Building
How buildings are designed, constructed, and operated have significant impacts on the environment, economies, and people. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, in the United States alone, buildings account for 70% of electricity consumption, 39% of carbon dioxide emissions, 40% of raw materials use, 30% of waste, and 12% of potable water consumption.
Sustainable Building Construction and Renovation Policy states the University will secure at a minimum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ "Silver" or its equivalent for all new buildings and to secure an estimate of the full cost to secure a LEED "Silver" (or its equivalent) for all proposed renovation projects costing at least $1 million and strive to meet this standard within project budget restraints. The policy was approved by the University Board of Regents in October of 2009 and took effect January 1, 2010. Policy adoption announcement.
LEED Certified Buildings
- Don and Karen DeRosa University Center - LEED Silver, New Construction and Major Renovations
- John T. Chambers Technology Center - LEED Gold, New Construction and Major Renovations
- Alex and Jeri Vereschagin Alumni House - LEED Gold, New Construction and Major Renovations
- San Francisco Campus - LEED Gold, Building Design and Construction: New Construction
Building Maintenance & Occupant Well-Being
- 90% of the custodial cleaning supplies are green certified
- Bio hydraulic oil is used in all mechanical equipment
- Housing and Greek Life Department's require residence hall furnishings to be replaced with green-rated furniture
Pacific Recreation - Commitment to Sustainability
- Carpet replaced with recycled rubber and laminate flooring
- Hydration Station installed
- Lights in the cardiovascular equipment area, multipurpose rooms, and rock wall area are kept off during daylight hours to reduce the consumption of energy and utilize the available natureal light.
- More than 50% of their new cardio equipment is self-powered, including six of the treadmills.
- Paper towels on the gym floor replaced with cloth towels that are washed daily, in an effort to reduce the amount of paper used.
- A high efficiency washer and dryer used for washing towels
- Televisions are Energy Star certified
- Disposable cups and disposable water containers are no longer provided during programming on the Brookside and Gardemeyer recreation fields. Water for participants is instead provided in large reusable coolers.