team mack - bulls going green

June 20, 2014 Dr. F. Tobienne, Jr.

Bulls Going Green The University of South Florida’s initiatives and efforts to improve sustainability, conservation and environmental responsibility

Team MACK

Maxwell Aultman [email protected] Allyssa Bolen [email protected] Kelsey Kilpatrick [email protected] Cassandra Sanchez [email protected]

Team MACK

Executive Summary 2 American College & University

Presidents’ Climate Commitment

Sustainability Initiative Steering Committee

Climate Action Plan

3 Patel College of Global Sustainability

Office of Sustainability

Student Green Energy Fund

4 Sustainability Initiatives

Transportation Programs

Water Conservation

5 Campus Tree Care Plan

Green Building

Recycling & Waste

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Student Sustainability Initiatives

Environmental Clean-up Initiatives

Recent News

Works Cited

Annotated Bibliography

Glossary of Terms

The University of South Florida was founded in 1956, and has evolved into a large multi-campus institution with over 55,000 students enrolled. Sustainability and conservation efforts have played an increasing role in the university’s operations. In 1995, the university adopted the Campus Master Plan, which contained a significant portion on environmental responsibility. In 2008, President Genshaft signed the ACUPCC, and four years later, the Patel School of Global Sustainability and the Office of Sustainability were established. This white paper discusses these, as well as additional, sustainability efforts being made at the University of South Florida.

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Sustainability Initiative Steering Committee The Sustainability Initiative Steering Committee was convened in 2007 by Dr. Linda Whiteford, the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Strategic Initiatives. The committee consisted of thirty faculty, staff, and students from all areas of the university. They were instrumental in working with President Judy Genshaft to obtain the American College and University Presidents’ Commitment. In 2009, they submitted a report which:

- Outlined the benefits of achieving a sustainable future at USF - Organized and monitored the following sub-committees: Curriculum, Recycling & Waste

Management, Media/Promotion, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Transportation, Water, Green Building, Research, Finance, Procurement, USF Alumni & Community, Students, Energy

Climate Action Plan (CAP) The Climate Action Plan thoroughly details the infrastructure that will be used in the creation and implementation of a climate change mitigation strategy, as well as the bigger picture of community and campus effects. The sustainability initiatives are categorized into five subsets:

1. Designed environment, 2. Built environment, 3. Transportation, 4. Energy, and 5. Consumption.

Based on the 2007-2008 fiscal year, the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Subcommittee of the Sustainability Initiative Steering Committee conducted a study on USF’s greenhouse gas emissions. Subsequently, the developed the Clean Air Cool Planet model based on several sources of emissions, including: electricity, heating and cooling, university fleet vehicles, refrigerants and coolants, fertilizer applications, university sponsored air travel, faculty and student commuting, solid waste, and wastewater.

American College and University President’s Climate Commitment (ACUPCC)

The University of South Florida is one of 685 institutions whose presidents have signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, as of 2010. By signing this accord, universities are required to evaluate their greenhouse gas emissions, immediately implement procedures to minimize them, and create a long-term strategy towards their elimination, thus USF’s Climate Action Plan.

June 20, 2014 Team MACK


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The Patel College of Global Sustainability was inaugurated in January of 2013. A large part of its first year was dedicated to the architecture and expansion of the new college. The college went through the hiring process for several staff members, as well as the development of additional faculty positions. The Constitution and Bylaws were crafted and delivered to the Provost in early 2014. Beneath its umbrella of infrastructure, the PCGS has created the Office of Sustainability and the Student Green Energy Fund.

Office of Sustainability (OoS)

Mission Statement: “The Office of Sustainability coordinates and builds partnerships for university-wide initiatives that advance the University of South Florida’s strategic goal of creating a sustainable campus environment. To accomplish this mission, we actively support faculty, staff, students, alumni, and neighborhood partners in their efforts to transform the University of South Florida into a ‘Green University’, where decisions structural and routine consider both individual and collective impacts to our campus, community, economy, and environment.“

Since it was created, the Office of Sustainability has accomplished the following:

o Establishment of the OoS and its comprehensive website; o Development of the Technical Advisory Board and an Advisory Council o Creation of a “Green Fund” foundation account; o Implementation of stakeholder initiatives, including the Sustainability Scholars

program, Sustainability Fellows program, Sustainability Mentors program, and Sustainability Teaching Grants program;

o Continued compliance with the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment;

o Collaboration on ConservaBull, Refill-A-Bull, and the Water-for-Miches projects; and o Organization of the Annual Campus and Community Sustainability Conference and

Going Green Tampa Bay Expo.

