Florida Gulf Coast University
PAE-5: Climate Plan

Because of our relatively new campus, FGCU’s GHG emissions per 1,000 square feet and fulltime enrollment are much lower than other comparable schools. Our commitment to LEED certified construction and projects like the solar power array will continue to decrease the GHG emissions per student and per square feet of space. Our university-wide learning outcomes include that all students will develop an ecological perspective and community awareness, with more than 30 different classes offered at FGCU with significant sustainability content. Sustainability activities on campus, academic centers, and academic programs in renewable energy ensure that FGCU will remain on the forefront of sustainability education and community outreach. Tracking systems are in place to benchmark the University’s success in achieving sustainability goals, including creation of the Environmental Sustainability Committee under the Planning and Budgeting Council.

The climate plan included the goal of a 15% reduction in Purchased Electricity Emissions by 2010 relative to baseline emissions in 2008. Our university-wide learning outcomes include that all students will develop an ecological perspective and community awareness, with more than 30 different classes offered at FGCU with significant sustainability content. Sustainability activities on campus, academic centers, and academic programs in renewable energy ensure that FGCU will remain on the forefront of sustainability education and community outreach. FGCU also set the goal to establish the Backe Chair in Renewable Energy to attract a nationally renowned Eminent Scholar dedicated to the study of renewable energy. In addition, FGCU joined with the Backe Group in a collaborative venture to develop a 1.2 million square-foot, state-of-the-art research and development area for studying renewable energy, solar energy, alternative energy sources, biotechnology, green technology and other programs.