White Paper- Team 1

8/22/2019 White Paper- Team 1

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Table of Content:

Executive Summary: page 3

Introduction: page 3

Previous approaches: page 4

New Research Findings:

SGEF: page 4 Water Usage: page 5 Other ways we are making a difference: page 5

Conclusion: page 9

Annotated Bibliography: page 10

Sources: page 13

Discussion:

Styrofoam: page 6 Car Wash: page 6 Green Energy Funds: page 7 Interview with Dr. Joseph

Dorsey: page 7

Interview with ProfessorMaya Trotz: page 8


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Executive summary

How has the University of South Florida and its'

students become green or rather participated in

thegoing green movement?Throughout the years the university has made several

efforts to become more environmental friendly. As a

result of the Student Green Energy Fund they have been

able to make their goal a reality. The student body at the

University of South Florida has gone above and beyondany expectations. Helping with the environment is also

contributing to the lives of others and the students know

that if they are not caring for their land they certainly are

not caring for themselves. From specific changes to their

campus to getting others involved, the students have put

in a great amount of effort to provide long term successfor our economy.

Introduction

The Earth used to be something that everyone enjoyed

and lived on without a worry, but nowadays people all

over the world are realizing that some of the choices

they have been making have been harming their

environment. We all care about our planet, so many triednew living conditions to help sustain what they call

home. This has been referred to as going green, eco-

friendly, etc. It has gone such a long way that now

Universities such as the University of South Florida

(being voted top in the Nation) are helping in keeping

our world a better place. In the early 1970s and with the

Brooklyn reports Our Common Future article, USF

began to understand the issues facing our environment

and also the actions that would strengthen our future. At

this time the University of South Florida started thinkmore about sustainability and how to invest on it.

During the 1980s awareness at USF significantly

improved and the University engaged in the process of

becoming one of the most Green Universities in the

Nation.


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New Research Findings:

SGEF

On March 24th, 2011, the Florida Board of Governors ruled

that all USF campus would be allowed to add a Green Energy

Fee charge onto each credit hour taken by students. This fee,which was capped at one dollar per credit hour, would go

towards the development and implementation of efficient and

sustainable forms of technology and resources through the

University communities. Managed by the Student Green

Energy Fund, or SGEF, this fee is allocated for different

purposes each year and comes from an auxiliary account that is

especially set up for green expenditures and is fully funded

by the Green Energy fee. SGEF is a council consisting of 15

members that are appointed by the University president.

Throughout the year, students, groups and faculty are able to

submit proposals to the council in order to use funds from the

SGEF account, with a maximum award capped at around

$100,000 per proposal (there are exceptions made in some

circumstances).

On April 2012, the University awarded its first budget for the

green energy fund with an initial budget of $269,510 to be

distributed to different projects that placed a proposal to the

University. These projects included an auto dimming light

sensor in Cypress hall to cut down on energy consumption.

Another project provided up to fifteen new water fountainsaround campus that can be used to refill water bottles,

potentially cutting down on recyclable waste and water usage

as well. A third project is technology upgrades that have since

been implemented throughout campus to put computers to

sleep to conserve energy. Other examples are the air

conditioning and heating upgrades to Juniper Hall, which

created a smarter system that senses the presence of people

in the room and turns on or off accordingly to save energy, and

LED lights in the parking garage to cut down on energy costs.

Previous approaches:

In the early 90s, USF begun to research different

approaches to decrease its environmental footprint

while continuing to grow. Starting with acommunity recycling site in 1990, USF also began a

shuttle service for students and faculty to cut down

on road congestion and vehicles driven on campus,

reducing the overall carbon footprint of the school

and promoting a sense of awareness and

responsibility to the students. As well as the shuttles,

the University took the initiative to plant over 2000

trees around campus to become more eco-friendly

school. These trees not only provide an enhanced

visual aspect, they also produce oxygen and offset

even more emissions that are produced by students,faculty and the University.

