University joins 'green' initiative
Christina Veiga / Asst. News Director
Issue date: 7/16/07 Section: News
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Also, within two years, FIU must develop "an action plan for becoming climate neutral" according to the ACUPCC web site. This plan should include an estimated date for becoming climate neutral, interim goals until neutrality is reached, integration of topics such as climate sustainability in the curriculum, climate-based research and standards for tracking progress toward environmental goals.
FIU already has some environmentally friendly practices in place such as motion-detectors on lights to save energy, retention ponds and reclaimed water systems for irrigation and a campus-wide recycling program, Maidique said in an e-mail.
According to Victor Citarella, associate vice president of facilities management, FIU has been consistently ranked number two or above in Florida's annual evaluations for energy efficiency in public buildings.
"...a record we [FIU and facilities management] are very proud of achieving on a regular basis," he said in an e-mail interview.
The ACUPCC also requires that FIU meets the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver standard - known as LEED certification - or equivalent, in all new construction projects approved for 2008-2009.
LEED is a rating system for "green" buildings that certifies building projects based on five areas: water savings, energy efficiency, sustainable site development - which considers possible erosion as a result of construction or the pollution of air due to dust or particulate matter, - materials selection such as those that do not generate excessive waste and indoor environmental quality that looks at ventilation and limits smoking in or around buildings.
According to Sanchez, FIU's geographic location makes some LEED standards difficult or impractical to abide by. But just because new construction isn't LEED certified, it doesn't mean it is not more environmentally friendly, Sanchez said.
Citarella says that it is estimated that these new standards will increase construction costs by five percent. The University plans to pay for the increase by raising budget requests for state funds by the same amount.
Citarella also said that current construction, such as the new football stadium and medical school, do not have to abide by these standards because of the additional costs involved in applying these new standards.
Much has to be decided before students will really know how the new commitment will affect them. Visiting FIU while taking summer classes, University of Florida sophomores Brittany Marshall and Samantha Arzillo think that FIU could move toward sustainability by creating a bike lane on campus, as well as by providing more affordable housing so students do not have to commute.
According to Guerra, FIU may look into things such as more shuttle services or carpool incentives, but nothing is certain yet.
To review the ACUPCC, visit www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org.
FIU already has some environmentally friendly practices in place such as motion-detectors on lights to save energy, retention ponds and reclaimed water systems for irrigation and a campus-wide recycling program, Maidique said in an e-mail.
According to Victor Citarella, associate vice president of facilities management, FIU has been consistently ranked number two or above in Florida's annual evaluations for energy efficiency in public buildings.
"...a record we [FIU and facilities management] are very proud of achieving on a regular basis," he said in an e-mail interview.
The ACUPCC also requires that FIU meets the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver standard - known as LEED certification - or equivalent, in all new construction projects approved for 2008-2009.
LEED is a rating system for "green" buildings that certifies building projects based on five areas: water savings, energy efficiency, sustainable site development - which considers possible erosion as a result of construction or the pollution of air due to dust or particulate matter, - materials selection such as those that do not generate excessive waste and indoor environmental quality that looks at ventilation and limits smoking in or around buildings.
According to Sanchez, FIU's geographic location makes some LEED standards difficult or impractical to abide by. But just because new construction isn't LEED certified, it doesn't mean it is not more environmentally friendly, Sanchez said.
Citarella says that it is estimated that these new standards will increase construction costs by five percent. The University plans to pay for the increase by raising budget requests for state funds by the same amount.
Citarella also said that current construction, such as the new football stadium and medical school, do not have to abide by these standards because of the additional costs involved in applying these new standards.
Much has to be decided before students will really know how the new commitment will affect them. Visiting FIU while taking summer classes, University of Florida sophomores Brittany Marshall and Samantha Arzillo think that FIU could move toward sustainability by creating a bike lane on campus, as well as by providing more affordable housing so students do not have to commute.
According to Guerra, FIU may look into things such as more shuttle services or carpool incentives, but nothing is certain yet.
To review the ACUPCC, visit www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org.
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Kevin
posted 7/16/07 @ 3:42 PM EST
More on-campus housing and bike lanes would be amazing at FIU!
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