Sustainability Report 2015 by Sustainable Campus FSU

Florida State University Sustainability Report 2015

2007

2004

• FSU Solid Waste & Recycling is recognized by the FL Department of Environmental Protection for recycling efforts on campus. • Seminole Organic Garden breaks grounds.

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2013

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• Original recycling working group forms in an effort to expand recycling on campus. • Tri-Eagle Sales sponsors the TAKE PRIDE and PITCH IN campaigns at FSU home football games.

BEGIN

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• FSU Campus Recreation hosts the first annual Rez Goes Green lake cleanup. • The SPG partners with the Council for Sustainable Florida to host Getting to GREEN, the 2nd Annual Campus & Community Sustainability Conference. • FSU joins the US Green Building Council (USGBC) • FSU joins the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability.

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TIMELINE

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2010

• 1st USGBC LEED Gold building (Center for Global Engagement) opens on campus • Office of Sustainability and Director of Campus Sustainability position created at FSU. • reCycle bike rental program created to provide low-cost sustainable transportation to students. • Eco-Reps student ambassador program created. • Green Office Certification program created to engage staff in campus efforts.

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Table of Contents: What is a Sustainable Campus? OPERATIONS Energy Conservation 3 Rs Green Building Campus Grounds Transportation Food & Dining Water Health & Wellness ACADEMICS & RESEARCH Art Biology Business Communication EOAS Engineering Geography Interior Design Law Music Public Policy & Administration Urban & Regional Planning PROGRAMS & ENGAGEMENT GreenFund Projects Sustainability Advisory Board

3 4 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 22 22 23 24 25 26 27 27 28 29 29 30 31 37 39

WHAT IS A SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS? As one of the nation’s elite universities, Florida State University has earned national recognition for our prestigious colleges, our beautiful campus, winning athletic programs, and accomplished faculty. To ensure that not just this generation of Seminoles, but all future students, faculty, and staff can continue to enjoy this vibrant campus culture, we have banded together to create a sustainable campus. “Sustainability” is a word that’s made its way into our daily vernacular; yet it’s rare that we stop and consider what it truly means. The traditional definition is development that meets the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. But how does this look on a campus as large and diverse as ours? There’s not one simple answer – the efforts are campus wide and collaborative – put into action through a variety of initiatives, programs, and research projects. As with many disciplines, sustainability has become increasingly inter-connected as we push ourselves to consider the interactions and impacts of environmental, social, and economic issues. Sustainability at Florida State University has a long history, beginning before it became popular in its most current form. Since the early 1990’s, our campus has been operated with a focus on conservation of resources – natural and financial. As a living laboratory for sustainability, FSU is home to a number of initiatives sparked by colleagues across campus – green buildings, native and water-efficient landscaping, sustainable transportation options – to name a few. The forward thinking of these individuals and departments, before “green” became mainstream, set the stage for Florida State to blaze a trail for campus sustainability and be recognized for our efforts. Today, Florida State’s sustainability program is all-encompassing and a priority for our future. We continue to look at all aspects of the university as opportunities to engage the campus community: our engagement programs span a wide array of topics and provide opportunities to learn more and get involved; our campus operations continue to operate with the same conservation and efficiency ethic held for decades; and our teaching and research efforts continue to critically explore our impacts on a changing world. This report highlights the work of many people over a long period of time and documents the progress we have made. As you explore the following pages, keep in mind it’s not the actions of one office, one department, or one initiative, but the sum of all these parts working together that creates a sustainable campus. Thank you for all that you do and I look forward to working with the Seminole community to advance sustainability in all our endeavors. Sincerely,

Elizabeth Swiman Director of Campus Sustainability

OPERATIONS From the residence halls that thousands of students call home, to the dining halls we eat in, and the classrooms we gather in each day, all around the campus of Florida State University, a variety of daily operations and initiatives are in place to promote sustainability. As a renowned academic institution, our universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cutting edge research and extracurricular offerings push sustainability into the spotlight, but just as crucial are those silent, often unnoticed measures and procedures that make our campus operations run efficiently and effectively, day in and day out. Conscious operational choices from the systems in place to heat and cool our buildings, the irrigation systems keeping campus grounds green, and the route our food travels before ending up on our plate, all combine to create a more sustainable campus.

ENERGY CONSERVATION Though the majority of utilities and energy management occurs behind the scenes and out of sight, the importance of energy management and conservation practices cannot be overemphasized. Global climate change is no longer a far-away concern, but a pressing issue for this generation. Florida State University takes an ambitious and meticulous approach to energy conservation, with the goal of saving university dollars and acting as an example of responsible energy conservation.

BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM:

GREEN IT PROGRAM:

One immediate energy-saving technique is achieved on campus through the intricate, interconnected building automation system in place. Across the entirety of campus, over 800,000 points are closely monitored, allowing staff to analyze data and make tweaks in the system for maximum efficiency. For more than 25 years, each building has been individually monitored for air temperature, lighting, and the amount of CO2 present. The result has been a decrease in energy usage by 10% since 2007, even as the university continues to grow in square footage.

To ensure that technology is functioning at top notch, all computers in FSU Facilities Department are replaced every four years, and are automatically shut off at 7:00 pm to save energy. As a result of this shut off initiative, the program has a potential yearly saving of $37,000. Once older machines are retired, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sent to surplus, where theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re repurposed and auctioned off to be reused. Within the Facilities Department, all printers default to double-side and black and white printing. In the Design & Construction Department, architects and project managers are embracing entirely digital plans and design guidelines, saving paper in the process.

MONITORED POINTS

Air temperature

C02 levels

Lighting

6 HEATING AND COOLING:

ACADEMICS:

A state-of-the-art cooling system at FSU allows the natural temperature fluctuations of a room to heat up cooled air to a comfortable temperature inside. Campus buildings are heated by steam--an easy-to-move substance that doesn’t require the energy of a pump. When well-maintained, these steam lines remain in pristine shape for decades, as evidenced by the fact that many parts of the line are over 50 years old.

Energy Conversion Systems for Sustainability, an undergraduate mechanical engineering course, presents the challenge of changing the global energy system, and addresses reducing dependence on finite fossil energy sources and moving to environmentally sustainable energy sources. The emphasis is on greenhouse gas emissions-free energy production strategies, including renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass.

SOLAR ENERGY:

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

In recent years, 166 solar thermal panels were installed on the roof of the Leach Center indoor swimming pool to act as a source of heat. The project is one of the largest solar thermal installations in the state of Florida. These panels provide all pool heat during warmer months and some during cooler times of the year, reducing the energy expenditure of the pool by roughly half.

Melissa Angel, a master’s student studying media and communication studies, is making strides in the field of environmental and climate change communication. As a communications and outreach intern with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat in Bonn, Germany, Melissa is part of the Momentum for Change team. The initiative recognizes transformative on-the-ground solutions that address climate change, as well as broader economic, social, and environmental challenges. Melissa explains, “If we can communicate the immediacy of climate change successfully, we will be able to tackle this issue more effectively.”

