Towson University
OP-2: Building Operations and Maintenance
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
Reporter |
Meghan
Bennett Sustainability Specialist Facilities Management |
2.1 Percentage of existing buildings managed for sustainability performance
Floor area of existing buildings managed under a green cleaning program:
Online location of the institution’s green cleaning policy:
Copy of the institution’s green cleaning policy:
Description of the institution’s certified green cleaning service:
In our housekeeping contract, we state the following about utilizing a Green Cleaning Program:
About our campus environment:
Increased focus on Sustainability including green cleaning and Waste Minimization and Diversion leading to the addition in 2018-2019 of a housekeeping Zero Waste Operations Manager position.
Environmental health and well-being is a top priority at Towson University. TU is dedicated to creating healthy, sustainable and just environs for learning, working and playing. The university demonstrates these Healthy Campus principles through their commitment to carbon neutrality, green building, environmentally preferable purchasing, waste minimization and diversity and inclusion.
Requirements:
Utilize a Green Cleaning Program that meets Green Seal’s Standard for Commercial Cleaning Services (GS-42) (as applicable), and uses energy-saving, water-saving and environmentally-preferable products and practices, to the maximum extent practicable.
The University is committed to developing sustainable built and natural environments on its campus and requires the use of Green Seal certified cleaning agents and environmentally-friendly equipment wherever possible, particularly for daily and/or routine cleaning.
ABM is required to purchase from BISM to the extent possible, and their cleaning solutions are green.
https://dgs.maryland.gov/Pages/GreenPurchasing/Resources/Janitorial.aspx
Floor area of existing buildings individually assessed for energy performance:
Narrative outlining how building-level energy performance is assessed and how the results are used to improve performance:
TU utilizes several tools and software to monitor energy performance:
- · The DOE software Portfolio Manager benchmarks buildings against others of the same type.
- · Automated Logic is an automation system we use to monitor, control, and optimize various building systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and security. We also use it to track and analyze real-time energy consumption data.
- · Power Monitoring Energy by Schneider Electric is a comprehensive energy management system that provides energy monitoring via dashboards and detailed energy reporting.
- · Spreadsheets are commonly used at TU to track monthly energy consumption by building and report any significant increases.
Together, these tools help TU optimize energy performance and manage energy costs effectively by:
- · Identifying patterns and trends in energy usage.
- · Tracking energy performance against energy models, especially for new buildings.
- · Optimizing building systems.
- · Conducting energy audits to identify areas for improvement.
Floor area of existing buildings individually assessed for indoor environmental quality (IEQ) performance:
Narrative outlining how building-level IEQ is assessed and how the results are used to improve performance:
Environmental Health and Safety is brought in on a case-by-case basis for individual air quality complaints.
Floor area of existing buildings managed or individually assessed for water performance:
Online location of the institution’s minimum standards for water efficient fixtures, fittings, and equipment:
Copy of the institution’s minimum standards for water efficient fixtures, fittings, and equipment:
Narrative outlining how building-level water performance is assessed and how the results are used to improve performance:
TU utilizes various tools and software to monitor water consumption:
· Automated Logic is an automation system we use to track real-time water consumption across buildings. It helps us identify usage patterns and trends, detect leaks, and monitor cooling tower overflows.
· Spreadsheets are commonly used at TU to track monthly water consumption by building and report any significant increases. Additionally, we use spreadsheets to compare similar building types, calculating consumption in gallons per day and gallons per student.
TU has implemented a campus-wide water submetering system and integrated it with Automated Logic. The final phase of the water submeter installation has recently been completed.
TU has recently completed the final phase of water submetering, and we are currently working on analyzing the consumption data.
Floor area of existing buildings third party certified to a green building standard:
List of the institution’s existing buildings and their green building certifications:
| Project Name | LEED Level | Year | GSF | Square Meters |
| WVC | Gold | 2011 | 85,418 | 7,936 |
| Barton - WV Phase 2 | Silver | 2012 | 73,696 | 6,847 |
| Douglass - WV Phase 2 | Silver | 2012 | 85,540 | 7,947 |
| Public Safety | Silver | 2013 | 20,096 | 1,867 |
| SECU | Gold | 2014 | 116,586 | 10,831 |
| CLA | Silver | 2014 | 293,000 | 27,221 |
| Marshall House | Gold | 2017 | 170,504 | 15,840 |
| Carroll House | Gold | 2017 | 170,504 | 15,840 |
| WW HC | Silver | 2017 | 31,045 | 2,884 |
| Burdick Expansion | Gold | 2018 | 89,943 | 8,356 |
| Residence Tower | Gold | 2018 | 99,052 | 9,202 |
| Science Complex | Gold | 2023 | 320,800 | 29,803 |
| University Union | Gold | 2024 | 255,650 | 23,751 |
| Glen Dining | Silver | 2023 | 31,956 | 2,969 |
| 171,294 |
Inventory of the institution’s existing buildings and their green building certifications:
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following six figures:
Percentage of existing buildings assessed for energy performance:
Percentage of existing buildings assessed for IEQ performance:
Percentage of existing buildings managed or assessed for water performance:
Percentage of existing buildings third party certified to a green building standard:
Points earned for indicator OP 2.1:
Optional documentation
Additional documentation for this credit:
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.