Enviro-Bulls

Shoua Thao
Gwen Washington
Eder Villalba
Hsuan Wang

ENC3250
Professional Writing
Dr. Francis Tobienne

University of South Florida

St. Petersburg

Home of the Bulls

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11/19/2014

Table of Contents
Executive Summary

Introduction

Student Involvement

SGEF

SEAS

USFSP Green Initiatives

Energy Conservation Projects

5
5

o LEED Buildings

o Friendly Computing

Disposal Initiatives

Printing Sustainability

o Solar Doks

o Recycling Initiatives

o Water Conservation

Sustainable Beautification Projects

o Native Trees & Plants

o Butterfly Garden

o Harbor Cleanup

List of Project Proposals

Conclusion

10

Works Cited

11

Annotated Bibliography

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Executive Summary
What does going green mean?
Going green means implementing a positive lifestyle change to live in an eco-friendly way. It means
becoming more environmentally mindful, and altering ones behavior and lifestyle to lessen the amount of
pollution and waste being generated. While this can be major improvements, or small adjustments to use and
waste, any change made in the going green direction will surely lessen the ecological and carbon imprint
people make on the earth. But why is this important? Because chances are, the amount of use and waste being
accumulated today, will cause an even more expensive and irreversible harm to the earth for future generations.
Is this a people problem, or a business issue? Well, technically everyone can help. While businesses are major
contributors to the use and damage to the earth, each person can be just as responsible. A business, though, has
the chance to take advantage to the cost saving techniques for their business, while also making a positive
impact on the earth for present and future generations.
So, what exactly is going green? According to the blog Save the World, it is the attempt to save the
world through environmentally friendly habits (2009). And although some make think this movement has
become simply a trend, it is a trend worth embracing and following, and students are great proponents of
possible future options and projects for a healthier and sustainable life. Therefore, any action taken that that
contributes to sustainable living makes a progressive impact on the environment. It starts with the power of one
person to promote it throughout the community.

Introduction
In 1995, the University of South Florida began their mission to go green. The Office of Sustainability,
at the USF Tampa location, was designed to educate faculty and students to make better decisions. Although the
University is first seen as an institute of higher learning, it is still a business, and a very important business at
that. It does educate, and foster the future. And as a role model, the college is a leader, and people learn best by
example. This concept of leadership inspired the universitys leaders to implement important changes that can
help influence the future of peoples thinking. From small changes to major financial projects, USFSP has been
a pillar for embracing the concepts of sustainability and conservation. For its
own benefit, of course. While some projects may start out as expensive
investments, their future cost-benefit analysis proves to be a significant cost
reducing technique that helps everyone out. Going green is a win-win.
Many projects have been proposed by students, which helps to foster a
continued mindset for new students coming into the college. And this doesnt
just mean recycling, but that is obviously a great start. Positive sustainable
projects can involve maximizing resources, finding alternatives, offering priority
or opportunity for practice, reducing use, getting involved, and even preserving
and beautifying what already exists. Most importantly, sustainability and green
initiatives are not just about the people, but about how the people interact with
the environment, and how mutually beneficial this relationship is.

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Student Involvement
The most important step to fostering sustainability is involvement. It is pretty simple, when people get
involved, they care. It matters to them, and they become invested in the outcome. People do not mean to be selfinvolved, but with so much going on everywhere around them, sometimes the future of the earth falls to the
wayside. Essentially, out of sight, out of mind. Not that this mindset is condoned; however, active efforts must
be taken to change this, and sometimes, people have to feel the immediate costs of their irresponsibility. This
can be difficult, since most of these errors will not really be an obvious detriment for generations to come.
However, sometimes people can learn to appreciate if they are given the chance to be involved. This is why
students chose to activate some important fund related expenses for all students attending USFSP.

