Florida State University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

FSU Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan 2.2: Enhance the quality of graduate education to achieve preeminence in strategically important areas of study and research
- Leverage the world-class strengths of the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and expand the resources of FSU’s Innovation Park. We want to attract the highest caliber researchers and graduate students, enhance the research experiences of undergraduate students, and strengthen outreach to scientists worldwide.
- Expand and enrich FSU’s research enterprise by strengthening the research infrastructure—IT, space, support staff, equipment, and library—required to support a substantial increase in interdisciplinary research.
- Grow and improve the volume and visibility of innovative research in engineering.

Strategic Plan 2.5: Expand innovative teaching strategies
- Establish an FSU Center for Teaching and Learning to support faculty professional development and innovation in pedagogical practice. This initiative will include learning from other universities and organizations employing “best” and “emerging” practices.
- Expand active engagement in research and scholarship for undergraduates, beginning in their first year at the University. This will include increasing faculty mentorship and providing more opportunities for collaborative work with faculty members, graduate students, and fellow undergraduates.

Strategic Plan 2.4: Encourage and incentivize high-impact, interdisciplinary and inter-college initiatives that address pressing societal issues
- Enhance the leadership and coordination of interdisciplinary programs and activities across the University.
- Engage the FSU community in identifying broad thematic areas in which to develop new programs and interdisciplinary faculty hiring initiatives.
- Promote interdisciplinary teaching and programs at the undergraduate level and, at the graduate level, remove barriers to the development of new interdisciplinary programs such as student financial support and the allocation of credit among programs in different colleges and departments.

Strategic Plan 3.3: Develop globally and culturally competent students who are prepared to succeed in an increasingly multicultural and international society
- Incorporate into curricula, courses, and materials perspectives that prepare students to live and work in a diverse and global society.

Strategic Plan 5.1: Expand experiential, cross-cultural, and collaborative learning
- Engage all students in research, clinical, and project-based-learning experiences that provide them with career-ready competencies.

Strategic Plan 6.5-4: Education for Sustainability

FSU Campus Master Plan
Master Plan 1.0: Academic Mission
- The University shall continue to explore opportunities to add new degree programs during the planning period covered by this update. The programs listed below are under consideration for approval during 2020-21: Master’s, Specialist and other Advanced Master’s Programs - Climate Change Solutions; Physical Environmental Science
- Regarding priorities for the development of new or modified academic programs, the University shall apply the following criteria: Readiness to offer a program of quality without significant additional resources; Present adequacy of resources available to the program for the proposed degree program offering Societal need; Program need (additional faculty, graduate student support, etc.)

Master Plan 2.0: Academic Program
- The University shall offer undergraduate, graduate, advanced graduate and professional programs of study, conduct extensive research, and provide service to the public in accord with its statewide mission.

Master Plan 5.0: Academic Facilities
- Continue to assess systematically all existing academic facilities to achieve the following policies.
o Policy 1A-2: Upgrade laboratories to contemporary performance and environmental safety standards to promote, enrich, and enhance student instruction and research.
o Policy 1A-3: Promote and provide for special instructional laboratories (e.g., for languages).
- Construct new academic facilities to meet the future needs of the University.

Master Plan 6.0: Support Facilities
- Provide support facilities to meet the University's educational, research, and public service mission and future needs.

College of Social Sciences & Public Policy Strategic Plan 2019-2029
COSSPP: COSSPP’s Core Values
- “Promote and clearly communicate evidence‐based social science research and teaching to . . . contribute to the advancement of social and economic mobility, equal opportunity, and a sustainable world”

FSU Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan 2.1: Define and Develop an FSU “faculty for the future”
- Create incentives and encouragement for faculty members to connect with the Tallahassee community in their research, pedagogy, and service and to use these experiences to increase student experiential learning and civic engagement

Strategic Plan 2.6: Enhance FSU’s strategy for expanding its global footprint and fostering a culturally rich learning environment on campus
- Expand and strengthen strategic partnerships with universities and organizations abroad and domestically to provide more opportunities for education experiences outside of the United States.
- Create faculty and staff professional development initiatives that foster international engagement, including faculty exchanges and international research collaborations.
- Expand experiential, cross-cultural, and collaborative learning opportunities on campus and abroad to help students develop intercultural competencies and global awareness.
- Build and sustain a globally minded FSU community by increasing opportunities that promote interaction and understanding among students of all cultures.

