University of Nebraska - Lincoln
OP-4: Building Operations and Maintenance

Operated and maintained in accordance with a multi-attribute, sustainable management policy/program, but not certified under an O+M rating system:

1) UNL officially adopted an Integrated Pest Management Policy on September 20th, 2021. Through this policy, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) implements Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures to control structural and landscape pests and minimize pesticide exposure to faculty, staff, and students. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. The IPM policy ensures compliance with laws and regulations and keeps management accountable for their work’s effects on people’s health and the environment. The policy also reflects the university’s approach towards environmental stewardship and provides a consistent policy across UNL departments. The campus-wide IPM program is managed by UNL’s Integrated Pest Management Manager. https://bf.unl.edu/policies/integrated-pest-management

2) UNL’s Building Systems Maintenance team balances very responsive energy management control sequences and maintaining healthy indoor air quality through their operations related to energy management and indoor air quality. HVAC equipment (air handlers) are operated to provide, at a minimum, twice the fresh air ventilation required by ASHRAE 62.1-2019, and use MERV-13 (or better) filters. Newer classrooms use demand-controlled ventilation to provide additional fresh air ventilation when required by occupancy conditions. Multizone air handlers mixed-air, relief air and return fan control sequences have been modified to incorporate ASHRAE Guideline 36-2018 Best Practices: Control sequences at air handlers operate full economizer (fresh air) cooling whenever possible, automatic reset of supply air temperature and humidity setpoints to track actual requirements of rooms while minimizing energy use, and variable fan speeds (pressure controlled) to minimize fan power. Room thermostat control sequences use occupancy sensors and schedules to implement overnight and standby temperature and ventilation setback (to avoid over-conditioning unoccupied spaces), supply air temperature reset to enhance room air mixing, and separate perimeter heating controls to reduce the use of hot air when hydronic heating is sufficient during unoccupied periods. Automatic Fault Detection and Diagnostic (FDD) software constantly scans building- and room-level HVAC equipment to detect equipment or operational failures which might harm IAQ or increase energy use and prioritize those for repair.

Operated and maintained in accordance with a single-attribute, sustainable management policy/program, but not certified under an O+M rating system:

Custodial Services at UNL that maintains all academic buildings and athletics office space is certified by ISSA with CIMS-GB with Honors (highest honor) for their sustainability practices and green use of chemicals. UNL holds this certification since 2012. The details are here: https://www.issa.com/certification-standards/cleaning-industry-management-standard-cims/cims-green-building. This link shows that ISSA CIMS GB meets criteria for green cleaning as required by USGBC O&M. The USGBC O&M guide (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-v41-om-beta-guide) also lists ISSA CIMS GB as a certified clean service (pg # 66). Through their sustainability initiative and green cleaning program, UNL Custodial Services aims to provide an environment for learning and discovery while using environmentally responsible cleaning products, equipment, and sustainable processes. Goals include to: Use Environmentally Preferred Products- It is our responsibility to safeguard the environment and public health; Practice Conservation- We will conserve energy, water, and other resources while providing high quality service; and Support Sustainability- We will use products and procedures which allow for the systematic reuse of materials and reduction of waste.