Team Green Bulls White

Paper Spring 2010

Professor Tobienne, Francis

Going Green Movement

By
Brandon Combast
Lori Tickerhoof
Benjamin White
Atasha Warren
Included in This Paper

Contents Page

Executive Summary 3

Introduction 4

USF Stance On Green Issues 5

Benefits of Going Green 6-7

Top Ten Ways to Go Green 8

Implementing the Green Movement 8-9

Interviews 10-12

Conclusion 13

Sources 14

Annotated Bibliography 15-16

Team Green Bulls 2

 Executive Summary

Team Green Bulls is presenting a collaborated study into the University of South

Florida’s going green movement through the following angles. As a team several issues

will be looked at. The first is the University’s stance on the environmentally green issues.

After looking at the University’s stance on the green movement, we will then focus on how

the university is using and implementing green technologies across the campus. These

implementations will then be discusses to how they will benefit and cost the University of

south Florida Community. Upon further investigation team Green Bulls looks to present a

documented article on the green movement as it pertains to the University of South Florida

and the university’s surrounding community.

Team Green Bulls 3

 Is a “Green Movement”
sweeping the University of
South Florida?

In  the  world  we  live in there are many controversial issues that affect our society. The
environmental movement or the “green movement” is one of the major topics being discussed
today. The University of South Florida is acting to take steps to be environmentally conscious
and has invested time and money to the green cause. Although it is a controversial subject, it
is always for the greater good to investigate the local University’s views on what is known
as the green movement. The University of South Florida has implemented the nation’s first
School of Global Sustainability. This school provides students with a better understanding of the
environment. Presently, the School of Global Sustainability offers only one degree. This is a
Master of Arts in Global Sustainability. Initially, it will pertain mainly to water related
concerns, but the program will change, as the school matures. The University of South Florida is
exploring different sources of energy saving or smart grid technologies. One of the main sources
is SEEDS. This stands for Sustainable Electrical Energy Delivery System. This system is able to
store up wind and solar energy for later use. It is only located on the University of South Florida
St. Petersburg location presently. University of South Florida’s College of Engineering has a
section devoted to the research and development the green movement. This section is called the
Clean Energy Research Center. The Clean Energy Research Center has received the American
Solar Energy Society’s 2007 Hoyt Clarke Hotel Award and has also received the American
Society of Mechanical Engineers’ Rank Kreith Energy Award. The upfront costs for the
University of South Florida going green should not be the only factor taken into account when
deciding whether or not going green is an economical move. One must look out into the future
to get a sense of the benefits.

Team Green Bulls 4

 The University’s Stance on Green Issues
The University has shown that it is actively
seeking a promotional and strong stance on
the green issues that affect our environment
today. The University of South Florida’s
president Judy Genshaft signed the American
College and University Presidents Climate
Commitment. This was designed to better
help students accelerate to a higher education
through the use of research and educational
efforts to equip society with the tools to
tackle the earth’s environmental issues. The
University of South Florida is actively
seeking to better equip students with the
knowledge that will help to reestablish the
earth’s climate and better protect the
environment for future generations.
The University’s stance on the green
issues is important in the allocation of certain
research funds. The University has taken a
position that allows for research to be done
on green energy production, such as solar
power. The College of Engineering faculty at
USF has conducted research in the field of
solar energy through the University’s College
of Engineering Clean Energy Research
Center. This centers researchers and
engineers have been nationally recognized.
This would not have been accomplished if the
University of South Florida had not taken a
proactive stance with the green movement.
The University of South Florida has
also shown a stand on the promotion of green
social groups as well. The Emerging Green
Builders, which is a USF student group
affiliated with the United States Green
Building Council, is committed to promoting
and educating the public about the green
infrastructure technologies. Although, this is
a student and faculty organization and does
not necessarily reflect on the university itself
Team Green Bulls
it does show the students and some of the faculty’s
stance on green issues. It is through organizations
like these that ideas for green construction and green
buildings are being presented. The University even
helps with the promotion of plant sales to raise
money for the Going Green Awareness program.
One of the more influential stances that the
University of South Florida has taken is through the
launch of the Nation’s first School of Global
Sustainability. This is a revolutionary new school
that is scheduled to start classes for students in the
fall of 2010. This new school will place the
University in a leadership role and will allow for
further research to be done on reducing waste, saving
energy, and presenting more efficient ways America
can actively seek to become more environmentally
friendly. The University held a two-day conference
on global sustainability, public health and climate
change on Thursday, February 11, 2010, which was
dedicated to the opening of the new school to the
public. This conference was a landmark day for the
University of South Florida. The new School on
Global Sustainability is a unique addition to the
University and gives a better understanding of the
stance that the University of South Florida is taking
on the green movement.
With the implementation of the new School
of Global Sustainability and through the funding of
many other areas of research the University has
demonstrated a proactive stance on the green
movement. The University of South Florida is
seeking to better educate and promote the green
movement. The School of Global Sustainability has
propelled the University into an active leadership
role and will lay the foundation to further the
research into the green movement. The University’s
proactive stance on the green issues will allow for a
greater understanding and will help to further
educate generations to come on the green
environmental movement.
5
 Benefits of Going Green

