| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 51.12 |
| Liaison | Matthew Williams |
| Submission Date | June 30, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Florida
IN-3: Innovation 3
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Liz
Storn Program Coordinator Office of Sustainability |
Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
The Neutral UF Coalition program is designed to allow faculty and staff employees of the University of Florida to voluntarily offset the carbon impact of their commutes to and from campus. Employee commuting makes up about 6% of UF’s total carbon footprint. UF is working toward major institutional changes to reach its goal of carbon neutrality by 2025, and the Neutral UF Coalition program provides an easy way for individuals to participate in helping the campus achieve its goal.
For most employees at the University of Florida, driving is a necessity. Although we work to promote alternative transportation options whenever possible, we realize and understand that it is not realistic for everyone. The Neutral UF Coalition program is specifically targeted toward those employees who drive to and from campus, but wish to lessen their footprint and environmental impact. Those employees may enroll in voluntary post-tax payroll deductions to offset their commute. Just one dollar per pay period – or $26 a year for 12-month employees – can completely offset the average UF commute.
Offsets are a way to invest in actions that reduce climate impacts in one location to make up for (offset) emissions that cannot be avoided in another location. These offsets are created through our local non-profit offset partner, We Are Neutral. 100% of the voluntary deduction amount goes to create these offsets, which fund tree plantings on local conservation land, as well as provide energy retrofits in low-income housing in the local community.
A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):
The impact of this program will be quantified via the carbon offsets purchased through this program. The total metric tons of carbon dioxide offset via the Neutral UF Coalition will be tracked and included in UF's campus-wide greenhouse gas inventory.
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
Which of the following STARS subcategories does the innovation most closely relate to? (Select all that apply up to a maximum of five):
| Yes or No | |
| Curriculum | No |
| Research | No |
| Campus Engagement | Yes |
| Public Engagement | No |
| Air & Climate | Yes |
| Buildings | No |
| Dining Services | No |
| Energy | No |
| Grounds | No |
| Purchasing | No |
| Transportation | Yes |
| Waste | No |
| Water | No |
| Coordination, Planning & Governance | No |
| Diversity & Affordability | No |
| Health, Wellbeing & Work | No |
| Investment | No |
Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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.