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.

The recently completed Veterinary Technology Center, the Student Services (SS) building on the St Petersburg/Gibbs Campus and the Natural Science, Mathematics and College of Education (NM) Building on the Clearwater Campus were awarded LEED Gold Certification.  The SS and NM buildings marked the first LEED Gold higher education buildings in Pinellas County.  Learn more about all three buildings by visiting the "Videos and downloads page".

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 maintains a "green cleaning" policy, all custodial cleaning supplies and equipment utilize ergonomics, and sustainable and environmentally friendly means.

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