The University of South Florida has come a long

way in helping the environment. Carbon emissions

are a major cause in destroying the atmosphere, and

Styrofoam is filled with polystyrene which produces

carbon dioxide. USF has found a way to eliminate

the footprint of nearly 40,000 students by

introducing reusable plastic containers at a small

fee.

Further, students at the University of South Florida

not only help the college but also take their ideas

into the world. Evan Brady had an idea to open up

an eco-friendly car wash in the local area. It is a fee

of $25 dollars and comes with multiple perks. This

mobile car washing system has wowed many

individuals and is continuing to expand so others

can receive the benefits of an eco-friendly and

convenient car wash.


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Other ways we are making a difference:

Using toilet paper and paper towels fromrecycled paper products

Purchasing picnic tables and benches fromrecycled plastic bottles

Using electronic paper towel dispensers Regulating thermostats and water heaters

throughout campus to reduce energy waste

Purchasing non-toxic cleaning products Using rechargeable batteries Setting electronics to use energy saving features Installing more bicycle racks to encourage

commuting on bike

Sponsoring electronics recycling events for thecommunityWater Usage

USF is also on the forefront of design and

implementation of water recycling and reduced usage.

By collaborating with the Southwest Florida Water

Management District, USF has developed new ways to

use recycled water around campus. By collecting

rainwater in a large cistern, the university then pumps

rainwater across the street to the campus golf course,

The Claw, to help water the greens. The Patel Center

for Global Solutions also uses rainwater harvesting on

its roof for use in urinals and toilet flushing, and the

Running of the Bulls statue in front of the Marshall

Student Center also uses recycled rainwater in the fount.


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Discussion:

Car Wash

In addition, Evan Brady had a passion for cars as well as

helping the environment, so he came up with the idea of a

convenient and eco-friendly car wash that is eco-friendly. Not

only do the Citysleekers wash your car with eco-friendly

products, but they also will come to you, so having no time is

not an excuse. Making a reservation is simple and easy,

whether you want to make it online or in person both are

available. Your $25 dollars is mostly a donation, you are

getting a clean car with environmentally conscious productsand the company recycles their products as well as donating to

the production of wells. Currently its location is limited to

Clearwater and St. Petersburg but they are going to expand it

soon. Their website www.citysleekers.comprovides you with

all the information needed to make your reservation today.

Styrofoam

Styrofoam is not an option anymore at the

University of South Florida, having been a year

strong this college has been providing plastic

reusable containers at a deposit of $4. Students are

able to return their used dishes for a new one

whenever they want, or even collect their deposit

back. It really does not cause much of a hassle

besides bringing the dirty dish back for a new one.

Many of the students are participating in this new

action on campus and it is an easy way for them to

help clean up their environment. According to

Christian Wells, next to water bottles, Styrofoam

is one of the worst environmental pollutants. In

total it is costing $17,000 for the 7,500 reusable

containers, but it is well worth it in the long run by

helping our environment as well as saving $23,000

by not using Styrofoam. This great notion has

come a long way and many are proud and thankful

for the great achievement.
http://www.citysleekers.com/http://www.citysleekers.com/


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Interview:

On Paiges interview with Dr. Joseph Dorsey, we had a better

understanding of how USFs Green actions are resulting and we

also obtained valuable opinions about this movement. In his opinion,

one of the actions that brought the greatest positive impact in the

University was the recycling program. The students planned thecharging of $1 per credit hour in the tuition. This has built a large

green energy fund. USF Tampa raised about $100,000 in 2012. said

Dr. Dorsey. Unfortunately, he also commented about this change

they brought the least amount of success. USFs sustainability

department planned to have a couple classes repeated to inform and

discuss a potential Green House gas building at USF Tampa and it

did not go through as planned. According to Dr. Joseph Dorsey, this

happened mainly because the process of creating awareness around

campus is very slow.

