USF The “Green” University

achieving

Making Changes towards

July 31, 2012

The Sustainable Scribes

David Rhinehart

Timothy Edwards

Alexandra Hazatone

Rebecca Hill

White Paper

ENC 2350

Professional Writing

Professor Francis Tobienne

The Sustainable Scribes 2

Table of ContentsGreen building

projects, recycling initiatives, methods encouraging clean forms of transportation and responsible water and energy consumption have all contributed to the improved score.  From dining services to custodial services, USF has made a campus wide effort to make obtaining a quality education easier on the planet.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) has become the preferred method of building at USF.  The Science and Technology building on the USF St. Petersburg campus was recently certified as a Gold LEED building for its carefully planned environmentally conscious design.  Other LEED construction projects are in the works, including the Patel Center for Global Solutions as well as projects on the Lakeland and Polytechnic campuses.  

Transportation is another area USF has made an effort to improve.  Electric car charging stations have been installed on the USFSP campus in a prime location and on the Tampa campus, and are free to use.  The Bull

Recycling at USF includes, paper, electronics, building materials and composting food waste. Recycling bins are located throughout all campuses, and students and faculty are encouraged to recycle.  Waste reduction is another concern at USF.  The digital drop box feature on Blackboard reduces the need to print documents.  

buildings with low-flow fixtures, replacing old roofs with new, reflective, and highly insulated roofs and use of environmentally friendly building materials has contributed to the eco-friendly construction on campus.  

Retrofitting older

USF ranks among the best green universities in the state according to the Green Report Card and it is clear that vast improvements have been made.  Even though USF has made a considerable effort to conserve resources and reduce the impact on the environment, the cost of these projects is high.  Will the cost savings justify the high price?  

cycling an easy way to get around USF.  

Runner and HART lines run on and around campus to reduce the need of individual automobiles on campus. Bicycle racks, bike lanes, and free bike registration make

Executive Summary

2008 to an A in 2011.  improved its Green Report Card score from a D in

campuses more environmentally friendly.  USF number of green initiatives in order to make its’

to become a “Green” University.  USF has implemented a The University of South Florida has made a commitment

For hundreds of years economic growth and development have set their eyes on the prize of financial gain and expansion across new territories. The Industrial Revolution marked the transition from an era of living off the land to one of cultivating and mass-producing, creating amounts of supplies that once seemed unattainable. In the modern era, scientists have begun to uncover the costs of the past and are making shocking predictions of the future unless initiatives for change and towards environmental stability are globally adapted. The earth’s carrying capacity for the human race has, in recent years, been determined to be less than expected as a direct result of global warming. An article in Ecological Applications phrases the desperate nature the situation, elaborating that:

“We do not have time to dream of creating more living space or more environment, such as colonizing the moon or building cities beneath the sea; we must save the remnants of the only environment we have, and allow time for, and invest in the regeneration of, what we already have damaged.” (Goodland, and Daly 1002-17)

Local changes at the University of South Florida are setting a standard for other universities and the local community to get involved and make a contribution to “going green.” President Genshaft signed USF into the President’s Climate Commitment in

Introduction

What Exactly is Environmental Sustainability?

Executive Summary ----------------------------- 3

Introduction --------------------------------------- 4

Sustainability and Movement Goals ----------- 5-8

Interview with Zaida E. Darley----------------- 9

Future Implications and Report Card---------- 10

Now, what exactly is environmental sustainability?

The most straightforward definition states that it is meeting of resource and services needs of current and future generations without compromising the health of the ecosystems that provide them. More specifically, sustainability is the balance that allows human society to satisfy its needs with out exceeding the capacity of planet. The relationship between humanity and the natural world has been described in previous publications in terms of a three-legged model incorporating the environment, society, and the economy. However, more recent research has led to a new design that illustrates the interconnectedness between these components more accurately (Figure 1.2)

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released into the atmosphere. Scientists have determined that we need to reduce the global emission of greenhouse gases by at least 80% by mid-century in order to avert the worst impacts of global warming and to reestablish stable climatic conditions that contributed to human progress over the past thousands of years (Bernstein, Bosch, and Canziani 104).

