colleges and university presidents have signed the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) committing to progress towards climate neutrality and sustainability (Climate Leadership for America). University of South Florida is one of these Universities committing to sustainability. The university has been focusing on a sustainability ethic that promotes conserving resources, reducing waste, recycling and reusing materials, finding new sources of clean energy, increasing energy efficiency, and diminishing life-cycle impacts and our consumption of greenhouse gas producing materials “Patel College of Global Sustainability” (University of Florida). This white paper will focus on University of Florida’s participation in the sustainability movement and how this has affected the University, the community, the students, the faculty and the environment The Green Team November 2013
Transcript
USF:THE GREEN EVOLUTION
prepared for
Dr. Francis Tobienne, Jr
Professional Writing
University of South Florida
University of South Florida St Petersburg Student Center
Educating for a Sustainable Environment Introduction:
Universities are driving the sustainability movement forward by leading the way to a
more sustainable educational environment. Campus sustainability has increased in
importance to students and university policymakers over the last 20 years as they
begin to fully understand how sustainability changes can affect the institutions and
environment. The first green movement was started in 1990 with the signing of the
Talloires Declaration by over 300 university administrators an action plan for incorpo-
rating sustainability and environmental literacy in teaching, research, operations and
outreach at colleges and Universities (Blackburn). Today, more than 600 colleges
and university presidents have signed the American College & University Presidents’
Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) committing to progress towards climate neutrality
and sustainability (Climate Leadership for America).
University of South Florida is one of these Universities committing to sustainability.
The university has been focusing on a sustainability ethic that promotes conserving
resources, reducing waste, recycling and reusing materials, finding new sources of
clean energy, increasing energy efficiency, and diminishing life-cycle impacts and
our consumption of greenhouse gas producing materials “Patel College of Global
Sustainability” (University of Florida).
This white paper will focus on University of Florida’s participation in the sustainability
movement and how this has affected the University, the community, the students, the
faculty and the environment
The Green Team November 2013
2
Table of Contents
Executive Summary 3
What is Sustainability 4
Local Sustainability Programs 5 & 6
Strategic Goals for Sustainability 7, 8, 9 & 10
USF and Their Current Energy Usage 11
The Role of Engineers in Sustainable Environment 12 & 13
Interview with Prof. Carl G. Herndl 14
Strategic Goals of Creating a Sustainable Campus Environment 15
Interview with Prof. Mark Stewart 16
USF Global Partnership 17 & 18
Conclusion 19
Glossary of Terms 20 & 21
Index 22
Works Cited 23
Annotated Bibliography 24
3
Executive Summery
Sustainability or “development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs.” (Bruntland Commision, 1983) is not a new perception. Ac-
cording to CSSP, an independent consultancy, the concept of sustain-
ability lays out the guiding principle for a future-oriented development
of mankind. The need for sustainability develops even larger, as Global
crises resulting from world food shortage, climate change, species anni-
hilation and deforestation occur. Since 1995, University of South Flor-
ida have been operating the green movement and offer many strategies
that made USF to become, among many, top Universities on sustainabil-
ity. USF continue to make a stand on the green movement from the
parking and transportation services, new building guidelines, sustain-
4
WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY
The Bruntland Commission defines sustain-able development as “development that meets the needs of the present without com-promising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Body of Knowledge defines sustain-ability as “the ability to meet human needs for natural resources, industrial products, energy, food, transportation, shelter, and effective waste management while conserv-ing and enhancing en¬vironmental quality and the natural resource base essential for the future.”
The American Academy of Environmental Engineers (AAEE) Body of Knowledge de-fines sustainability as “a condition in which the use of natural resources and cycles in human and industrial systems does not lead to diminished quality of life due either to losses in future economic opportunities or to adverse impacts on social conditions, human health and the environment.” This definition is based on that of Mihelcic et al. (2003).
The National Society of Professional Engi-
neers (NSPE) defines sustainable develop-
ment as “the challenge of meeting human
needs for natural resources, industrial prod-
ucts, energy, food, transportation, shelter,
and effective waste management while con-
serving and
.
