Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 65.27
Liaison Suchi Daniels
Submission Date Feb. 22, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

University of South Florida (Tampa)
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.25 / 4.00 Peter Stiling, Ph.D.
Director, USF Office of Global Sustainability
Strategic Initiatives
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Published Plans That Address Sustainability 

Strategic Plan

Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
Yes

A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:
Number: 10-051 Title: Campus and Community Sustainability As a member of the ACUPCC, USF has established the Office of Sustainability to coordinate and build partnerships for University-wide initiatives that advance USF’s strategic goal of creating a sustainable campus environment. In pursuit of this mission and as required by the ACUPCC, the USF Office of Sustainability has prepared a long term Climate Action Plan (hereafter “CAP”), which provides certain recommendations related to sustainability issues for policy promulgation at USF.

A copy of the strategic plan:
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The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
http://regulationspolicies.usf.edu/policies-and-procedures/pdfs/policy-10-051.pdf

Sustainability Plan 

Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
No

A copy of the sustainability plan:
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The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
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Climate Action Plan 

Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the climate action plan:
Climate action plan-USF CAP 2010.pdf

The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
http://www.usf.edu/administrative-services/facilities/leed-sustainability/index.aspx

Other Published Plans 

Does the institution have other published plans that address sustainability or include measurable sustainability objectives (e.g. campus master plan, physical campus plan, diversity plan, human resources plan)? :
Yes

A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):
USF undertakes ambitious community-engaged research and participates in mutually beneficial partnerships that enhance student access to academic programs, research, and employment opportunities. And at the heart of the university is a fundamental commitment to student success. http://testsite.usf.edu/ods/documents/strategicplans/usf-strategic-plan-2013-2018.pdf http://www.usf.edu/administrative-services/facilities/documents/planning/goals-objectives-policies.pdf

Measurable Sustainability Objectives 

Curriculum

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Research 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Campus Engagement 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Public Engagement 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Air & Climate 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Buildings 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:
At this time, USF-Tampa requires all campus buildings to be certified Silver under the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. Stormwater reuse is a key element within LEED. Rather than a new building contributing to the added total run-off, future buildings will harvest and reuse the stormwater from rainfall events. The Master Plan provides a diagrammatic framework for land use, open space, circulation, parking and building placement. The role of the design guidelines is to assure that the specific designs implemented within the Master Plan framework are consistent with and contribute positively to the overall campus development and to the larger community context. They will be used in an on-going design review process as a mechanism to guide and control the project design. http://www.usf.edu/administrative-services/facilities/documents/planning/goals-objectives-policies.pdf http://www.usf.edu/administrative-services/facilities/documents/design-construction/designguide-appendix-f.pdf

Energy 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Construction contract requirements include commitment that our institutions take the following steps in pursuit of climate neutrality: 1. Initiate the development of a comprehensive plan to achieve climate neutrality as soon as possible. a. Within two months of signing this document, create institutional structures to guide the development and implementation of the plan. b. Within one year of signing this document, complete a comprehensive inventory of all greenhouse gas emissions (including emissions from electricity, heating, commuting, and air travel) and update the inventory every other year thereafter. c. Within two years of signing this document, develop an institutional action plan for becoming climate neutral, which will include: http://www.usf.edu/administrative-services/facilities/documents/design-construction/lcp-exhibit-02.pdf http://www.pplant.usf.edu/index.php/areas-and-services/energy-conservation

Food & Dining 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Grounds 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Policy 7.1.3.4: The University shall mitigate University‐generated stormwater impacts by minimizing or eliminating stormwater‐borne pollutants through the implementation of a system of Best Management Practices (BMPs), which includes, but is not limited to: *Educate maintenance personnel about the need to maintain motor vehicles to prevent the accumulation of grease, oil and other fluids on impervious surfaces, where they might be conveyed to surface and ground waters by runoff. *Regularly collect and dispose of yard debris to prevent the clogging of stormwater inlets and pipes. *Avoid the widespread application of broad spectrum pesticides by involving only purposeful and minimal application of pesticides, aimed at identified target species. *Coordinate pesticide application with irrigation practices to reduce runoff and leaching into groundwater. http://www.ods.usf.edu/Plans/Strategic/docs/USF-Strategic-Plan-2013-2018.pdf http://www.usf.edu/administrative-services/facilities/documents/planning/goals-objectives-policies.pdf

Purchasing 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Objective 6.6 Eliminate substandard student housing and provide necessary structural, mechanical, aesthetic and safety improvements. Policy 6.6.2: The University’s Offices of Facilities Planning and Construction, Physical Plant, and Purchasing shall work with the Department of Housing and Residential Education and Student Support Service to develop operations and maintenance metrics for use in establishing a baseline means of determining life‐cycle costing, and to provide greater efficiency in energy use, expanded recycling, and up to date green product purchasing data base. http://www.usf.edu/business-finance/purchasing/staff-procedures/index.aspx http://www.ods.usf.edu/Plans/Strategic/docs/USF-Strategic-Plan-2013-2018.pdf http://www.usf.edu/administrative-services/facilities/documents/planning/goals-objectives-policies.pdf

