University of South Florida
IN-40: Sustainability Projects Fund

The Student Green Energy Fund was launched in 2011 to support the University of South Florida's commitment to reduce and eventually eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from the Tampa campus.
In order to fund this important campus initiative, USF established the Student Green Energy Fee. The Student Green Energy Fee assists the University of South Florida with conserving energy, reducing energy costs, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy technologies, reducing water usage and/or increasing resource sustainability. With approval from the Florida Board of Governors on March 24, 2011, students at each campus vote in a study body referendum every three years to determine if they support the fee and at what rate. The most recent referendum for the Tampa Campus were certified by the Election Rules Commission on February 28, 2014. The referendum passed with 69 percent of students voting to approve the fee at the rate listed above. The next referendum will take place in the spring semester of 2017.

The SGEF Council Chair convenes the council, oversees procedural matters, and may cast a tie‐breaking vote. A simple majority of voting members (seven) is required to vote on SGEF proposals and amend the SGEF Charter. The simple majority must consist of at least three student members and at least three faculty/staff members. Vote casting by electronic means (e.g., e‐mail) may be permitted as needed but is not preferred. Alternate members may be called upon to vote if a simple majority of regular voting members cannot be achieved.