In 2013, the Office of Sustainability received the following accreditations and designations: o A place on the Princeton Review’s guide to Green Colleges o A re-certification from the Arbor Foundation as a Tree Campus USA o A ranking from Sierra Magazine as the 17th Coolest School

Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF)

The Student Green Energy Fund is a student-approved fee per credit hour that collects to financially support the University of South Florida’s energy initiatives. It is used in energy conservation efforts, the reduction of energy costs, the minimizing of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and renewable energy technology. The student body referendum votes on the rate’s approval every three years and is managed by the Student Green Energy Fund Council.

Patel College of Global Sustainability (PCGS)

Team MACK June 20, 2014


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The University of South Florida has developed and implemented extensive initiative programs to further their sustainability efforts, including the Campus Tree Care Plan, transportation programs, water conservation, green building construction, and recycling and waste management.

Sustainability Initiatives

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Transportation Programs The University of South Florida has developed extensive initiatives to enhance the campus environment through alternative transportation options. USF is recognized nationally as one of the “Best Workplaces for Commuters.” They are a founding member of the New North Transportation Alliance (NNTA) and the university has created the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR), which provides technical support for the Florida Commuter Choice Certificate Program (FCCCP). USF has adopted a Long Range Bicycle Lane Plan and a Long Range Pedestrian Network to facilitate safe and accessible commuting via bicycle and on foot. The Tampa Campus offers the Bull Runner Transit, which is a biodiesel-fueled bus network throughout the campus and surrounding neighborhoods at no cost to students. The program has added an Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) system, which allows operators and students to track bus routes in real time, predict arrival times, and sign-up for route alerts. The Bull Runner currently transports nearly one million riders annually and is expected to increase as a result of the AVL system and the upcoming Walk-A-BULL trip planner. Furthermore, USF students are able to ride the HART regional transit system at no cost, have access to the free Emergency Ride Home program, the free Bay Area Commuter Services’ (BACS) Tampa Bay Ride Share, and the hourly car rental service WeCar.

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Water Conservation The University of South Florida has developed a university-wide conservation campaign effort, in collaboration with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. USF is in accordance with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). In addition, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) mandates new construction projects to create and implement EPA Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP). Specifically, the USF campus had made a number of additions and revisions to its buildings in order to conserve water. Many buildings prevent waste and conserve water usage with motion-sensing automatic faucets and flush valves. The USF Golf Course is irrigated with non-potable storm water and the Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center has implemented a rainwater harvesting system. USF policy requires that the construction of new buildings and campus areas apply low maintenance xeriscape landscape treatments. Although waterless urinals have been investigated and seriously considered, the university has decided against them because of the additional energy consumption of the urinal operation, manufacture of replacement cartridges, and cartridge disposal, all of which create pollution and increase their carbon footprint.



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Sustainability Initiatives (continued)

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Campus Tree Care Plan (CTCP) Every year, the University of South Florida updates its strategy toward providing a healthy campus tree infrastructure. This is designed to improve the quality of the air, prevent the erosion of soil, facilitate the wildlife habitat, cool the ambient temperature, and encourage other transportation options. The CTCP is used to develop and implement the procedures and policies for USF’s campus tree management initiatives, and is annually prepared by the USF Campus Tree Advisory Committee.

