Live, Work and Play Sustainably
With a campus on the edge of the Florida Everglades and another along Biscayne Bay, we do more than simply promote sustainable practices at Florida International University — we live them. Our on-campus efforts are contributing to more Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Sustainable from the start
"There is widespread belief that man's rapid alteration of his biological environment not only affects the quality of his life today but also threatens his long-term survival unless it is monitored far more closely. Continuing emphasis must be placed on restoring and maintaining a balance in our ecological system."
Panther Express
The Panther Express provides an alternative to driving the 25 miles between FIU’s Modesto Maidique Campus and Biscayne Bay Campus. The service is free for FIU students and includes WIFI access onboard.
Public Transit
The cities of Sweetwater and Doral near FIU's Modesto A. Maidique Campus and North Miami near Biscayne Bay Campus all provide free public transportation services including stops at FIU. Miami-Dade Transit offers discounted services to college students.
Parking Services
FIU features 11 electric vehicle charging stations on MMC, two on BBC and one at the Engingineering Center. Parking services also include free tire inflation stationsto support fuel efficiency and preferred parking for carpool, motorbikes and electric vehicles. MMC also features eco-friendly car wash services.
Bike-friendly Campuses
Bicycling to and around campus is encouraged as an alternative to motorized vehicles. More than 50 bike racks offering parking spaces for more than 400 bicycles are stationed throughout our campuses, heavy traffic areas feature designated bike lanes and MMC features the FIU Bike Services repair shop. FIU also allows skateboards, non-motorized scooters and other micromobility devices on campus sidewalks.
South Florida Commuter Services
FIU works in conjunction with Florida Department of Transportation program to promote commuting alternatives such as carpooling, vanpooling, mass transit, park & ride and more. This includes Guaranteed Ride Home for sustainable commuters in the event of an unexpected event that would require a taxi or rideshare service.
Freebee
FIU offers door-to-door transportation on the Modesto A. Maidique Campus (MMC), including rides to the Engineering Center, with Freebee. The free, electric vehicle, on-demand service is available Monday-Friday. Approximately 4,000 people use the service every month.
Campus Area Transit System
Campus Area Transit System (CATS) is a free transportation system offered by FIU. The shuttle transports FIU students, faculty, and staff between MMC and the Engineering Center with stops along the way at off-campus housing residences. Each vehicle can accommodate 15 passengers at a time for the 2-mile trip in Miami.
Flexible Work Arrangement
FIU allows for flexible work options for employees including a hybrid schedule of remote and on-campus reporting as well as a compressed work schedule option, allowing for employees to work their assigned number of hours in fewer days.
Learn more about FIU’s flex work options
Read the FIU Flexible Work Arrangement Policy
Read the FIU Compressed Work Policy
Sustainable Commuting Targets
FIU is pursuing grant funds to add raised and additional designated street bike lanes on campus. FIU's Campus Master Plan and the university's Guiding Principles for Sustainability include strategies to reduce single-occupant vehicle trips including:
- Supporting county effort for new bike lane connecting to campus
- Incentivizing sustainable commuting
- Enhancing public transit ridership
- Expanding community shuttle connections
- Promoting ridesharing services
- Offering flexible work options
Freebee
FIU offers door-to-door transportation on the Modesto A. Maidique Campus (MMC), including rides to the Engineering Center, with Freebee. The free, electric vehicle, on-demand service is available Monday-Friday. Approximately 4,000 people use the service every month.
Pedestrian Access
A system of interconnecting walkways provides pedestrian access from parking garages and surface lots on the perimeter of campus into the campus core. Identifiable crosswalks with clear signage and lighting provide safe movement throughout campus.
Bike-friendly Campuses
Bicycling to and around campus is encouraged as an alternative to motorized vehicles. More than 50 bike racks offering parking spaces for more than 400 bicycles are stationed throughout our campuses, heavy traffic areas feature designated bike lanes and MMC features the FIU Bike Services repair shop.
Bikes on the Bay
Available daily during the fall, spring and summer semesters, Bikes on the Bay is a free bike-sharing program for students that provides a fun and easy way to get around the Biscayne Bay Campus.
Campus Area Transit System
Campus Area Transit System (CATS) is a free transportation system offered by FIU at MMC. The shuttle transports FIU students, faculty, and staff between the Modesto A. Maidique campus and the Engineering Center campus with stops along the way at off-campus housing residences. Each vehicle can accommodate 15 passengers at a time.
Panther Mover
FIU provides free golf cart transportation throughout campus Monday through Friday, allowing the campus community to navigate MMC efficiently without the need for a vehicle. Pickup locations and real-time vehicle locations are available in the FIU mobile app.
TapRide
FIU offers door-to-door transportation service for members of the FIU community registered with the Disability Resource Center and injured riders. Services are available Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Did you know?
