I am participating in a semester long research project in my GEO 452 class at UW Whitewater.  We are examining all of the campuses environmental impacts  and will be compiling a Wikipedia type web site of information and recommendations which we will be presenting to our chancellor, (who has already signed the Presidential Climate Commitment but has taken little action).  I am responsible for gathering information pertaining to current buildings on campus and new construction projects.  I was hoping someone could give me some ideas for renovations to large college faculty and dorm buildings.  Only one of our current buildings is LEED silver certified and the sad part is its still under construction.  So any ideas anyone has would be much appreciated.

I would look at the following items if they have not been considered:

Request that a thermographic study be done of the campus next winter. This will show you where to spend money for preventing energy loss.
-Windows (heat loss/solar gain/air infiltration)
-Insulation in walls and roof (a flat roof with saturated insulation is like throwing money out the window)
-General caulking and sealing for air infiltration/exfiltration.

Lighting
-motion sensors/timers where applicable
-daylight harvesting
-fixture, ballast and lamp efficiency,replace incandescent lamps with CF where practical (these are big Energy Star issues)
-using "cleaner" light settings (i.e., 2 out of 4 lamps with lighing control or split switching)
-non-light polluting street and external lighting

Do you have a central plant like most campuses? Maintenance and operation are key for economical operation.
-proper air and water balance is essential.
-how is the water treatment? Pipes and equipment with fouling and scaling operate very inefficiently.
-filters should be cleaned regularly.
-if the Building Control System has not been updated recently, significant savings may be available.
-chillers should be efficiency tested periodically
-do thay have a good refrigerant management system?
-if dorms have a secondary domestic hot water circulation system (or their own primary system), solar collectors could be fit on individual buildings (more difficult if they are on a big central system).
-are alternate fuels available? Wisconsin has a lot of wood waste that could be used (or did in the past).
-is ventilation adequate?

Other
-when buildings are re-roofed, are vegetated or high albedo roofs possible? This could be a good long term plan.
-pervious paving in parking areas.
-do you facilities people use low emitting paints, chemicals, etc?
-recycling
-water efficient landscaping
-Rain water harvesting

Go through your LEED checklists and you can find a lot of areas to investigate. There are now LEED templates for Existing Buildings - Operations & Maintenance and guidance for district heating/cooling systems. Much of this will be in the hands of your facility managers.

good luck!

Bruce

I meant to add this link:

<http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=221>

 

 

I work for a company who is a leader in historic restoration.  Is this something that is taking place now or will be taking place.  We have restored many a presidential home as well as countless national treasures, monuments, and historic registered buildings.  We use completely reclaimed materials and are members of the USGBC.  We will very soon have completed our FSC membership.  Please let me know if there is something we can help with.  Candice 615-598-5411.