“What we have is a practical energy conservation and sustainability program focused on improvements that also demonstrate a level of fiscal stewardship. Not everything has an economic payback, but energy conservation does.” -James Stephens, Director of Utilities & Engineering Services Scope I & II Greenhouse Gas Emissions 16000000

180000

14000000

160000

140000

12000000

120000

CO2e

100000 8000000 80000

Campus GSF

10000000

6000000 60000 4000000

40000

2000000

20000

0 FY 2007-08

FY 2008-09

FY 2009-10

FY 2010-11

Scope I (direct)

FY 2011-12

Scope II (Indirect)

FY 2012-13

FY 2013-14

FY 2014-15

GSF

Campus Greenhouse Gas Inventory. While the campus continues to grow in size and built space, FSU has reduced our GHG per square foot significantly. Source: Campus Utilities

3 Rs In order to keep our environment healthy and reduce waste headed to landfills, an innovative and comprehensive waste reduction policy is integral. The 3 Rs of sustainability: reducing, reusing, and recycling, are household phrases, and are only becoming more crucial in recent years both on college campuses and on a global scale. In order to alleviate the environmental burden on future generations, we must take responsible measures today by continuing to implement innovative practices to repurpose and manage waste in eco-conscious ways.

RECYCLING AROUND CAMPUS:

COMPOSTING:

In recent years, the Solid Waste & Recycling department has increased the recycling capacity on campus, placing bins for cans and bottles around every corner of campus. In addition, they’ve revamped the residence hall recycling system into an easy-to-use chute that students can toss their recyclables into. The department works closely with University Housing and Building Services to increase educational signage that promotes the recycling options available to students.

As a result of a group of students and professors conducting a food waste audit in Suwannee Hall, which revealed the amount of landfill-bound waste, a composting pilot program is now underway on campus. A collaborative effort between the Solid Waste & Recycling and Grounds departments, with students and professors playing a key role, the project will continue to be tested and expanded on in the coming year. By turning food waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer, waste can be eliminated and turned into a free source of soil for campus grounds.

SURPLUS AND AUCTIONS: FSU makes a conscious effort to repurpose unwanted furniture and goods from campus, and give them a second life through an open-to-the-public auction and surplus system. To cut back on items that would otherwise be filling the landfill, the surplus program at FSU takes unwanted computers, office equipment, furniture, and even cars, from campus offices. Once goods are picked up by surplus, sorted, and valued, they’re added to an online auction inventory open to the public. Before demolitions of buildings such as the old Dorman and Deviney residence halls, all salvageable furniture was donated to community organizations.

“We have a keen interest and a passion for what we’re doing to make sure we’re as efficient and successful as possible. We’re not comparing ourselves to what others do—we want others to look at what we’re doing.” -Willie Wiggins, Facilities Specialist

CHUCK IT FOR CHARITY: Each year at the end of the spring semester, as students pack up their residence hall room, the Office of Sustainability works closely with Housing/Residence Life and Solid Waste & Recycling to give tossed goods a new purpose. Residence halls are provided with blue collection bins and encourage students to donate furniture, microwaves, dorm decor, clothing, and unopened food that otherwise would be tossed. A team of volunteers collects the goods which are then sorted and redirected to local agencies who repurpose the materials to organizations in need.

87 TONS

DIVERTED

OVER SIX YEARS

ACADEMICS: Environmental Geotechnics, an undergraduate civil and environmental engineering course, covers the geotechnical aspects of waste containment and storage. Topics include aspects of design, construction, and performance of earthen structures for storing or disposing waste of remediation contaminated sites. STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

WHAT CAN BE RECYCLED ON CAMPUS? • • • • • • •

Paper (all types) Cardboard Glass Plastic Aluminum Ink cartridges Batteries

• • •

•

Cell phones Yard waste Construction & demolition materials Special materials

Sustainability Fellows Roberto Lantigua, Jamie McMillan, and Melissa Thomas saw their plan for a reusable supplies cabinet become a reality. The reuse supply cabinet provides an opportunity for student organizations to share their supplies with other student organizations instead of throwing away supplies or ordering duplicates. This cuts back on waste and reduces the new supplies student organizations need to buy. Melissa Thomas shares her hopes for the project: “The reuse cabinet will show how small, simple ways make a difference in sustainability.”

FSU Solid Waste & Recycling Production 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 2002 - 03

2003 - 04

2004 - 05

2005 - 06

2006 - 07

2007 - 08 Trash

2008 - 09

2009 - 10

2010 - 11

2011 - 12

2012 - 13

Recycling

FSU’s recycling rate continues to grow annually and we currently recycle approximately 50% of the waste generated on campus. Source: Solid Waste & Recycling

2013 - 14 2014 - 15

GREEN BUILDING Buildings are one of the largest consumers of energy and resources, but ample opportunities exist to put green practices into practice during every step of the process from the design, planning, construction, and daily maintenance of buildings. To ensure that buildings are minimally impactful and that their inhabitants can enjoy a healthy and comfortable environment, various departments on campus collaborate to implement the most cutting edge green building practices possible.

BUILDING PRACTICES:

ZERO EMISSIONS BUILDING:

Eco-conscious measures are adopted in all new and under-construction campus buildings, for example, the choice to use recycled carpets and low VOC paints and finishes. To ensure healthy air quality for residents, air flushing is performed in each new building before occupancy. During renovations of iconic buildings such as the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall or William Johnston, the original structure and materials were conserved to the greatest possible extent, and 75% of waste from these buildings (and others) was diverted from the landfill. Architects work to harness the abundant natural daylight whenever possible, installing ample windows and orienting buildings to take advantage of daylight hours.

An example of the cutting edge in green building, the innovative OGZEB (off-grid zero emissions building) is an experimental housing project designed and constructed by students and faculty. The house, near the Love Building and Carothers Hall, is a fully-functioning 1000 square foot living space, powered entirely by solar-energy and run off hydrogen-burning appliances. The house acts as a prototype of the future of eco-conscious, sustainable construction.

CAMPUS AESTHETIC: During construction of campus buildings, builders source supplies as locally as possible. The recognizable aesthetic of our campus is achieved through the use of red brick, dark roof tiles, and concrete--three resources that are not only recyclable when demolished, but also are easily obtained from within a 500 mile radius. In the past, the materials were chosen for stylistic reasons, but they also happen to adhere to the choice to use long-lasting and regional building materials.

Photo credit: Samantha Nygaard and Thy Le.

PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY: Campus planners and partners have made it a focal point in recent years to design new buildings with a greater connection to the surrounding area and outdoor amenities. Underway projects are being designed with pedestrian in mind--part of an attempt to move away from automobile-centric layouts. Designers are incorporating practices such as a reduction of unnecessary parking spots when practical, installation of ample bike racks, and placing building entrances near walkways and bus stops for easy access for bikers, walkers, and bus riders.

