Nova Southeastern University (NSU), located in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has grown to become the 6th largest not-for-profit independent institution in the country today by capitalizing on new opportunities while ensuring long-term sustainability.

NSU grew slowly and somewhat haphazardly after its founding in 1964. However, since 1992, its campus master plan, a living document created and consistently updated by planning and landscape architecture firm EDSA, has been providing NSU with a clear and integrated framework to maintain sustainability while implementing specific development goals.

In the early 1990s, the physical characteristics assessment completed by EDSA revealed a campus divided by physical barriers (roadways and canals) and lacking a unifying theme. No spatial relationships between buildings existed, and the campus was also void of classic campus open spaces such as quadrangles, formal view corridors and plazas for gathering. The overall infrastructure was pragmatically laid out for vehicular use rather than for a more desirable human-scale pedestrian circulation network.

The initial master plan recommendations included such sustainable objectives as:

• Preserve a minimum of 60 percent of the campus area as open space
• Develop an interior perimeter vehicular circulation system (campus loop road)
• Develop a strong pedestrian circulation network
• Keep parking on the edge of the campus; use shade trees in parking islands

Along the years, these objectives have become reality, and NSU is today a pedestrian-friendly campus with a well-developed shuttle service, which eliminates car use on campus. More than 10 facilities have been added to the 300-acre campus giving it identity and character; the elegantly landscaped large open spaces and meandering canals serve both an aesthetic and a utilitarian role.

In addition to site issues, the sustainability of buildings was always considered. Although NSU has just recently decided to pursue LEED certification, the university has historically shown concern to create and operate sustainable, energy- and water-efficient facilities. “We were green before green was popular,” John Santulli, vice president of facilities, is quoted as saying. According to Santulli, building efficiently was simply more practical and saved money in the short and long term.

Following on these previous energy-conservation initiatives, NSU adopted a Strategic Plan for Sustainability in 2008, which defines strategies and technologies that make economic sense. At the campus level, the most visible initiatives are the previously mentioned improved circulation system, maximum percentage of open space and emphasis on energy efficiency, as evident in the strategic positioning of the various central plant buildings throughout the site. All campus irrigation is scheduled to use greywater from a nearby facility, while the overall landscape plan will be redefined to minimize maintenance and water consumption. At the building level, the renovation and re-use of existing facilities, sustainable construction practices, the construction of a highly efficient central energy plant with a cogen component, resource management and recycling efforts all contribute to make NSU a sustainable campus.

The success of the master plan over the years is evident in the many projects implemented under its guidance and rise in student enrollment. The master plan will continue to be relied upon to support NSU in reaching and exceeding its goals of growth, stability, sustainability and a positive impact on the community.