CO2 emissions constantly warming revolves around the concern in regards to global of global warming. The biggest and created the looming threat

blue planet we all call home neglecting the green and

the worst in regards to century launched a turn for

Revolution during the 18th onset of the Industrial back seat to material gains. The natural surroundings take a concerns. All too often our

In today’s society, it is quite simple to be distracted from environmental issues with a population overwhelmed with financial and economic

Figure 1.1 puts the current concentration of CO2 gas into perspective in relation to the past thousands of years, revealing a dramatic turn for the worst in the past century and very little hope for recovery unless an immediate action is taken by the majority.

In a world inhabited by hundreds of nations and competing interests, collaboration on global sustainability is difficult, yet efforts have been made by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to establish new policies to tackle the issues of sustainability. Over 150 countries gather at the UNEP conference in Nairobi on February 22, 2012, where the president Ramos de Armas discusses that the current framework still requires major

governance".environmental international development and sustainable framework for

" Time is not on our side. Rio+20 must take quick and immediate action to respond to the current environmental crisis. Delegates stressed there should be a clear decision on the institutional

Figure 1.1

The venn diagram above conveys that each of the three legs is mutually dependent on the other. However, the circular diagram on the right demonstrates that the environment is fully sustainable on its own without the inhabitants of the human race, while the economy is solely dependent on the inner workings of society.

Figure 1.2

Therefore, in order for a substantial change to be effective, populations across the map must make adjustments within their society in order to accommodate for the economy and more importantly, the environment.

The Sustainable Scribes 3

USF Joins the Green Movement!Starting Small, to Effect Big Change

Every great movement begins with a spark, ignited in local community, which spreads across county lines like wildfire into neighboring societies. Higher educating is imperative to inform the general public of the costs of global warming and the benefits of going green. Where better to establish education and instigate change than the college communities around the nation? The American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) was initiated to motivate change within campuses across the nation with optimism that it would take root in the surrounding areas as well.

Their mission of the commitment expresses the desire to accelerate progress towards climate sustainability by empowering students to become the pioneers of future generations. The initiative was born in October 2006, starting with 12 presidents taking on the responsibility to set the example for future signees. Over 150 chancellors quickly joined the movement and by June of 2007, 284 institutions were represented.

President Judy Genshaft led the University of South Florida on its mission to become a more environmentally supportive campus on April 12, 2009 by signing the ACUPCC. A committee comprising of eager faculty and students joined forces to develop policies and programs that would soon play a prominent role in making over campus life to better the existence of our surrounding ecosystems.  A tremendous amount of support surrounded the effort to make sustainability a priority in the classroom and around campus. The need for a designated department on campus to spearhead and manage the initiative of going green grew into the development of the Office of Sustainability on August 6, 2009. If USF successfully maintains its mission to reach environment sustainability while in accordance with the President’s Climate Commitment, of

the number of potential benefits detailed in the 2009 Sustainability Initiative Report by Dr. Whiteford will be achieved.

The student recruitment opportunities stemming from the initiative allows them to shine as individuals and make a significant contribution to the USF community. Additionally, adopting sustainability principles puts the university in the front lines of a globally competitive market and it emerges as an innovative society and inspiration for the rest of the state. By constructing new facilities in a “greener” fashion, not only are the prototypes brought to life as a model to be emulated by the rest of the world, they also serve a practical function as research facilities for graduate and undergraduate students. Community relations can be improved and outreach programs can introduce change beyond the campus walls. Conclusively, not only would developing more sustainable practices better the health and productivity of faculty and students, the resulting guidelines are solidified to be passed on to future generations so they may continue down the path of repairing past damage and rebuild the ecosystem.

The Sustainable Scribes 4

Their mission of the commitment expresses the desire to accelerate progress towards climate sustainability by empowering students to become the pioneers of future generations. The initiative was born in October 2006, starting with 12 presidents taking on the responsibility to set the example for future signees. Over 150 chancellors quickly joined the movement and by June of 2007, 284 institutions were represented.