Recycling/Waste Management The University of South Florida has made a concerted effort to implement recycling and waste management initiatives. Since 1990, the Physical Plant has operated a recycling program, which burns garbage for electricity, recycles scrap metal, collects yard waste, and composts food waste. They have acquired donations of recycling bins from Tampa Bay Recycling, piloted programs for recycling in the dormitories, and participated in Recyclemania under the Waste Minimization category. With regards to procurement, they purchase Green Seal Certified cleaning products, recycled office paper, and recycled paper towels and toilet tissue. The Waste/Recycling/Purchasing Subcommittee has developed a new Green Purchasing Directive. Construction waste is recycled and records are submitted for any LEED projects.

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Green Building The University of South Florida has made a comprehensive effort to reuse, renovate and retrofit buildings whenever possible. The Facilities Planning and Construction staff includes three LEED Accredited Professionals. Construction projects make use of smart masonry, materials conservation and recycling, renewable building materials, green roofing, low-flow water fixtures, and rainwater harvesting. Several buildings are in the process of becoming LEED certified, including:

- Tampa Campus: o The Patel Center, o The Interdisciplinary Science

Building, and o The Wellness and Nutrition

Center

- St. Petersburg Campus: o Science and Technology

Building

- Lakeland Campus: o USF Polytechnic Phase I



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Student Sustainability Initiatives

Environmental sustainability is a concept that should be acted out, as well as reinforced through the curriculum. In allowing the curriculum to adopt elements of environmental sustainability, then the desire to develop a stronger stance on environmental concerns can be enhanced on the campus as well as off campus. Certain steps can be taken to motivate environmental action. Introducing environmental sustainability in a freshman orientation can place the importance from the onset of a student’s academic career. When choosing elective courses, the school can put forth an effort to create more classes that involve hands on approach towards the green movement. Another step would include the offering of incentives for students who volunteer in environmental clubs and organizations, or allowing for broad involvement from the colleges of business, arts, and humanities.

USF Gardening Club

The USF Gardening Club is responsible for an environmental connection within the campus and outside of the campus. Within the campus, the Gardening Club practices gardening techniques that require the use of composting. For this process, The Grind and The Tavern at Bayboro donate coffee grounds and fish scales to promote decomposition and nutrient growth within the composting process. This involvement from two differing parties depicts a sustainable effort within the campus. Outside the campus, The USF Gardening Club is making efforts in spreading the ideals of sustainable farming to schools and local communities.

Sustainability Within The Community

Included with the many environmental initiatives on campus, there have been just as many a few blocks away. The University of South Florida St. Petersburg has been promoting the ideals of sustainability on campus through the use of motion sensitive lights and solar powered bench areas, though off campus, USF has been implementing gardens based on environmental sustainability. The USF Gardening Club has become involved in performing gardening techniques in reserved plots of land, through these efforts, the Gardening Club, has become involved in the development of barrel-ponics. This is a technique of rain barrel construction that relies on household materials and USF’s physics department. The goal is to collect enough rain from the rain barrels to sustain the garden’s water demand. Aside from USF’s efforts on reserved plots of land, the USF Gardening Club has been teaming up with the Edible Peach Patch.

Edible Peach Patch

After the initial success, the Edible Peach Patch drew the attention of the USF Gardening Club. The Edible Peach Project started in 2009, and had the primary goal of imparting gardening and environmental sustainability to the children of disadvantaged schools. Now the EPP has altered into a 12-week program consistent of 20-minute lesson held weekly or monthly. Within these sessions children obtain the rudiments of sustainability through gardening. During this program USF students have the opportunity to earn academic credit hours for participating. Once the 12-week program comes to an end, the results of the gardening are given to local school cafeterias where they are included in a harvest festival.



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Environmental Clean-up Efforts A major aspect of environmental sustainability is reducing the damage incurred by human contact. The purpose of an environmental cleanup is to replace the current ecological footprint with a renewed outcome. Environmental cleanups can involve closing off the source of the pollution, as well as reducing the current level of pollution. In the context of a college or university, environmental cleanups can provide for a greater understanding of the local environment while demonstrating the ecological ramifications.

The USF Student Environmental Awareness Society

Over the past few years, the SEAS have become highly involved in promoting sustainability by reducing the human impact within the community. Covering a variety of environmental impacts, the SEAS have become successful in environmental clean up initiatives.

