The Ohio State University at Mansfield
OP-3: Building Operations and Maintenance

Ohio State operates a streamlined custodial operation through ManageMen’s (OS1) Program to standardize and modernize the custodial operation while becoming more environmentally friendly and promoting a sustainable, healthy campus. The program’s “philosophy of cleaning” includes concepts such as clean for health first, minimize environmental harm, and simplify … versus polluting and cleaning solely for appearance. It minimizes chemical waste and misuse with pre-measured, color coded chemical packets. The OS1 program focuses on the health of the building occupants and the cleaning staff. Environmentally preferable cleaning strategies, procedures, training, and purchasing guidelines for consumables, tools, and equipment are all part of responsible cleaning. All of the daily-use cleaning chemicals in the OS1 program have earned the Green Seal Certification or are EPA registered disinfectants.

Each year, Ohio State collects utility data to create an ongoing tracking metric for Carbon Footprint, Energy, and Water for each campus location. The energy utility data includes all electricity, natural gas, and other fuels. This data is then converted into a weather adjusted Energy Utilization Index (EUI), which can be used to see year-over-year trends in utility use. The university’s Green Build and Energy policy was created in support of the Climate Action Plan for the Columbus Campus; it requires all new construction and major renovations to attain a minimum of LEED Silver certification. The policy also establishes standards for building maintenance and operation to reduce resource use and encourage conservation. For example, the following building operation and maintenance practices will be observed: a. Energy audits and/or re-commissioning of existing building systems will be performed at regular intervals to ensure that systems are operating at maximum efficiency. b. Recommendations on resources and building selection for the energy audit program will be made through the University Energy Committee and the Energy Services and Sustainability Program Plan. Audits, level of commissioning efforts, energy conservation projects, the preventive maintenance program, and the renewal and deferred maintenance program will be prioritized and implemented as funded through the annual budget process and the capital plan. Level of funding received will determine programs goals and deliverables. Performance contracting will be used to support projects and related efforts when possible. c. Building system controls will be added, modified, and integrated into the existing building automation system (BAS) as they are funded. This will allow for greater control over operating schedules, which will permit implementation of demand management strategies to reduce energy consumption and related costs. d. The university community (faculty, students, staff, visitors, and vendors) is responsible for practices and behaviors which effect energy demand. In conditioned spaces, windows and doors will be kept closed. Energy consuming devices, such as personal computers, other office equipment, lights and window air conditioners will be turned off when not in use. Information technology support teams will ensure at set up and during maintenance periods that all personal computers, monitors, printers, and copiers have their energy management features enabled.

Each year, Ohio State collects utility data to create an ongoing tracking metric for Carbon Footprint, Energy, and Water for each campus location. The water utility data includes all potable water use on campus. Ohio State then uses this data along with a weighted campus user calculation to normalize the data, which can be used to see year-over-year trends in water use. Ohio State’s Sustainability Plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the methodologies to achieve the comprehensive university-wide sustainability efforts. The Green Building and Energy policy outlines standards for water management. For example, the following building operation and maintenance practices will be observed: 1. Landscape design should use plants that are in balance with the local climate and require minimal resource inputs for landscape care and maintenance. 2. Irrigation water use should be minimized through rainfall monitoring. Major construction or renovation projects should also investigate collecting storm water for non-potable uses on campus as part of sustainable design practice. 3. Low water use flush valves and flow restrictiors on faucets and showers will be used in all applicable areas. 4. No single-pass cooling water will be used on mechanical equipment in new construction or retrofits, except in the case of an emergency. 5. Water that does not go to the sanitary sewer system (such as lawn irrigation, cooling towers, and fountains) will have deduction meters installed to obtain a sewer credit from our water supplier. 6. Water leaks, dripping faucets, and fixtures that do not shut off should be reported to Service2Facilities by calling (614) 292-HELP (Medical Center call 293-8645). 7. Domestic hot water heating systems will be well insulated and mixing valves, hot water return pumps, and controls should be designed for maximum efficiency and performance.

Indoor Air Quality Request Form: https://ehs.osu.edu/indoor-air-quality-assessment-request