Is going green making a difference?

When analyzing the costs and benefits of going green one has to look at a
larger picture. It is a known fact that green technologies do present an expensive
upfront cost and only when the long-term financial future is factored in does one
see any kind of justification. When looking at the environment, buildings and
construction do show a substantial impact. Just looking at the United States one
finds that buildings alone consume a majority of energy. The Green Buildings
Council’s Research showed that 72% of electricity consumption, 38% of energy
use, 38% of all carbon dioxide emissions, 40% of raw materials, 30% of waste
output, and 14% of potable water is consumed by common buildings. By the
University’s investment into green construction the University hopes to challenge
the statistical norm. The Green Building Council also has a list of benefits that
include air and water quality as well as conserving natural resources. The Council
also states that there are many economical benefits as well. One of the benefits
that are listed is a reduction in the overall operating costs of the newer buildings as
well as improved employee productivity and satisfaction. It would seem that the
University of South Florida is investing in the big picture through emphasizing

Team Green Bulls 6

 green technologies into newer buildings. By reducing the operating costs and
increasing the productivity of the employees the University hopes to gain back
some of its investment. When considering the big picture the University does
stand to eventually, over a long period of time, gain part of their initial investment
back. Although, not knowing exactly what the initial investment is, that gain will
be hard to determine. It ultimately falls on the University to determine the price of
being green.
With the operation and construction of the LEED rated buildings it seems
the University of South Florida is looking to further conserve energy and reduce
the amount of green house gases produced through the investment into smarter
technologies. Upon the research conducted, the University of South Florida has
invested in constructing buildings that are environmentally friendly and energy
efficient.

     
                                         
