White Paper - Green Machine Final

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USF Green Machine Professional Writing, Dr. Francis Tobienne, Jr.

Executive Summary Pg. 2

The Green Movement and USF: An Introduction Pg. 3

USFs Individual Role and Achievements within the Community Pg. 4

Interview: Eric RR Weaver - Pg. 6

USF Compared to Other Universities Pg. 8

An Overview Pg. 9

Glossary of Terms Pg. 10

Sources Cited Pg. 11

Annotated Bibliography Pg. 12

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Contents:

Yinong Bai

Michael Baker

Austin Bottie

Alexis Dangar

Shi Chen

The Green Movement:

The Participation of USF in the Community

June 16, 2015

Contributors:

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Professional Writing, Dr. Francis Tobienne, Jr.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The University of South Florida has gone to great lengths to involve itself in sustainability-driven, environmentally friendly activities and policies. The word activity is key here; through the actions of the university, the community of the Tampa Bay area has been positively impacted in many ways.

USF has engaged in research, in coordination with private entities such as Duke Energy and Albert Whitted Airport, in an attempt to create new sustainable energy sources. The outcome of these efforts include a $1 million grant to USF to fund the construction of solar panels on the USFSP campus, and a program at the Albert Whitted Airport to acquire energy from the sun and use it in place of conventionally obtained energy at peak-use times.

In addition to these coordinated efforts of technological development by USF and private businesses in the community, the university has also engaged in programs that directly benefit members of the community. Examples of such advantageous plans are the initiation of a car sharing program, the investment into equipment that helps lower energy use related to computer and lighting infrastructure around campus, and the countless events and activities hosted by the University of South Florida.

In this report is an interview with Eric RR Weaver, a teaching assistant at the Patel College of Global Sustainability. He gives further valuable insight into the engagement of USF in the green movement within the community. His personal perspective is unique due to his close work with students across various fields in association with the Patel College.

Finally, this report takes into consideration the involvement of the University of South Florida in the green movement as compared to other universities in the United States and even abroad. This comparison includes the University of Cambridge, which according to QS World University Rankings in 2011 and 20012 is the greenest university in the world.

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The Green Movement and USF: An Introduction

A broad term with several definitions, the Green Movement can be used in many applications. This report focuses on the green movement as related to environmentalism and sustainability, and even more specifically on the individual events and projects that the University of South Florida has involved itself in. Many of the events or programs described within this report were in fact organized and carried out by the colleges, staff and faculty, and students of the university.

Nowadays the term green movement is used so commonly that it often goes without its political undertones, instead standing purely for newly developing green technologies and/or infrastructure within a community.

These technologies and/or infrastructure may include solar panels and advanced battery systems for the storage of solar energy, electric cars and car-charging stations, the replacement of common wasteful or harmful materials with more environmentally friendly ones, new city wide programs providing alternatives conventional transportation, and even simple events to raise community awareness of subjects such as recycling.

In this report of the University of South Floridas participation in the green movement within the community at large, all of the above programs and technologies (and more) will be covered in detail.

When sustainability is viewed as being a matter of survival for your business, I believe you can create massive change. -Cameron Sinclair

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USFs Individual Role and Achievements within the Community

The role played by the University of Florida in its own community

influences the position of the larger municipality in its

participation in the green movement. As such, the university

must prove its dedication by both deed and word.

In February 2013, USF Saint Petersburg launched its first car-

sharing program in an effort to create an affordable

transportation alternative. This program was opened to not only

students and staff, but also the community at large.

This car-sharing program follows a similar one previously

launched in Tampa, and both programs are operated by WeCar, a

company run by Enterprise.

Saint Petersburg Mayor, Bill Foster, was quoted as saying As the

first green city in Florida, St. Petersburg is committed to being a

good steward of the environment. This program will enhance St.

Petersburgs reputation as a livable city.

But USFs dedication does not stop so shortly. The university has

also partnered with facilities in the community to help with the

environmentally safe disposal of batteries and computer parts.