To give a broad meaning what sustainability is, the following definition to the right have
been provided. . USF support established definitions that call for understanding sus-
tainability as a three-legged stool to include efforts that affect environment, economic
development, and social equity. You can’t accomplish one without the others. Sustain-
ability calls for USF to live and plan in such a way as to protect and optimally preserve
the environment, economic opportunity, and social justice for all future generations to
come.
History of USF Sustainability
USF is one of a tiny amount of universities national given a gold rating by the Association for the
Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education for building an environmentally-conscious
campus. In 2010, the USF School of Global Sustainability was formed. In 2012, the new Patel
College of Global Sustainability, consisting of the Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions,
the Master of the Arts in Global Sustainability program, and the Office of Sustainability, was initi-
ated. Housed in the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design GOLD certified building
on the USF Tampa campus, the college is a holistic academic unit that integrates sustainability
research, scholarship, and teaching.
USF signed the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment (ACUPCC)
submitted its Climate Action Plan in 2010 with a goal of a 10 percent reduction in carbon emis-
sions by 2015. Since then, the university has introduced several sustainability initiatives, including
electric vehicle charging stations, water bottle filling stations, and reusable plastic food containers
in dining halls, recycling programs in residence halls, a biodiesel-fueled fare-free campus bus
service, solar-powered golf carts, and more. In 2011, the university introduced the Student Green
Energy Fund, which allows students to propose and vote on projects that aim to reduce campus
energy consumption, lower green house gas emissions, and promote sustainable technologies.
5
Local Sustainability Programs
Students have played a key role in green initiatives at USFSP. There are several different examples of how
this sustainability initiative is reflected on campus. The Student Green Energy Fund started with a student led
initiative to build a more sustainable campus.
Their goal was to get the attention of the Board of Directors of The State of Florida University System and
to create a fund in order to help make USFSP a green campus. The Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF) started
in the Fall of 2011. Since then approximately $300,000 for green projects on campus have has been collected.
The SGEF is fee of $1 for every credit hour worth of tuition a student pays. The money collected, then goes to a
committee, run by the Student Government, responsible for distributing it back into sustainable projects.
The Student Green Energy Fund isn’t just for USF students, it is statewide. Other universities have joined
the student-led movement for sustainability. Universities throughout Florida are given the option to imple-
ment a the fee by the Florida Board of Governors. It’s not just Florida students focused on sustainability, Stu-
dents across the South East are talking about SGEF.
6
How does the proposal system work?
All current and actively enrolled students as well as current em-
ployees of USF may apply to use the Student Green Energy Fund.
Proposals must be submitted online via the USF Office of Sustain-
ability website. Proposals must establish or improve the use of
renewable energy technologies or energy efficiencies that directly
reduce the university's greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and/or
costs. A presentation is also needs to be completed.
Specific due dates and times for each cycle are advertised
weeks in advance of the deadlines. The proposal deadlines are
usually in the first week of October and March . (psgs.usf.edu/usf-
office-of-sustainability/green-energy-fund).
The Fee is managed by the Student Green Energy Fund Coun-
cil, which consists of 15 members. The SGEF Council is chaired by
the OS Director who oversees procedural matters. Proposals are
first reviewed by members of the SGEF Technical Advisory Group,
a group of scientists.
After the SGEF completes its evaluations and forward their
recommendations to the Director of the Office of Sustainability in
about a month after submission. Award recipients are notified
within approximately one week of the SGEF Council’s funding rec-
ommendations.
The solar docks were
funded by the SGEF. They
can be found near Coquina
Hall and behind the Li-
brary. It was completed in
February 2013 (usfsp.edu/
SGEF).
The student Energy Fund Proposal Flow Chart:
Describes how the proposal system works at
USFPS
7
Strategic Goals For Sustainability
Building– General
1. 3 LEED buildings in progress.
2. Roof replacements with very high insulation values and high reflectivity SRI (Solar Reflective In-
dex) of 94.