!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
Team Green Bulls 7
 How is USF Implementing the Green Movement
The University of South
Florida’s stance on the green
movement will directly
influence how the University
takes action on environmental
issues. These actions will
pertain to recycling and other
areas of implementation of
green technologies. It is one
thing for a University to
conduct research on various
green subjects, but how the
University is able to
implement green technologies
and policies is just as
important.
One of the major
investments the University of
South Florida is making is in
the further study and
installation of the Sustainable
Electrical Energy Delivery
System or SEEDS as it is
referred to. This is something
that the University of South
Florida’s College of
Engineering and other
community investors are
looking at. SEEDS is an
example of smart grid
technology. The idea is that
SEEDS will allow for
alternative and renewable
energies to become a more
dominant means of power
generation. Ordinarily, when
alternative and renewable
energies are used there has to
Team Green Bulls
be some other means to
generate more power at peak
times. Usually, these different
means are considered to be
non-green generating
techniques. The idea of the
SEEDS and other smart grid
technologies is to allow for
wind and solar energies to
produce electricity when they
are able to and have a battery
system that stores the
electricity for those times when
solar and wind are unreliable.
This highly advanced battery
will allow for these alternative
and renewable energies to be
able to supply the power
needed in peak hours through
the use of stored energy. The
battery system is being
implemented at the University
of South Florida’s St.
Petersburg’s Campus. Through
the interview with Mr. Rick
Close one was able to learn that
the University of South
Florida’s St. Petersburg
Campus has had very little
trouble with the system so far.
Mr. Close provided the
information that other than
having to replace the battery
the system has operated
smoothly so far. The systems
are located in the Albert
Whitted Park and by the
fountain on the University of
South Florida’s St.
Petersburg Campus. This is a
system that has a great
potential to change the
infrastructure of the United
States’ power grid. This is
something that the University
of South Florida as a whole
has invested in and has had a
fairly large community
involvement.
USF has also taken up
policies that only allow for a
more environmentally
friendly atmosphere. Mr.
Close stated in his interview
that recycling, and using
green cleaning supplies is a
policy that is used by the
University of South Florida
St. Petersburg Campus.
Through the use of recycling
old batteries and burnt out
light bulbs the University is
able to eliminate
environmentally hazardous
materials from the USF’s
outside community. The
University of South Florida
has also made sure to put a
heavy influence on recycling.
Across all campuses the
University of South Florida
has areas that allow for
plastics and papers to be
recycled rather than disposed
of. Ultimately, it is up to
those who are disposing of
8
 the material to sort and recycle
properly.
Top Ten Ways
The College of Engineering
to Go Green faculty at the University of South
Florida has one of the world’s
1. Switch to leading scientist and experts on the
fluorescent light green technology known as solar
bulbs. energy. The College of Engineering
2. Unplug Clean Energy Research Center has
electronics when received honors in the field of solar
not in use. and sustainable energy. The Clean
Energy Research Center has
3. Replace old
received the American Solar Energy
computer
monitors with Society’s 2007 Hoyt Clarke hotel
new LCD Award and has also received the
models. American Society of Mechanical
Engineers’ Rank Kreith Energy
4. Or replace
Award. The CERC, as it is
desktop with a
laptop. abbreviated, is the section of the
University that is dedicated to the
5. Get a research and development of green
programmable energy technologies as it pertains to
thermostat.
the state of Florida. The research
6. Lower your center is looking at hydrogen fuel
thermostat. cells, solar energy conversion and
biomass technologies. The College
7. Reduce air leaks
by weathering or of Engineering Clean Energy
caulking. Research Center looks at different
kinds of ways to better utilize these
8. Make windows technologies in Florida. The center
more efficient.
is responsible for developing the
9. Unplug your nation’s first twenty thousand watt
fridge and clean solar electric charging station that is
the coils in back designed to charge electric vehicles.
at least once a The Clean Energy Research Center
year.
obtained record setting efficiency
10. Switch to an thin film cadmium telluride solar
ENERGY STAR cells. These cadmium telluride
washing machine. solar cells were designed for low
cost applications. The center is also
known for its development of the
Rivolta Isigo neighborhood electric
vehicle. This is a short compiled list
Team Green Bulls
of some of the
accomplishments that have
come as a result of the
University of South Florida’s
Clean Energy Research Center.
The University of
South Florida’s St. Petersburg
campus has also worked to
make new construction as
green as possible. USF has
worked to earn LEED
certified buildings. LEED
stands for Leadership in
Energy and Environmental
Design. LEED is a part of the
United States Green Building
Council and works to grade
buildings on their
environmentally friendliness.
The council provides a third-
party verification that a
building was constructed in a
manner that will help promote
a reduction in carbon dioxide
and must also work to obtain
energy savings as well as water
efficiency. The council works
to rate commercial and
residential buildings and also
works to help promote green
construction. The new Science
and Technology building that
was recently built at the St.
Petersburg campus was
originally thought to be
awarded the silver LEED
certification. The University
made a couple of changes and
was later awarded the Gold
LEED certification. The
University has presented this
standard as a means for future
investment for future projects.
9
 From a Faculty’s Opinion

Richard Close
Phone Interview
Received March 10, 2010

What was the basic reason for SEEDS?