“We’re always thinking about the built environment design and how we can make it better, but we also need to realize that it’s all overlaid on top of green infrastructure. Life ceases to exist without that.” -Christopher Coutts, Associate Professor of Urban & Regional Planning

ACADEMICS:

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Principles of Sustainable Design, an undergraduate interior design course, introduces students to sustainable design concepts in a general sense, plus educates them on the LEED process from top to bottom. This course is designed to give students a foundation in sustainable design, allowing them to create spaces with as little negative impact on the environment as possible.

Kristen Millican and James Gauley are 2nd year graduate students in Interior Design and share their thoughts on green building design at FSU. “Buildings have a huge impact on the environment,” says Kristen, a LEED Green Associate, explaining how choices in design and construction can influence the efficiency of the building. According to James, green design at this university means “putting value in the environment on the legacy of campus.” Both students agree that investing in green design demonstrates good environmental stewardship and the importance of preserving the resources we have.

LEED Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design is a green building certification system that recognizes building projects and developments pursuing the cutting-edge in sustainable design. Since 2008, FSU has prioritized sustainable design further by requiring all new building projects on campus to meet a minimum of a LEED Silver certification, if not greater.

CERTIFIED king life sciences

materials research building

tibbals phase ii

traditions hall

Total GSF 384,133

SILVER human performance lab

stone expansion

turnbull

fsu law advocacy center

honors scholars fellows house

Total GSF 299,686

GOLD

globe

Source: FSU Design & Construction

ruby diamond renovation

william-johnston

Total GSF 287,674

CAMPUS GROUNDS Gardeners and landscapers have the opportunity to not only create eye-catching surroundings, but also enrich our natural environment by choosing to forego the use of toxins and conventional pesticides. Responsible for over 570 acres of campus landscaping, artwork, shrubbery, and plants, the Grounds Department chooses to work in the most natural, sustainable ways possible, to ensure their handiwork creates a beautiful and environmentally responsible campus that can be enjoyed for years to come.

NATIVE & ECO-FRIENDLY PLANTING:

RECYCLED FEATURES:

The Grounds Crew consciously chooses to cultivate a wide assortment of plants that are not only visually pleasing, but also accurately represent our area’s native ecosystem. Examples of native planting can be observed near the Student Success Center, where you can find plants like saw palmettos and species of palms native to Florida.

One benefit of a large campus is that our grounds act as a goldmine of materials that can be reused and recycled for new construction and landscaping projects. Whenever possible, the Grounds Crew opts to make use of materials already available on campus, rather than shipping in new ones--which cuts down on our carbon footprint. An example of an area that was created from recycled materials is the Oglesby Student Union outdoor seating area, which is built from recycled concrete that required nearly zero transportation or new materials.

Photo credit: Dave MacManus.

LOW-IMPACT LANDSCAPING: Informed by backgrounds as growers for nurseries and degrees in environmental horticulture, the Grounds Crew creates a park-like atmosphere on campus without the use of harmful pesticides. Using from-the-earth pest control remedies like soaps, oils, and coffee grounds, instead of conventional synthetic chemicals, ensures our grounds are not only visually pleasing but also environmentally responsible. Plants and turf are fertilized only when completely necessary, and without the use of phosphorus.

Photo credit: Samantha Nygaard and Thy Le.

“Nearly all of our activities directly or indirectly touch on the relationship of the campus to our environment. Our activities should meet our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.” - David MacManus, Assistant Director of Grounds & Landscaping Operations

ACADEMICS:

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

In Field Botany, an undergraduate Biology course, students are given an introduction to plant taxonomy with emphasis on laboratory and field study. Students are orientated to principles of identification, classification, and rules of botanical nomenclature.

“Most people don’t know where their food comes from or have the experience of growing food,” says Brent Williams, the former garden manager of the Seminole Organic Garden, explaining why having a garden on campus is an important educational tool. Brent, a recent graduate with a degree in chemical engineering, wants students to learn about sustainability through the lens of agriculture, and to become more conscious about their food choices. Through gardening, students learn what it takes to grow their own food and how food systems impact the environment.

HOW TO MOVE A TREE: Our native landscape is famed for its beautiful, moss-draped live oaks, which can live for centuries. However, due to increased construction, sidewalks, and roads in urban areas, the root systems of many live oaks are being compromised. The Grounds Crew has painstakingly relocated several landmark oaks so they can continue to thrive and add to our rich campus landscape.

Step 1. Trench dug around the tree.

Step 2. Bulldozers drive series of long metal large pipes underneath the roots.

Step 3. Tractors pull a heavy metal cable underneath the root ball to sever deeper support roots.

Step 4. Excavator and support bulldozers push the tree to its new site where it can flourish.

TRANSPORTATION When it comes to getting from point A to B, whether that’s heading from a residence hall to class or venturing around town, having a multitude of sustainable options available not only decreases parking and traffic congestion, but also reduces our individual and collective carbon footprints. Transporation systems nationwide, as well as here on campus, are increasingly embracing eco-conscious alternatives for a more sustainable future.

ALTERNATIVE FLEET:

BIKE-FRIENDLY CAMPUS:

Of the 15 buses that transport Noles around campus, plans are being made to convert a few to entirely electric. This in-the-works project with Star Metro to implement entirely electric buses will soon offer a new clean energy option while also increasing the passenger capacity of the fleet. In addition to the introduction of these buses, students can also check out Star Metro bus routes with stops nearby campus using the FSU Tranz app.

It’s becoming easier to bike rather than drive, as FSU becomes an increasingly bike-friendly campus. Bike rental and share programs offer bikes to those who don’t have their own, and increased bike racks and bike-specific parking options around campus make it easy to safely store your ride. In addition to the reCycle Bike program, a new bike share program is in the works, which will offer students an additional option to rent and unlock bikes with an app.

CARPOOLING AND RIDESHARE: For Noles looking to share a ride with a buddy, several on-campus carpooling options make it easy to pair up. University departments can coordinate ridesharing and cut back on their use of service vehicles or personal cars, and students looking to share a ride can connect through services like Zimride, which connects carpool buddies via Facebook, matching up people based on common interests and likes.

ACADEMICS: Transport Geography, an undergraduate geography course, offers a review of the literature and techniques for the spatial impacts of transportation systems, including functionality, and their role on society, the economy, energy, the environment, and sustainability.

“We live in an urgent time. If we don’t begin to understand the linkage between the earth and us, we’re really at a tipping point. Part of my job is to understand that we’re not separate—what we do is a causation that can affect the other side of the globe. “ -Paul Rutkovsky, Professor of Art Photo credit: Kristen Lee and Thy Le.

Based on a transportation and parking survey held by FSU in April of 2015:

70.6% of respondents stated primary source of transportation is walking

Photo credit: Samantha Nygaard and Thy Le.