Strategic Plan 4.2: Expand the number of nationally or internationally recognized interdisciplinary academic programs
- Ensure that every student has the opportunity for at least one significant experience in student organizations, research, community service, leadership roles, internships, and/or international experiences.
- Improve college readiness and outcomes by building strong connections with K-12 schools in the Tallahassee area, Florida community colleges, and other state four-year institutions from which significant numbers of students transfer to FSU.
- Increase partnerships with community agencies and schools to stimulate social entrepreneurship and to educate and involve students in civic responsibility.

Strategic Plan 6.5: Incorporate sustainable living practices into all FSU activities
- FSU will incorporate practices that reduce our overall footprint and build a University-wide culture of environmental care. We will actively pursue education for sustainability by increasing communication efforts and related curricular, co-curricular, service, and research initiatives.

Strategic Plan 6.5, Initiative E, Tactic 3, Sub-Tactic A: Increase curricular sustainability opportunities
- Increase number of sustainability-related courses by 10%

Strategic Plan 6.5, Initiative E, Tactic 3, Sub-Tactic B: Increase curricular sustainability opportunities
- Increase number of student participations by 10%

FSU Campus Master Plan
Master Plan 12.0: Intergovernmental Collaboration
- Establish a process for the reciprocal review of University Campus Master Plans and local government comprehensive plans and their amendments.
- Establish a process for the reciprocal review of proposed development activities both on campus and in the context area whereby local officials are given an opportunity to review proposed campus development in order to assess its potential impacts on local, regional, and state resources and facilities, and whereby University officials are given an opportunity to review proposed development within the context area in order to assess its potential impacts on University resources and facilities.
- The University shall continue to coordinate with civic and local government groups concerning the use of University facilities for recreational, entertainment, and other public service events.
- The University shall continue to discuss issues associated with the provision of affordable off-campus student housing as needed, with interested campus and community constituents, including participants from: Local government agencies; Citizen interest groups; Private real estate interests; and Other interested parties.

FSU Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan 6.5: Incorporate sustainable living practices into all FSU activities
- We will incorporate practices that reduce our overall footprint and build a University-wide culture of environmental care. We will actively pursue climate action by focusing on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and energy use through increased conservation and efficiency efforts, increased sustainable transportation options that support a bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly campus, and optimizing the use of green building technologies.

Strategic Plan 6.5: Initiative C, Tactic 2, Sub-Tactic A: Optimize operational efficiency and reliability
- Increase the amount of annual capital reinvestment by 10% annually

Strategic Plan 6.5, Initiative E, Tactic 1, Sub-Tactic A: Reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) footprint
- Decrease GHG emission by 5%

Strategic Plan 6.5: Initiative E, Tactic 1, Sub-Tactic B: Optimize campus energy consumption
- Reduce campus Energy Use Index (EUI) by 3%
- Increase solar energy purchase to 20%

Strategic Plan 6.5: Initiative E, Tactic 2, Sub-Tactic A: Increase water conservation
- Decrease water consumption by 30%

Strategic Plan 6.5: Initiative E, Tactic 2, Sub-Tactic B: Enhance water quality
- Increase Low Impact Development (LID) projects to 5

Strategic Plan 6.5: Initiative E, Tactic 2, Sub-Tactic C: Increase landfill diversion rate
- Increase recycling rate by 5% annually

Strategic Plan 6.5: Initiative E, Tactic 2, Sub-Tactic D: Enhance campus landscape
- Increase number of campus gardens and green spaces to 25 total