SEEDS stand for Sustainable Electrical Energy Delivery System.
System. This was created For USF St. Petersburg by the College
College of Engineering by USF Tampa and Progress Energy. In
Energy. In St. Petersburg SEEDS has two locations one is by Albert Whitted Park and the other is by
the fountain. SEEDS is a new technology for storing energy for future use.
Do you know how well it has worked so far? Or have there been any major problems you are
aware of?
SEEDS have worked rather well so far. There has been an only minor problem. This problem dealt
with energy storage. This is basically the battery, which operates SEEDS. Overall, problems are a
learning process. Once SEEDS got a new battery installed, there has been no problem since.
Are you aware of any green programs that USF St. Petersburg is currently implementing, if so,
what are these?
USF St. Petersburg is constantly updating their green technology. They recycle burnt out light bulbs,
and batteries. They only use green cleaning supplies. A percentage of the monies saved are donated
to the Ronald McDonald house Charity.
Besides the new Science and Technology Building, has and green technology been instituted in
other buildings?
Other buildings are constantly being updated. The new Science and Technology building was
originally thought to be awarded silver LEED certification. They added more green technology and
more green along harbor walk and amazingly gained gold LEED certification.
Does it seem the students and faculty is participating in “going green?”
This is a process that will take time. There are recycling bins all around campus to sort out especially
paper and plastic. If a student or faculty member were to toss a paper item into a plastic bin, that
whole bin would not be able to be recycled. The same is true for an individual who tosses a plastic
item into a paper bin. The school cannot recycle if items are not properly disposed of.
Any other information you would want to add?
There is currently under way a plan for an add on to SEEDS in the Chancellor’s suite.

Team Green Bulls 10

 From a Faculty’s Opinion
Cont.

Dr. E Christian Wells

Email Interview
Received March 10, 2010

1. How do you believe your work in the field of Anthropology has

helped you to better understand our environment and our need to
preserve it?
Anthropology offers a holistic (interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, global) perspective, which is required to
understand sustainability.
2. I read about your research into “green fields and brown fields,” do you believe there is any way we
can slow this progression, especially in the less prosperous areas?
I hope so. There are numerous environmental activist groups in the government and non-profit sectors in the
Tampa Bay region that are truly concerned about this issue. They rightly understand that the solution will
require positive policy development.
3. What are some of the goals of the American College & University President’s Climate
Commitment?
I think the overall goal of the ACUPCC is to call national attention to climate change (especially among
college students) and to encourage institutions of higher education—as leaders in solutions to climate change
problems—to be proactive.
4. On the College Sustainability Report Card, many of the items listed are being addressed by one of
the subcommittees, what do you think could possibly be done differently to better USF’s grade.
The Sustainability Report Card has many problems, only one of which is that the “grade” schools receive is
based on data that is several years old. Our 2010 grade, for instance, is based on data collected in 2007!
There are better evaluation tools emerging, such as the STARS program administered by AASHE.
5. What are some of the Fundraising activities or grant proposals the Office of Sustainability has had
or are planning to have?
Our office helps student groups apply for internal and external funding to support sustainability initiatives.
We have recently worked with Students in Free Enterprise, Emerging Green Builders, Engineers without
Borders, and the Student Environmental Association to raise funds for their projects.

Team Green Bulls 11

 6. For the most part, do these cover the expenses incurred by the Office of Sustainability? If not, how
do you cover the expenses?
Our office has recurring funds from the Provost’s Office, but our operating budget is so small that we must
find alternative revenue streams to support us in the future. The “Green Fee” could be a significant help if it
is passed by the B.O.G.
7. What are some of the new programs and policies you have implemented since being appointed to
director?
Our programs are highlighted on our website. They include internships for undergraduate and graduate
students, recognition of sustainability mentors, and programs to support the integration of sustainability into
the curriculum.