Other green initiatives include the purchasing of special

equipment that allows the remote powering off of idling lab and

computer gear, and the promoting and purchasing of RoHS

(Restriction of Hazardous Substance) compliant low-power

computer hardware and peripherals.

In 2010, Dr. Wells, the Director of the Office of Sustainability at

the Tampa campus of USF, worked with the Marketing Manager

of USF Dining, Jenna Burns, to eliminate all Styrofoam takeout

containers; this step not only helped make USF more

environmentally conscious, but also resulted in a savings for the

university of $6,000 per year. USF was able to decrease the

amount of garbage produced by 30% annually just by switching

Thank God men cannot fly, and lay waste the sky as well as the earth.

-Henry David Thoreau

Article by Michael Baker

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(Continued)

to reusable containers.

USFSP has a 2.0-kW solar energy system

located at its Central Facilities Plant. This

solar energy system was constructed in

partnership with Duke Energy and the USF

Tampa School of Engineering.

Other sustainability driven installations on

campus include a series of solar panels

that provide power for decorative lights.

As of spring 2015, Duke Energy Florida

and USFSP have shown to the public a

new solar battery project located on the

roof of the parking center. This solar

battery is meant to in part to explore solar

energy storage options as well as possible

uses on and around campus. The project

is funded by a $1 million grant from Duke

Energy.

As part of this same grant, USFSP was able

to procure two new NovaCharge electric

car-charging stations from Nissan. These

two stations are located in the universitys

parking lot.

At USF, a considerable measure is being

done in the College of Engineering's

Power Center for Utility Explorations.

Namely, a system called SEEDS

(Sustainable Electric Energy Delivery

Systems) is being developed as part of a

progressive approach to advance the

framework of Saint Petersburgs power

grid into the developing, sustainability-

centered 21st century standards. SEEDS is

a renewable energy system that combines

several energy sources with solar power

to aid in powering the grid at peak times.

One key to this system is its incorporation

of advanced battery systems. Two SEEDS

units were recently installed on the USF

St. Petersburg grounds and the close-by

Albert Whitted Park. These units are

continually collecting solar energy and

storing it in the advanced battery systems

to be released back into the conventional

power grid when the grids demand

reaches high levels, thus lowering the

demand for fossil fuel-based power

sources.

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A critical environmental fact about USF is that we have 735 acres of forest

preserve next to our campus.

Eric RR Weaver

Teaching assistant for grading and updating the core courses offered at the Patel College of Global Sustainability

Civil Engineering Doctoral Candidate at the University of South Florida

Supports graduate and undergraduate students in their scholarly development

Support provided for students in areas of engineering, urban agriculture, public health, and entrepreneurship

Eric RR Weaver

An Interview with Eric RR Weaver:

-Teaching assistant for grading and updating the core courses offered at the Patel College of Global Sustainability.

Interview conducted by Shi Chen and Yinong Bai

What is your name and position at USF?

I am the teaching assistant for grading and updating the core courses we offer here at the Patel College of Global Sustainability. I also help the office of sustainability with their projects and reports.

Would you briefly describe your organization? What is its goal?

The colleges seek to educate people about becoming more sustainable by reducing their impact on the environment. The Office of Sustainability is charged with advising the university on matters pertaining to the campus environment, sustainability, and energy efficiency. Through this mission, the office will encourage and facilitate the collaborative efforts of faculty, students, and staff to generate knowledge, acquire skills, develop values, and initiate practices that contribute to a sustainable campus.

In what events and activities does the organization participate that are associated with the green movement?

Most or all of our activities are part of the GREEN MOVEMENT. Detailed in the colleges website are some

previous events that held in USFSP. For example, we have Race for the Watts held on November 3-7 2014.

In what programs does the organization participate? What is the importance of these programs?