Just like our scientists tracking wildlife for conservation, FIU's Panther Tracker offers real-time location data on Panther Express buses, CATS shuttles and Panther Movers. It even includes traffic updates.
Earn a degree in sustainability
FIU offers a BA in Sustainability and the Environment, preparing students to manage the natural resources needed for today while also conserving them for future generations.
On-Campus Housing
FIU offers a variety of fully-furnished, comfortable and affordable on-campus suites for students some with gender inclusive options. Students can use financial aid including the Florida Prepaid Dormitory Plan to cover housing expenses.
Dorm Life
All FIU students living in campus housing are encouraged to adopt a sustainable lifestyle including reducing energy use, taking advantage of on-campus recycling, using non-toxic cleaning materials and more.
Off-Campus Housing
In partnership with Apartments.com, FIU supports access to affordable rental units in the areas close to campus. The listings are a service to local rental property owners and FIU students, faculty and staff.
Employee Housing
FIU provides information and resources for faculty and staff to find affordable housing in nearby communities. The FIU employee perks portal contains a list of external vendors available to provide housing, mortgage and real estate services. Resident Assistants and Residential Experience Coordinators are providing housing on campus free of charge.
New Employee Moving and Relocation Policy
At the discretion of hiring managers, FIU can provide a monetary allowance to eligible newly hired full-time faculty or staff for relocation. The allowance would be to assist with the costs of relocating to a new residence to work at FIU.
Flexible Work Arrangement
FIU allows for flexible work options for employees including a hybrid schedule of remote and on-campus reporting as well as a compressed work schedule option, allowing for employees to work their assigned number of hours in fewer days.
Learn more about FIU’s flex work options
Read the FIU Flexible Work Arrangement Policy
Read the FIU Compressed Work Policy
Guest Housing
In the summer, residence halls are available to non-FIU students for summer camps, conferences and individuals with internships in the South Florida area. Rates and options vary.
International Center for Tropical Botany at the Kampong
For visiting faculty and researchers at the FIU International Center for Tropical Botany, complimentary on-site housing is available on the neighboring Kampong property owned by the National Tropical Botanical Garden.
Did you know?
In 1969, Miami's abandoned Tamiami airport became the official home of FIU. It's rutted runways, rusted airplanes and empty hangars have long since given way to a vibrant campus that celebrates Miami's diverse communities and natural beauty.
Building for the Future
Beginning on a brownfields site of an abandoned airfield, FIU has a history of building sustainably. Today, assuring responsible stewardship is one of the main goals set forth in FIU's Next Horizon 2025 Strategic Plan. Our construction strategy is sensitive to geography, improves operational efficiencies, and enhances pedestrian and outdoor environments all while supporting regional resources and strong local relationships.
Brownfields Sites
FIU's first campus is built on the brownfield site of an abandoned airport. The Biscayne Bay Campus is located on the brownfield site of an ill-fated international exposition called Interama. Today, both campuses are models of urban sustainability. In addition, FIU's Engineering Center is located in a complex originally built for biomedical equipment manufacturing and research.
Green Building Standards
The university's FIU Architectural Design Guidelines require all new construction to be built to a minimum of LEED Silver Certification standards as outlined by the U.S. Green Building Council. The FIU Building Standards include sustainability requirements for new construction on campus including operational efficiency, disaster mitigation and sustainable design. All buildings must also meet basic Energy Star criteria of the U.S. EPA.
Hurricane Preparedness
All new construction must meet all FIU hurricane preparedness standards including compliance with county and state building codes. Florida maintains the most robust loss-prevention standards in the United States and the strongest building codes among coastal states. In some cases, hurricane preparedness in new construction actually enhances sustainability of FIU buildings.
Read about FIU's efforts to improve building standards nationwide
Sustainable Landscaping
FIU's Landscape Design Guideline Element requires sustainable design practices as outlined by the U.S. Green Building Council and American Society of Landscape Architects Sustainable Sites Initiative.
Did you know?
FIU's Engineering Center houses a 1.4-megawatt solar research facility featuring 4,400 solar panels. The center is also home to the FIU Wall of Wind, a research and testing facility capable of generating Category 5 hurricane-force winds.
Check out FIU's newest building
The Green School of International and Public Affairs' Building II is energy-efficient, high-tech and built to LEED Silver standards. Utilizing triangulated geometry, its uniquely designed west facade is skewed 30 degrees from due west to reduce the substantial afternoon sun and heat load.
LEED-Certified Buildings
All new buildings constructed at Florida International University are built to a minimum of LEED Silver Certification standards as established by the U.S. Green Building Council.
GOLD
Green School of International and Public Affairs, Building I
SILVER
Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Wellness & Recreation Center addition Parkview Residence Hall
Student Academic Success Center
Management and New Growth Opportunity (MANGO) building