University of Colorado Colorado Springs
OP-1: Building Operations and Maintenance

The university develops and maintains three documents related to sustainable building operation and maintenance guidelines and policies: Campus Design Guidelines, Campus Construction Standards, and Campus Landscape Guidelines. 1.Impacts on the Surrounding Site The campus landscape must be sustainable. On the land at UCCS, the existing vegetation is that which nature long ago decided was best suited to its elevation and micro-climate. It requires little maintenance and its continued use is evidence of good stewardship of the unique land of the UCCS campus. 2.Energy Consumption Energy conservation must be given special consideration in the design of new or remodeled University buildings. UCCS requires a life cycle cost analysis, where appropriate, on major components of new facilities and renovation projects. The University is therefore dedicated to the principle of conserving energy and will scrutinize proposed construction for means of reducing initial cost, as well as life cycle analysis to inform the design decision. The Architect shall work in close cooperation with the Engineers to provide an integrated design. 3.Usage of Environmentally Preferable Materials Selection of exterior building materials should consider insulation value, high recycle content, low emissions, reduced job-site scrap, regional manufacturing source, sustainability, durability, reduction of energy costs, occupant comfort and aesthetic contribution. 4.Indoor Environment Quality The benefits of improved indoor air quality, energy conservation and enhanced visual surroundings promote a healthy and productive environment for inhabitants. System Design Requirements: System selection shall consider the environmental requirements for thermal control, indoor air quality and energy use. 5.Water Consumption Consideration of mechanical and lighting system efficiency, daylighting schemes, reduction/elimination of environmentally harmful substances, regional material availability, water conservation, and indigenous or xeric plant usage are general strategies that should be evaluated.