As required by the Florida Energy Bill of 2008 (HB 7135), it is St. Petersburg College’s policy that all new construction and renovation projects be designed to meet the USGBC Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, the Green Building Initiative's Green Globes rating system, the Florida Green Building Coalition standards, or a nationally recognized green building rating system.

Both the Student Services building on the St Petersburg/Gibbs Campus and the Natural Science, Mathematics and College of Education Building on the Clearwater Campus were both recently awarded LEED Gold Certification.  The two buildings mark the first LEED Gold higher education buildings in Pinellas County.  Learn more about both buildings by visiting the "Videos and downloads page".

SPC secured $25,000 to install 800SF of solar paneling (with the intention of adding capacity) for use as a teaching tool. The solar panels will soon be installed on the roof of the Natural Science, Mathematics and College of Education building.

St. Petersburg College has an Energy Star purchasing policy and makes every effort to purchase office furnishings that utilize recycled or recyclable materials.  In addition, St. Petersburg College uses only Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) or LEDs in all fixtures and installs lighting motion sensors in all major spaces.  The college recycles 100% of fluorescent bulbs and switches containing mercury and encourages educational departments to use mercury-free equipment.

Fertilizers used on college grounds are urea-coated, slow release formulas.  Pesticides are only used when pest populations show signs of damage and never as a blanket treatment.  Only user-friendly pesticides that require the minimum amount of personal protective equipment (PPE) for applicators are retained at each site.

Additionally, St. Petersburg College is in the process of converting all custodial cleaning supplies and equipment to “green cleaning” practices.  The College aims for a complete conversion to a comprehensive green cleaning program by the end of 2009.

energy | sustainable design | education | carbon neutrality | recycling/waste | water