History

Efforts to encourage sustainability at Florida State began in 2004, when a group of faculty and staff formed a committee to expand recycling on campus. To continue to push these efforts forward, the Sustainable Campus Initiative Strategic Planning Group (SPG) was created to act as a steering committee for events, educational programming and service projects rooted in sustainability. The SPG then partnered with the Council for Sustainable Florida in 2007 to host the second annual Getting to GREEN, a campus and community sustainability conference. That same year, Florida State University joined the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). 

FSU Sustainable Campus was created in 2010. Today, it has numerous programs, annual events, and initiatives that encourage students, faculty and staff to participate in sustainability on campus.

2023

• ADA Accessible Garden Beds created in the Seminole Organic Garden
• FSU reaffirmed as an AASHE Gold Rated university
• Sustainable Campus and FSU Presidential Scholars publish the "Student Statement of Sustainability Report" 

2022

• FSU and the City of Tallahassee agree to a 15 year solar energy pact

2021

• FSU is reaffirmed as a Silver level Bike Friendly University by the League of American Cyclists

2020

• FSU “Sustainability Fellowship” program begins, connecting students with interested community and campus partners for sustainability projects.
• “Sustainability Pathways” program begins, allowing students to earn various badges for their involvement in sustainability on campus and around the community

2019

• Chuck It for Charity surpasses the 150 ton milestone for amount of "stuff" collected

2018

• Earned AASHE STARS Gold rating
• FSU joined the Capital Area Sustainability Compact
• Developed sustainability initiatives as part of FSU's Strategic Plan
• Launched Sustainability app as part of FSU Mobile
• Installed over 100 hydration stations around campus

2017

• FSU Sustainability Hub Construction and Ribbon Cutting
• Seminole Organic Garden Reconstruction and Redesign
• Green Fund Project with FSU Marching Chiefs E-Flips
• Construction of the first outdoor FSU Hydration Station on Landis Green through the Take Back the Tap program

2016

• FSU recognized as Bicycle Friendly University (Silver) by the League of American Bicyclists.
• 2016 Prudential Award from the Florida Tax Watch for Chuck it for Charity initiatives. 
• Sustainability integrated into FSU’s Strategic Plan (2016-2021).

2015

• Office of Sustainability receives grant from the Siemens Corporation to support Green Fund projects and an Energy Fellows program.
• FSU submits AASHE STARS (v. 2.0) report; receives Silver rating.

2014

• Garnet & Gold Goes Green celebrates 10 years.
• Food Recovery Network student chapter created to redistribute unused food.
• Student Government Association supports Green Fund mini-grant projects.

2013

• FSU Solid Waste & Recycling is recognized by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for recycling efforts on campus.
• Seminole Organic Garden breaks grounds.

2012

• FSU Facilities earn a Davis Productivity award for recycling and energy conservation efforts.
• Garnet & Gold Goes Green passes the 100 ton milestone of recyclable material collected.

2011     

• FSU submits AASHE STARS report, receives Silver rating.
• SGA Student Sustainability Initiative created (now the Office of Student Sustainability)

2010     

• 1^st USGBC LEED Gold building (Center for Global Engagement) opens on campus
• Office of Sustainability and Director of Campus Sustainability position created at FSU.
• ReCycle Bike rental program created to provide low-cost sustainable transportation to students.
• Eco-Reps student ambassador program formed.
• Green Office Certification program created to engage staff in campus sustainability efforts.

2009     

• 1^st LEED building constructed on campus - the McIntosh Track and Field Building.
• FSU celebrates $20 million savings from energy conservation and efficiency projects.
• FSU participates in the national RecycleMania for the first time.
• 1^st Chuck it for Charity student move-out collection drive

2008     

• 1^st Phantom Slayer energy conservation competition between Wildwood and DeGraff halls.
• Seminole Dining introduces FSU’s reusable cup.

2007     

• FSU Campus Recreation hosts the first annual Rez Goes Green lake cleanup.
• The SPG partners with the Council for Sustainable Florida to host Getting to GREEN, the 2^nd Annual Campus & Community Sustainability Conference.
• FSU joins the US Green Building Council (USGBC)
• FSU joins the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

2006     

• The Sustainable Campus Initiative Strategic Planning Group (SPG) is formed to act as the steering committee for events, educational programming, and service projects.

2005    

• A partnership between Tri-Eagle Sales and the FSU Center for Civic Education & Service (now the Center for Leadership & Social Change) is formed to take the football program to the next level - Garnet & Gold Goes Green!

2004

• Original recycling working groups forms in an effort to expand recycling on campus.
• Tri-Eagle Sales sponsors the TAKE PRIDE and PITCH IN campaigns at FSU home football games.