Bayboro Harbor Clean Up Efforts

In 2011 The Tampa Bay Estuary program honored the USF Student Environmental Awareness Society with a 3500-dollar mini grant for the cleanup of Bayboro harbor as well as the surrounding bay. Specifically the grant will be used for the introduction of a 75ft Watergoat used to prevent pollutant in the form of bottles, garbage and debris from entering the bay. By attaching weights to a netting, the Watergoat will block debris on the surface and below from entering the bay.

This addition of the new Watergoat will pair nicely with the Watergoat installed in Brook Creek in 2010 by New Earth Industries. With weekly maintenance in collecting the build up of debris, the amount of garbage collected will surpass the 2250 pounds of garbage collected by the SEAS as of 2011. This initiative displays and environmental impact on both the USFSP campus and he Tampa Bay water -ways. In stopping trash from entering the north Bayboro harbor, the aquatic ecosystem surrounding USFSP will have less a chance of becoming polluted with trash and sediment.

SEAS off Campus

The USF Student Environmental Awareness Society has brought awareness to environmental cleanup through projects located off campus. In 2010 the SEAS organized a Hands Across the Sand meeting where the society discussed the ramifications of oil drilling in the wake of the BP oil spill. This topic led to the discussion of other sources of renewable energy in response to the massive oil cleanup that was underway along the Gulf coast. Following this event The SEAS have been responsible for organizing annual cleanup gatherings along Bayboro harbor as well as the Watergoat site. This interactive initiative provides for students of differing courses of study to become involved in environmental sustainability.



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Recent News

USF becoming one of the nation top green colleges: The University of South Florida’s Tampa and Saint Petersburg campuses have started a tremendous effort at helping the environment and participating in the Going Green Movement. Multiple efforts have already been in effect, such as USF being ranked second in the state of Florida and 25th in the nation in 2010 for RecycleMania waste minimization based on the amount of municipal solid waste generated per person on campus (Cash, 2010). USF being recognized for the amazing accomplishment has helped USF be recognized by The Princeton Review’s Guide to 286 Green Colleges. This guide was created in participation with the U.S Green Building Council (USGBC) to survey hundreds of colleges nationwide in order to find colleges that have taken an effort in being environmentally- responsible (Cash, 2010). The Princeton Review Guide chose 286 schools that were given scores based on the “Green Rating” received back in 2009 (Cash, 2010). The fact that USF was one of these 286 schools is a milestone and a leap forward to what the university as a whole is trying to accomplish.

USF has completed many projects in order to be considered a “green” school and has quite a few activities to continue to be sustainable. Each year USF host the annual Campus and Community Sustainability Conference where individuals can join and share ideas and ways to keep moving forward for Florida’s future in sustainability. Another amazing motion USF participates in is to lower campus water usage. USF accomplishes this by reducing water duration times and implementing low-volume units and not watering certain areas on the Tampa campus. Using this method USF was able to accomplish using 30-40 percent less water than when using traditional methods (Cash, 2010). Not only is USF working towards making their campus’ a “green” campus they also work towards helping make jet fuel more of an eco-friendly resource. Researchers at USF have found a way to convert organic materials like sawdust, yard clippings and horse manure into jet fuel. This new development, along with others, has helped USF be recognized as a semi-finalist in the Global Venture Challenge in 2010 (Cash, 2010). Along with USF’s efforts to become more of a green campus as an extracurricular, passion or hobby USF has become the first in the nation to have a School of Global Sustainability. This new opportunity gives students who want to learn better ways to help the environment create a career in what is called “Green Collar” jobs (Cash, 2010). This new program has the opportunity for student to receive a degree in Master of Arts in global sustainability and the ability to innovate in diverse cultural, geographic and demographic context. Even if one does not want a career in sustainability USF is now offering sustainability issues in required general education courses (Cash, 2010). USF’s efforts in becoming a “green campus” are more than obvious, not just by the projects they are completing and planning for, but also the involvement they have in the community. The many opportunities they offer for students and non-students to attend and be a part of is something that will definitely impact this movement even more. USF hosts job fairs for students who are seeking jobs/careers with companies whose mission is also on the same page as the student’s environmental goals (Cash, 2010). Not only is USF offering this new way of attending a university, but it is also forcing more people to realize the importance of environmental respect and care.



