The Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF) is used to assist USF St. Petersburg campus in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency and meeting goals of the university's Climate Action Plan by advocating for alternative energy, reducing waste and improving conservation on campus. The foundation directly involves students with sustainability initiatives and alternative energy projects that benefit the campus and the community.
Fund History
The fund was initiated as a student-led campaign in 2007. With support from the University of South Florida Tampa’s Office of Sustainability, faculty, staff and various student organizations, the SGEF proposition was championed through the USF Board of Trustees and the Florida Board of Governors.
SGEF was financed through a nominal student fee of $1.00 per credit hour. Students vote via a student body referendum every three years to approve initiation of the fee and affirm any subsequent modifications. The last SGEF referendum was passed in 2026 with an 84% acceptance by the USF student body. After this referendum Florida Senate Bill 1217 was passed and went in effect on July 1st 2026. As a result of this legislation SGEF funding was eliminated with out student input.
After the ending of the SGEF Green Fee, the SGEF continued its working towards its mission by advocating for green energy, organizing educational events, applying for private grants to fund sustainable projects, and working with communities partners to support sustainability on the USF St. Petersburg campus.
Documents
SGEF Bylaws and SGEF constitution are the governing rules by which the committee operates.
Qualification
Committee Members
Please reach out to sgef.chair@usf.edu using the contact page below!
Membership benefits include (define your member benefits under group settings)
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