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University Policies

688  Sustainable Campus Fee Program

Approved by President
Effective Date: June 5, 2017
Responsible Division: Business and Finance
Responsible Office:  Facilities Services
Responsible Officer:  Assistant Vice President, Facilities Services

I. Purpose

This policy establishes the guidelines for the Sustainable Campus Fee Program, which is funded by student fees to support energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU or University).

II. Program Guidelines

  1. The fee shall be administered by a Sustainable Campus Fee Committee (Committee) using the following criteria:
    1. Committee shall be appointed by the President that is comprised of an appropriate ratio of students, faculty, and staff to approve and oversee the use of funds.
    2. Under the leadership of the University administration, the Committee shall develop a decision making structure to establish on an annual basis:
      1. The amount of fee to be allocated to the green power purchase (taking into consideration TVA’s ability to meet the green power purchase demand) and on-campus sustainability initiatives.
      2. Approval of on-campus sustainability initiatives.
    3. Funds for each category for on-campus sustainability initiatives should be allowed to be carried forward if needed for near-term future expenditures. Fund balances in each category should not exceed a two (2)-year accrual without encumbrance or a carry forward justification plan.
    4. A status report shall be published at the end of each fiscal year for all program activities. Based on this report the Committee shall evaluate each year the validity of the fee and the appropriateness of the fee amount and make a recommendation, if necessary, for an adjustment to the fee.
  2. The proceeds from the fee may be used for the following:
    1. TVA Green Power Switch or Other Certified Green Power Purchases.
      1. Recommended purchase amount zero (0) to ten percent (10%) of the total KWH used by the campus. Purchases over this amount should be evaluated carefully and justified by the Committee prior to purchase. The Committee may consider buying the minimum amount to attain EPA Green Power Partnership status. 
      2. Green tag or other types of certified green power purchases should be evaluated carefully and justified by the Committee prior to purchase.
    2. On-campus Sustainability Initiatives:
      1. Should be for direct demonstrable campus sustainability benefits.
      2. Proceeds should be allocated between sustainability initiatives with the primary focus on projects for energy efficiency and utility conservation.
      3. Should not be used for budgeted salaries, special events, or operational expenditures not associated with the Sustainable Campus Fee Program.
      4. Shall comply with State law and State Building Commission Policy, Procedures and Guidelines where applicable, with regard to project approvals, use of designers, and code compliance.
  3. Sustainability Categories
    1. Energy and Utilities (electric, gas, water, etc.)
    2. Local Generation (Renewables – solar, wind, etc.)
    3. Alternative Fuel (Hybrid vehicles, Bio-diesel projects, etc.)
    4. Other (Environmental, Recycling, etc.)
  4. Types of Initiatives and Requirements:
    1. Projects
      1. Provide or demonstrate a specific energy or environmental benefit.
      2. Be technically and economically feasible.
      3. Be cost effective to operate and maintain.
      4. Be consistent with campus standards and master plan.
    2. Studies
      1. Focus on implementable technologies or initiatives that are economically and technically feasible.
      2. Quantify energy or environmental benefit(s).
      3. Address feasibility, operability, and maintainability of the technology or initiative.
      4. Not duplicate prior, similar studies.
    3. Research
      1. Focus on identified sustainability categories.
      2. Have significant level of student participation/support.

Forms: none.

Revisions: none.

Last Reviewed: June 2024.

References: none.