7.6% transit

2.1% bicycling

10.1% combination

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Mark Kastner, a recent graduate from Florida State University and current medical student at the FSU College of Medicine, worked as the student coordinator for the reCycle Bike program during his time as an undergraduate student. His passion for healthy, sustainable living has helped him motivate and educate students about reducing their carbon footprint. “The reCycle Bike Program is more than students renting bikes—it’s helping reduce the number of cars driving to campus and developing sustainable transportation habits.”

FOOD & DINING The average American meal is transported from an average of 1,500 miles away, requiring vast amounts of energy for transport, and utilizing commercial agriculture rather than supporting local farming systems. Our current industrial food system traditionally relies heavily on pesticides and conventional, often detrimental, farming practices. In recent years however, farmers and consumers have begun to rethink the process and prioritize local foods and farming practices that cater to the long term vitality of the earth and the consumer. Campus dining prioritizes making low-impact, local, fresh foods a staple on campus plates.

SUSTAINABLE SOURCING: In an effort to source as locally as possible, food in the dining halls and other eateries around campus is supplied by Fresh Point, who sources seasonal, local foods from the South Georgia and North Florida area whenever possible. Each year, Aramark works to increase the percentage of locally and community based foods (from a 250 mile radius) in all markets on campus. Seafood dishes served in dining halls comes from sustainably farmed and caught fish, which consider the long-term well being of the ocean, and all eggs are cage free. LOW- IMPACT DINING: FSU Dining has made multiple changes that add up to create a more eco-conscious dining program, such as using green cleaning products, banning styrofoam in food services, and recycling paper and 100% of cooking oils. Our dining halls have always been tray-less, a trend many universities are embracing in order to discourage food waste and cut down on energy and water usage. Diners who opt to take part in the reusable to-go program are given discounts on food and drink, and batch cooking and portion control are implemented to cut down on waste. DIETARY NEEDS: If you’re following a vegetarian, gluten free, vegan, or any other particular diet, the “peace of mind” stations in dining halls make it easy to find options that fit your needs. For each meal and snack, 10 vegetarian and vegan meals and snacks are offered and marked with colored leaf-shaped tabs as part of the “Just4U” nutrition highlight programs on campus.

“A lot of people think of sustainability as recycling. We need to make it clear that it’s a lot more than that.” - Dr. Laura Keller, Associate Professor of Biological Science ACADEMICS: Living Green: Theory to Action, offered as part of the “Honors E Series” curriculum, is designed to highlight real-life applicability of pertinent human issues. Students from past semesters have developed the idea for the eco-clamshell, which has since been implemented in Suwannee Dining Hall. Students also ventured behind the counter to audit exact amounts or food waste, which resulted in the composting pilot program now underway. STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Allison Young, a senior in the College of Social Work, leads the FSU Chapter of Food Recovery Network. “It’s such a simple concept-- fighting food waste and donating to hungry people,” explains Allison. “We’re diminishing food waste within FSU’s population while connecting with people in our local community.” Allison learned about Food Recovery Network through a video she saw on Facebook. After doing some research, she worked with friends and Sustainable Campus during the summer of 2014 to get the program started on campus at the beginning of the fall semester.

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON YOUR PLATE?

ECO CLAMSHELL: REUSABLE CARRY OUT CONTAINER

Vegetarian/vegan options are offered for every meal Cage free eggs are served in all dining halls

Sustainably harvested fish are served to protect the ocean and promote long term vitality

Napkins are made from recycled paper.

} Meals are batch-cooked and served using proper portion control to reduce food waste

WATER Responsible water management is a critical piece of the overall sustainability picture, and with increased droughts and blighted areas affecting agriculture and local ecosystems, cutting back on our consumption and taking measures to protect this finite resource is more pressing than ever. Ample opportunities exist around campus to effectively and sustainably manage rainwater and wastewater, improve the health of local water bodies, and minimize water usage in classrooms, residence halls, and landscaping projects.

LOW-IRRIGATION PLANTING:

WATERWISE SENSORS:

When planting around campus, the Grounds Crew takes into consideration their role in water efficiency and chooses plants accordingly. Plants that require minimal to no watering, such as aloe, olive, and yucca, are planted in areas such as around Smith Hall. The Ground Crew tracks their daily work with a coordinated smart irrigation system that allows employees to document and monitor which areas have already been watered, to prevent over-watering and waste.

To avoid automatic irrigation of plants and green spaces around campus during rainy periods, shut off sensors automatically detect when it’s raining and shut off the irrigation, which saves money and water. Flow meters, which are being increasingly installed, measure the flow rate of water to immediately detect if a leak has sprung and prevent gallons from being wasted.

217,230,830 GALLONS OF

WATER

SAVED

FROM

2007-08 TO 2013-14

Photo credit: Dave MacManus.

“Sustainability means living on the earth like we intend to stay here.” - Dr. Jeff Chanton, Professor of Oceanography

Photo credit: Samantha Nygaard and Thy Le.

DOMESTIC WATER SAVINGS:

ACADEMICS:

In accordance with the Florida State University design guidelines, new campus buildings are being equipped with hydration station water fountains, which make it easy and fast to refill a reusable bottle. This drastically cuts back on waste entering the landfill by avoiding the use of plastic bottles. The design code also calls for all new buildings to be equipped with low flow fixtures for sinks and toilets. Air conditioning systems are cooled with well water instead of cooling towers, which can lose millions of gallons through evaporation.

Global Change, Its’ Scientific and Human Dimensions, an undergraduate interdisciplinary science course covers global environmental change, scientific and human dimensions, and international public policy implications. Also touched on is our food supply, drinking water supply, global change, how fresh water and drinking water is supplied, and how the earth cycles water back to us.

3+ MILLION

SINGLE USE

BOTTLES AVOIDED

FROM HYDRATION

STATION USE

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Holly Kouns, a master’s student in information studies, received a Green Fund grant to install hydration stations in Strozier and Dirac libraries. The new water fountains benefit students by saving the time and money of buying bottled water. As Holly puts it, refilling a bottle is something “small and simple, that still makes a difference.” Through her project, Holly hopes students, faculty, and staff will realize the difference they are making by avoiding bottles entering the landfill with each refill.

HEALTH & WELLNESS Beyond the science, programs, and initiatives, sustainability is an inherently human issue. The conversation of sustainable behaviors cannot exist without considering the human element of the equation. By fostering our own well-being and relationship with our surroundings, we gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the environmental issues that we seek to address. Because the health of the planet and the health of those that inhabit it are so inherently intertwined, students are encouraged to get active in the great outdoors and make healthy choices for the planet, which in turn benefit their own health.

REZ GOES GREEN:

OUTDOOR PURSUITS:

Each year, Campus Recreation and the Office of Sustainability host a day of service to clean up the FSU Reservation and surrounding areas, calling on volunteer students and locals to ensure that the Reservation remains a beautiful and clean place for students and community members to enjoy. Over the years, hundreds of students have volunteered to engage in team-building activities, learn about the reservation, and broke into teams to collect trash and debris along the lake and nearby roads and woods.