3.Replaced 15 roofs in 3 years, Total Sq. Footage
= 410,865
4.Replacement with motion activated faucets
and low flow toilets.
5.Sunscreen solar control on south facing
Windows.
6. East-west orientation of buildings
7.High efficiency glass
Building– Energy and Efficiency
1. Through the use of the Florida Energy Code, USF has implemented standards in building in sula tion values for walls, roofs, windows, motor and equipment efficiencies, mechanical systems insu la
tion and controls for both
2. HVAC and Lighting
3. Green lights
8
Strategic Goals For Sustainability
Students
1. New student groups like the Emerging Green Builders (EGB), Students Environmental Assn (SEA), Engineers.
2. Without Borders (EWB), Engineers for a Sustainable World (ESW), Sierra Student Coalition .
3.Student initiative to implement GREEN FEE on student credit hours for renewable energy
4.”Conservabul” competition: a student led example of how behav-ior and education can impact energy use.
Transportation
Pedestrian and bicycle linkages to reduce car use on campus and off campus trips
Constructed 3 miles of bike lanes on campus. 1 mile is in design for construction in 2009
Carpool and vanpool matching services Shuttle system to serve adjacent neighborhoods Students ride free rides on regional transit system and free emer-
gency ride home program Increase of on-campus housing and provision of services to reduce
off-campus trips Edge campus intersection improvements to reduce gas/air pollution
due to excessive idle time New North Transportation Alliance (NNTA) members and speakers.
NNTA is a public/private partnership to reduce traffic and im-prove safety.
Provide bike racks with every new building
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Strategic Goals For Sustainability
Campus Planning
Greenway preservation of open space
Campus Master Plan emphasis on sustainable practices in land use, energy consumption, conservation, landscape, recycling, transporta-tion, etc
Member of Board of Governors Campus Master Plan Chapter 21 Workgroup, which reviewed and made recommendations for the revi-sion of Chapter 21 to include more criteria and required emphasis on sustainability for all SUS Universities
Reduction of impervious area and heat island effect with conversion of surface parking lots to building sites by structuring parking
Smaller footprints, taller buildings
On-line review of Master Plan Data & Analysis and Goals Objectives & Policies drafts saved over 100 reams of paper.http://usfweb2.usf.edu/FacilitiesPlan/Campus%20Planning/plan_draft.html
Provide link to Master Plan Sustainable Goals, Objectives, and Poli-cies
10
Strategic Goals For Sustainability
Recycling:
Increasing recycling of paper, cans, and glass as well as construction and demolition materials
Community Recycling Center located on campus
Landscape & Irrigation
Rain sensor irrigation controls
Over 2,000 trees planted in the past 10 years
Aggregated stormwater retention system
Erosion control at all construction sites
Xeriscape landscaping
11
USF and Their Current Energy Usage
As USFSP moves to more green alternatives we
are still reminded that they are still far from their
goals. USFSP still depends on well over half of its
energy source on non renewable resources. Duke
Energy is our designated energy provider based on
our area of service. They provide energy for three
other counties starting at Pinellas and up the west
coast of Florida to Citrus. Carbon Dioxide emissions
are considered highest in coal fueled power and
Duke’s main source of energy is Coal, oil and other
natural gases. Duke’s coal provides 25% of
USFSP’s energy source. From July through to Sep-
tember USFSP has used 5,653,802 kW hours of
energy and the “Sunshine State Clean Energy Coali-
tion” and Suncoast Sierra Club want to put an end to
coal usage in the area completely (Ballogg, 2013 pg.
4). They plan to persuade Duke into closing its four
coal producing locations in Crystal River. Two of
those locations plan to retire in 2016-2018 due to the
fact that they will no longer meet “Mercury Air and
Toxic Standards” (Ballogg, 2013 pg. 12). Sierra Club
also plans to have other clean energy alternatives
ready to replace the coal once it has been removed.
USFSP’s usage of coal has grown since 2009 by
1.3% but is still slightly less than Florida’s usage
which is above national average. Coal is extremely
cheap but its effects on the environment leave a
very expensive scar from pollution in the air and
water to the bodies of the people who inhabit this
area.
