Education and community partnerships are vital to creating a sustainable world. Here we share some recent initiatives that foster collaboration and help shape a sustainable future:

“Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children's children.”
― Theodore Roosevelt

Tampa Bay Clean Cities Coalition

In 2014, Tampa Bay Clean Cities was recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as an officially designated Clean Cities program after the EPC, the USF Patel College of Global Sustainability, the Center for Urban Transportation Research and TECO Energy, joined together in 2012 to bring the project to the region. The goal of the Clean Cities program is to advance the use of alternative fuels and initiatives that reduce the use of petroleum in the transportation sector. Reducing reliance on petroleum in transportation can increase domestic energy security, be economically beneficial and reduce harmful vehicle emissions – a winning combination for everyone! For more information on Tampa Bay Clean Cities, contact Austin Sipiora at asipiora@cutr.usf.edu

Electric Car Charging Stations                             

Hillsborough County Government maintains a total of seven (7) electric car charging stations at several County locations. The stations were installed as part of a U.S. Department of Energy grant opportunity in 2011. County stations can be found at the following locations: Downtown Pierce Street Parking Garage (2), Bloomingdale Library, Jimmie B. Keel Library, Environmental Protection Commission (EPC 2) and the Plant City Courthouse. Recently, the charging stations were graciously upgraded by Hillsborough County, which doubled the number of level two charging connections.

Use of the stations requires a ChargePoint access card that can be obtained through the ChargePoint website.

FL SUN Solar Co-op         

Solar co-ops consist of homeowners who are bundling their buying power to secure a discounted price for rooftop solar photovoltaic equipment. Benefits to homeowners include reduced electric bills, more access to affordable rooftop solar equipment, individual control of power costs and increased home values. The benefits don’t stop there and extend to the community as well. They include: more local jobs, cleaner air, helps delay or avoid costly outlays on generating plants and transmission lines, and expands business opportunities for solar installers.  Look for opportunities to join an annual solar co-op.

EPA Sustainability Page

DEP Sustainability Page

Patel College of Sustainability

  City of Tampa Sustainability & Resilience

Tampa Bay Clean Cities Coalition