President Judy Genshaft led the University of South Florida on its mission to become a more environmentally supportive campus on April 12, 2009 by signing the ACUPCC. A committee comprising of eager faculty and students joined forces to develop policies and programs that would soon play a prominent role in making over campus life to better the existence of our surrounding ecosystems.  A tremendous amount of support surrounded the effort to make sustainability a priority in the classroom and around campus. The need for a designated department on campus to spearhead and manage the initiative of going green grew into the development of the Office of Sustainability on August 6, 2009. If USF successfully maintains its mission to reach environment sustainability while in accordance with the President’s Climate Commitment, of

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The University of South Florida participates in a variety of sustainable activities in an effort to turn USF into a “Green University”.  Some of the green initiatives on campus include sustainable buildings, recycling and clean transportation.  The Green Energy Fund, which was initially established through a gift from the TECO Energy Foundation, is funded by charges built into tuition ("University of South Florida").  Undergraduate students and graduate students are charged 0.58 percent and 0.27 percent per credit hour respectively ("University of South Florida").  Students may submit an application to use Student Green Energy Fee funds provided that the project meets the criteria outlined on the Patel School of Global Sustainability website and is submitted before the biannual deadline.   

Last semester four proposals were accepted, solar charging stations for USF golf carts, solar panels for the Marshall Student Center roof and amphitheaters canopy, solar umbrellas outside the Champions Choice dining hall and light bulbs in the Central Utility Plant could be replaced with more efficient ones. The solar panels on the MSC building could also create an education kiosk for the north entrance of the MSC to show students how much energy is being produced and saved through SGEF projects, and how much money USF has saved.

these projects on campus. Students, faculty and staff members submitted twelve new project proposals in the fall proposal cycle. The largest amount requested last year was $1 million to replace the lighting fixtures. But switching to more efficient lighting could save USF $4 million over the next ten years. New lighting fixtures and improved air conditioning units are just a few of the new job projects being considered.

$400,000 in the spring semester last year to sponsor They collected $300,000 in the fall semester and The Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF) receives $1. expected to accrue $116,000. For each credit hour over $53,000 has been collected. This energy fund is environmental friendly university in 2010, so far 2008. USFSP signed the commitment in being an then signed by USF president Judy Genshaft in

The Go Green document was created in 2006

An Interview with Zaida E. Darley, M.A., RPA, CIGProgram Coordinator, Office of Sustainability of Patel School of Global Sustainability at the University of South FloridaFuture Implications

participants share best practices for Florida’s sustainable future.

They host for the Going Green Tampa Bay Expo which

on the amount of municipal solid waste generated per person on campus.

They host annual Campus and Community Sustainability Conference where

of the sustainability in USF’s strategic plan.

USF ranks second in Florida and 25th nationally in the 2010 RecycleMania waste minimization contest based

Schools

USF’s efforts to “go green” have been recognized through inclusion in The Princeton Review’s Guide to 286 Green Colleges. The list of the nation’s most environmentally responsible college campuses is a reflection of the university’s many sustainable activities, supported by the inclusion

Comparisons to Other Report Card Ratings and

Green Building

Are there any promising student projects?

The Student Green Energy Fund is the most prominent student-led initiative on campus. USF student Karissa Gehrke designed and helped pass the Green Fee with the assistance of the Office of Sustainability. Approximately 70% of the students voted for this fee that goes towards energy-saving projects on campus. In the first year, $586,000 has been awarded to energy-saving projects to save over 2 million kWh annually. Also, Karissa’s honors thesis, which documents her work to pass the Green Fee, has been shared with students at other universities that are trying to pass the fee at their institutions.

What are the cost/benefits of the green steps USF has taken thus far?

A green campus is a healthy, efficient, and safe campus. A reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions means that the air is cleaner. Saving energy and other resources means that the university spends less on these resources. And making simple changes, like using green cleaning products, makes the campus safer for both employees and students.

How do the Office of sustainability and the Patel School of Global Sustainability differ from each other?

Last year, the Office of Sustainability was placed under the Patel School of Global Sustainability (PSGS) and is one of three departments: Patel Center for Global Solutions, M.A. Program in Global Sustainability, and the Office of Sustainability. The Office concentrates on campus sustainability initiatives and works closely with USF students and staff, and local community and government leaders.

How do you think green and sustainability projects factor into USF and what priority do you think universities should place on them?

