University of Massachusetts Lowell
OP-3: Building Operations and Maintenance

We have not pursued O+M certification in any of our buildings at this time.

UMass Lowell has developed a comprehensive Green Cleaning program including industry best-practices as well as green cleaning processes to ensure a healthy and safe environment for the people who visit or work in UMass Lowell’s buildings. The program is structured based on the US Green Building Council’s LEED for Existing Buildings Operation & Maintenance (EBOM) 2009 v3 rating system and addresses the purchase of sustainable products and equipment, standard operating procedures, hand hygiene, safe handling & storage of chemicals, staff training, occupant feedback and continuous improvement, indoor chemical and pollutant source control, reporting and documentation, and indoor Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures. UMass Lowell is committed to following the strategies identified in the Green Cleaning policy in at least 90% of the campus usable space.

UMass Lowell’s Facilities Management Office has developed a very successful Energy Management program that incorporates sustainability and energy efficiency into long-term planning, operations and management of campus facilities. The University incorporated the use of online energy intelligence software and sub-metering in order to attain energy data that is more useful and specific, enabling better energy management. UMass Lowell has a dedicated, full-time Energy Manager and a full-time BAS Manager responsible for overseeing the programs. The energy management programs include: • Compiling and maintaining energy usage data. • Analyzing energy usage monthly to identify potential usage anomalies and work with Facilities Management and O&M personnel to mitigate causes. • Identifying and implementing energy conservation and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction projects through the University’s Facilities Department. Promoting energy conservation and the use of renewable energy technologies in building renovation, new construction and operations. • Studying the benefits and feasibility of potential energy policies and projects. • Assessing effectiveness of implemented policies and projects. • Recommending policies for purchase of energy commodities. • Tracking and reporting progress toward the University’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) goals and to meet the State’s Lead by Example executive order requirements. • Fostering the energy conservation culture by assisting other CAP subcommittees and by taking part in student education and outreach efforts. The University has also adopted an Energy Conservation Policy that establishes guidelines for indoor space temperature management, indoor temperature guidelines, heating and cooling, holiday and weekend shutdowns, portable heaters, window air conditioners, excessive heat, computers, hot water, sustainable building construction and renovation, and electrical peak load curtailment. The University has also incorporated Sustainability and green design guidelines into its HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical Design Standards. The Design Standards are a key consideration for each project undertaken and are incorporated into the design and specifications of the project to the extent possible.

Water use data is tracked electronically on a quarterly basis using the web-based “Utility Tracker” software. The University conducted an initial benchmarking assessment of water use by building for the period 2009 and 2014. Water use data is evaluated quarterly for buildings that account for the majority of the campus’ consumption. The data is normalized per gross square foot and tracked back to 2009. The data is used to identify anomalies or offset conditions. In the future, the data may also be used to identify conservation opportunities and track progress with conservation efforts.