Noles who need a fresh-air break can take advantage of the opportunity to broaden their horizons and get out in nature with the Outdoor Pursuits--FSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outdoor adventure program. Students (and the general public) can pick from the selection of trips ranging from a day of blueberry picking and paddling down the Wacissa River to weekend-long backpacking and camping excursions. Trip leaders are extensively trained in the practices of Leave No Trace, a certification that prioritizes enjoying nature responsibly.

WORKSHOPS & RESOURCES: Throughout the year, Noles can get their sweat on at the FSU Leach Center, or take one of the many group exercise classes. Also offered are free-to-students cooking classes that teach students how to make healthy cooking doable even in a residence hall kitchen. Other options like free grocery store tours, a Couch to 5K program, wellness testings, and health consultations make the task of getting healthy doable and fun. TOBACCO FREE CAMPUS: As of January 1, 2014, FSU became one of more than 750 universities around the country to ban the use of tobacco on any campus-owned property. This commitment was a proactive step toward creating a safe and healthy environment for all students, staff, faculty, and visitors to live and work in. By banning the use of any tobacco products on campus, our campus has a reduction of both air pollution and litter.

LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES 1. Plan ahead and prepare. 2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. 3. Dispose of waste properly (pack it in, pack it out). 4. Leave what you find. 5. Minimize campfire impacts. 6. Respect wildlife. 7. Be considerate of other visitors.

Photo credit: Nick Accardo.

Photo credit: Marie Demersseman.

ACADEMICS: Environmental Health, a graduate level public health course, covers the science behind the basic elements of environmental health and its centrality to human health. It includes the basics of providing a pure water supply, sanitation of waste matters, and common field procedures needed for environmental surveillance. STUDENT SPOTLIGHT “We provide a way for people to develop their own personal connection with nature in hopes of sparking the desire to protect it in their daily lives,” says Loren Knobbe, senior environmental science major, as she shares thoughts on her role as a trip leader for the Outdoor Pursuits program at FSU. After going on an OP backpacking trip in the fall of 2014, Lauren wanted to get more involved. “It sparked in me a love for the wilderness and outdoors and I have wanted to protect it and promote conservation and sustainability ever since.”

“Sustainability affects not only the individuals but it affects the environment, and the environment is life.” - Travis Johnson, Outdoor Pursuits Coordinator

Photo credit: Casey Dunphy.

Photo credit: Courtesy of FSU Outdoor Pursuits.

Academics & Research Florida State University students donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to look far to see how sustainability will play a critical role in their academic and future career goals. From the art program to the business school, communication to engineering, our course catalog weaves issues of sustainability and eco-consciousness into nearly every imaginable course of study. Thanks to a variety of professors and students with diverse expertise and knowledge, the academics at FSU go beyond the ordinary, bringing sustainability to the forefront of a variety of disciplines.

UNDERGR ADUATE

COURSES

FEATURING

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

GRADUATE

COURSES

F E AT U R I N G

105

139 R E S E A R C H

SUSTAINABILITY

* Data from 2015 STARS Report

FACULTY ENGAGED IN SUSTAINABILITY

ART

BIOLOGY

Paul Rutkovsky, professor in the Department of Art and manager of The Art Alleys, brings Florida State University together with the greater Tallahassee community by revitalizing blighted urban areas, crafting them into vibrant community spaces.

Austin Mast, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, serves not only in the classroom, but also heads up a myriad of innovative projects such as FSU’s Robert K. Godfrey Herbarium and iDigBio, a joint initiative between FSU and UF to digitally document millions of biological specimens.

The idea for the Art Alleys came to Rutkovsky about six years ago when he was working in his Gaines Street studio and hatched a plan to turn the crime-ridden alleyways into a flourishing walkway of artistic expression. With support from the City of Tallahassee, Rutkovsky’s vision for an environmentally and socially sustainable alleyway has come to fruition and has become a landmark of the renovated Gaines Street area, acting as an open community space for growing organic vegetables, hosting live music, arts and crafts workshops, and film screenings. Rutkovsky emphasizes collaboration in everything he does, whether that’s bringing together the city and the university with the Art Alley, or encouraging creative collaboration between his experimental drawing class and advanced workshop students to work together on joint art projects that benefit our local community.

Mast is deeply interested in sustaining biodiversity —a task for which the critical first step is having an appreciation of what species exist to begin with. He works to bring that starting point into sharper focus by painstakingly documenting and archiving specimens in order to preserve the biodiversity of plants, insects, birds, and mammals. Mast manages the iDigBio’s citizen science portfolio and focuses on engaging the public in the digitization of species, all of which have compelling value for sustainability, human health, natural resource management, and policymaking. At the Robert K. Godfrey Herbarium, Mast cultivates the local collection of 220,000 plant specimens found in northern Florida—one of North America’s biodiversity hotspots. In the classroom, Mast teaches courses such as Field Botany, and works with students on projects related to pollination, invasive species, and climate change issues.

BIOLOGY

BUSINESS

Laura Keller, associate professor in the Department of Biological Science, teaches her students that to truly promote pro-environmental behaviors, we have to walk the walk.

Mark Bonn, professor in the Dedman School of Hospitality, has been at the forefront of the movement merging elements of tourism, natural resources, and human behavior, since he came to FSU 28 years ago.

Keller’s research examines how organisms respond to environmental conditions and external cues at the cellular level. Keller stresses to students that certain diseases and conditions are not only due to genetics, but also demand that we take a critical look at human-caused factors and our lifestyles, as well. Keller teaches the E Series Honors course “Living Green: Theory to Action” in which she and students team up to brainstorm, propose, and implement projects turning theory into concrete action. Students bolster their understanding by reading classics like Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring and modern favorites like Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma. Past semesters’ projects have resulted in the creation of the eco-conscious clamshell containers, which are now used in the dining halls. Current students are working with Keller to test out a composting pilot project that, if implemented, will turn campus food waste into soil for use in the campus garden and landscaping projects.

In 1989, FSU tasked Bonn with forming the International Center for Hospitality & Tourism Research and Development. During his time at FSU, he obtained grants in the field of ecotourism sustainability, working alongside the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and NOAA, studying the economic value of natural and artificial reefs in Florida. He’s also been a key player in projects studying the value of Florida’s natural springs, an effort that earned him a spot in the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame by the Florida Commission on Tourism. Bonn integrates his background of sustainability into his open-to-any-major Tourism and the Environment course, and looks at consumer perception of organic and sustainable labeling on products in his popular courses on coffee, teas, craft ales and beer. He’s currently involved in creating a Masters of Science degree in sustainable beverage management to cater to the growing movement of sustainability in the industry.