FSU Campus Master Plan
Master Plan 3.0: Urban Design
- Meet or exceed state-mandated energy guidelines for all new facilities and continue programs for retrofitting existing facilities.
- Site new buildings along the best energy-conserving solar orientation within appropriate functional parameters for the building program.
- To promote energy efficiency and conservation, cluster facilities, buildings, parking lots, etc. to minimize energy distribution losses and minimize expenditures of energy for movement of goods, people and utilities.
- At the Panama City Campus, preserve and enhance the natural edge of vegetation along the shoreline of North Bay as symbolic green space and as a buffer to the academic building zone.
- At the Tallahassee Campus Southwest, preserve and enhance the areas of natural vegetation along portions of the campus.
- Establish a system of dedicated open spaces around which to develop future University facilities.
- Preserve the campus' significant vegetation, including "heritage oaks." Relocation can be an option when it is possible.

Master Plan 4.0: Future Land Use
- Provisions for stormwater management, open space, and safe and convenient on-campus traffic flow, considering needed vehicle parking, are included in the development density guidelines and should be provided at the adopted level of service as part of each facility development.
- Develop the campus in ways that will protect natural resources from the adverse impacts of development.
- Coordinate the locations for future land use zones with appropriate topography and soil conditions.

Master Plan 5.0: Academic Facilities
- Construct new academic facilities to meet the future needs of the University
Policy 1B-7: All future facilities and projects affecting existing facilities shall meet or exceed state mandated energy conservation and efficiency guidelines and will pursue additional efficiency/conservation applications as appropriate for the functions to be housed.

Master Plan: 8.0: Recreation and Open Space
- Provide adequate parks, recreational facilities, and open space for the future.
- Enhance and preserve existing passive recreation areas and open space on campus.

Master Plan 9.0: General Infrastructure
- Improve efficiency and reduce cost of solid waste disposal.
- Maximize recycling activities. FSU shall expand, enhance, and promote an on-campus recycling awareness and emphasis campaign. Recycling containers shall be located at numerous convenient locations across the campus. FSU shall promote recycling through increased educational efforts directed towards faculty, students and staff.
- Continue and increase composting of vegetation refuse.
- Develop and continually enhance the operation of a campus-wide Recycling Center
- Coordinate closely with the Leon County on present and future projected solid waste disposal requirements for the University.
- Continue to monitor solid waste facilities and procedures to locate deficiencies and provide for future needs.
- Upgrade and expand the existing stormwater management system to correct existing deficiencies and to meet future needs.
- Protect natural drainage and hydrological areas.
- Use environmentally-friendly designs, such as detention systems, metered-release devices, porous or vegetative liners, minimize impervious surfaces, etc., as appropriate and as called for by state design guidelines, to protect natural stormwater management and hydrological areas from erosion and contamination and to mitigate impacts of University-generated stormwater.
- FSU shall continue to mitigate University-generated stormwater and minimize stormwater-borne pollutants through the implementation of a system of Best Management Practices (BMPs).
- It shall be the policy of the University that no stormwater discharges may cause or contribute to a violation of water quality standards in waters of the State.
- Monitor / update per capita (campus population) water consumption from available records.
- Coordinate closely with the City on present and future projected water demands of the University.
- Protect and conserve potable water sources.

Master Plan 10.0: Utilities
- Continue to improve the efficiency and performance of the steam system.
- Improve overall plant operations and efficiencies through trainings, asset management, and technological updates.
- Establish design standards and operations programs to improve conservation of energy.
- Improve the efficiency and performance of the chilled water system to achieve energy savings.

Master Plan 11.0: Transportation
- Where feasible, turn existing inner-campus parking lots into open green spaces to promote the pedestrian ambience of the campus.
- The University shall implement transportation demand management (TDM) strategies designed to encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation and to reduce the dependence on the single-occupant vehicle as the primary mode of transportation.
- In order to reduce the demand for on-campus parking and discourage the use of the single occupant automobile as the primary mode of transportation, the University shall implement Transportation Demand strategies that include unbundling student parking from the TAF fee, demand-based permit pricing for staff and students and location-specific permits during peak hours to discourage vehicular movement once on-campus.
- Preserve and enhance existing campus pedestrian links between major destinations. University Center and the Union.
- Consider use covered arcades and shaded linkages to connect new and existing buildings in order to create covered pedestrian connections across campus and new courtyard environments.
- Preserve and enhance existing campus bicycle links between major campus activity areas. Connect bike paths serving new campus development to existing campus bike paths.
- Continue to expand, enhance and promote the following programs to increase utilization of pedestrian and non-vehicular facilities.
- Establish priorities for the development of pedestrian and bicycle facilities on-campus.
- The University will continue the practice of considering alternative parking surfaces or other means to reduce stormwater run-off.

