A new CU Denver Heating and Cooling Operating Procedure will go into effect in January. This operating procedure is part of CU Denver and Facilities Management and Planning’s broader commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve operational efficiency, while being mindful of occupant comfort. If you’d like to find out more about CU Denver’s climate commitments, please visit our sustainability page.
This operating procedure applies to CU Denver owned, general fund buildings (Lawrence Street Center, CU Denver Building, Business School, Student Commons, and Learning Commons). AHEC recently implemented a similar policy which was approved by the Auraria Board of Directors (ABOD) and the Student Advisory Committee to the Auraria Board (SACAB) for AHEC-owned buildings. That policy can be found here.
What is in The Operating Procedure?
1. The procedures establish heating and cooling targets:
· During cooling season, we will target a temperature of less than or equal to76°F.
· During heating season, we will target a temperature of greater than or equal to 68°F.
· Temperature fluctuations may occur due to external environmental factors and the operational limitations of building systems.
2. The procedures establish that these temperature targets will apply only duringthe hours, days of the week and times of the year when our buildings are anticipated to be occupied. Occupied hours encompass days and times when the building is open and accessible to the public, when academic courses are scheduled, and when meetings and events have been scheduled (as identified in the EMS system). The logic for establishing occupied hours can be found in the appendix of the operating procedure.
What informed this Operating Procedure?
· Adjusting setpoints and using temperature setbacks during unoccupied hours can reduce energy use, carbon emissions, and utility savings by up to15%.
· The heating and cooling targets in the operating procedure align withOSHAandASHRAEthermal comfort standards. They also align with the targets included in the AHEC heating and cooling guidelines already in use in CU Denver occupied spaces in AHEC buildings.
· Other universities have implemented similar policies withno change in occupant comfort.
How will this Operating Procedure affect me?
· Comfort remains a priority. The temperature targets were selected to ensure that we are still maintaining a comfortable environment.
· Facilities Management will continue to respond to temperature concerns. If you experience discomfort and/or believe your space is exceeding or falling short of the temperature targets, please submit a work order here.
· Only space heaters authorized under OPP 103-105 may be used as a temporary measure in areas where heating thresholds can’t be met.
· Make sure to schedule events that occur outside of normal building hours through the EMS platform to ensure that we are providing proper heating or cooling.
We value your partnership as we launch this new initiative and remain committed to providing a workplace that supports the important work that you do. Please contact me directly with any questions or concerns.
Please Visit our Website linked above for facilities work orders, project requests, parking, access control, space requests and more.