BUSINESS

COMMUNICATION

Lydia Hanks, assistant professor in the Dedman School of Hospitality, examines how the tourism and hospitality industries can help or hinder sustainability, and how professionals in the fields can merge sustainability and profit into a win-win of corporate responsibility.

Laura Arpan, professor in the College of Communication & Information, has a passion for studying how social marketing and communication campaigns affect messages about environmental conservation and sustainability.

Hanks is in the midst of co-writing a study examining how restaurants use sustainability messaging, for example advertising their use of organic or local foods, and how customers accept and interpret these claims. In her teaching and research, Hanks also addresses the diametric split that has traditionally existed between the fields of tourism and hospitality, with tourism viewing local environments as something to be protected, and the profit-centric business paradigm driving the hospitality industry. She brings to light that this gap is being bridged, as the two fields realize that profit and sustainability are not mutually exclusive, and that they can coexist. Students will soon be able to enroll in the online sustainability in hospitality course Hanks is developing as part of the online MBA program. Her course will cater to industry professionals looking for practical expertise, and will focus on hospitality sustainability in economic, social, and environmental realms.

Arpan has presented at conferences on energy conservation behavior, and published papers on how values and norms influence responses to energy-efficient messages, and how those values and norms should be considered when planning pro-environmental campaigns. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also lent her knowledge of effective communication and persuasion to craft PSAs for clients such as the Institute for Energy Systems, Economics, and Sustainability to encourage energy efficiency in the state of Florida. Among the various undergraduate and graduate level courses she teaches, Arpan places a particular focus on sustainability messaging in her undergraduate level Social Marketing course, which explores the way marketing principles can publicize and influence socially-beneficial behaviors such choosing to carpool and eating locally.

COMMUNICATION

Andy Opel, professor in the College of Communication & Information, works to merge the science of climate change with the current landscape of our media, and brings his students to the frontlines of the issue. Opel is involved in a variety of projects studying environmental communication and messaging, and the way our media plays a role in environmental issues. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s currently writing a book about environmental documentaries, to examine their power in mobilizing communities and encouraging activism in the changing face of our traditional media and journalism. Opel has collaborated with professors in various departments to test how environmental messaging affects consumers, and whether our actions are guided by altruistic reasons, nationalism, or environmental concern, and how different framing approaches may affect responses. In addition, Opel teaches the undergraduate E-Series course, Media, Culture, and the Environment along with the graduate version of the course, both of which explore media representations of environmental issues. Recently, Opel joined forces with Professor William Landing of oceanography, and brought two majors together with their environmental science and media production students acting as citizen journalists, addressing the denial of climate change during the 2014 Florida Legislative session.

EARTH, OCEAN, & ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES

Jeff Chanton, professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science, shares with his students his passion for studying greenhouse gases and climate change. A prominent member in his field, and heavily involved in the Biogeochemical Dynamics Program at FSU, Chanton primarily focuses his research on three areas: reducing greenhouse gas emissions through better landfill design, examining the effects of permafrost thaw and peat soil formation on carbon dioxide and methane, examining the effects the BP oil spills on the ocean sea floor. Chanton teaches Current Issues in Environmental Science and Interdisciplinary Sustainable Food and Water, both of which primarily address sustainability by examining a host of current issues from alternative energy issues to overfishing concerns and the effects of our food system on the environment. His teaching examines these critical issues, but also provides students with the understanding needed to demand intelligent choices from environmental policy makers and make sustainable choices as individuals.

EARTH, OCEAN, & ATMOSPHEREIC SCIENCES

William Landing, professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science, looks at the role that the ocean plays in our global sustainability, and how trace elements that phytoplankton need for growth affect our ocean’s productivity. Landing’s work is centered on crafting more accurate and reliable predictions for our global climate system. It’s a task he feels is critical for us all but that many fail to see the benefit of initially, because, Landing says, it doesn’t produce a tangible product or obvious outcome until 10 or 20 years down the road. His work is taking him to the arctic this fall as part of a crew on a 65-day mission to the North Pole, where he’ll be examining samples and looking at pollution and continental dust in the water. Locally, Landing is Chair of the Leon County Science Advisory Committee where he works directly on water quality programs, groundwater protection, and other environmental concerns. At FSU, he heads up courses like the new freshman-level environmental science course for non-science majors, as well as an interdisciplinary course exploring global change.

ENGINEERING

Tarek Abichou, professor at the FAMU-Florida State University College of Engineering, teaches innovative solid waste management practices with the goal of leaving future generations with a more sustainable and manageable solid waste system to rely on. Abichou’s research on mitigating methane emissions from landfills has set the bar for national and international solid waste research. Abichou received a Fulbright Research Award to assess the feasibility of using water balance landfill covers in North Africa. Aside from his fieldwork, he’s also published papers on bio-reactive cover layers in landfills, a new and more sustainable design practice that recirculates waters and makes trash biodegrade faster. This results in a more stable landfill and a much more sustainable solid waste management option than our current model. At FSU, Abichou teaches courses like Environmental Geotechnics, which focuses on the fundamentals geotechnical design, construction, and testing of earthen structures used for the storage and disposal of waste, and also discusses remediation of contaminated sites.

GEOGRAPHY

INTERIOR DESIGN

Mark Horner, professor in the Department of Geography, looks at the way in which transportation systems affect each of us in our daily lives, including the implications our daily modes of transportation have on sustainability.

Jill Pable, associate professor in the Department of Interior Design, brings to the table a human side of sustainability, with a focus on melding interior design with elements of social betterment.

His research focuses on the social sustainability of transportation systems, looking at whether they offer equal opportunity to members of a community and how well these systems serve us. An ongoing project of his examines the commuting patterns of city dwellers, uncovering who may be disadvantaged by our transportation system, and how resources are deployed. Horner teaches transportation geography-- a survey course of transportation systems and how they impact citizens and the environment, and the implications for sustainability. Hornerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students come away from his class with an understanding of debates surrounding sustainable decisions in transportation, and the ability to think critically and put themselves in the shoes of policy makers and planners who are responsible for these decisions.

Pable drew on this dual knowledge of interior design and sustainability in an innovative project that she and her colleagues recently implemented-a transitional shelter for the homeless population of Tallahassee. The design of the center incorporates conscious decisions of color, organization, and interior lighting and furnishings designed to help those going through a life crisis. Her project broadens the notion of sustainability beyond a kindness toward the earth, to a kindness toward sustaining human life as well. Pable has witnessed firsthand the ebb and flow of sustainable building practices over the years, and hopes that with programs like LEED now so widespread, sustainable building will be embraced wholeheartedly for the long haul. In her graduate level course, Theory and Criticism, her students learn organic ways to determine needs for humans and their environment--a concept in which sustainable practices take center stage.

INTERIOR DESIGN

LAW

Lisa Waxman, professor and chair of the Department of Interior Design, weaves the concept of sustainability into her teaching on a daily basis, and knows first hand that her field is ripe with opportunities for sustainable design decisions.