Master Plan 13.0: Conservation
- Maintain and enhance air quality on all campuses.
- Conserve and appropriately use energy.
- Conserve, appropriately use, and protect native vegetative communities and wildlife habitat.
- Maximize on-campus reclamation of hazardous materials and consumer products.
- All new or renovated University buildings shall be designed with facilities to accommodate collection, storage and disposal of recycled materials.
- The University shall coordinate on-campus recycling programs with those of local government in regard to materials collected, and disposal/collection procedures.
- Conserve and protect the quality of current and projected water sources.
- Protect and conserve the natural functions of soils and floodplains.

Master Plan 15.0: Architectural Design Guidelines
- Select energy-efficient and low-maintenance exterior and interior materials, architectural details, and building equipment and fixtures.

Master Plan 16.0: Landscape Architectural Design Guidelines Element
- Establish and maintain a high level of quality in the design of landscape treatments on the University campus.
- In conjunction with the buildings and facilities, the planted areas will serve to establish a campus identity, reinforce open spaces, and create a comfortable environment. Campus planting will also establish a structure of continuity for the campus, helping to tie old and new sections, and the many architectural styles, together into a cohesive statement.
- The large "heritage" Live Oak trees located throughout the Panama City Campus shall be the overall framework for landscape development. These large and majestic oak trees dominate and embrace the outdoor space and give the campus a sense of place, identity, and permanence.
- Establish criteria for the selection of plant materials for use on campus, and consider the following: 1) The Established Plant Palette in Historic Zone; 2) Functional and Aesthetic Requirements; 3) Preservation of Existing Trees; 4) Xeriscape (Drought Tolerant and Native Material); 5) Maintenance; and 6) Security and Safety.
- To establish a plant list and matrix to identify plants suitable for use on the campus, that incorporate characteristics of low maintenance, low water use, long life, and are native or indigenous to the region.
- Maintain the campus existing tree inventory.
- The tree maintenance program shall be continued in order to maintain the excellent health of the tree inventory on campus.
- Enhance bicycle use on campus and continue to provide convenient locations for bicycle parking facilities.
- With the expansion of the campus and as the need for intra-campus transportation increases, establish provision for bus shelters at all stops where there presently are none. Consideration should also be given for adequate canopy cover, for shade and weather protection, based on usage.
- Establish standards for landscape treatment of retention ponds, drainage corridors, and related elements.

Master Plan 17.0: Facilities Maintenance
- University facilities shall utilize energy in the most efficient manner available and practicable, following LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or other generally accepted guidelines and principles in all new construction and renovation.
- The University shall pursue energy efficient design solutions that will add value and utility to university buildings, while maximizing scarce capital funds.

Aramark Dining Contract: R. Sustainability Plan
- Contractor will maintain a sustainability program that reflects University’s position as a national academic leader in this area. Particular emphasis should be placed on a recycling program similar in scope to University’s; the purchase and transport of food; food preparation; food disposal; and innovation and education. The Campus Dining Program Sustainability Plan shall be updated annually as part of the Annual Plan. At a minimum, consideration should be given to the following:
o All aspects of solid waste reduction and recycling to decrease waste steam volume.
o Purchasing and maintaining energy efficient food service equipment, appliances, and light bulbs rated Energy Star or equivalent.
o Disposal of cooking fats and oils through recycling efforts. d. Operation and purchase of hybrid and/or alternative fuel low emission vehicle.
o Utilization of portable and wastewater reduction procedures in cooking and cleaning.
o Purchasing practices for regional sourcing, locally grown and vegan food products options that are labeled as such.
o Reductions in the purchasing of heavily packaged food products and the production of such packaged products for resale.
o Purchasing of more biodegradable disposable service items as well as recycled service products when practical.
o Implementation of Green Cleaning policies and procedures for all operations using Green Seal certified cleaning products or the equivalent.
- Other measured sustainability objectives include:
o Increase in local sourcing by 5% end of fiscal year 22
o 0 - 5% single-use plastic percentage in our dining locations by end of fiscal year 22
o Increase responsible food and beverage sourcing spend to at least 30% by end of fiscal year 2026