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Recent News

USF working against Duke Energy: Florida is one of the states that have a regulation for the energy used. This means that energy is divided into service areas and within those service areas customers must purchase energy from their designated provider, which in Pinellas County (where USFSP is located) is Duke Energy (Ballogg, 2013). The types of resources Duke Energy uses are non-renewable and include natural gas, oil and coal. Coal, which is 25% of Duke Energy’s fuel mix, is the highest among the three in Carbon Dioxide (Ballogg, 2013). USFSP purchased an average of 1,884,601 kilowatt hours of energy per month for July, August and September. Obviously this is a problem when it comes to USFSP’s mission of becoming a “green campus”. In order to help USFSP’s mission along with the community’s efforts to be eco-friendly, the Sunshine State Clean Energy Coalition and the Suncoast branch of the Sierra Club want to completely eliminate Duke from using non-renewable resources for energy (Ballogg, 2013). Where does USFSP fit into this equation? Well it is more than apparent the campus needs energy in order to continue running their institution but the resources Duke Energy are using is more than harmful to the environment and the individuals who have residency anywhere near the energy is used. What USFSP’s sustainability coordinator, Jennifer Winters is working towards is obtaining a $500,000 grant in order to revamp the parking garage located on 5th Avenue south and 3rd street south (Ballogg, 2013). Winters states “ It would be half a million dollar grant to basically retrofit the parking garage and build a carport on top and fill it completely with solar panels, it would help with making the parking garage a net zero energy building. Also we’re retrofitting the lights there and putting LEDs in” (Ballogg, 2013).

Since USFSP cannot completely eliminate the use of this harmful energy, they are working towards reducing the amount used each month significantly. There are also multiple other projects students at USFSP that are preparing and fighting to put into effect. For example, installing more solar-powered electric car charging stations and making buildings more energy efficient are a few steps that are working towards eliminating the use of dangerous resources as energy (Ballogg, 2013). Winters has also proposed another great idea in order to see which sections of the campus are using more energy than others and ways to cut back. For example, Winters discusses installing sub-meters for each building. This way those who are tracking the energy usage can compare each building to another, as in how much energy RHO is using compared to USC (Ballogg, 2013).

Sterling Ivey who is the spokesperson for the Tampa/St. Pete branch of Duke Energy states that Duke Energy is working very closely with the state department of environmental protection to ensure compliance with all environmental regulations (Ballogg, 2013). However, according to Department of Energy, Florida uses more energy sourced from coal than the national average. Fortunately the zone where USFSP is located has used slightly less of this average (Ballogg, 2013). Ivey also states that the public along with USFSP should realize that Duke Energy is not the only product in moving toward a more eco-friendly environment, although this may be true. USFSP is one institution that is doing everything they can to use less energy and create a safer and cleaner campus that can set precedent to those around us near and far (Ballogg, 2013).



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Works Cited

Ballogg, Ryan. "What Keeps the Lights on at USFSP?" The Crows Nest. 12 Nov. 2013. Web. 6 June 2014. <http://crowsneststpete.com/2013/11/12/what-keeps-the-lights-on-at-usfsp/>.

Baynard, Robert. "Students Earn Grant to Enhance Harbor Clean-Up Efforts." USFSP News Center. 7

Feb 2011. Web. 6 June 2014. <http://www.usfsp.edu/blog/2011/02/07/grant-harbor-clean/>. Cash, Jacqui. “USF One of Nation’s Top Green Colleges.” USF News Center. 5 May 2010. Web. 6 June 2014.

<http://news.usf.edu/article/templates/?a=2295>. Climate Action Plan. American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, 2010. PDF.

<http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/607-cap.pdf>. Campus Tree Care Plan. Tampa: University of South Florida Office of Sustainability, 2013. PDF.

<http://psgs.usf.edu/images/uploads/Campus_Tree_Care_Plan_2013-2014.pdf>. Dean's Annual Report. Tampa: University of South Florida, 2013. PDF.