David Markell, Steven M. Goldstein Professor of Law & Associate Dean for Environmental Programs in the College of Law, exposes the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future lawyers, as well as students from a variety of disciplines to the legal nuances of environmentalism.

In her daily work, she ensures that her department makes sustainability a high priority--emphasizing it both in a sustainable design course she teaches, and within the studio curriculum, so that students have the opportunity to apply what they learn in real life settings. Away from the classroom, Waxman shares her knowledge of the importance of LEED certification in buildings, presenting at conferences on the issue of implementing LEED measures into design. Waxmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teaching philosophy emphasizes giving her students hands-on involvement, so they learn for themselves the importance of sustainable design. Over the course of the semester, students are introduced to sustainable issues in a general sense, and then dive into the entirety of the LEED process, finishing the semester with an understanding of the process from top to bottom.

Markell has multiple articles and book chapters tackling climate change issues, including an article entitled An Empirical Assessment of Climate Change in the Courts: A New Jurisprudence or Business as Usual? which was selected as one of the top six Environmental Law articles published in 2012. In addition to his own work, Markell lends his expertise on the issue as a participant in advisory groups that focus on climate change, including with the Department of Health, the Department of Economic Opportunity, and the Florida Climate Institute. He is also a member of the Environmental Law Advisory Group for the Organization of American States Department of Sustainable Development. Markell teaches Environmental Law as well as a Seminar on Current Issues in Environmental Law and Policy, which examines issues pertaining to climate change adaptation as well as compliance and enforcement, international environmental law, and policy issues.

MUSIC

Denise von Glahn, professor in the School of Music and director of the Center for Music of the Americas studies the convergence between music and larger social and cultural factors. Von Glahn is at the forefront of the ecomusicology movement—the multidisciplinary field that examines the merging of music, culture, and nature, and considers the role of the natural environment in the context of music. Her research and recent writings cover this fusion, exploring the natural environment as well as women composers in nature. In addition to having taught courses in the past such as a master’s seminar on Music and Nature, Von Glahn travels to present at events such as the University of Minnesota’s recent “Music in a Changing Climate,” a day-long series of events featuring speakers and asking questions such as, “what does climate change sound like?” Similarly, she presented recently at a panel called “A Conversation on Sound, Place, and Culture” for the Department of Communication Studies and the Department of American Studies.

PUBLIC POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION

Richard Feiock, professor in the School of Public Administration and Policy and director of the Sustainable Energy & Governance unit of FSU’s Institute for Energy Systems, Economics, and Sustainability, studies the intersection of city governance and sustainability concerns. His work addresses how cities can work collaboratively to address environmental issues that will impact not only their local community but also makes strides in our global environment. Feiock is at the forefront of multiple projects, working alongside the likes of the Florida Department of Environmental Projection to study local recycling policies and their efficiency. He’s also a part of a multi-university study funded by the National Science Foundation to look at sustainability’s presence in areas like governmental function, economic development, and public works, and how governments can coordinates efforts across agencies to address these areas. He feels that this collaboration is a pertinent issue in the university setting as well, where agency fragmentation can hinder progressive action. Students of Feiock’s gain first-hand experience in this interplay between city management principles and the environment in courses such as his graduate level Governing Sustainable Communities, in which students work alongside city management personnel to examine their greenhouse gas emissions.

URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING

Christopher Coutts, associate professor in the Department of Urban & Regional Planning, looks at green infrastructure--those priceless natural resources --and the negative implications that can arise when they’re tampered with. Coutts defines “green infrastructure” as the two interconnected systems of conserved lands and elements of the natural environment that we should strive to protect. He’s releasing a book at the end of this year, aptly titled Green Infrastructure and Public Health, a primer on issues of interconnected human health and our natural infrastructure. He says his field of green building has become much broader than in past years, when “green infrastructure” simply related to how best manage storm runoff. Nowadays, he sees questions of sustainability coming up more and more. Coutts’ graduate level course, Environmental Methods of Analysis, explores how we can place a monetary value on seemingly priceless commodities such as trees or honey bees, in order for these resources to stay at the forefront of the conversation. Though many find it unethical to put a price tag on a tree--a criticism Coutts is aware of--discussing them in cost-benefit terms, Coutts says, helps ensure these resources are conserved, for the good of all of us.

“Sustainability is the ability to change people’s behavior— programs, innovations, and technology aren’t going to change anything unless you can change the way people act and the way they interact with the world.” - Richard Feiock, Professor of Public Administration & Policy

Programs and Engagement No matter the interests or skills of a student, Noles can find their niche and engage in sustainability initiatives not only in the classroom but on campus, through a variety of student-led programs. More than 15 individual programs engage students with their fellow Noles and offer hands-on experience that deepens studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; understanding of sustainability. The direction and success of a program relies on studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; passion and leadership skills, and brings together our campus culture as a wholeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; involving everyone from freshmen to graduate students to create a sustainable campus culture.

Book Club Book lovers can unwind at the Sustainable Campus Book Club, made up of a group of students who meet once a month to discuss books inspired by sustainability, such as Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma, and Michael Braungart’s Cradle to Cradle. Students from all fields of study are encouraged to participate and add to the discussion.

Earth Month At Florida State University, Earth Day is more than just a day—it’s a month filled with campus-wide environmental events and activities to celebrate our planet. Kicking off with Take Back the Tap’s World Water Field Day, Earth Month lasts until the end of April, closing with the annual Chuck-It for Charity program. Along with a variety of educational and service events, a keynote speaker is invited to lecture on campus. Previous speakers include renowned marine biologist and Florida State alumna, Sylvia Earle, and the Founder of The Food Recovery Network, Ben Simon.

Eco Reps In residence halls and around campus, Eco-Reps can be seen interacting and educating students about sustainability and green living. Eco-Reps are student ambassadors charged with increasing sustainable behaviors through peer-to-peer outreach and leadership. Inspiring others to take action to green their community, students involved in the Eco-Rep program host sustainability -themed programs in the residence halls, table at various campus events, and conduct a food waste audit in the dining halls every semester.

Energy Fellows Energy conservation and efficiency play a critical role in our campus sustainability program, and provide large savings for the university. Most of our campus community is unaware of how energy and water are managed on campus or how to be an active participant in the conservation of our resources. The Energy Fellows program aims to develop a team of student advocates, trained in conservation and efficiency practices, who raise awareness and serve as liaisons between campus groups.

Food Recovery Network Our campus chapter of the Food Recovery Network, a national university program, unites students to combat the 22 million pounds of food that are wasted on college campuses each year. Students formed a chapter on campus in the fall of 2014, and ever since, a team of volunteers has been collecting food daily from Einstein Bagels, Starbucks, Garnet & Go, Trading Post, POD Market, and baseball games, which then goes toward feeding the hungry in our community.