Since 1995, USF has included sustainability into its goals and practices as described in the USF Tampa Campus Master Plan. In 2008, Dr. Genshaft signed the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment, which resulted in a Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. USF is committed to becoming Climate Neutral by 2070. So as you can see, sustainability is a high priority at USF.

Have you ever been inspired or warned off by projects from other universities?

Each university has its unique environment and community. What universities have learned from each other is that what works for one does not work for all. But we share our triumphs and tribulations so that others can learn from our experience.

Where do you see green and sustainability efforts moving in the future of USF?

In the future, USF will include more measures in the Master Plan to meet their sustainability goals. USF will become a leader in sustainability in the community and in higher education. And USF students will be global citizens that are environmentally and socially aware about how their everyday actions impact other people and the planet.

The Sustainable Scribes 6

as well (Marquez, Melanie).  to achieve LEED certification design phase are anticipated building currently in the building and several other the Interdisciplinary Science Center for Global Solutions, certification.  The Patel USBGC’s coveted Gold construction earned the environmentally conscious Melanie).  The building’s certification (Marquez, system to earn a LEED

The new Science and Technology building on the USFSP campus is the first building in the USF

important part of the USF sustainability movement.  New buildings on several campuses have been designed and built to meet the high standards laid out by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).  The USGBC is responsible for awarding Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications to buildings that are: “designed and built with using strategies aimed at achieving high performance in key areas of human and environmental health; sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality” ("U.S. Green Building Council").  LEED standards aim to reduce the environmental impact of buildings and to reduce the use of water and energy ("U.S. Green Building Council").  

Green Building has become an The use of unpainted brick and concrete surfaces, stained concrete floors, renewable materials and recycling construction materials are practices used during the building process to lessen impact on the environment.  The Patel Center is the first building on campus to make use of rainwater collection to aid in water conservation.  Rainwater is diverted into large cisterns, and is used to flush toilets and urinals reducing the amount of water drawn from the aquifer ("University of South Florida").

In addition to green innovations in new construction, USF has strived to retrofit existing buildings to be more efficient.   Over the past three years, fifteen roofs have been replaced with highly insulated reflective roofs to save energy ("University of South Florida").  Most of the water faucets and toilet fixtures on campus have been replaced with low flow motion sensing models, and existing buildings have sub-metering retrofits installed.  

Green Building

The Sustainable Scribes 7

USF participates in a number of recycling programs, makes an effort to buy products made with recycled materials and practices responsible waste disposal.  A united effort between suppliers, the procurement department, staff, students and faculty makes these programs work.  The combined effect of these activities vastly reduces the amount of waste that would otherwise end up in landfills.  

The purchasing department buys products that are produced in an environmentally conscious manner.  Green cleaning products, paper products with a high percentage of recycled content and recycled office paper are a few of the earth friendly products procured at USF.  

Dining services has instituted a number of tactics to reduce waste and encourage recycling on campus.  The trayless dining program saves nearly 33,000 gallons of water each academic year by washing fewer dishes ("University of South Florida"). Dining services also offers reusable drink cups that students can fill for a discounted rate at campus soda fountains and green ware made from corn resin is used instead of plastic.  Used cooking oil is recycled to make biodiesel for automobile fuel and recycling containers are located outside of each dining hall so diners can recycle their waste.  Each of the practices used by dining services makes a small impact individually, but when combined, result in an environmentally friendly experience for all who dine on campus.

Paper conservation and recycling is another major part of USF’s green program.  Blackboard, USF’s online distance learning website, uses drop-box to minimize the amount of documents that must be printed by students.  There are more than 2000 paper recycling bins throughout the campus to accommodate student and faculty recycling ("University of South Florida").  More than 9700 tons of waste paper has been recycled since the program’s implementation ("University of South Florida").  

Electronic and battery recycling is also available on campus.  Students can bring old computers, phones, and batteries, and USF will recycle the old electronics.  Batteries from electronic devices can cause serious damage to the environment if not properly disposed of and USF makes properly dealing with these items easy.