We also asked him that since USFSP is surrounded by the Gulf of

Mexico, are there any actions taken by the USF community to

prevent pollutants from going into the Gulf of Mexico from the

campus. He answered that a pollution line was placed around

popular parts of campus in the water to prevent trash from floating

into the main part of the Gulf. I was student advisor for research on

the Gulf of Mexico, and from my understanding, the water

surrounding campus has as much pollution as the water in the main

part of the gulf. This is hard to control said Dr. Dorsey.

At the end of the interview we asked if there was anything he

believed that USF could have done differently in a more efficient

way. He answered that USF shouldhave partnered more outside of

Campus. A more porous campus

would be better he said. In the past,

USF didnt allow outsiders to come

to campus to provide ideas to the

students in order to improve the

Green movement. He believes that

the University would have a better

informed student body if this was

done before. USF has also attempted

to push the community to consume

less and watch the energy use.

However, they dont seem to pay

attention to that. In conclusion, Dr.

Joseph Dorsey thinks that his main

concern is to inform more students.

After all, we are the future.

Green Energy Fund

What started out as a simple mission to

become more environmentally friendly

school, this goal has developed into stamp ofexperience for the University Of South

Florida. It is ranked as the top 25thgreen

school in the nation. In addition, it has found

a way to pass the cost of becoming green on

to the students by creating the one dollar

Green Energy fee for each credit hour taken at

USF. This fee has been positively perceived

by students, with little objection. This has

been possible due to the clear goal, to create

an environment on campus that promotes

green living and improve and maintain the

surrounding areas in which we live. The

Green energy fee makes the funding of

projects such as replacing lights or

implementing new technology to decrease

energy consumption and increase the

sustainability of the environment much more

feasible, instead of having the University

front the costs themselves. At what equates to

$120 dollars per student (if graduating in four

years with 120 credit hours), students pay asmall cost that when combined with other

students fees, creates a large budget for the

University to use in the reunification of the

campus. Because that budget is spent on

efficient and sustainable programs that will in

the long run save USF money and support our

environment, its students are essentially

investing in their (hopeful) alma mater and

ensuring the school and environment's

existence in the future.


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Interview with Professor Maya Trotz:

What has had the most impact and/or success with

USFsinitiative to Go Green?

USF has recently place recycling bins in the

courtyards and around campus. These recycling bins are

more prevalent than regular garbage cans and they havetwo different disposals. By giving the USF community a

choice of plastics and landfill (or perishables) when they

throw their garbage away, the choice will be easy-

recycle.

What addition to or change in USF has been made

that has had the least amount of success?

We reviewed multiple aspects of environmental

enhancement when deciding to invest money or make

change in the university. Therefore, I personally am notaware of any failures thus far.

How much money do you estimate USF has invested

into their environmental sustainability movement?

USF's Green movement has focused a lot on the energy

usage within our new buildings. While building these

buildings, the environment was kept in mind for the

design. The dollar amount, I do not know, but the energy

fund has produced much of what is spent on our Green

Movement. We also have investments

What compelled USF to make environmental

sustainability a priority?

Overall, this generation has become well aware of the

impact we have had on the environment throughout the

years. Technology has discovered ways in which we can

prevent such an impact, so these have been goals USF

has aimed at.

USF has created a plan to add 15 more water fountains

that are for efficiently refilling water bottles. What isyour view on the water fountains when it comes to the

movement USF has taken to be green? Do you believe

there could be an improvement to this approach?

The water fountains are a great idea because they help

the recycling process of water bottles. Refilling them

instead of drinking another and throwing the first out is

an efficient way to use less plastic. Water canisters that

are meant for reuse are also a way to save plastic.

In an effort to improve the amount of energy USFs

buildings use, USF has been given $104,760 for a newand improved ventilation system that has a sensor for

human presence and $50,000 for computers to have

energy-reducing software installed. The electric faucets

and flush valves have also been used for energy and

water conservation.