We keep close with the Student Green Energy Fund, which was initiated as a collaborative, state-wide, student-led campaign in 2007. With support from our office of sustainability, other key faculty and staff, and various student organizations, students from USF Tampa and USF St. Petersburg championed the SGEF proposal through the USF Board of Trustees and the Florida Board of Governors (BOG). At USF St. Petersburg, SGEF is financed through a nominal student fee of $1.00 per credit hour. Students at each campus within the University of South Florida (USF) System has the right to vote, via a student body referendum, to approve initiation of the fee and affirm any subsequent modifications to it on their respective campuses. Every three years, students will have the opportunity to reaffirm support of the fee via referendum. The SGEF have three ongoing projects right now. Mike Leggett is the investigator of project LED Lighting- USFSP Soccer Field

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USFSP Soccer Field which is to provide sustainable efficient LED Lighting for the renovated USFSP soccer field. It will cost about $55,150 to SGEF, and estimated use for 600 hour per year. Mike Leggett also proposes another project named Recycle Stations Phase 2 which would add four outdoor recycle stations to the USFSP campus. Cost for 4 stations will be $5,700. The recycle stations are made of recycled components, they are water resistant, weather durable, and made by heavy and durable plastic which will ensure its longevity. Each station consists of two sections, which will be for trash and recyclable co-mingles. Stations are the ideal choice of the USFSP Operations and Maintenance of Facilities Staff because their studies and research have shown recycle bins actually collect more trash when they are free standing. Kaitlin McKeever investigates the project Keeping Our Environment Fit The goals of project are Retrofitting the entire gym with LED lights to require less energy throughout the hours of operation, and replacing older less sustainable cardio equipment downstairs with ones made of recycled material that use less energy.

In your opinion, what program/event is the most helpful? Why?

The LED Lighting program might be the most helpful one. It is efficient in that 29.5 foot-candles are guaranteed. We use an annually average of 9,456kW; with the installation of LED, annual energy savings compared to metal halide or similar non-LED design will be 9,311.99kW. Annual savings compared to metal halide or other similar non-LED designs will be $1,992.77. 25-year energy savings compared to metal halide or similar non-LED designs add up to $49,819.20.

What do you think about the environment pertaining to USF?

A critical environmental fact about USF is that we have 735 acres of forest preserve next to our campus. We have the Science and Technology building (STG) in USFSP is the first LEED Certified Gold building in the USF System. The Science and Technology building (STG) is an energy efficient building which can reduce construction pollution. Also, its low-emitting materials can reduce the quantity of indoor air contaminants; its roof can reduces urban heat island effect. STG preferred parking for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles, and it provides an electric vehicle charging stations. STG has a storm water runoff management plan that limits pollution of natural water flows, and a roof that reduces urban heat island effect. In the area of transportation, USFSP is committed to sustainability and there are four related programs: transportation enterprise car share program, bike-a-bull bike share program, PSTA U-PASS program, and electric vehicle charging stations. USFSP concerns itself with climate and energy in several ways. USFSP DUKE ENERGY PV SOLAR ARRAY focuses on the storage of solar energy. The garden was designed to promote the interaction and appreciation of nature in an urban setting. The garden gives a quieting natural setting to everybody.

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Article by Alexis Dangar and Austin Bottie

The University of South Florida Compared to Other Universities

USF is considered one of the greenest universities in the US, but other universities in Florida also are becoming more involved in the green movement. For example, the University of Florida created Gators Going Green for any student interested sustainability.

Similarly, Florida State University has a Garnett and Gold Goes Green campaign that encourages recycling in an attempt to decrease litter around the stadium.

Another university located in Florida that encourages students to be green is Florida Gulf Coast University. They have an environmental education program called Wings of Hope, which provides multiple ways by which their students can protect the natural environment.

These examples show how schools all around Florida want to improve our environment and make a positive impact for the future. It is important that universities promote these programs to their students because many do not understand the simple efforts that could truly make a difference in the community.