8. How do you encourage staff and students to get involved in going green?
Students, faculty, and staff can join one of our action committees, volunteer their time on one of the many
sustainability initiatives we are involved in, or contribute a financial gift.
9. After student competitions are over, do they still continue to conserve energy and water as they did
during the competition?
I hope that in raising awareness to energy, water, and waste conservation, the competitions such as
Conserva-Bull and Recyclemania change peoples’ behavior.
10. I read about trays in the eating areas being removed, do you believe the staff and students were
pleased with this, or do you think it took some getting used to?
This was a bold move by Aramark (Dining Services) that I think is a step in the right direction. But there is
much more to do. Just look at what is being done by Aramark at other Florida schools. We are moving in the
right direction, but are clearly behind others.
11. What does the Green Lights Program cover?
The program is now known by another name—Energy Star, which you may have hear of in regard to
appliances, etc. Basically, the program ensures that equipment runs as efficiently as possible, using the least
amount of electricity possible. Our Physical Plant has been very proactive in this program. I hope our
Contracts and Purchasing Department follows suit.
12. What is the Climate Action Plan?
The plan is a comprehensive plan with benchmarks to reduce (and ultimately eliminate) greenhouse gas
emissions by USF. It is a requirement of the ACUPCC, but also the right thing to do.
13. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Please get involved, encourage others to do so, and take care of our campus, community, and planet.
Someone once said that we inherit the Earth from our ancestors, but really we are just borrowing it from our
children. This is an important message and shift in perspective that I hope everyone takes.

Team Green Bulls 12

 The Overall Picture

Throughout the course of the research the main goal in presenting this article was

to examine the environmentally green movement as it pertains to the University of

South Florida. The University of South Florida has demonstrated a stance that

would seem to be of a proactive nature. The University has demonstrated a keen

interest in community involvement and education. Through the construction and

integration of the new School of Global Sustainability the University is seeking to

further educate. The University has also looked to invest in further research on

new technologies and implement these technologies into newer and greener

constructions. The University of South Florida’s proactive nature looks to have

made it a leader in the local community. The University seems to be dedicated to

actively taking steps and measures to further the education and action that is

needed to demonstrate a proactive stance on the green movement.

Team Green Bulls 13

 Sources

Works Cited
Clean Energy Research Center . University of South Florida's Clean Energy Research Center, n.d. Web.
18 Mar 2010. <http://cerc.eng.usf.edu/>.

"College campuses are going green." seattlepi. Hearst Newspapers, n.d. Web. 25 Mar 2010.
<http://www.seattlepi.com/local/282232_greencampus23.html>

"Going Green -- Expo and Spring Plant Festival Tomorrow." - Going Green -- Expo and Spring Plant
Festival Tomorrow. Web. <http://usfweb3.usf.edu/absolutenm/templates/?a=595&z=81>.

"Green Building Research ." U.S. Green Building Council, n.d. Web. 18 Mar 2010.
<http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1718>.

"LEED Rating Systems." U.S. Green Building Council, n.d. Web. 18 Mar 2010.
<http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=222>.

The University of South Florida Launches the Nation’s First School of Global Sustainability. Web.
<http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/dailyloaf/2010/02/12/the-university-of-south-florida-launches-
the-nations-first-school-of-global-sustainability/>.
USF President Signs Historic Environmental Commitment."
<http://usfweb3.usf.edu/absolutenm/templates/?a=617&z=81>

Team Green Bulls 14

 Annotated Bibliography
Team Green Bulls’ White paper addresses the green movement as it pertains to the University of South
Florida. The objective of this paper is to address the University’s stance on green issues through the
implementation of new schools and research motives. The paper will also focus on how the university
is using and implementing green technologies across campus. Through the use of student interviews
and sited research our team will focus on these issues and show the University of South Florida stance
and implementation of the green movement.
Close, Rick Personal Interview – March 10, 2010
Rick Close is a Buildings and Operations Manager at the USF St. Petersburg campus. In an interview
with him, I hope to gain more information about a project known as SEEDS. This stands for
Sustainable Electrical Energy Delivery System. This project basically takes naturally occurring energy,
such as wind or solar energy and saves it. This energy is available for use at a later date, when it is
needed. I also want to learn from him what he knows about what USF St. Petersburg is doing to help
in the going green movement.
Dr. E. Christian Wells Email Interview – March 10, 2010
Dr. E. Christian Wells is the University of south Florida’s Director of the Office of Sustainability and
Associate Professor of Anthropology. He is an accomplished environmental archaeologist and studies
the long-term human, environmental systems and the impact these have on the world as we know it.
He provided great input on the School of Global Sustainability and how the University is taking steps
to research sustainability.
"USF President Signs Historic Environmental Commitment."
<http://usfweb3.usf.edu/absolutenm/templates/?a=617&z=81>
In April of 2008, the president, Judy Genshaft, of USF signed the American College and University
Presidents Climate Commitment. This commitment is designed to help students accelerate to higher
education and help research and educational efforts to equip society with the information and tools to
re-stabilize the earth’s climate.

