7-CASE Carbon Footprint Committee draft report 10-22-20

Members of the Carbon Footprint Committee

  • Co-Chairs: Laura De Carli, Marcy Kravec

  • Members: Jessy Abourab, Laura Aguirre, Candice Allouch, Jessica Bermudez, Jesse Blanchard, David Bray, Sara Casado Zapico, John Cozza, Amir Khoddamzadeh, Marcy Kravec, Maria Lovett, Ana Luszczynska, Martha Meyer, Jennifer Mirabal, Joseph Raiker, Martha Schoolman, Melody Whiddon, Hugh Willoughby, Elizabeth Yourkievitz

  • Last Revised: June 18, 2020

Overview of the Committee's Purpose

  • Charge:

    • Reduce the carbon footprint at FIU.

    • Promote sustainability and resource conservation.

    • Minimize waste through sustainable initiatives.

  • Goals Aligned with:

    • FIU 2025 Strategic Plan

    • IPCC 2018 Special Report

    • Targeting a 50% reduction in footprint in 10 years and net-zero emissions in 30 years.

    • Aiming for Platinum STARS sustainability rating.

  • Partners:

    • Members of FIU community

    • Local organizations

    • Students, faculty, and staff

  • Funding Sources:

    • Private donors

    • Local organizations

    • National funding

Sustainability Education Initiatives

  • Framework Creation:

    • Develop sustainability education framework across departments.

    • Create faculty workshops and learning communities to integrate sustainability into courses.

  • Green Revolving Fund:

    • Seed student-led carbon-reduction projects, sustained by energy savings.

    • Short-term, medium-term, and long-term proposals under development.

Transportation and Parking Recommendations

  • Leadership Hire:

    • Hire a Vice President for Sustainability to guide FIU to carbon neutrality by 2030.

  • Carbon Offset System:

    • Implement for long-distance travel and commuting.

  • Sustainable Infrastructure:

    • Establish solar farms on blacktop parking lots.

    • Incentivize public transit use and collaborate with local authorities for light rail transit to MMC.

Space and Minimization Goals

  • Level IV FIU Arboretum Creation:

    • Support growth of biodiversity and ecological education.

  • Sustainability Campaigns:

    • Educational campaigns for usage reduction and sustainability initiatives.

  • Overall Mission:

    • Maximize ecosystem function and efficiency in resource use.

Human Impact Initiatives

  • Distant Work Assignment Option:

    • Offer faculty and staff distance work to reduce commuting emissions.

    • Measure impacts on emissions, productivity, and satisfaction.

  • Evaluation of Sustainability Practices:

    • Evaluate environmental impact continuously.

Sustainability Curriculum and Programming

  • Sustainability Framework Development:

    • Address climate change concerns through collaboration among staff, faculty, and students.

    • Emphasize systems thinking and community engagement in education.

  • National Models:

    • Utilize successful sustainability curriculum initiatives as learning frameworks.

Green Revolving Fund Features

  • Fund Management:

    • Internal capital pool for funding sustainability projects, sustaining through cost savings.

  • Resource Allocation:

    • Managed by a committee involving stakeholders, including students.

    • Reported average ROI of 28% for existing GRFs at universities.

Proposed Sustainable Practices

  • Energy Efficiency Practices:

    • Implement lighting and operational efficiencies.

  • Waste Reduction Efforts:

    • Enhance recycling and composting initiatives.

  • Cultivation of Sustainable Habits:

    • Promote individual actions to catalyze a culture shift on campus towards reduced waste.

Transportation Initiatives

  • Urban Light Rail Initiative:

    • Lobbying for light rail connectivity to campus.

    • Essential for commuter sustainability.

  • Solar Parking Initiatives:

    • Develop solar farms on parking lots for energy generation.

  • Public Transit Incentives:

    • Establish incentives to encourage use of public transport and minimize parking needs.

Long-Term Sustainability Goals

  • Carbon Neutrality Commitment:

    • Strive for carbon neutrality by 2030 with robust climate action programs.

    • Engagement with students and faculty crucial for success.

  • Collaboration with Local Entities:

    • Partnering with local colleges and communities for broader impact in sustainability endeavors.