Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 49.09
Liaison Lissette Hernandez
Submission Date Aug. 22, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Florida International University
EN-4: Outreach Materials and Publications

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Alexandra Dutton
Program Manager
Office of University Sustainability
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Does the institution have a central sustainability website that consolidates information about the institution's sustainability efforts?:
Yes

A brief description of the central sustainability website (optional):

FIU’s Office of University Sustainability manages a central sustainability website (gogreen.fiu.edu) that works as the green hub and consolidates information about the institution’s sustainability efforts. General information such as the mission and vision, how to get involved, sustainability initiatives by topic, academic and funding resources, sustainability calendar of events, sustainability community partnerships, sustainability training and certifications, archived newsletters, climate reports, and other information and resources are publicly available on the site.


The website URL for the central sustainability website:
Does the institution have a sustainability newsletter?:
Yes

A brief description of the sustainability newsletter:

The Office of University Sustainability produces a monthly GoGreen eNewsletter which highlights sustainability stories on campus, upcoming sustainability events, and volunteer opportunities. The FIU community is welcome to submit events and volunteer information by emailing gogreen@fiu.edu.


The website URL for the sustainability newsletter:
Does the institution have social media platforms (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, interactive blogs) that focus specifically on campus sustainability?:
Yes

A brief description of the social media platforms that focus on sustainability:

The Office of University Sustainability has several media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube. The office uses these platforms to educate and communicate within and outside of the FIU community.


The website URL of the primary social media platform focused on sustainability:
Does the institution have regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper, either through a regular column or a reporter assigned to the sustainability beat?:
No

A brief description of the regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper:
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The website URL for regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper:
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Does the institution produce a vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability?:
No

A brief description of the vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability:
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The website URL for the vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability:
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Does the institution have building signage that highlights green building features?:
Yes

A brief description of building signage that highlights green building features :

FIU has many LEED certified Buildings, as part of the LEED certification, educational signage is incorporated through out the building to let the users know about the green features such as use of renewable resources, energy efficient, and water and resource conservation features. Facilities Management is also working on a project to have signage in buildings noting that the buildings are being cleaned with certified green cleaning products.


The website URL for building signage that highlights green building features :
Does the institution have signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems?:
Yes

A brief description of the signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems:

Our Panther Dining service through Aramark, display signage in food service areas that include information on sustainable food systems, the reusable to-go container program, and vegan/vegetarian options.


The website URL for food service area signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems:
Does the institution have signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies employed?:
Yes

A brief description of the signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies employed:

On our campus has a located adjacent to the FIU Green Library we have a Palmetum which hosts a great collection of tropical palm trees. It was recently been outfitted with over 100 tree tags, 15 trail signs, and 2 shaded picnic tables. Every single one of our 60+ species is clearly marked. Along with our informative interpretive signage, self-guided tours are a breeze; aiding anyone undertaking the study of palms, novice or expert.


The website URL for the signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies employed:
Does the institution produce a sustainability walking map or tour?:
Yes

A brief description of the sustainability walking map or tour:

The Office of University Sustainability produced a pamphlet for those interested in a self-guided walking tour. The pamphlet features GoGreen campus "hot spots" which describe sustainability features and where to find them on our campuses. One of the "spots" is on FIU's Biscayne Bay Campus where a nature trail begins. The BBC Nature Trail allows walking or biking around campus along the trail that is approximately 3 miles long. Throughout the trail is educational signage describing the native plants and animals that can be viewed along the trail.

In addition, FIU has a Campus Tree Guide highlighting an important collection of native and exotic species growing throughout the institutions landscape. Locations are listed and most of the trees are tagged for easy spotting. Most of the tropical tree species on campus can be grown only in South Florida and no where else in the continental United States.


The website URL of the sustainability walking map or tour:
Does the institution produce a guide for commuters about how to use more sustainable methods of transportation?:
Yes

A brief description of the guide for commuters about how to use more sustainable methods of transportation:

Through a partnership with South Florida Commuter Services and the FIU Parking and Transportation Department, the website Get2FIU.com was developed. This website is the hub for alternative transportation information at FIU. Students, faculty and staff can get information regarding the carpool program, the emergency ride home program, campus shuttles, county buses, and even biking and walking.


The website URL for the guide for commuters about how to use more sustainable methods of transportation:
Does the institution produce navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians (e.g. covering routes, inter-modal connections, policies, services, and safety)? :
Yes

A brief description of the navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians:

The Office of University Sustainability and the Department of Parking and Transportation are working on painting "sharrows" on the campus roads. Sharrows are a symbol depicting bicyclists have shared use of a roadway with cars. In areas where the roadway is being expanded, a bike lane will be put in. Portions of Campus Loop Road already have bike lanes installed. Bike Racks for you to lock up your bike are located all around campus including outside garages, housing buildings, and even outside of the Graham Center.


The website URL for navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians:
Does the institution produce a guide for green living and/or incorporating sustainability into the residential experience?:
Yes

A brief description of the guide for green living and incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:

The Office of University Sustainability produces a GoGreen Tips pamphlets which includes green living tips for student residents, offices and classrooms, and commuting. The Office of University Sustainability has also developed a Green Room certification program, and green laundry tips for student residents. Tips are displayed in laundry rooms, showcase rooms, and on electronic screens throughout housing facilities.


The website URL for the guide for green living and incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:
Does the institution produce other sustainability outreach materials or publications not covered above?:
Yes

A brief description of these materials or publications:

The Office of University Sustainability produces a number of educational pamphlets that can be used at all outreach and education events. These are "quick guides" for anyone to learn more about sustainability on campus. Pamphlets include, FIU GoGreen an introduction to the Office of University Sustainability projects and initiatives, and FIU Recycles a guide on campus recycling efforts and programs. Pamphlets are available online and in print.


The website URL for these materials or publications:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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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.