SGEF, or, Student Green Energy Fund

In an attempt to maximize on the mutual benefit of student enrollment at the college, and student
enjoyment of the beautification and sustainability of the school, the college implemented a small fee as part of
students tuition. Started in 2011, the SGE Fund is estimated to have accrued, in the past three years,
approximately $300,000 (Green Initiatives). This fund is led by student government officials, and exists as an
allowance for projects proposed by students, or anyone involved with USFSP, that promote energy efficiency
projects on campus (Green Initiatives). This committee is split between students and faculty. 50% of the
committee is students (Green Initiatives), which ensures that students have an equal voice in the dialogue of
proposals for the future of the campus. While teachers and faculty are important, students are a major influence
on the future of the university. Not only do they influence other students, but they graduate with a certain
reflective tone about their experiences. This is why it is so important to have students involved in the future of
the college, they are the present, and its future. According to the SGEF homepage, students pay $1.00 per credit
hour for fund considerations. Additionally, the committee overseas all proposals to ensure the ones approved
are adequate projects for the college. They must establish or improve the use of renewable energy technologies
or energy efficiencies that directly reduce the university's greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and/or costs
(SGEF).

SEAS, or, Student Environmental Awareness Society

This organization is another program on campus that helps to promote awareness of environmental
issues. Comprised of volunteer students, SEAS takes an active role in preserving the ecosystems students have
access to. It is amazing to have the opportunity to sit and study overlooking the Bay, but if students ignored its
needs, waste and irresponsibility would likely destroy its beauty and serenity. According to the SEAS
homepage, students work with the committee to take steps toward a greener campus, community, and world.
While it starts at USFSP, the hope is the mindset goes on in every aspect of peoples lives. To create the desire
for involvement, the SEAS organization engages in activities that integrate students with the outdoor
environments that are helpless to peoples laziness. The group will do things like go hiking, camping, fishing,
canoeing, and kayaking. Most importantly, though, they engage students in events like beach cleanups,
restoration projects, and campus cleanups. By enjoying these activities, students want to preserve the
environment. This helps to create a mutual respect for the luxury that exists around the campus. Not only do
students get a quality education, but they also learn the importance and respect for the world around them.

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USFSP Green Initiatives

It is becoming vital for people, and businesses, to recognize the importance of suitability through green
projects and movements. In keeping with this singular purpose, the University of South Floridas St. Pete
campus has been initiating projects for the past six years. From massive undertakings to obvious adjustments,
the college has become a leader, and follower, of this great campaign. This mindset has become so important,
USF even promotes its projects on its Why Choose USF St. Petersburg page for prospective students. One of
its main points under Campus, is that it has 2 buildings have earned the U.S. Green Building Councils LEED
certification and even directs students with links for both the LEED article and page, along with a prompt to
click for more information about other Green Initiatives that the school has implemented and is undertaking.

Energy Conservation Projects

One of the biggest undertakings, and most expensive, are the major conservation projects, especially
where energy is concerned. According to the Save the World blog, recycling and reducing reliance on oil-based
energy sources are two of the major changes that people can make to living a more green way of life. These can
be expensive, though, especially when considering how costly it is to construct a school building for a college,
or restructuring parking lots to accommodate charging stations. The good thing, is that USFSP has recognized
how cost-efficient these projects are, once initial costs are expensed. Some of them have even been able to be
implemented under the initial budget. (For a full list of all projects, see the table on page ).
LEED Buildings
As previously mentioned, USFSP has been awarded special recognition and certification for its
conversion to green building. In 2010, the college earned its LEED certification for the Science and Technology
Building (Marquez, Melanie 2010). As Marquez discusses, this building will not only broaden science teaching
and research for students attending the college, but it will do this as the first building in the USF System to
earn Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) certification (2010). This was a major
undertaking for the college, and cost an estimated $12 million to complete (Marquez, 2010). This was not
expensed by the SGEF, though; instead, it was supported by the Progress Energy Foundation fund and then
matched by the state Courtelis Capital Facilities Match Program (Marquez, 2010). This comprehensive gift has
created a dual benefit. Not only has it allowed for both laboratory and equipment for research tailored to
physics, geology and other geosciences, but it also allows students to utilize these sources as aids when
researching future sustainability projects in these areas. And as Marquez states, it is not just for these types of
sciences, but also has the cross-section ability to enhance other undergraduate programs of study as well 2010).
Students coming in Pre-Medical and Pre-Health Sciences tracks have the flexibility to pursue a broad-based
liberal arts education while integrating the advanced-level science coursework required by graduate and
professional programs in the health sciences (Marquez, 2010).
Friendly Computing
Most students that have been on any of USFs campuses have noticed the ability to connect to
USFs wireless internet options. According to USFs Green Initiatives page, one major energy conservation
technique is the automatic powering off of any idle classroom computers, along with promoting and purchasing
RoHS compliant low-power computer hardware and peripherals. The University recognizes the importance
of computer and Internet capabilities for its students and faculty. By embracing and engaging in sustainable
projects, the college can ensure they keep e-waste side of electronics to a minimum, which includes energy
consumption. Just leaving a computer plugged in consumes energy and costs money, so this is a mutually
beneficial technique that helps out everyone by keeping costs and expenses lowered.
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Disposal Initiatives

