| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 51.19 |
| Liaison | Jim Walker |
| Submission Date | Jan. 31, 2011 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Texas at Austin
OP-3: Indoor Air Quality
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Occupied building space covered by an indoor air quality plan, policy, and/or practices that include regular auditing or monitoring and a mechanism for occupants to register complaints :
Total occupied building space :
A brief description of the institution's indoor air quality plan, policy, and/or practices:
The Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) has primary responsibility for indoor air quality issues throughout the institution- main campus and satellite locations. EHS has had a written Indoor Air Quality Plan since 2001 and the program is directed by a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) with support from certified and licensed asbestos, lead paint and mold experts. Instruments are routinely used to measure volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, relative humidity, temperature, flammable vapors, airborne mold and particulates.
Indoor air quality (IAQ) complaints are registered through several mechanisms including the EHS website which has a “comments or concerns” link on the opening page. Other departments including Facilities have similar links as well as email and phone systems to report building problems for corrections and maintenance requests.
The Indoor Air Quality program varies depending on the type of building and the department responsible.
Housing and Food
New dorm residents are provided with Indoor Air Quality Information Sheet. Water-based paints and low VOC cleaners are used in dorms. Housing staff have their own certifications in Lead Abatement Project Designer, Lead Inspector, Lead Abatement Supervisor, Asbestos Inspector, Asbestos Individual Consultant, Mold Assessment Consultant. Housing complies with ASHRAE 62 standards for acceptable indoor air quality requirements and ASHRAE 55 standards, providing thermally comfortable environments that support the productivity and well‐being of dorm occupants.
Facilities Services
Preventive Maintenance monitor pressure drops and change HVAC air filters quarterly, as necessary. Facilities inspects and service motors and fans every 4 months. Coils are cleaned annually. All buildings have at least MERV-8 efficiency filters. Many buildings have direct digital control automation systems and these AC systems can be monitored and controlled. Direct digital controls are standard on all new buildings and included in major renovations.
Laboratories and Offices
In labs, EHS annually measures flow rates in chemical fume hoods and labs are designed to meet 10 air changes per hour. Before lab remodeling, testing is conducted for asbestos and lead.
Custodial Services
Custodial Services uses high efficiency vacuum filters certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute and has reduced the number of cleaning chemicals from 260 to 27. Pest Control uses baits first for insects and if sprays are needed, gives MSDSs to occupants for approval and advanced notice first.
Project Management and Construction Services (PMCS)
Design and Construction Standards are used to prevent exposure to dust, exhaust, asbestos and lead by occupants during remodeling in buildings and new construction. Paint Shop uses low VOC water-based paints indoors.
Non smoking Policy
Smoking is prohibited in all University buildings and areas where smoke could enter buildings.
The website URL where information about the institution's indoor air quality initiatives is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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.