Recycling and Waste Management

The Sustainable Scribes 8

USF participates in a number of recycling programs, makes an effort to buy products made with recycled materials and practices responsible waste disposal.  A united effort between suppliers, the procurement department, staff, students and faculty makes these programs work.  The combined effect of these activities vastly reduces the amount of waste that would otherwise end up in landfills.  

The purchasing department buys products that are produced in an environmentally conscious manner.  Green cleaning products, paper products with a high percentage of recycled content and recycled office paper are a few of the earth friendly products procured at USF.  

Dining services has instituted a number of tactics to reduce waste and encourage recycling on campus.  The trayless dining program saves nearly 33,000 gallons of water each academic year by washing fewer dishes ("University of South Florida"). Dining services also offers reusable drink cups that students can fill for a discounted rate at campus soda fountains and green ware made from corn resin is used instead of plastic.  Used cooking oil is recycled to make biodiesel for automobile fuel and recycling containers are located outside of each dining hall so diners can recycle their waste.  Each of the practices used by dining services makes a small impact individually, but when combined, result in an environmentally friendly experience for all who dine on campus.

commuting.  and encourage mass transit are available throughout Tampa charge.  Park and ride systems and HART transit system for no biodiesel powered Bull Runner

Students can ride the

available to students.  securing bikes and bike transport by bus are the risk of theft on campus.  Bicycle lanes, racks for are encouraged to register their bicycles to reduce

Bicycling is encouraged at USF.  Students

campus.   the options for those who must commute to methods.  Buses, carpools and bicycling are among pollution through alternative transportation implemented various programs to combat air

Decreasing the number of gasoline combustion engines is a priority at USF.  The University has

Clean Transportation

vehicles.  These spaces are in a prime location close to classrooms to encourage low emission vehicles. USFSP also has two electric car charging stations in the front row that students can use while they attend class.  The charging stations are available for no charge and without a parking permit. USF Tampa has two electric car stations behind the Marshal Student Center and the bookstore.

emission, fuel-efficient designated for low

spaces have been campus, parking St. Petersburg

On the USF

The Sustainable Scribes 9

ConclusionThe University of South Florida has continued its mission of going green since 2008.

Whether it be through LEED certified buildings, retrofitting existing buildings with energy efficient features, recycling or efforts to support sustainable transportation, USF has and continues to make strides in becoming sustainable. The funding of these projects was made possible through the green energy fund and its implementation stands as a way for USF to continue along this path without majorly impacting its finances and, as the data suggests, create significant savings in the long run.

Glossary of TermsBiodiesel- Biodiesel is an alternative fuel made from virgin vegetable oil or used vegetable oil. Even animal fats like beef tallow and fish oil can be used to make biodiesel fuel. Biodiesel may be blended with conventional diesel to get different blends such as B2 (2 percent biodiesel and 98 percent conventional diesel) or B20 (20 percent biodiesel) or it can be used as 100 percent biodiesel (B100). (Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)Cistern- A tank for storing water, esp. one supplying taps or as part of a flushing toilet. An underground reservoir for rainwater. (Source http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cistern)Greenware- Premium quality Greenware® cold cups, lids and portion containers are the eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastic. Greenware® products are made from Ingeo™ biopolymer, a bioplastic resin derived entirely from plants. These plant sources are domestically grown and annually renewable – meaning they are replenished naturally within one year. (Source http://www.biomasspackaging.com/brands/245191-greenware)LEED- stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a system that establishes standards, which can be used by independent parties to verify if a building uses strategies that optimize energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, and indoor environmental quality.  (Source: http://www.greenretaildecisions.com/glossary/leed-certification)Retrofit- Add (a component or accessory) to something that did not have it when manufactured. (Source http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrofit)Sub metering-A method of determining the proportion of energy use within a building attributable to specific mechanical end uses or subsystems. (Source http://www.grobergreen.com/green-definitions/)Sustainable- of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged. (Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sustainable)

Whiteford, Linda. "University of South Florida Sustainability Initiative Report." Strategic Initiatives. University of South Florida, October 13, 2009. Web. 28

U.S. Green Building Council, 2011. Web. 25 Jul 2012. <http://www.usgbc.org/Default.asp&xgt;.