FSU Sustainability Strategic Plan
Sustainability Strategic Plan: Goal 3-E. Promote sustainable alternatives in the procurement of goods and services.

Division of Finance & Administration Business Operations Policy (OP)
4-OP-A-8: Supplier Diversity
- The objective of this policy is to ensure and promote qualified small business participation in state contracting, which includes small businesses owned by ethnic/racial minorities, veteran and women. It is the ultimate goal of the University to have a diverse supplier base that provides the highest quality support services that are consistent with a world-class status the University seeks to achieve.


FSU Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan 2.1: Define and develop an FSU “faculty for the future”
- Align faculty hiring with the strategic goals of the University—leveraging existing strengths with emerging disciplines, identifying synergies between college-initiated efforts and FSU-wide goals, and rewarding inter-college efforts with additional resources.
- Strengthen the development and retention of faculty, especially at the junior level, by increasing mentorship and setting clear milestones for promotion. We’ll also expand recognition—in tenure, promotion, and merit allocation decisions—of interdisciplinary research and teaching as well as commercialization and entrepreneurship activities.
- Provide strong professional development for faculty that encourages ongoing pedagogical innovation and mentorship of students for careers and advanced study.
- Address staffing needs in support of faculty through both new hires and improved retention of current staff.

Strategic Plan 2.2: Enhance the quality of graduate education to achieve preeminence in strategically important areas of study and research
- Attract the best graduate and post-doctoral students through greater financial support and improvement in campus amenities and quality of life.

Strategic Plan 2.3: Strengthen the excellence and reputation of the University’s professional schools
- Continue to attract and retain more diverse students and faculty, building on our nationally recognized success in preparing African American and Hispanic professionals.
- Build our partnership with FAMU in advancing the mission of the FAMU/FSU Joint College of Engineering by together increasing faculty and students and building a stronger research portfolio, while meeting our mission to help prepare African American and women Engineers.

Strategic Plan 3.1: Realizing the Full Potential of Diversity and Inclusion, Increase the diversity of FSU’s student body, faculty, and staff
- We will set and pursue aggressive goals to enroll students and recruit and retain faculty and staff at all levels of the University who reflect the diversity of Florida and our nation.
- Provide numerous pathways to FSU enrollment—including links to schools and community organizations that serve populations underrepresented in higher education—to expand access for an increasingly diverse market of prospective students.
- Ensure an affordable FSU education for all students regardless of socioeconomic status.
- Support and strengthen initiatives for the recruitment, retention, and development of a diverse faculty and staff.
- Support student affairs initiatives and employee professional development programs that help ensure a welcoming atmosphere for members of historically marginalized and underrepresented populations who join the FSU community.
- Become the nation’s most veteran-friendly university, through targeted efforts to recruit and retain students, faculty, and staff from veteran populations.
- Expand and strengthen academic and co-curricular programs, as well as administrative initiatives, that increase diversity and inclusiveness
- Provide continued fiscal and administrative support to successful programs focused on inclusiveness in students’ academic and co-curricular experiences, among them the Unconquered Scholars, Service Scholars, and Womanist Scholars programs.
- Develop new programs that recognize and support the fullest range of diversity and multiculturalism, including but not limited to disability/ability, socio-economic, age, rural/urban, veterans, sexual orientation, race, and gender identification.
- Strengthen FSU’s commitment to the establishment, preservation, and strengthening of small, minority, veteran, LGBT, and women-owned business enterprises through the University’s diversity in procurement initiatives.
- Work closely with the joint FAMU-FSU College of Engineering to increase the number of students from historically underrepresented groups pursuing careers in engineering and other STEM fields.
- Develop globally and culturally competent students who are prepared to succeed in an increasingly multicultural and international society
- Incorporate into curricula, courses, and materials perspectives that prepare students to live and work in a diverse and global society.
- Provide more academic, co-curricular, and experiential opportunities for students to immerse themselves in other cultures, both outside and inside the United States.
- Foster welcoming community engagement of the FSU international community with the full academic, co-curricular, and social life of the University.
- Create an Alumni Diversity and Inclusion Board within the FSU Alumni Association that will interact on an ongoing basis with the FSU Foundation, student and faculty diversity and inclusion groups, among others, in support of diversity activities.
- Develop programs through which alumni of FSU’s diverse communities offer mentorship and support to students with similar backgrounds and interests.