Garnet and Gold Goes Green The Garnet & Gold Goes Green (G4) Recycling Program provides fans the opportunity to recycle their beverage containers with the intention of decreasing the large amounts of litter surrounding Doak Campbell stadium. G4 volunteers act as the friendly face of recycling to the thousands of fans who attend FSU football games each year.

Greeks Going Green Committed to educating members of sororities and fraternities on sustainable living practices, Greeks Going Green encourages the Greek community to reduce their eco-footprint. A resource guide was created as a resource for Greek chapters at FSU to incorporate sustainable solutions within their houses and communities. Greeks Going Green has also worked with the Homecoming Executive Council and the Student Alumni Association Executive Council to increase the percentage of reused or recycled materials used in parade floats.

Green Fund The Green Fund is a program that sponsors sustainability projects that have tangible impacts around the campus. Recipients of the fund are given the opportunity to develop and implement projects relating to water, energy, waste, alternative transportation, food, or in other areas that will lead to advancements in sustainability. These projects give the student valuable project management experience.

Green Office Certification The Green Office Certification Program seeks to align campus operations with sustainable practices while providing meaningful learning opportunities for faculty and staff. The Certification acts as a framework for implementing green practices in FSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workplace environments, by sparking action within energy conservation, waste reduction, recycling, transportation and purchasing.

reCycle Bike Program A combined effort of Commuter Services of North Florida and Sustainable Campus, this program aims to reduce the amount of cars on campus and provide affordable, sustainable transportation to students. The program hosts bike safety lessons free of charge and provides refurbished bikes (mountain, commuter, or hybrids) for a nominal fee, also supplying repairs, rear and front lights, and a CPSC certified bike helmet.

Seminole Organic Garden The Seminole Organic Garden is a place on campus for students to learn about and grow their own food. Garden beds are available for student organizations to rent so that they can experience growing their own food. Volunteers are encouraged to come to our workdays as we continue to plant trees, shrubs, construct garden beds, perform other garden maintenance activities, and learn about the garden.

Sustainability Fellows A small cohort of students dedicate an entire academic year to developing a proposal for an environmental project that promotes sustainability at FSU. Completely student facilitated, this program has students interview campus departments, tour facilities, and research information to present their proposal to a board of directors that has the ability to implement their plans. The Reuse Cabinet for student organization found in the Student Activities Center is an example of a project successfully proposed and executed by students of this program.

Take Back the Tap Thirsty students are encouraged to take advantage of the safe, clean, and refreshing tap water free and accessible to them straight from the tap. Take Back the Tap is a student run advocacy campaign that works in collaboration with the Food and Water Watch campaign to transform Florida State University into a bottled water free campus. Through educational tabling events, documentary screenings, and meetings, students help motivate the campus community to adopt the practice of using reusable water bottles, and filling up with tap water from â&#x20AC;&#x153;hydration stationsâ&#x20AC;? located all over campus.

GREEN FUND The Green Fund provides an opportunity for students to realize their ideas for sustainability and environmental progress at FSU. It is intended to provide students hands-on experience with the development and management of projects in support of efficiency, conservation, and sustainability efforts (water, energy, waste, alternative transportation, food, etc.) that reduce FSU’s energy costs, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and waste. Since the spring of 2014, a number of projects have been implemented across campus (and others are in the planning phase): Students from the Honors Biology seminar, Living Green: Theory to Action, designed and implemented the Food2Food composting pilot program. Food waste from meals served at the Suwannee Room were collected daily over a 1 week period and composted at our campus nursery. The resulting compost material will be used in the Seminole Organic Garden and the data collected during the pilot will be used to assess future food composting needs. Shower timers and door hangers were installed in the newly constructed Dorman and Deviney residence halls to educatate residents about water conservation and challenge them to a 5-minute shower challenge. Students involved with PeaceJam sought out to “green” their annual Southeast Peace Jam 2014 & 2015 conferences through a series of waste reduction strategies. As representatives of FSU and PeaceJam, they wanted to “walk the walk” of PeaceJam’s Global Call to Action for the environment. Over 700 attendees reduced their eco-footprints by utilizing reusable water bottles and using compostable food service items (plates, cups, utensils) throughout the weekend. Sustainable Engineered Solutions, a student organization from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering set up a series of educational opportunities for Engineering students to learn more about sustainability in the context of waste reduction in their building. Stickers on paper towel dispensers will remind users that “[paper towels] come from trees and to please only take only what you need.” SES/COE branded reusable mugs will be distributed to students to use at the COE coffee station, in lieu of disposable cups; students will also receive a discount when using their reusable mug. Strozier and Dirac Libraries were outfitted with new hydration stations, so library users will be able to easily refill their reusable water bottles. The Green fund is supported through generous donations from individuals and campus partners.

Sustainability Advisory Board Established in the fall of 2013, the Sustainability Advisory Board serves in an advisory capacity to the President and Provost to make recommendations on the development and implementation of sustainability policies and practices related to operations, education, research, and outreach; facilitate cooperation among campus groups; and recommend long-term goals for the University. Strategic planning is a process of research and continuous improvement. It is intended that the board brings together diverse perspectives and fosters a shared decision-making process to provide advice that is objective, practical, and in the best interest of the University as a whole. Duties and responsibilities of the board include: • • • • • •

Fostering environmental, social, and economic sustainability across Florida State University Developing a strategic plan for sustainability that ranges across all University activities Aiding in the development of policy with appropriate departments Establishing reporting and benchmarking methodologies to track and prioritize progress Identifying strategies to implement and reach goals Utilizing sustainability as an advantage for University financial and resource management, recruitment, and research

The board will develop recommendations that promote sustainability across the Florida State University campus. An assessment of existing programs and policies was captured and used for the AASHE STARS 2.0 report submission. This review of ongoing progress and newly developed short and long-range goals will be incorporated into a campus-wide sustainability action plan. Other committee work includes the review and adoption of Florida State University’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Climate Action Plan as well as additional assessments recommended by board members. MEMBERS: Edward Acoff – Procurement Specialist, Procurement Services Dennis Bailey – Senior Associate Vice President for Facilities Paul Burress – Assistant Director of Safety & Security, Environmental Health & Safety Sherrell Cork – Assistant Director, Business Services Michael Duncan – Professor, Department of Urban & Regional Planning Judd Enfinger – Associate Controller for Accounting Property, Controller Shi-Ling Hsu – Professor, College of Law Matthew Inman – Director, Transportation & Parking Services Hank Jacob – Lieutenant, FSU Police Department Don Pace – Director of Technology Services, Information Technology Services Joseph Pierce – Professor, Geography Cassandra Rayne – Finance & Administrative Manager, University Business Administrators Jeffery Seay – News & Public Affairs Specialist, Digital Production Mark Striffler (Chair) – Associate Director, Oglesby Union Elizabeth Swiman – Director, Campus Sustainability Lisa Waxman – Professor, Interior Design

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