George Washington University
OP-4: Building Operations and Maintenance
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.95 / 5.00 |
Brian
Snyder Senior Director | Campus Planning Facilities Planning, Construction and Management |
Total floor area of existing building space:
Floor area of existing building space operated and maintained in accordance with a sustainable management policy/program and/or a green building rating system:
| Existing floor area | |
| Certified at the highest achievable level under a multi-attribute, Green Building Council (GBC) rating system focused on the operations and maintenance of existing buildings (e.g., LEED O+M Platinum) | 0 Square feet |
| Certified at the 2nd highest level under a 4- or 5-tier, multi-attribute, GBC rating system focused on the operations and maintenance of existing buildings (e.g., LEED O+M Gold) | 0 Square feet |
| Certified at mid-level under a 3- or 5-tier, multi-attribute, GBC rating system focused on the operations and maintenance of existing buildings (e.g., BREEAM-In Use Very Good) | 0 Square feet |
| Certified at a step above minimum level under a 4 -or 5–tier, multi-attribute, GBC rating system focused on the operations and maintenance of existing buildings (e.g., LEED O+M Silver) | 0 Square feet |
| Certified at minimum level under a multi-attribute, GBC rating system focused on the operations and maintenance of existing buildings (e.g., BREEAM In-Use Pass or LEED O+M Certified) | 0 Square feet |
| Certified at any level under a non-GBC rating system or single-attribute rating system focused on the operations and maintenance of existing buildings | 0 Square feet |
| Operated and maintained in accordance with a multi-attribute, sustainable management policy/program, but not certified under an O+M rating system | 8,270,154 Square feet |
| Operated and maintained in accordance with a single-attribute, sustainable management policy/program, but not certified under an O+M rating system | 0 Square feet |
| Total | 8,270,154 Square feet |
Percentage of existing building space certified under a green building rating system rating system focused on the operations and maintenance of existing buildings:
A brief description of the sustainable operations and maintenance policy/program and/or O+M rating system(s) used:
GW’s buildings are some of the institution’s most significant sources of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. These buildings simultaneously represent some of the greatest opportunities for cost and resources savings as well as decarbonization given GW’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2030.
To prioritize sustainability in facilities maintenance and operations, GW and its partner engages in the following activities where feasible:
• Water conservation efforts (indoor and outdoor), including early leak detection and repair;
• Operational practices that promote energy conservation efforts;
• Support the university for energy efficienty projects, such as lighting improvements;
• Commissioning and retro commissioning, demand response activities, and energy audits;
• Indoor air quality improvement
• Preventative maintenance
• Light pollution reduction
• Refrigerant management
When responsible for minor construction and renovation projects, the Contractor shall prioritize low-VOC paints and adhesives, use of recycled materials, and diversion of construction waste from landfill.
For housekeeping, GW and its partner are committed to complying with LEED O+M: Existing Buildings v4 – Green Cleaning Policy Environmental Quality (EQ) prerequisite and Green Cleaning – Product and Materials credit. Annual reporting of the cleaning products used on campus, including the amount of annual expenditure for each product is tracked and issued each year.
GW's housekeepoing policy covers green cleaning procedures, materials, and services that are within the building and site management’s control, and include the organization responsible for cleaning the building and building site.
GW and its partners purchase green cleaning materials and products such as floor finishes and strippers, disposable janitorial paper products, and trash bags. This includes items used by in-house staff or outsourced service providers. At least 75%, by cost, of the total annual purchases of these products must meet at least one of the following standards.
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable operations and maintenance program is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Energy use in existing buildings used to make up 80 percent of the university's GHG emissions. In the first years of implementing the Climate Action Plan, GW prioritized improving building energy efficiency and enhancing IT systems that result in energy use reductions and it now makes up roughly 50% of GW's emissions.
When managing and retrofitting its buildings for sustainability, GW deals with many complexities due to the diversity of buildings. GW owns and operates more than 150 buildings on its three campuses. Some pre-date the turn of the last century, and most require historic preservation during upgrades. The sizes range from less than 10,000 square feet (historic town houses) to more than 600,000 square feet.
Energy use in existing buildings used to make up 80 percent of the university's GHG emissions. In the first years of implementing the Climate Action Plan, GW prioritized improving building energy efficiency and enhancing IT systems that result in energy use reductions and it now makes up roughly 50% of GW's emissions.
When managing and retrofitting its buildings for sustainability, GW deals with many complexities due to the diversity of buildings. GW owns and operates more than 150 buildings on its three campuses. Some pre-date the turn of the last century, and most require historic preservation during upgrades. The sizes range from less than 10,000 square feet (historic town houses) to more than 600,000 square feet.
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.