Strategic Plan 4.1: Expand FSU’s high-impact programs of advising, leadership development, community-building, and academic support
- Enhance support for the Presidential Scholars Program to facilitate recruitment of a diverse group of highly motivated critical and innovative thinkers.
- Increase academic and personal success among the cohorts of students most at-risk for attrition through multi-faceted programs and support. This may include establishing partnerships with state and local agencies that support foster youth to build a strong pipeline to the Unconquered Scholars Program.

Strategic Plan 6.2: Strength the University’s financial foundation
- Prepare a sustainable long-range financial plan aligned with this Strategic Framework. Such a plan should seek to increase and diversify the University’s operating income, provide for appropriate tuition increases, improve operational efficiency, and streamline administrative processes and procedures.

Strategic Plan 6.4: Foster a culture of service, problem solving, and teamwork among all FSU employees
- Today’s higher education environment requires a culture of service at every level and in every part of the University enterprise—and this demands offering meaningful opportunities for faculty and staff to grow and develop.
- Become a rewarding “workplace-of-choice” for all FSU employees.
- Use organizational performance assessments to determine gaps in current service levels and conduct surveys to understand the perspectives of both “users” and “providers” on the current quality and relevance of services. Use these to identify and improve processes that are inefficient, ineffective, or unnecessary.
- Create and implement a training plan that provides opportunities for employees to develop and apply their talents in new and innovative service and problem-solving approaches.
- Continue to recognize and reward staff who demonstrate an entrepreneurial and innovative mindset in their work.

FSU Campus Master Plan
Master Plan 14.0: Capital Improvements
- FSU shall adhere to sound fiscal policies in providing the capital improvements contained in this campus master plan and shall not proceed with new capital improvements, expansions or replacement until adequate funding sources have been identified and committed.

Master Plan 16.0: Landscape Architectural Design Guidelines
- Establish priorities for the funding of accessibility improvements for persons with disabilities.
- Accessibility for persons with disabilities in exterior (non-building) areas of campus shall be incrementally improved on an as-needed basis, and funding shall be made available.

FSU Sustainability Strategic Plan
Sustainability Strategic Plan Goal 4-D: Include sustainability as part of the next University capital campaign to secure funding for high-impact student experiences.

Sustainable Campus defines sustainability in an inclusive way, encompassing human and ecological health, social justice, and secure livelihoods for all generations. Sustainability is about working collaboratively to create a world where everyone can thrive. We are facing increasingly complex challenges like climate change, racial injustice, and economic inequality. Successful sustainability strategies work toward balanced and ethical solutions that are not only environmentally sound, but also economically viable and socially just.

Campus Master Plan: https://www.facilities.fsu.edu/depts/planningMan/masterPlan.php

College of Social Sciences & Public Policy Strategic Plan 2019-2029: https://coss.fsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cosspp-strategic-plan-adopted.pdf

Division of Finance & Administration Business Operations Policy (OP): https://policies.vpfa.fsu.edu/policies-and-procedures/business-operations