E-waste has become a major issue and concern, and with the advancement and abundance
of electronic devices, this problem is actually building up quick. According to USFSP
Green Initiatives, the college also engages in battery and computer parts disposal at
local recycling centers. Additionally, the college takes this one step further, and also
promotes mobile phone, battery and print cartridge recycling as well (Green Initiatives).
When thinking of how many labs and computers exist throughout the entire campus, this
is a major accomplishment. Every teacher, faculty members, and administrator uses a
computer. There is also computers in every classroom, a host of labs filled with
computers and equipment, computers in the library; essentially, there are computers
everywhere. Not to mention how quickly computers need updates and upgrades. Using
good, proper disposal techniques is both cost effective and energy reducing. And
providing these services throughout campus ensures students have the opportunity to take
advantage of these great options.

Printing Sustainability

Keeping computers in mind, the biggest waste of most printing is printing.

Insurmountable quantities of paper are wasted, and this is not just by students, but by
everyone. One major way the college is combating this issue, is by purchasing recycled
paper and then using this paper for all campus computer needs, especially lab printers
(Green Initiatives). Jessica Blais reports on a speech given by Cody Boyer to the
student body, in which he explains a new system that has been launch this past August
(2014). Boyer discusses the new printing system as a sustainable free printing program
in future years (Blais, Jessica 2014). Boyer describes the new printing system as a model
from the Tampa campus that allows students to print 22 free pages per day using their
student ID, and then allows them the opportunity to use the Bulls Bucks program to print
additional pages at $0.11 per page (Blais, Jessica 2014). Coupled with the use of recycled
paper for printing, these initiatives are sure to help conserve on wasted paper, the
destruction of rain forests for trees, and the overuse of energy consumption by electrical
devices.
Solar Doks
Not only is wasted energy consumption an issues, but overloading energy resources is just as
much of a problem. Many people do not think of this, until their power strip or outlet is overloaded and
stops working, usually because it is fried on the inside from a power surge of
some kind. In consideration of the number of students using electronic
devices, the college implemented and approved its Solar Dok project.
Completed in 2013, these solar powered tables are accessible around campus
(SGEF). Equipped with solar panels on the roof and outlets on the poles,
students are able to sit down and plug in, and work from anywhere an open
outlet can be found (SGEF). From full on tables, to seating benches, students
can find these options available all over campus. And since they use solar
panels to store energy, these options are even available in the evenings.

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Recycling Initiatives
The University of South Florida also participates in a recycling program and currently
recycles the following items:
- Mixed paper (office paper, newspaper, magazines, cardboard)
- Aluminum cans
- Glass and plastics
- Mixed metals
-Yard debris, tree limbs and wooden waste
- Fluorescent bulbs and fixture ballasts
- Electronic equipment
Since 1994 USF has recycled over 7100 tons of paper
and 48 tons of aluminum. Recycling has become an iconic
action. USFSP is filled with recycling bins and have installed
refillable/quantifiable water bottle filling stations. We are all
proud to say that we are Bulls and we are environmentally
aware. The Dont Be Trashy project was finished in 2013,
and consists of bins throughout campus so that students and
faculty can recycle their landfill items, along with plastic and
aluminum. Considering how many cans and bottled beverage
are consumed daily, this is a major positive change for the
future.
Water Conservation
And in keeping with the recycling mindset, USFSP has
also implemented refillable water stations for people to use so
they can reuse their plastic water bottles, and then when done,
recycle them in appropriate bins. This project was also
completed in 2013, and has already saved an immense amount
of waste from being accumulated by students and faculty,

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Sustainable Beautification Projects