In 2018 natural gas plants will take the place of
the two Duke coal producing locations. Duke is also
exploring into other renewable energy alternatives
but feel that technology is not quite there yet in how
to store it. Julia Hathaway is a coordinator for Sun-
coast Sierra Club’s “Beyond Coal,” movement and
she believes Duke’s claim for lack of technology to
store renewable energy is just a front for not wanting
to spend the extra money on alternative energy.
Hathaway’s sources from another solar industry
prove that 25% of energy used could easily be re-
placed by solar electricity. Since USFSP’s energy
provider can only be Duke for now Jennifer Winter,
sustainability coordinator for USFSP, is adamantly
working on ways to conserve the energy they do use
since it is mainly nonrenewable energy.
USFSP is hoping to win a half a million dollar
grant from Duke’s Sun Sense program in order to
put solar panels on top of carports at the top of the
parking garage. They also want to replace the cur-
rent lights with LEDs and with those solar panels the
parking garage would become a “net zero energy
building” (Ballogg, 2013 pg. 29). There have been
other proposals that are being looked into such as
an energy dashboard for the whole St. Pete campus
that can be accessed online and show readings of
energy and water consumption within any time
frame and building. They plan to do a challenge to
see which buildings can save the most energy and
reduce carbon emission.
USFSP is doing what it can with what has been
given. There is still a long way to go with saving en-
ergy and it’s not just Duke Energy but state laws and
regulations that need to be changed.
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The Role of Engineers in Sustainable Environment
Engineers can play a significant role in ensuring sustainable solutions are available, considered and imple-
mented. Scientists have taken a significant role in understanding and the fundamental human interactions on
the global environment and developing policy to support decision makers. In contrast, the applied knowledge
of the engineering community has been largely absent from the policy debate, despite the fact that engineers
use science to plan, build and operate the infrastructure which may directly contribute to solutions and some-
times problems of environmental degradation.
Developing countries face engineering problems that are in many cases different than those of developing
countries. Thus very rapid growth of mega-cities in developing countries requires technology for transporta-
tion and utilities with unprecedented capacity and flexibility. Tropical and desert conditions in very poor coun-
tries require engineering solutions that are very rugged and very low cost. As a significant opportunity, engi-
neers focus on the delivery of near term solutions to immediate problems using proven technology, usually in
the one to three year time frame. Many of the critical environmental problems we face today as outlined in
Rio Declaration are related to water, energy food security and waste. These involve low tech solutions which
are available now and can be applied immediately; information on these technologies can be distributed
broadly using electronic networks.
The World Engineering Partnership for Sustainable Development and its partners proposes the following four
specific activities in support of sustainable development.
1. Re-address engineering responsibilities by incorporating sustainable development principles into the
codes of ethic of the engineering organizations throughout the world. In 1985, the World Federation of Engi-
neering Organizations developed the “WFEO Code of Environmental Ethics for Engineers. This was followed
by the Hong Kong Institute of Engineers revision of its bylaws to recognize environmental responsibilities of
its members. After twenty years of debate, in 1996 the 120,000 member American Society of Civil Engineers
revised its Canons of Ethics and now requires its members to address sustainable development principles in
their work. Sustainable development is now on an equal basis to public safety in the ASCE Canon of Ethics.
Engineering associations around the world are considering similar revisions to their codes of ethics. The
World Engineering Partnership for Sustainable Development challenges the science community in addition to
economists and lawyers to incorporate sustainable development into codes of conduct to accelerate progress
on global environmental issues.
2. Incorporate long term environmental impacts and costs into the analysis of alternative solutions being con-
sidered. There is often a misconception that engineers only calculate technical elements of projects, today
engineers manage the entire implementation team and supervise the design, construction and operation.
Successful projects are those where numerous options are analyzed, then with input from impacted stake-
holders, the best alternative is selected. In the past engineers have prepared reports where alternatives were
presented with only initial capital and operating costs along with an explanation of the functional differences
between alternatives. As engineers manage projects, they can play a powerful role in the implementation of
sustainable development by incorporating long term environmental impacts and costs in to the analysis of
alternatives.