What is your opinion on the necessity of the

investment of money and time on these conservation

projects when looking at the impact they have to the

environment?Keeping up with technology and looking at the future

of the environment is the reason these investments were

made. Standing back and looking at the future from what

actions USF is taking now will be divided-choosing

between saving the environmental future and saving

money.

Is there anything you believe USF should have done

differently/in a more efficient manner that was not

done?

USF has formed groups/clubs for the Greenmovement to boost sustainability lifestyles. Being aware

of this, has created a more efficient manner that would

be within these groups. Looking at the city we live in

and feeding our ideas off of what the surrounding area is

doing would be a good idea. I am sure the intelligent

participants in this movement have thoroughly thought

this through. Therefore, I am not able to think of

anything we could do differently from what we have

already accomplished.

USF has relied on the sole power of intelligence the

community of USF has as residence. This environmental

movement is formed by sustainable creations

accomplished by the students at USF.

Environmentally friendly lifestyle changes now is

an investment in our future.


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Conclusion:

The student body has led the way for USF to go green. It

has been the push from the students which has made

USFs initiative to Go Green a success. Their

accomplishment in providing environmental

sustainability can be seen in the students sense of

ownership, which they have from residing on campus,

which in turn has given us confidence for a Green future

The students are the future of the planet therefore the

responsibility lies in their hands to take precaution as

well as make wise decisions. Further, positive results

will guarantee that we will all have a great planet to liveon.


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Sources:

Annotated Bibliography

Interview:

Barrett , Paige. Personal interview. 1. August. 2013.

Dr Joseph Dorsey:I chose this professor as a source of information because he is head of the sustainability

committee at USF. He is also a researcher of pollution in the Gulf of Mexico. He has spent many years at USF

and understands how the Green movement came along. Professor Christian Wells referred Dr Dorsey to me

and I was able to meet him face to face promptly. I read about his background in energy conservation and

sustainability and decided he would be the correct candidate for an interview.

I choose Professor Trotz because she has experience in the Green movement and sustainability. She focusesmainly on water contaminants and conservation. Maya Trotz Professor Trotz is a Professor of civil and

environmental engineering at USF. Not only does she focuses on sustainability but also water quality. Her

experience at USF led me to believe she would have an idea of what USF has done to improve certain parts of

the campus and how exactly this has affected the environment. Her knowledge of water quality and

conservation also gave way to questions about the new water fountain installations and other water

accessible features in the campus.

Car wash sources:

Hendricks, Megan. "Innovation & Job News." 83Degrees. Nick Price, 26 Feb. 2013. Web. 01 Aug.

2013. .

Price, Nick. "City Sleekers." City Sleekers. City Sleekers, 26 Feb. 2013. Web. 01 Aug. 2013.

.

I found that these websites provided great information, the city leekers specific website showed how the car

wash works and what it specifically provides. Along with the informational website, showing the background

of how the car wash got started. I found this idea really great and unique which is why I incorporated it into

the research.


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Styrofoam sources:

Rogers, Jesse. "USF Is Taking Green to a Whole New Level, out with Styrofoam, in with Reusable to Go

Boxes." WFTS. ABC News, n.d. Web. 28 July 2013.

.

"USF Dining Is Styrofoam-Free." - University of South Florida. USF News Reports, 21 July 2011.

Web. 01Aug. 2013..

Getting rid of the Styrofoam in the cafeteria seemed like a very bold idea but somehow they made it work. It

was such a hit that ABC news did an article on it. The fact that USF is thinking of these great ideas helps them

become more and more Eco-friendly every day. The Styrofoam is a good way to let the students decide if they

want to help out the environment as well, so it is not something that is forced.

History:

"Sustainability Programs and Initiatives at USF and around the World." Patel School of Global

Sustainability. USF, n.d. Web. 01 Aug. 2013..