According to the QS World University Rankings of 2011 and 2012, the University of Cambridge (located in the UK), is rated number one in the world for being green. According to the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, there were 84 new solar energy installations on university campuses, not including the 29 that were already completed. Those 114 solar energy installations are supposed to save $50 million over the next ten years.

The University of Texas has created a building that stays naturally cool and light, saving a great sum of money through reduced air conditioning and lighting. At the University of Copenhagen, the Green Lighthouse building produces its own energy from solar cells and panels.

The University of Lausanne in Switzerland sends all of their food waste to local farms, which then use the waste to produce fertilizers and biogas fuel.

Last but not least, some universities such as Duke University allow students to show their student identifications to borrow bicycles and even bring in their own bicycles for free repairs.

The University of South Florida runs comparable programs to the universities mentioned above, but as detailed in this report, USF sponsors and attends myriad green events, explaining why it is widely considered one of the greenest universities in the nation.

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Overview of USFs Participation in the Green Movement at a Local Level

As detailed in this report, the University of Florida has undisputedly demonstrated is dedication to the Green Movement, environmentalism, and sustainability. USF, at several campuses and within multiple departments and colleges, sponsors and runs programs for the purpose of promoting sustainability within the community at large.

These efforts run from simple, individual based participation in programs to new research funds totaling in the millions of dollars. The car-sharing program instituted by the University of South Florida Saint Petersburg is one such example of a simple plan to allow individual students, staff, and faculty members reduce the negative impact they personally have on the environment.

The state-of-the-art solar panel installation on the roof of the universitys Saint Petersburg campus parking garage is a prime example of the extent to which USF is dedicated to the green movement. This solar power panel gives not only energy efficient and sustainable power, but also hope to the community for a future where such technology may see widespread use, benefitting the entire municipality.

The University of South Florida, through its programs, research, and engagement in the community, is helping to create a greener, more sustainable and environmentally friendly city, state, and beyond into the world over.

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Glossary of Terms

Green Movement newly developing green technologies and/or infrastructure.

LED Lighting Program program by USF to replace old, less sustainable lighting systems.

NovaCharge electric car-charging station provided by Nissan. Two such stations are available for use at the USFSP campus.

PSTA U-Pass Pinellas System Transit Authority in agreement with USF, giving students free admission to public transportation systems.

Race for the WATTS an event organized by The Patel College of Global Sustainability

RoHS Compliance Restriction of Hazardous Substances, adherence to the certain guidelines for the safe treatment of restricted, potentially harmful substances.

SEEDS Sustainable Electric Energy Delivery Systems. Technology developed by USFs College of Engineering's Power Center for Utility Explorations.

Sustainable pertaining to efficient and/or renewable use of resources.

Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF) a collaborative, state-wide, student-led campaign focused on green energy.

WeCar a company owned by Enterprise (a car rental company) that works in cooperation with the University of South Florida in the universities car-sharing program.

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Works Cited

Scherberger, Tom. USF St. Petersburg Introduces Car - Sharing Program. USFSP News Center. 2013

http://www.usfsp.edu/blog/2013/02/12/usf-st-petersburg-introduces-car-sharing-program/

Wilma. Going Green and Saving Green: University of South Florida Celebrates One-Year All Ecos Anniversary. 2011.

http://ecotakeouts.com/reusable-to-go-blog/?p=136

Member of the USF System. USF St. Petersburg, Duke Energy Unveil Solar Battery Project. 2015.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/duke-energy-university-of-south-florida-st-petersburg-unveil-

solar-battery-project-300086606.html

Davis, RaeChelle. USF named one of nations greenest universities. Bay News 9. 2014.

http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/news/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2014/4/22/us

f_named_one_of_nat.html

Member of the USF System. Green Initiatives. 2013.

http://www.usfsp.edu/undergrad/green/

Lauren Reilly. Student Green Energy Fund is a great opportunity for USFSP. The Crows Nest. 2012.

http://crowsneststpete.com/tag/student-green-energy-fund/

Member of the USF System. Clubs. Sustainability. 2013.

