OP 080 - Sustainable Energy And Environment
Number: OP 080
Effective: November 14, 2016
Department: Facilities Planning and Management
Last Revision: November 14, 2016

Purpose

To provide guidelines regarding energy and water conservation which promote environmental stewardship while striving to achieve a comfortable environment for occupants.

Scope

Applies to all of College of Western Idaho (CWI)’s facilities and property.

Definition

Sustainability: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability for future generations to meet their own needs.

Renewable sources: Energy resources that are naturally replaced or replenished, e.g. solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal, etc.

Non-renewable sources: Energy resources that are not naturally replaced or regenerated within a reasonable amount of time compared to its rate of consumption, e.g. oil, coal, and natural gas.

Policy

It is CWI’s goal to develop sustainable practices and to promote stewardship of the environment. To achieve those goals the College will: (i) encourage energy and water conservation programs; (ii) strive to reduce the use of non-renewable resources; (iii) promote usage of renewable resources; and (iv) reduce greenhouse gas emissions from campus-based activities.

Guidelines

New Construction & Remodeling Of Existing Buildings

  • Consider environmentally sustainable design, construction methods, and products in new and remodeled buildings.
  • Attempt to meet or exceed the minimum sustainable building standards.

Computer & Office Equipment

Implement energy efficient features and practices campus-wide to significantly reduce power consumption.

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

Whenever possible, CWI will implement and influence practices that promote building efficiencies.

  • During occupied hours, the temperature in buildings will be set to the “Occupied” range of 69 degrees to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • During unoccupied hours, the temperature in buildings will be set to the “Unoccupied” range of 65 degrees to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Vending machines may use power-saving devices such as “vending misers.”
  • Continually replace non-energy-efficient systems with energy-efficient systems.
  • Due to the associated energy inefficiencies, use of space heaters is strongly discouraged. Space heaters that are approved for use must be UL rated, tilt or tip-proof, thermostat controlled, and meet Idaho General Health and Safety Standards.
  • If building heating or cooling is needed during “Unoccupied” hours or weekends, requests must be made via the Help Desk to Facilities Planning & Management (FPM) at least 48 hours prior to the event to allow efficient scheduling of building utilities.
  • All buildings will operate to achieve “Unoccupied” temperature set-points during holidays to conserve energy. Exceptions must be requested via the Help Desk to FPM at least 2 weeks prior to the event.

Water

Whenever possible, CWI will implement practices and programs to promote water conservation.

  • Use xeriscaping for landscaping and promote native plants in settings that are appropriate.
  • When able, use minimal quantities of water for irrigation, especially during the drought season.
  • Use efficient, low-water toilet flushes and faucet restrictors where possible.
  • Manage on-campus storm water by retaining surface water runoff in specified locations.

Lighting

Whenever possible, CWI will implement systems, practices and programs that create reductions in electrical demand.

  • Architectural design considerations may include natural lighting, also known as daylighting, as a means of reducing the electrical demand in buildings.
  • If office areas will not be occupied for twenty minutes or more, lights should be turned off.
  • Except if required for campus safety, all exterior building and parking lot lights may be turned off or have their wattage reduced to minimum levels to conserve electricity.

Waste

The College will adopt principles and best practices to help reduce the environmental impacts of its waste.

  • Encourage recycling and reduce disposal of materials in the solid waste stream.
  • Re-using products whenever possible.
  • Educate and create awareness as it relates to waste streams.

Miscellaneous

  • Evaluate construction, natural resource, and utility projects based on life-cycle costing.
  • Make efforts to raise energy awareness on campus whenever possible.
  • Purchase energy-efficient campus fleet vehicles when possible.