<http://psgs.usf.edu/images/uploads/Deans_Report_2013_web_copy1.pdf>. Marquez, Melanie. “Students Host Hands Across The Sand Site” USFSP News Center. 18 June 2010.

Web. 6 June 2014. <http://www.usfsp.edu/blog/2010/06/18/hands-across-the-sand/>. Office of Sustainability. University of South Florida. Web. 6 June 2014. <http://psgs.usf.edu/usf-office-of-

sustainability/>. Parish, Courtney. “Gardening Club Looks To The Future” The Crows Nest. 12 December 2012. Web. 6 June

2014. <http://crowsneststpete.com/2012/12/03/gardening-club-looks-to-the-future>.

Patel School of Global Sustainability. University of South Florida. Web. 6 June 2014. <http://psgs.usf.edu/>. Simpson, Walter. “Cool Campus Climate Planning Guide” Cool Campus! A how to Guide for College and

University Climate Action Planning. Web. 6 June 2014. <http://www.aashe.org/files/resources/cool-campus-climate-planning-guide.pdf>.

Starling, Amanda. “Edible Peach Patch Ties USF with Midtown School Gardeners” The Crows Nest. 20

September. Web. 6 June 2014. <http://crowsneststpete.com/2013/09/20/edible-peace-patch- ties-usf- with-midtown-school-gardens/>.

University of South Florida Sustainability Initiative Report. Tampa: University of South Florida Sustainability

Steering Committee, 2009. PDF. <http://www.acad.usf.edu/Office/Strategic-Initiatives/docs/USF-Sustainability-Initiative-report.pdf>.

Wakely, Abby. “The Garden Club at USF St. Petersburg” USFSP Connect.com. Web. 6 June 2014. <http://www.usfspconnect.com/the-garden-club-at-usf-st-petersburg/>.



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Annotated Bibliography

History. Retrieved June 6, 2014, from University of South Florida, Patel College of Global Sustainability Website: http://psgs.usf.edu/usf-office-of-sustainability/history/

This is an informative timeline of the University of South Florida’s commitment to sustainability. The first section discusses USF’s Master Plan, created in 1995, and its continual updates. Since then, the university has planted an extraordinary amount of trees, implemented a free off-campus shuttle system powered by biofuel technology, negotiated free regional transit use for students, substantially increased the quantity of on-campus residence halls, and worked to construct bike lanes and sidewalks to improve on/off campus pedestrian and bicycle access/safety. The web page continues on to discuss the campus buildings that are anticipated to be LEED certified. Furthermore, in 2007, the Sustainability Initiative Steering Committee was convened. The committee consisted of 30 faculty, staff, and students and was integral in the signing of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. In 2009, the Office of Sustainability was created to manage USF’s climate impact assessment and reporting, as well as streamline sustainability programs. The second section discusses the key points of sustainability, divided into three sections: Infrastructure, Operations, and Management.

This is a useful resource because the information is coming directly from the University of South Florida’s Patel College of Global Sustainability. The data can be used within the body of our white paper, as well as serve to provide specific programs to further delve into. Additionally, I thought it might be an interesting idea to include a brief timeline of USF’s movement towards going green. This would provide most of the points to be included in that section.

University of South Florida Office of Sustainability. (2010). Climate Action Plan. Retrieved June 6, 2014, from http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/607-cap.pdf

This is the university’s Climate Action Plan, which was submitted on behalf of the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. This 85-page document was collaboratively authored by eighteen faculty members at USF. In the introduction section, the authors discuss a USF institutional overview, a brief history of sustainability initiatives at USF, and an overview of the USF Climate Action Plan. The plan then breaks down into greenhouse gas emissions inventory, impact mitigation strategies, action steps for the designed environment, action steps for the built environment, action steps for transportation, action steps for energy, and action steps for consumption.

This is a useful resource because the information came directly from USF and was reported to a national database. The information is extensive, detailed, and will serve as a wealth of material to use in our white paper. In addition, the eighteen authors are listed, along with their credentials at USF, and we could potentially interview them for the project.