2012.Climate Commitment. Presidents' Climate Commitment, 2007. Web. 28 Jul

"The Crisis of Climate Disruption." The American College & University Presidents’

Sustainability at USF. Patel School of Global Sustainability , 2011. Web. 28 Jul 2012. <http://psgs.usf.edu/usf-office-of-sustainability/>.

"Sustainability programs and initiatives at USF and around the world.." The Office of

2009. Chart. Global Warming ArtWeb. 28 Jul 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Carbon_Dioxide_400kyr.png>.

Rohde, Robert. Carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere over 400 000 years.

Petersburg, 01/22/10. Web. 25 Jul 2012. <http://www.usfsp.edu/blog/2010/01/22/science-technology-building/>.

25 Jul 2012. <http://psgs.usf.edu/usf-office-of-sustainability/>. "Patel School of Global Sustainability." University of South Florida. 2011. Web.

Certification." USFSP. USF St. Marquez, Melanie. "Science and Technology Building Earns LEED

<http://www.sierraforestlegacy.org/images/Sustainability/Sustainability.jpg>.

28 Jul 2012.

Hart, Maureen. Triple Bottom Line. 2012. Graphic. Sierra Forrest Legacy, Sierra. Web.

<http://www.jstor.org.ezproxy.lib.usf.edu/stable/pdfplus/2269583.pdf?acceptTC=true>.

Negotiable." Ecological Applications. 6.4 (1996): 1002-17. Print.

and Non- Goodland, Robert, and Herman Daly. "Environmental Sustainability: Universal

Canziani. "Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change." Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report. (2007): 104. Print. <http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/syr/ar4_syr.pdf>.

Bernstein, Lenny, Peter Bosch, and Osvaldo

Works Cited

The Sustainable Scribes 10

Glossary of TermsBiodiesel- Biodiesel is an alternative fuel made from virgin vegetable oil or used vegetable oil. Even animal fats like beef tallow and fish oil can be used to make biodiesel fuel. Biodiesel may be blended with conventional diesel to get different blends such as B2 (2 percent biodiesel and 98 percent conventional diesel) or B20 (20 percent biodiesel) or it can be used as 100 percent biodiesel (B100). (Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)Cistern- A tank for storing water, esp. one supplying taps or as part of a flushing toilet. An underground reservoir for rainwater. (Source http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cistern)Greenware- Premium quality Greenware® cold cups, lids and portion containers are the eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastic. Greenware® products are made from Ingeo™ biopolymer, a bioplastic resin derived entirely from plants. These plant sources are domestically grown and annually renewable – meaning they are replenished naturally within one year. (Source http://www.biomasspackaging.com/brands/245191-greenware)LEED- stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a system that establishes standards, which can be used by independent parties to verify if a building uses strategies that optimize energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, and indoor environmental quality.  (Source: http://www.greenretaildecisions.com/glossary/leed-certification)Retrofit- Add (a component or accessory) to something that did not have it when manufactured. (Source http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrofit)Sub metering-A method of determining the proportion of energy use within a building attributable to specific mechanical end uses or subsystems. (Source http://www.grobergreen.com/green-definitions/)Sustainable- of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged. (Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sustainable)

Annotated BibliographyThe approach of our team remains to detail a clear definition of environmental sustainability and all of the components that will contribute to maintaining the balance between the economy, society, and the ecosystem. Focusing specifically on the courses of action taken by USF since 2008, each resource contributes to revealing the dynamic policies and changes set forth in the plan to go green on campus. The Green Report Card allows for the comparison of USF to other universities in the country and assesses exactly what improvements still need to be made a priority. Student involvement continues to be a major factor in the model of development for creating new policies, as well as organizing their execution. By reviewing the stated objectives submitted by the president of the university after signing the commitment to go green, a concrete measure is provided for reflecting on whether or not USF has reached or is in the process of attaining those goals.

Morelli, John. "Environmental Sustainability: A Definition for EnvironmentalProfessionals." Journal of Environmental Sustainability. 1. (2011): 19-27. Print.