Transportation 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:
Element 5 Transportation: The Transit, Circulation, and Parking goal of the Tampa Campus Master Plan is to encourage options for sustainable transit and vehicular access to the campus that reduce reliance on single‐occupant vehicles, reduce overall parking demand, and minimize emissions and fossil fuel consumption, while maintaining essential delivery and service access. http://www.ods.usf.edu/Plans/Strategic/docs/USF-Strategic-Plan-2013-2018.pdf http://www.usf.edu/administrative-services/facilities/documents/planning/goals-objectives-policies.pdf

Waste 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:
7.4 Solid Waste Sub‐Element, Goal: The Solid Waste goal for the Tampa campus plan is to provide for future University solid waste collection and disposal requirements in a safe, cost‐effective, environmentally sound and an aesthetically satisfactory manner. http://www.ods.usf.edu/Plans/Strategic/docs/USF-Strategic-Plan-2013-2018.pdf http://www.usf.edu/administrative-services/facilities/documents/planning/goals-objectives-policies.pdf

Water 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
7.2 Potable Water Sub‐Element, The City of Tampa and the University agree that the University will plan to expand its service area to include the northwest corner of campus that is currently served by the City of Tampa to improve water pressure to the upper floors of existing and future buildings and improve fire flow. Goal: The Potable Water goal for the Tampa campus plan is to provide adequate potable water and firefighting capacities and pressure that accommodates current operations and future University growth. http://www.ods.usf.edu/Plans/Strategic/docs/USF-Strategic-Plan-2013-2018.pdf http://www.usf.edu/administrative-services/facilities/documents/planning/goals-objectives-policies.pdf

Diversity & Affordability 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:
We are currently writing the Strategic Diversity Plan as part of the university Strategic Plan, we also produce an annual Florida Equity Report and the Affirmative Action Plan. There are policies that we monitor and more information is available in our website that may be helpful to your report. Resources for students are available at the link provided as well as as current metrics outlined in Graduating Senior Survey metrics see sample metrics in Additional Documentation attached PDF below http://www.usf.edu/diversity/diversity-inclusion/student-diversity.aspx

Investment & Finance 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
n/a

Wellbeing & Work 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
n/a

Other Impact Areas 

Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
USF will, through its high-impact research and innovation, change lives for the better, improve health, and foster sustainable development and positive societal change as listed: http://www.acad.usf.edu/Office/Strategic-Initiatives/Sustain-A-Bull-USF.htm

Optional Fields 

Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body (e.g. a mission statement that specifically includes sustainability and is endorsed by the Board of Trustees)? :
Yes

The formal statement in support of sustainability:
Sustainability at USF Strengthening and supporting integrated and synergistic interdisciplinary research across disciplinary, departmental, college and campus boundaries (Strategic Goal 1) Building a sustainable campus environment at USF (Strategic Goal 2) Constructing an up-to-date clearinghouse of information about all the sustainability engagement activities currently occurring at USF and encouraging and rewarding faculty, staff, and student engagement in sustainability initiatives (Strategic Goal 3) Creating a sustainable environment that supports an expanded and improved teaching and research mission, a more engaged residential community, and a university-based global village (Strategic Goal 4) http://www.ods.usf.edu/Plans/Strategic/docs/USF-Strategic-Plan-2013-2018.pdf http://www.usf.edu/administrative-services/facilities/documents/planning/goals-objectives-policies.pdf

The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
n/a

Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
Yes or No
The Earth Charter No
The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) No
ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter No
Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment Yes
The Talloires Declaration (TD) No
UN Global Compact Yes
Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) ---

A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
USF has continually sought to improve upon sustainable goals and practices, which have been described in the USF Tampa Campus Master Plan and its continuing updates since 1995. The commitment to sustainability extends to the off-campus community as well. In order to provide continued enrollment growth, the Campus Master Plan embraced Smart Growth, a major concept in sustainability. The plan promoted using infill development, increased density, and parking lots as development sites in order to reduce sprawl, traffic, utility extensions, off-campus light pollution, and minimize increases in impervious areas while preserving undeveloped land. In addition, a 125-acre cross-campus greenway was created to protect wildlife, link habitat islands, provide for passive recreation, and aggregate stormwater ponds. http://www.usf.edu/provost/office-of-sustainability/history.aspx

The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
http://www.usf.edu/administrative-services/facilities/leed-sustainability/index.aspx

Additional documentation to support the submission:
Sample Performance Analysis.pdf

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.