3. Information exchange is the cornerstone of sustainable development and technological innovation. The
World Engineering Partnership for Sustainable Development with its partners is creating an global communi-
cations network with engineers to provide leadership and practical content to the concept of sustainable de-
velopment. Wenet represents is a major step in linking engineers and sharing technology with developed and
developing nations. Those interested in sustainable development can use Wenet to share ideas, conduct
business, and develop sustainable engineering solutions.
13
4. Near term solutions to critical global environmental issues such as fresh water and global climate
change exist for application in both developed and developing countries and for all regions of the world.
These solutions can be put in service in the one to three year timeframe by engineers, business leaders
and government policymakers. Many complimentary efforts are underway, for instance the programs of
the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and the World Federation of Engineering Or-
ganizations - Committee on Transferring, Sharing and Assessment of Technology (ComTech). The
World Engineering Partnership for Sustainable Development has proposed forming a “Consultative
Group on Engineering Technology” similar to the CGIAR. That is a consultative group of funding agents,
engineers, scientists, economists, international financial institutions and foundations. The consultative
group of leaders from engineering donors, the UN, and key foundations would identify the critical global
issues, propose near term action plans, focus limited resources on the most important priorities by en-
closing the global engineering community.
14
Interview With-Carl G. Herndl Professor and As-sociate Dean Patel College of Global Sustainability
Q. Do you think sustainable development is a burning need of the hour?
A. Sustainable development, especially in urban areas is a crucial issue around the world, but
especially in the developing world. Much of the urban development in the world is modeled on
European and American cites, but that model was designed for resource rich and wealthy
countries. This model has not performed well in the developing world. We need new, flexible
ways to develop communities so they are resilient. Across the world cities face rapid change
from accelerating climate change, rapid population growth and unprecedented urban
growth. Worldwide somewhere between 800,000 and 1,000,000 people move to cities every
month. In sub Saharan Africa, for example, a large percentage of the population does not have
access to clean water or adequate sanitation. And water born disease kills many people, es-
pecially the old and the very young. This is certainly an ethical obligation for those of us in the
developing world, but it is also a practical necessity. As Jared Diamond points out in his book
Collapse: How Societies Choose to Succeed or Fail, political and economic conflict emerges
form countries where resources—food, water, energy—are scarce and where development is
unsustainable. This creates real economic and political problems for everyone.
Carl G. Herndl
15
Strategic Goals of Creating a Sustainable Campus
Environment
Strengthening and supporting integrated and synergistic interdisci-
plinary research across disciplinary, departmental, college and cam-
pus boundaries (Strategic Goal 1)
Building a sustainable campus environment at USF (Strategic Goal 2)
Constructing an up-to-date clearinghouse of information about all
the sustainability engagement activities currently occurring at USF
and encouraging and rewarding faculty, staff, and student engage-
ment in sustainability initiatives (Strategic Goal 3)
Creating a sustainable environment that supports an expanded and
improved teaching and research mission, a more engaged residen-
tial community, and a university-based global village
(Strategic Goal 4)
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Interview With-Mark Stewart, Professor – USF School of Geosciences
1 Q. Are USF measuring sustainability to the best of its abilities?
1 A.USF is doing a good job on sustainable practices, jump started by the first sustainabil-
ity director, Dr. Christian Wells. There is always more to do, and ‘benchmarks’ for sustain-
ability can be difficult to quantify. I think USF could effectively monitor some broad sus-
tainability measures, such as campus energy use per student or per dorm resident, recy-
cled materials weight or volume over time, bus ridership, etc., for which there are data
available or for which data gathering could be relatively easily implemented.
2 Q. Do you think sustainable development is a burning need of the hour?
2 A.I think sustainability is a value that can be passed to students through example, and
which then will stay with them through their personal and professional lives. This is an
important priority, but clearly the most important priorities for a university are maintain-
ing quality educational and research opportunities and facilities. However, sustain able
practices can be included in those priorities.