The Patel College of Global Sustainability offers a detailed history of the green movement that USF has striven

for since 1995. Starting with small but effective projects such as off campus shuttle services to cut down onthe emissions from commuting students up to the recent renovation of buildings all over campus to increase

the energy efficiency, USF has made a commitment to the green movement and sustainability a key target

area for development and investment.

Green Energy Fee

"University of South Florida." - USF Controller's Office. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Aug. 2013.

.

This page, found on USFs website, lists the exact purpose of the Student Green Energy fee as a way to advance

the uses of renewable energy and to improve the overall output of all USF emissions and energy uses.


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Green Energy Funds:

Velez, Jessica. "Green Fee Council Selects 5 New Sustainability Projects." The Oracle: University of South

Florida. USF, 04 Apr. 2012. Web. 01 Aug. 2013. .

The Oracle Staff writer Jessica Velez offers a description of the 5 projects that were being funded by the

Student Green Fee around the USF Tampa campus. With an award totaling $269,510, the campus invested in a

few different areas around campus. The first area being the Cypress Hall receiving $12,340 to install auto

dimming lights that adjust to how much ambient light there is. Next is $50,000 investment in technologies

used campus wide to reduce electrical usage by putting computer monitors to sleep when they are not being

used. Juniper-Poplar hall received a $104,760 upgrade to its heating and cooling units that allows the

thermometer to recognize when a person enters or leaves a room so that the temperature can adjust to cool

off or to conserve energy. There will be $24,320 spent on upgrade to water fountains that allow for the refilling

of water bottles and containers, not only cutting down on water usage but also reducing recycled materials

used. The last project to receive funding was the Parking and transportation services proposal to replace

current fluorescent bulbs in the Crescent Hill Parking garage with Efficient LED lighting, this received $78,000.

Board of Governors:

Velez, Mike. "Green Fee Passes, Global Experience Fee Fails." The Oracle: University of South Florida.

USF, 14 Feb. 2011. Web. 01 Aug. 2013. .

The Oracle staff writer Mike Velez offers insight into the Board of Governors decision to allow USF campus to

charge up 1$ per credit hour as a green energy fee that goes toward the energy efficiency projects as well as

renewable energy initiatives.
http://www.usforacle.com/green-fee-passes-global-experience-http://www.usforacle.com/green-fee-passes-global-experience-http://www.usforacle.com/green-fee-passes-global-experience-http://www.usforacle.com/green-fee-passes-global-experience-http://www.usforacle.com/green-fee-passes-global-experience-http://www.usforacle.com/green-fee-passes-global-experience-


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Works Cited:

Barrett , Paige. Personal interview. 1. August. 2013.

Hendricks, Megan. "Innovation & Job News." 83Degrees. Nick Price, 26 Feb. 2013. Web. 01 Aug.

2013. .

Price, Nick. "City Sleekers." City Sleekers. City Sleekers, 26 Feb. 2013. Web. 01 Aug. 2013.

.

Rogers, Jesse. "USF Is Taking Green to a Whole New Level, out with Styrofoam, in with Reusable to Go

Boxes." WFTS. ABC News, n.d. Web. 28 July 2013.

.

"Sustainability Programs and Initiatives at USF and around the World."Patel School of Global

Sustainability. USF, n.d. Web. 01 Aug. 2013. .

"USF Dining Is Styrofoam-Free." - University of South Florida. USF News Reports, 21 July 2011.

Web. 01Aug. 2013. .

"University of South Florida." - USF Controller's Office. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Aug. 2013.

.

Velez, Jessica. "Green Fee Council Selects 5 New Sustainability Projects." The Oracle: University of

South Florida. USF, 04 Apr. 2012. Web. 01 Aug. 2013. .

Velez, Mike. "Green Fee Passes, Global Experience Fee Fails." The Oracle: University of South Florida.

USF, 14 Feb. 2011. Web. 01 Aug. 2013. < http://www.usforacle.com/green-fee-passes-global-experience-fee-

fails-1.2467467>.

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White Paper- Team 1