University of South Florida Office of Sustainability. (2013). Campus Tree Care Plan. Retrieved June 6, 2014, from http://psgs.usf.edu/images/uploads/Campus_Tree_Care_Plan_2013-2014.pdf



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University of South Florida Office of Sustainability. (2013). Campus Tree Care Plan. Retrieved June 6, 2014, from http://psgs.usf.edu/images/uploads/Campus_Tree_Care_Plan_2013-2014.pdf

This is a 33-page document from the University of South Florida’s Office of Sustainability that outlines the university’s plan for a vigorous and resilient campus tree infrastructure. The CTCP serves to establish policies, procedures, and best practices for campus tree management for the Tampa campus. The first section discusses the purpose of the CTCP and its specific objectives. The subsequent sections provide the sustainable campus design and the USF Treescape. The fourth section goes into detail on the planting standards--clearing, protecting, stripping, and planting. In addition, the management guidelines are organized into subsets of pruning, cleaning, thinning, raising, reducing, mulching, irrigation, and fertilizing. Other covered topics include tree removal, protection and preservation, tree inventory, tree damage assessment, prohibited practices, and education and communication. The document is followed by two appendices. Appendix I is an article on the USF Botanical Gardens from the Department of Geography, Environment, and Planning. Appendix II is a white paper on the USF Forest Preserve from the Department of Integrative Biology.

This is a useful resource because the information is coming directly from the University of South Florida’s Office of Sustainability. The information provides vital insight and key details on the university’s tree infrastructure. This will help to create a relevant and thorough section on this program and other environmental programs.

University of South Florida College of Global Sustainability. (2013). Dean’s Annual Report. Retrieved June 6, 2014, from http://psgs.usf.edu/images/uploads/Deans_Report_2013_web_copy1.pdf

This is an eight-page report from the University of South Florida’s Patel College of Global Sustainability that outlines the progress made in 2013. The report is divided into five major sections: 1.0 Introduction, 2.0 New Patel College of Global Sustainability, 3.0 Global Research and Engagement, 4.0 Master of Arts in Global Sustainability, and 5.0 Outreach Activities. PCGS became a college in January of 2013, and thus this sums up the College’s inaugural year. In 2013, the college secured over $1.18 million in research grant funding and was listed in the Princeton Review’s guide to Green Colleges. PCGS developed the new faculty positions of Assistant Professor of Infrastructure Planning for Urban Development and Assistant Professor of Integrated Systems Analysis and Sustainability. The college was also involved in a plethora of international activities in 2013, from chairing the Steering Committee of the UN-Habitat University Network Initiative to working with the World Bank and the African Development Bank. In addition, PCGS developed a strong relationship with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, collaborated with the Water Environment Federation, and was actively involved with the Florida Climate Institute. The final section discussed the college’s extensive outreach programs, including the Office of Sustainability’s efforts, the Tampa Bay Clean Cities Coalition, and Global Sustainability Partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools.

This is a useful resource because the information is coming directly from the University of South Florida’s Patel College of Global Sustainability. This is the most recent publication of the new college’s progress and is a thorough recap of their first year. In addition, this is extremely informative and current material to use in our white paper.

Baynard, R. (2011). Students Earn Grant to Enhance Harbor Clean-Up Efforts. Retrieved June 6,

2014, from USFSP website: http://www.usfsp.edu/blog/2011/02/07/grant-harbor-clean/



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Baynard, R. (2011). Students Earn Grant to Enhance Harbor Clean-Up Efforts. Retrieved June 6, 2014, from USFSP website: http://www.usfsp.edu/blog/2011/02/07/grant-harbor-clean/

The Student Environmental Awareness Society began an initiative to clean up Bayboro Harbor as well as the rest of Tampa Bay. Installed was a 75-foot Watergoat that will prevent pollutants from entering the bay. This act was funded through a donation from the Tampa Bay Estuary Program in the form of a mini-grant. This article is a useful source in displaying USF’s environment clean-up initiatives on campus. By cleaning up the waterways, USF can promote awareness of the trash entering Tampa Bay, as well as increase the environmental presence of USFSP within the community.