Sustainable green initiatives are not just for people, as mentioned before, but also for the
environment. The entire concept is about a mutual relationship, and this means helping out nature where
possible, just as much as helping out the people that live there. USFSP is embracing this mindset, just as
much as the more elaborate projects, because the leaders and students realize that the serenity they enjoy
is a relationship built on the sustainability of the environment, as well.
Native Trees & Plants
One of the most important concepts being embraced is the idea of origin, rather than foreign, at
least as far as the plants and agricultural environment is considered. Strategic Planning is ensuring that
invasive plants and species are not included in the landscaping proposals, and that the plants and flowers
chosen can not only thrive in the native environment, but also take minimal water consumption. These
options will not only sustain the beauty and ambience of the college or students to enjoy, but also help to
foster the future habitats for wildlife in the area.
Butterfly Garden
In response to the issues faced by the bee population, USFSP has also implemented a dedicated
butterfly garden. Jessica Blais reports, The garden was designed to improve the campus entrance,
promote tranquility and peace with nature, and provide a calming natural setting for everyone to enjoy,
said McGarigal, an Interdisciplinary Social Sciences major. We want to encourage the population
growth of struggling bee and butterfly species, as well as promote interaction and appreciation of nature
in a very urbanized setting (2014). This is how true green projects work, not just by benefiting one
side of the equation, but by ensuring both sides really get something out of it. The people get to enjoy
the beautiful gardens, and the butterflies and bees get an environment that is kept safe and protected.
Harbor Cleanup
And when thinking about the beauty surrounding the campus, very few students around the
country can say they sit and study by the Bay. But what happens if people forget that this is a shared
commodity, it gets destroyed by waste and irresponsibility. This inspired one such project, the watergoat, which
is maintained by the SEAS. Robert Baynard explains how this device works, The Student Environmental
Awareness Society at USF St. Petersburg recently received a $3,500 Bay Mini-Grant from the Tampa Bay
Estuary program for the installation and maintenance of a 75-foot watergoat that will help keep trash and
pollutants from the city out of Tampa Bay (2011). SEAS students are tasked with removing the debris the
device collects, either once or twice a week, depending on the season, and doing full cleanups once a month
(Baynard, 2011). This amazing net system ensures the wildlife population is unharmed, but all the debris can be
remove safely. All in all, the project guarantees that students coming into the school will be able to enjoy the
beauty of the Bay for generations to come.

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List of Projects and Proposals

(SGEF, Follow the Proposals)

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Conclusion
Why go green? Because the children of the future are being handed a world on fire otherwise. But that is
not the only reason, go green because it is the right thing to do, and it creates a beautiful environment that
everyone can enjoy.
It is the job of students to recognize this importance and continue proposing amazing projects that can
foster this initiative. Most of the approved projects have been the idea of students attending USFSP. What an
amazing accomplish and feat to be able to say that YOU made a difference. This continues the mindset, and
promotes the efficiency of future students to maintain the same prosperity and mutual benefit for others to
enjoy. Sustainability is a combination of reduce, reuse, and recycle, but with a modern twist. Nowadays,
sustainability means taking advantage of the resources available to maximize on the opportunities around.
Using resources to their maximum, without straining the ecosystem around, and making sure that things are not
frivolously wasted, if it can be avoided.
Most importantly, it means getting involved and making a difference. Caring for the well-being of
others, and the environment. Being a leader, and standing up for what is right, even it may sound crazy at first.
Preserving and beautifying what already exists helps create a sustainability and green initiatives that are not just
about the people, but about how the people interact with the environment, and how mutually beneficial this
relationship is.
USFSP has embraced and embodied this concept of
leadership, and has inspired the universitys leaders to
implement important changes that can help influence the
future of peoples thinking. From small changes to major
financial projects, USFSP has been a pillar for embracing
the concepts of sustainability and conservation. For its own
benefit, of course. While some projects may start out as
expensive investments, their future cost-benefit analysis
proves to be a significant cost reducing technique that helps
everyone out.
Going green has proved to be a win-win.