3 Q. How do you define Sustainability?
3 A. “Sustainability” is a very loose and poorly defined term. Taken literally, it is very, very
difficult for an industrialized society on a planet with over 7 billion people to be truly
‘sustainable’ , meaning managing our economy and environment in such a way that our
practices can go on forever. We are a very long way from that strict definition. However, I
define ‘sustainable’ practices as those that reduce our adverse effects on the natural
environment that sustains us, that reduce the no recycled resource use per unit GDP,
that reduce the use of non-renewable energy sources per unit GDP, and other ‘green’
technologies and practices.
4 Q. How has the Green Report Card created value for USF sustainability programs?
4 A. The Green Report Card heightens awareness of the Universities progress in sustain-
able practices and creates ‘benchmarks’ that can be monitored over time to mark pro-
gress toward ‘greener’ practices.
17
International Water Association
The International Water Association (IWA) is a global reference point for water pro-
fessionals that span the continuum between research and practice and covering all
facets of the water cycle. Through its network, the IWA seeks to help water profes-
sionals create innovative, pragmatic, and sustainable solutions to challenging global
needs.
UNESCO-IHE
UNESCO Institute for Water Education carries out research, education, and capac-
ity building activities in the fields of water, environment, and infrastruc-
ture. UNESCO-IHE continues the work that began in 1957 when IHE first offered a
postgraduate diploma course in hydraulic engineering to practicing professionals
from developing countries.
UN-HABITAT
The United Nations Human Settlements Program, UN-HABITAT, is the United Na-
tions agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to
promote socially- and environmentally-sustainable towns and cities with the goal of
providing adequate shelter for all.
The World Bank
The World Bank is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing
countries around the world. Its mission is to fight poverty with passion and profes-
sionalism for lasting results and to help people help themselves and their environ-
ment by providing resources, sharing knowledge, building capacity, and forging
partnerships.
United Nations Environment Program
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) provides leadership and encour-
ages partnerships in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling
nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of fu-
ICLEI is an international association of local governments as well as national and
regional local government organizations who have made a commitment to sustain-
able development.
IWMI
IWMI is one of 15 international research centers supported by a network of 60 gov-
ernments, private foundations, and international and regional organizations. Its mis-
sion is to improve the management of land and water resources for food, livelihood,
and the environment.
World Water Council
The World Water Council (WWC) is an international multi-stakeholder platform that
was established in 1996 through the initiative of renowned water specialists and
international organizations. The WWC was created in response to an increasing
concern about world water issues from the global community.
IAHR
The International Association of Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research
(IAHR) promotes the advancement and exchange of knowledge through working
groups, specialty symposia, congresses, and publications on water resources, river
and coastal hydraulics, risk analysis, energy, environment, disaster prevention, and
industrial processes.
UNESCO-IHP
The International Hydrological Program (IHP) is UNESCO ’s international scientific
cooperative program in water research, water resource management, education,
and capacity building, and the only broadly-based science program of the UN sys-
tem in this area.
USF GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP
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conclusion We all take notice somewhere on TV’s, advertisements, radios, or societies talking about going green. Our world is facing concerns of climate change, energy catastrophes, water deficiency, and environmental contamination. Is going green the solution? Going green isn’t the entire answer and the world is still in danger because society concentrate on green rather concentrate on a significant objective: sustainability. Sustainability should be everyone concern and not just the environmentalist. This white paper wills shows many ways how USF are making excellence participation in the green movement and show strategies of interdisciplinary views, partnership, and awareness in diverse
areas of sustainability.
20
A
American Academy of Environmental Engineers A group of environmental engineers and scientists that focus on
environ mental issues.
American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment commitment by University and College Presidents to pro
progress towards climate neutrality and sustainability.
B
Beyond Coal: Movement towards renewable energy.
Bruntland Commission mission is to unite countries to pursue sustainability.
C
Campus Master Plan Emphasis on sustainable practices in land use, energy con-