USF has won many awards from Hillsborough County for its recycling program in the years of 1994-1997,
as well as 2000.

The College of Engineering faculty at USF has one of the world’s leading scientists and experts on solar
energy. D. Yogi Goswami, Ph.D., the John & Naida Ramil Professor of Chemical Engineering and co-
director of the University of South Florida’s College of Engineering Clean Energy Research Center. He
recently received two of the highest honors in the field of solar and sustainable energy: the American Solar
Energy Society’s (ASES) 2007 Hoyt Clarke Hotel Award and the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers’ (ASME) 2007 Frank Kreith Energy Award.

Among the active student and faculty groups is Emerging Green Builders, a USF student group affiliated
with USGBC/United States Green Building Council, committed to promoting and educating the public
about green building and infrastructure. A team of students has worked with the USF Sun Dome staff to

Team Green Bulls 15

 evaluate strategies for energy and water conservation and waste reduction and devised a series of
recommendations.

"Going Green -- Expo and Spring Plant Festival Tomorrow." - Going Green -- Expo and Spring Plant
Festival Tomorrow. Web. <http://usfweb3.usf.edu/absolutenm/templates/?a=595&z=81>.

Still making more strides to go green the University of South Florida has had
several plant sales to help raise money for Going Green Awareness programs.
Sharon Hanna-West, an MBA programs faculty member at the USF College of
Business says that “One of the most important aspects is the connectivity between
the university and the community,” she said. “The amount of common passion
and common cause is amazing. I think this is an idea, causes that people believe
in, and share in common.”

The University of South Florida Launches the Nation’s First School of Global Sustainability. Web.
<http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/dailyloaf/2010/02/12/the-university-of-south-florida-launches-
the-nations-first-school-of-global-sustainability/>.

Reducing waste, saving energy and going “green” is the direction America’s heading to protect our
planet. Sustainability is at our doorsteps and now, the University of South Florida will take a role in
leading co-operative research by opening the nation’s firs School of Global Sustainability to students in
the fall of 2010.

USF launched the new college on Thursday, February 11th, with a two-day conference on global
sustainability, public health, and climate change. The dedication of the school was open to the public, and
people from all over the Tampa bay area attended to listen to the discussions.

Researchers and professors came from across the state and country to talk about the issues of global
sustainability and the things that are being done locally and globally to protect our planet. Dr. Lonnie
Thompson, a professor at Ohio State University and research scientist in the Byrd Polar Research Center,
opened the seminar with a lecture on his research concerning climate change and the retreating of ice
glaciers in the South American Andes, Himalayas, and Polar Regions.

Universities can play a major role in providing the public with information and leading the way in the
international sustainability movement. USF has taken on the responsibility to create an academic
atmosphere where students and professors have the opportunity to explore and understand the concepts of
sustainability, while creating new methods to correct humankind’s current mistakes.

Danielle Groenen, a graduate student in atmospheric Science from the University of California, recently
moved to Tampa. “I was excited to find out that USF is opening the School of Global Sustainability.
Because of Florida’s location there are so many opportunities for research,” Groenen said.

The focus of the school will be on the issues of water, climate change, marine life, urban and city life,
transportation, education, cultural diversity, environmental and human health.

Team Green Bulls 16