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Works Cited
Baynard, Robert. Students Earn Grant to Enhance Harbor Clean-Up Efforts. February 7, 2011. Web.
http://www.usfsp.edu/blog/2011/02/07/grant-harbor-clean/
Blais, Jessica. Boyer Delivers State of Student Body. October 23, 2014. Web.
http://www.usfsp.edu/blog/2014/10/23/boyer-delivers-state-of-student-government/
Coy, Anthony E, Allison K Farrell, Katherine P Gilson, Jody L Davis, and Benjamin Le. "Commitment to the
Environment and Student Support for "Green" Campus Initiatives." Journal of Environmental Studies
and Sciences 1 Mar. 2013: 49-55. Print.
Golan, Mark. "Focus on the Environment: Going Green Pays off for Two Leading Businesses." Real Estate
Issues 1 Jan. 2007: 55. Print.
Green Initiatives. University of South Florida. Web. http://www.pplant.usf.edu/index.php/additionalinformation/sustainability-initiatives
Groenewegen, Peter, Agnes Van Den Berg, Jolanda Maas, Robert Verheij, and Sjerp De Vries. "Is a Green
Residential Environment Better for Health? If So, Why?" Annals of the Association of American
Geographers 1 Sept. 2012: 996-1003. Print.
Marquez, Melanie. Science & Technology Building Earns LEED Certification. January 22, 2010. Web.
http://www.usfsp.edu/blog/2010/01/22/science-technology-building/
Scherberger, Tom. "Free Electric Charging Stations Installed on Campus." University of South Florida St
Petersburg. 28 Mar. 2012. Web. 1 Nov. 2014. <http://www.usfsp.edu/blog/2012/03/28/free-electriccharging-stations-installed-on-campus/>
SEAS. University of South Florida. Web. http://www1.usfsp.edu/coas/espg/seas/
SGEF. University of South Florida. Web. https://sites.google.com/a/mail.usf.edu/sgef-usf-st-pete/
Weybrecht, Giselle. "An Innovative Way to Making Your Campus More Sustainable: The Student Green
Energy Fund." Primetime. 17 Dec. 2012. Web. 1 Nov. 2014.
Weybrecht, Giselle. "Engaging Your Students in Making Your and Other Organizations More Sustainable 5
Questions with Raintry Jean Salk from Viterbo University." Primetime. 4 Sept. 2012. Web. 1 Nov.
2014. http://primetime.unprme.org/2012/09/04/engaging-your-students-in-making-your-and-otherorganisations-more-sustainable-5-questions-with-raintry-jean-salk-from-viterbo-university/

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Annotated Bibliography
Coy, Anthony E, Allison K Farrell, Katherine P Gilson, Jody L Davis, and Benjamin Le. "Commitment to the
Environment and Student Support for "Green" Campus Initiatives." Journal of Environmental Studies
and Sciences 1 Mar. 2013: 49-55. Print.

Campuses all over the United States and around the world are taking steps towards a sustainable
campuses by promoting recycling and reusing plastic bottles, paper and student furniture. Since 2006
over 650 college and university presidents in the United States signed the American College and
University Presidents Climate Commitment. They are used as outlined goals for the universities to step
up their own Green environment. In this article it discusses the commitment model and how effective
it is on college students. Commitment model testing was done on 96 college men and 142 college
women to see what environmental goals and programs were needed for their college or university. They
used a software called mPlus to examine the effects of the commitment model measurements on campus
initiatives and willingness to sacrifice. Just as predicted the individuals with greater satisfaction with the
environment and investments in the environment reported greater commitment to the environment. They
found that commitment to the environment mediated the relationships of satisfaction with the
environment and investments in the environment with pro-environment intentions.

Golan, Mark. "Focus on the Environment: Going Green Pays off for Two Leading Businesses." Real Estate
Issues 1 Jan. 2007: 55. Print.

Going green has paid off for these two well-known companies, Bank of America and Adobe. Bank of
America is building a $1 billion skyscraper in downtown New York that will generate 70 percent of its
own electricity, reduce water consumption in half and use local recycling materials for construction.
Adobe have decreased energy usage by 35 percent and increased consumption of natural gas by 41
percent. The U.S Green Building Council has pointed out that going green doesnt happen with a single
decision. It is the result of constructing buildings in a conservative way as well as utilizing
environmental and social responsibilities for all companies. The end result, a healthier, safer and
appearing work environment for all occupants.

