Efficiency and Sustainability Operating Procedures

Design & Construction

Green building rating systems

  • With the LEED Gold ratings for both the Gateway Academic Center and the University Center Complex, all new buildings are to be designed to target LEED Gold, at minimum.

    • Prerequisites for all categories must be met.

Existing Buildings Operations & Maintenance

Energy Consumption & Monitoring

  • All buildings are equipped with sub-meters.

    • Sub-meter data reports are generated monthly and reviewed by Stevens staff and energy consultants.

  • Demand-side management strategies are employed on peak grid days to reduce energy and save on utility costs.

  • The Building Management System is used to schedule HVAC setbacks during off-hours.

  • Buildings are regularly assessed and reviewed for energy efficiency opportunities.

  • Most university buildings have been converted to LED lighting with occupancy sensors, which is now our campus standard.

Indoor Air Quality

  • New Jersey Indoor Air Quality Standard for Public Employees shall be followed whenever possible as best practice guidance.

  • ANSI/ASHRAE Standards 62.1 and 62.2 for ventilation system design and acceptable indoor air quality (IAQ) must be met.

  • Recommended COVID protocols will remain in place.

Waste Diversion & Reduction

  • Maximize waste diversion across campus.

    • Annual assessments of diversion rates and recycling amounts will be conducted. This process will include increased education and engagement encouragement for the campus community.

Water Use Reduction & Stormwater Management

  • Rain gardens, bioretention planters, and bioswales are maintained to manage stormwater runoff. An underground cistern is also being used to collect rainwater to be used for irrigation.

  • Certain landscape irrigation systems are equipped with rain-sensing devices to conserve water.

Use of Environmentally Preferable Materials & Tools

  • Landscaping vendors are using electric mowing and maintenance equipment to the greatest extent possible. Eighty percent of our landscape equipment is now electric powered.

  • Integrated Pest Management vendor shall certify annually their use of organic-only products.

  • Environmentally friendly, low calcium snow melt is being used on campus sidewalks and pathways.

  • Green Cleaning Policy stipulates that cleaning products must meet at least one environmental standard.

    • This policy also limits the use of harsh chemicals unless necessary, and calls for reductions in water use and energy use.

  • Restroom paper products shall be tree-free.

  • Furnishings and paints shall be low VOC products.

    • Criteria for furniture and finishes must incorporate standards from the following:

      • Cradle to Cradle Certification.

      • SCS Indoor Advantage Certification.

      • Greenguard Environmental Institute.

      • Forest Stewardship Council.

Transportation

  • New fleet vehicles will be hybrid or electric, when possible.