ACUPCC Reporting System

Implementation Profile for University of South Florida

Submitted on June 6, 2008; last updated on July 13, 2009

Institution Information

Basic Carnegie Classification RU/VH: Research Universities (very high research activity)
Control Public
Location Tampa, FL
Community Setting Urban fringe of large city
USDOE Climate Zone No information provided.
Current President or Chancellor's Name Judy Genshaft
Current President or Chancellor's Title President
Main Web Site http://www.usf.edu
Sustainability Web Site http://www.acad.usf.edu/Office/Strategic-Initiatives/Sustain-A-Bull-USF.htm

Implementation Structure

Implementation Liaison's Name LInda M. Whiteford
Implementation Liaison's Title Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
Implementation Liaison's Department No information provided.
Format of Structure Committee
Number of Individuals in Structure 30
Stakeholder Groups Represented Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni, Community Members
Description The Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs established a Campus Sustainability Steering Committee and associated Campus Sustainability Committee. The main committee is divided into several subcommittees to manage the development of the Climate Action Plan.

Tangible Actions

1. Establish a policy that all new campus construction will be built to at least the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver standard or equivalent.

No: No information provided.

2. Adopt an energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy requiring purchase of ENERGY STAR certified products in all areas for which such ratings exist.

Yes: The University has a group examining current purchasing standards and is examining how to implement such a program.

3. Establish a policy of offsetting all greenhouse gas emissions generated by air travel paid for by our institution.

Yes: The university is currently developing structures for implementing this type of policy.

4. Encourage use of and provide access to public transportation for all faculty, staff, students and visitors at our institution.

Yes: The university currently provides significant mass transit options for faculty, staff, and students. Discounted transit options are available through public transportation.

5. Within one year of signing this document, begin purchasing or producing at least 15% of our institution's electricity consumption from renewable sources.

No: No information provided.

6. Establish a policy or a committee that supports climate and sustainability shareholder proposals at companies where our institution's endowment is invested.

Yes: The university is currently in conversations with key individuals who can provide input on how to develop this policy appropriately.

7. Participate in the Waste Minimization component of the national RecycleMania competition, and adopt 3 or more associated measures to reduce waste.

Yes: The university has an active recycling program, although it is focused largely on paper. The university is evaluating how best to adopt three or more measures to reduce waste.