http://psgs.usf.edu/usf-office-of-sustainability/sustainability-at-usf/

WUSF Channel. The future of green energy research with USFSPs GELS. YouTube. 2012. MP4.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEjdxB0TtRc

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Scherberger, Tom. USF St. Petersburg Introduces Car. Scherberger, Tom. USF St. Petersburg Introduces Car- Sharing Program. USFSP News Center. 2013

As of February 2013, USF has launched its first car-sharing program, which is an affordable transportation alternative for students, staff, and even the general public. This program provides membership-based and computerized car rental program and offers an environmentally sustainable, efficient and cost-effective alternative to driving individual cars.

Wilma. Going Green and Saving Green: University of South Florida Celebrates One-Year All Ecos Anniversary. 2011.

In 2010, Dr. Wells, the Director of the Office of Sustainability at the Tampa campus of USF, worked with the Marketing Manager of USF Dining, Jenna Burns, to eliminate all Styrofoam takeout containers. This was a big step for USF and really made a difference. For instance, USF was able to decrease by 30% the amount of garbage produced just by switching to reusable containers. Not only does this help the environment, but it also saves USF approximately $6,000 a year.


USFSP has a 2.0-kW solar energy system located at its Central Facilities Plant that was constructed in partnership with Duke Energy and the USF Tampa School of Engineering. Additionally, a series of solar panels provides power for decorative lights on campus. Duke Energy Florida and USFSP unveiled a new solar battery project that will explore how to store and use energy from the sun, funded by a $1 million grant from Duke Energy.

Davis, RaeChelle. USF named one of nations greenest universities. Bay News 9. 2014.

This article explains how USF is considered one of the greenest universities in the nation. USF was the first university in the United States to have a College of Global Sustainability. The materials used in the building are efficient and/or recycled. The campus also has solar panels and car-charging stations. The steps that USF has taken on campus are expanding out into the local community. For the past four years, USF has been in charge of Earth Day Tampa Bay.

Member of the USF System. Green Initiatives. 2013.

Every year on Earth Day, the Student Environmental Awareness Society helps with beach plantings and beach cleanups around the Bayboro Harbor. On Earth Day, there are about 200 plants, along with sea purslane (which according to Dictionary.com is a small chenopodiaceous shrub) that are added to the Bayboro Harbor. The sea purslane is added for its beneficial influence on the ecosystem, including the reduction of erosion.

Lauren Reilly. Student Green Energy Fund is a great opportunity for USFSP. The Crows Nest. 2012.

For the year 2012, the Student Green Energy Fund was expected to raise $116,000. It is up to the students to have the Student Green Energy Fund. The fund allowed for the contribution of $1 dollar per credit hour. There are only two other schools in the state of Florida that have this special program, USF Tampa and New College. Many other Florida universities are trying to implement this fund into their programs, such as FIU, FAMU, FSU, UF, UWF.

Member of the USF System. Clubs. Sustainability. 2013.

Two clubs at USFSP participate heavily in the Going Green movement and are available for students to join as members: the SEAS (Student Environmental Awareness Society) and The Garden Club. The SEAS promotes awareness of environmental issues, outdoor activities, and a green world. The Garden Club educates students on urban farming techniques while promoting connection with the local community and its land.

WUSF Channel. The future of green energy research with USFSPs GELS. YouTube. 2012. MP4.

GELS is the acronym for Green Energy Living Systems, a subject being researched at USFSP by the club of the same name. The main foci of the group are sustainability and the environment. They are involved in food production, green energy, and sustainability education. This particular video features Dr. Joseph Dorsey explaining the goals and direction of GELS.


USFSP has a 2.0-kW solar energy system located at its Central Facilities Plant that was constructed in partnership with Duke Energy and the USF Tampa School of Engineering. Additionally, a series of solar panels provides power for decorative lights on campus. Duke Energy Florida and USFSP unveiled a new solar battery

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