Living Sustainably as a University Community
Florida International University is a global leader in research and advocacy for Clean Water and Sanitation. With one campus located along the edge of the iconic Florida Everglades and another along Miami’s ecologically and economically essential Biscayne Bay, we also recognize the need to live sustainably as a university community.
Free Drinking Water
FIU ensures all students, faculty, staff and guests have access to free drinking water with drinking fountains located on every floor in every building on our campuses. Many feature water-refill stations for reusable water bottles. These stations even provide real-time data on the amount of plastic waste prevented with each fill-up and information about energy and water efficiency.
Water Usage and Care at FIU
In Fiscal Year 2021-2022, FIU used 865,851 cubic meters of treated/extracted water for consumption, sanitation and university operations to support a total population of 76,684 students, faculty and staff.
Water Extraction and Measurements
Domestic water is supplied by Miami-Dade County and measured through a metering system. Irrigation water from campus lakes and aquifers is measured through flow meters.
Per objective WS-6 of Miami-Dade county's Water Sewer and Solid Waste Element, sustainable water extraction techniques are designed to be safe and compatible with natural ecosystems and comply with the land-use and environmental protection policies of the Miami-Dade County Comprehensive Development Master Plan, the Strategic Regional Policy Plan for South Florida, and the State Comprehensive Plan.
Wastewater Management
Wastewater from campus operations is discharged to Miami-Dade County’s South District Wastewater Treatment Plant. Miami-Dade County’s wastewater management practices include the use of reclaimed water to help preserve the Biscayne Aquifer. The county is currently performing a reclaimed water feasibility study in addition to continued implementation of existing reuse projects and commitments to expand its water reuse program.
FIU's Environmental Management Policy requires the university community to comply with all environmental laws and regulations, including those related to wastewater. Learn more about the FIU policy
Environmental Regulations
Florida International University requires all employees to comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations including those related to water usage and care.
Prevent and Protect
Florida International University's Department of Environmental Health and Safety has established processes and protocols to ensure university operations do not pollute local water systems. FIU also maintains a water conservation program.
Below are key FIU initiatives to protect our local environment and natural resources.
Environmental Management
FIU's Department of Environmental Health and Safety is charged with ensuring university compliance with regulations, statutes, guidance and best management practices for environmental protection. The university’s current Environmental Management Policy was first implemented in 2006 and most recently updated in 2021.
As a campus community, FIU works to minimize negative impacts on the environment and contribute to the restoration, reuse and recycling of resources. This includes minimizing wastewater and ensuring all waste is disposed of in accordance with regulatory and university requirements, as outlined on page 4 of the FIU Environmental Management Policy. FIU maintains a zero tolerance policy for illicit discharge within the university.
Our commitment is to prevent pollution of all kinds, whether working on campus, in the community, on the water or in the water.
FIU Environmental Management Policy
Hazardous Waste Management
Researchers, lab managers and supporting lab staff are provided training to maintain a safe work environment that protects people and the environment. A team of skilled professionals from FIU’s Department of Environmental Health and Safety provide guidance and oversight on the proper disposal of hazardous materials, research proposal safety reviews, hazard assessments, lab equipment certifications, development of specific laboratory safety programs, new lab walkthroughs/consultations and special hazard materials/equipment approvals.
FIU Hazardous Waste Management Plan
Minimizing Water Use
A water conservation program is included in the university’s Campus Master Plan, featuring an educational campaign for the university community, new construction requirements for high efficiency and a leak detection program, among other water conservation initiatives. Visit the section below on New Building Standards to learn how FIU is designing buildings to minimize water use.
New Building Standards
FIU's Building Policy and Architectural Design Guidelines require all new construction to be built to a minimum of LEED Silver standards. A variety of water minimization techniques are applied including condensate reclamation and low-flow fixtures. University-wide development must comply with water-use efficiency techniques for indoor water-use in accordance with Sections 8-31, 32-84 and 8A-381 of the Code of Miami-Dade County.
The LEED process addresses water run-off during construction in a prerequisite credit that aims to reduce pollution from construction by controlling soil erosion, waterway sedimentation and airborne dust.
FIU adheres to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). This requires development of EPA Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan for construction sites greater than 1 acre. FIU adheres to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which is responsible for issuing permits and performing compliance and enforcement activities as the NPDES permitting authority in Florida.
Landscaping and Water Reuse
FIU Facilities Management oversees landscaping and irrigation operations on all FIU campuses. They strategically use plants on our campuses that limit water use, as per the university's Landscape and Irrigation Manual, which is available online. This includes drought-tolerant plants as well as native plants, which require less maintenance and minimize the need for fertilizers and pesticides. Per the Conservation Element in the campus master plan, FIU’s goal is not to use any potable water to irrigate campus grounds.
Learn about water reuse on our two campuses below.
Water Reuse at Biscayne Bay Campus
At FIU's Biscayne Bay Campus, treated graywater is used to irrigate the grounds. Currently, Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department maintains a water reuse distribution line to BBC with a capacity of 1.5 million gallons per day.
Rainwater Irrigation at Modesto A. Maidique Campus
Retention ponds capture rainwater and run-off that is used for irrigation on FIU's Modesto A. Maidique Campus. All irrigation systems are equipped with flow meters to measure water usage and rain sensors to ensure pumps only activate when needed.
Did you know?
FIU offers a Graduate Certificate in Water, Environment and Development Studies, providing a multidisciplinary education in the occurrence, characteristics and management of water resources.