This journal was established in order to meet demands for understanding the importance of preserving the environment and organize exactly what contributions we can make as inhabitants of the earth to maintain a balanced relationship. The author uses a variety of sources that he drew upon throughout the text in order to reiterate the past concepts of sustainability, while extracting the more expert opinions to arrange his own. He has laid out major subtopics beneath the overarching theme that go beyond the original three-legged model including: societal needs, preservation of biodiversity, regenerative capacity, recycle and reuse, constraints of nonrenewable resources and waste generation.  

The concise information given in this article regarding all the necessary components in defining environmental sustainability significantly contributed to our research, for it is critical to fully grasp a concept before informing the public of your standpoint. Utilizing this source allows for the use of an operationalized definition tailored to our discussion on the environment, rather than using the standard terminology which could be applicable to sustaining businesses.   

Green Report Card. University of South Florida 2011 Report Card. Green Report Card.org, 2011. http://www.greenreportcard.org/report-card-2011/schools/university-of-south-florida/surveys/campus-survey#statistics

GreenReportCard.org is a website that provides sustainability profiles for colleges all of the United States. It is a free public service supported through grants and donations. The USF report is an extensive, detailed report on every effort that USF has made to make itself a more sustainable and greener university.

This information provides us with a third-party source on the efforts that USF has made to make itself greener. It also allows us to take that information and compare it to the database that features colleges from all over the United States. This allows us to put USF’s data into context and determine if the efforts are up to what other universities are doing.

Marquez, Melanie. "Science and Technology Building Earns LEED Certification." USFSP. USF St. Petersburg, 01/22/10. Web. 25 Jul 2012. http://www.usfsp.edu/blog/2010/01/22/science-technology-building/

This article from the USFSP news blog provides general information about the Science and Technology building and its LEED certification.   The most important information on the page is the Building facts section which supplies information about square footage, class room sizes, and the cost of the project.

Radeka, Haley. Office of Sustainability: USF is going green. The Digital Bullpen, 2011. http://digitalbullpen.com/2011/12/09/office-of-sustainability-usf-is-going-green/

Haley Radeka wrote a piece detailing the purpose of the Office of Sustainability at USF. She talked to the director of the office to find the official take on how they are implementing green changes on campus. She also talked to students to see how they viewed the changes taking place and the impact on them.

The majority of our sources are either hard data or feature quotes from people who work in the green movement, this piece allows us to see the student side. As important as it is to see how these changes impact the university, the students are the most important, as their money funds these changes.

Saleh, Maryam. The Oracle. Student Green energy fee sees second round of proposals, March 2012. http://www.usforacle.com/news/student-green-energy-fee-sees-second-round-of-proposals-1.2711887#.UBFIgmEeOn8 

Students, faculty and staff members submitted 12 new project proposals in the Fall proposal cycle. Switching to more efficient lighting could save USF $4 million over the next ten years. New lighting fixtures and improved air conditioning units are just a few of the new jobs being considered.

The Crows Nest. USFSP should sign commitment to go green: Guidelines for making campus more eco-friendly could push the university, Jan. 2012.  http://crowsneststpete.com/2012/01/25/usfsp-should-sign-commitment-to-go-green-guidelines-for-making-campus-more-eco-friendly-could-  

The go green document was created in 2006 then signed by USF president Judy Genshaft in 2008. The student green energy fund is expected to accrue $116,000 this. For each credit hour $1 goes toward the fund. USFSP signed the commitment in being a environmental friendly university in 2010, so far over $53,000 has been collected. 

University of South Florida St. Petersburg. Green Initiatives. USFSP Undergraduate    Admissions, 2012. http://www.usfsp.edu/undergrad/green/

This is the official University of South Florida St. Petersburg Green Initiative page. This is expansive and includes not only an overview of the efforts the campus is taking to make itself a greener place, but it expands into more detailed reports on what those efforts are exactly and how they work.

This is a completely PR filled page set to make USFSP look as good and green as possible. This page doesn’t provide as much context, but it does show what USFSP is presenting to the public and what it wants to highlight.

U.S. Green Building Council, 2011. Web. 25 Jul 2012. http://www.usgbc.org/Default.asp&xgt

The U.S. Green Building Council website contains information about LEED Certification, including the various standards that must be met, and how to apply for certification.  Because the U.S. Building Council is responsible for assigning certifications to buildings, the information on the website comes directly from the authority on green construction.