By Sarah Sell, University Communications and Marketing
The USF St. Petersburg campus is making significant strides toward a greener future thanks to continued support and investment from Duke Energy.
From the installation of new electric vehicle charging stations to improvements in student spaces, such as solar-powered study areas and residence hall recycling, these contributions are helping the campus reduce its environmental footprint while meeting the growing demand for clean energy solutions.
In July, work began on four fast-charging Electric Vehicle (EV) stations, conveniently located outside the Science and Technology (STG) building, near the Harborwalk and Tavern at Bayboro. The EV stations are Level 3 charging, meaning they can provide up to 150-400 miles of range per hour of charging.
The stations are being installed at no cost to the university by Duke Energy as part of its Park and Plug pilot program. Anyone with an active USF parking permit can use the chargers.
Building on this commitment to sustainability, Duke Energy is investing $48,000 on campus to replace a previously installed outdoor study and collaboration station with solar-powered charging capabilities. The work will include the addition of a second station for student use.
To encourage a consistent culture of sustainability, the campus will also be installing new recycling bins in student residence halls. Duke Energy is donating $2,000 toward the addition of 32 new bins, which will allow two bins per floor in each of the student residence halls.
"Empowering the next generation with the tools and opportunities to build a sustainable future is one of our greatest responsibilities," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy's state president in Florida and chair of the USF St. Petersburg campus board. "This partnership between Duke Energy and USF means that together, we're guiding students towards rewarding careers and advancing solutions in clean energy and sustainability."
The dedication to a more sustainable campus extends beyond infrastructure to education, where it helps inspire the next generation of environmental leaders through educational programs and science camps.
The Oceanography Camp Especially for Girls is a three-week marine studies summer program for students in Pinellas County. With a $25,000 investment, Duke Energy is helping to continue the camp's 30-year legacy of empowering rising ninth graders through hands-on ocean exploration.
“For 30 years, the College of Marine Science's Oceanography Camp Especially for Girls has promoted marine conservation and opened doors to STEM education in our community. As a parent, I saw firsthand the impact of this program when my daughter attended and came away inspired, empowered and more deeply connected to science,” said USF St. Petersburg Regional Chancellor Christian Hardigree.