Cash, J. (2010, May 5). USF One of Nation’s Top Green Colleges. Retrieved June

6, 2014, from University of South Florida website: http://news.usf.edu/article/templates/?a=2295

This is an article produced on USF’s news section of their website. This article speaks about the

milestone that USF is making in the “going green” movement not only in Florida but in the nation as well. Within this article multiple facts are given that show the effort USF is giving and how it is working towards their goal of becoming a “Green” campus. USF has taken many actions into this movement such as being the first school in the nation to launch a School of Global Sustainability, which is an effort for preparing students for a new generation of “green collar” careers and finding solutions that could change the world and create a better environment for all of those living. USF was also recognized by Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges which is attainable in this article. This is a great resource for the “Going Green” movement because it is straight from USF’s website and states many interesting facts about the efforts made by USF and also the review Princeton gave about USF.

Parish, C. (2012, December 3). Gardening club looks to the future. The Crow’s

Nest. Retrieved June 6, 2014, from http://crowsneststpete.com/2012/12/03/gardening-club-looks-to-the-future/

In an attempt to impart sustainable ideals to the community, USF St. Petersburg Gardening

Club has begun to expand through the city. This article focuses on the sustainable methods of urban farming and how they can be passed along through the community. The USF Gardening Club has also partnered with the Edible Peach Project by having USF students volunteer by building gardens in disadvantaged schools. Foods acquired through these sustainable gardens are provided to a Harvest Fest once the volunteering program is complete. The article provides useful information in highlighting the efforts of USFSP by depicting a forward environmental stance to the surrounding community.

Simpson, W. (2009). Cool Campus! A How-To Guide for College and University

Climate Action Planning. Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. Retrieved June 6, 2014, from: http://www.aashe.org/files/resources/cool-campus-climate-planning-guide.pdf

The group Second Nature has provided an in-depth view on the environmental actions that can

be performed by colleges and universities. The report begins by describing the requirements it takes to lead an environmental movement on campus. Guidelines on creating a Climate Action Plan, as well as determining the carbon footprint of a campus are thoroughly discussed. Throughout the report are various solutions to offset the environmental damage currently taking place. This report proves useful, since many of the concepts described have been implemented with the University of South Florida, and can provide for further discussion.



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Glossary of Terms Barrel-ponics Using an aquaponic system to grow vegetation and food. This means of agriculture can

be performed without the use of soil. Biodiesel-fueled Using recycled vegetable oils to be made into a useable fuel for converted diesel engines. Climate Action Plan A set of strategies implemented on a college or university with the intention of reducing

the greenhouse gas emissions on campus. Composting The act of placing yard debris, dying plant matter, and vegetable wastes into a heap in

order to produce a nutrient rich form of mulch that can be used in gardens and plant beds.

Green Fund A fund created for a college or university to be used in the research and planning of

environmentally sustainable initiatives. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Gases in the form of Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Nitrous Oxide, and Fluorinated Gases

that reduce air quality and impact global climate patterns. On campus, these emissions can stem from electricity, transportation, industry, and commercial/residential use.

Green-Rating A rating of a college or university on the bases of environmental awareness and

preparations. LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is a certification given to buildings that

implement environmentally sustainable forms of construction. Recyclemania A competition between colleges and universities to see which school recycles the greatest

percentage of garbage. The competition also takes into account which schools generate the least amount of garbage. The winning school will receive national recognition in the form of a press release.

Sub-Meter A meter that measures the gas, water, or electricity usage of a building. Sustainable Initiative An effort to alter a current method or create a new method that consists of

environmentally conscious decisions. Watergoat A barrier that prevents or limits the pollutants entering a large body of water. These are

seem attached to openings to storm water drains. By having a barrier that floats above the surface, debris such as bottles and plastics cannot move past. Below the surface is netting that catches any debris such as heavier waste and garbage. The waste collected will need to be removed on a regular basis.

Xeriscaping A form of landscaping requiring no form of irrigation. By strategically planting drought

tolerant vegetation, the need for water is severely reduced.


team mack - bulls going green

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