Groenewegen, Peter, Agnes Van Den Berg, Jolanda Maas, Robert Verheij, and Sjerp De Vries. "Is a Green
Residential Environment Better for Health? If So, Why?" Annals of the Association of American
Geographers 1 Sept. 2012: 996-1003. Print.

Over the past few years researchers have been comparing the effects of greenspace to health. They
called this Vitamin G where G stands for green. They have been trying to verify the relationship
between greenspace in residential areas and health to find a possible relationship. There are three
mechanisms that are possibly related to a greener environment: stress reduction, physical activity and
social cohesion. The research consisted of three projects: national scope where data from Netherlands
were used, surveying eighty neighborhoods in four Dutch cities and lastly an allotted study of gardens in
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and around twelve Dutch cities. The overall result confirmed that greenspace in residential areas were
positively related to health. The results could be the effects of residents in greener areas experienced less
stress and more social cohesion, they also engage in less physical activities.

Scherberger, Tom. "Free Electric Charging Stations Installed on Campus." University of South Florida St
Petersburg. 28 Mar. 2012. Web. 1 Nov. 2014. <http://www.usfsp.edu/blog/2012/03/28/free-electriccharging-stations-installed-on-campus/>

In Parking Lot 2 on the University of South Florida St Petersburg campus two electric vehicle charging
stations were installed at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. Awarded by Progress Energy, it
will be free to the public during the two years of operation, and available 24 hours a day. The
installation and free charge will help the University evaluate the usage and costs of the charging stations
during the first year. Student David Hakki, hooked up his Chevy Volt Wednesday morning and stated,
Ive always had a passion for new technology. I see it as an investment in the future. He also
mentioned that it has also saved him money. He went from spending $300 a month in gas to filling up
twice a 3,500 mileage. The charging stations is just a start to USFSPs emphasis on sustainability. We
are very pleased to add another sustainable energy opportunity for our students, faculty and staff, said
Dr. Ashok Dhingra, Regional Vice Chancellor for Administrative and Financial Services. USFSP is
dedicated to minimizing our physical imprint on the planet while fostering stewardship of the
environment.

Weybrecht, Giselle. "An Innovative Way to Making Your Campus More Sustainable: The Student Green
Energy Fund." Primetime. 17 Dec. 2012. Web. 1 Nov. 2014.

Campuses around the world are adjusting their campuses to adapt a greener environment. The
University of South Florida Saint Petersburg (USFSP) has used student fees to make this happen. An
organization called The USFSP Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF) was organized to promote green
energy projects on campus. In the spring of 2011, the fund was approved for USFSP and a $1 fee per
credit hour was created which essentially became this pot of money (the actual Student Green Energy
Fund). Then, the USFSP Student Government was tasked with appointing a student to lead a committee
to oversee the fund and determine how it would be used by soliciting for project proposals from the
campus community and ultimately voting on which ones should receive funding. Mike Leggett, an
undergraduate student in Environmental Science and Policy was appointed to. Much of the time is
devoted to soliciting for proposals and generally increasing awareness of the fund to the campus.

Weybrecht, Giselle. "Engaging Your Students in Making Your and Other Organisations More Sustainable 5
Questions with Raintry Jean Salk from Viterbo University." Primetime. 4 Sept. 2012. Web. 1 Nov.
2014. http://primetime.unprme.org/2012/09/04/engaging-your-students-in-making-your-and-otherorganisations-more-sustainable-5-questions-with-raintry-jean-salk-from-viterbo-university/

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An interview with Professor Raintry Jean Salk, Assistant Professor of Sustainable Management,
discusses how a course at Dahl School of Business at Viterbo University can help their students make
the campus and local businesses more sustainable. Through this course students have engaged in a
variety of projects over the years throughout campus. These projects have been tailored to provide
insight on campus operations. It also includes data collection and analysis of water and sewer usage,
green product purchasing, paper usage, fuel consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Their analysis
has been useful for administrative decision making, policy, and management. Their engagement in
sustainability also contributed to an increased awareness on campus. Ever since the program had started
sustainability is viewed as the for the core initiative. Energy usage has decreased over the last five years,
whereas other university that do not focus on sustainability have noticed energy usage had gone
unchanged over the same period of time.

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