MU's Sustainability Policy

MU's Sustainability Policy

A. Purpose: Manchester University is committed to a policy of sustainability. We intend to use energy, water and consumables in economical and environmentally sound ways. This policy will provide guidelines to faculty, staff and students for effective use and conservation of the resources with which we have been entrusted

B. Policy: It is the policy of Manchester University to reduce solid wastes and energy/water consumption whenever practical, through the active efforts of its faculty, staff, and students in closing doors, turning off lights, using water more efficiently, and generally making positive efforts to conserve and recycle; we will also use passive means such as installing energy/water-saving devices and lights; purchasing energy efficient products; and, pursuing energy savings strategies and design in construction plans.

C. Action Steps:

1. Education: The cooperation and support of the faculty, staff and students for this Sustainability Policy are the keys to its success. Accordingly, information and training regarding conservation and recycling should be provided to all constituents. All faculty, staff and students are encouraged to be active in our sustainability efforts.

2. Buildings: Windows and doors of conditioned spaces should normally be kept closed. Office equipment, lights, window air conditioners, personal heaters and other appliances are to be turned off when not in use. Power management features should be enabled where available. As time and funding allow, buildings should be insulated and high efficiency windows should be installed; equipment should be put in place to permit control and monitoring of building temperatures and energy/water consumption.

3. Lighting: Lights should be turned off when not in use. Occupancy sensors should be installed when economically feasible. Most lighting on campus should be retrofitted or upgraded to use high-efficiency lighting as funding allows. Decorative lighting should be kept to a minimum. 

4. Heating: During scheduled building hours, room temperatures should be maintained no higher than 68 degrees (as controls allow). During weekends, holidays, or when otherwise unoccupied, temperatures should be set at levels that will allow the University to efficiently and economically conserve energy. As funding allows, high efficiency heating systems should be installed.

5. Cooling: During scheduled building hours in air-conditioned buildings, room temperatures should be maintained no lower than 72 degrees (as controls allow). During weekends and holidays, temperatures should be set at levels that will allow the University to efficiently and economically conserve energy. As funding allows, high efficiency cooling systems should be installed.

6. Water Usage: Water fixtures should be retrofitted or replaced with lo-flow/low usage devices as funding allows. Irrigation of lawns, fields, and decorative plantings should be used judiciously. 

7. New Construction: Sustainability should be part of the University’s master campus plan. New construction should be designed and built to minimize energy usage using LEEDs criteria as a guideline. 

8. Purchasing: Environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient products should be purchased whenever practical. For examples, see the USEPA Energy Star products lists. Recyclable and reusable products should also be purchased when feasible. 

9. Computers/Printers: Computers and printers should be set in the energy saving mode of operation; sleep modes should be enabled. Most computers and printers should be turned off at the end of each work day, or the end of their scheduled time of operation. Computer equipment should be Energy Star rated, if possible.

10. Solid Waste/Recycling: Solid waste should be minimized. We should promote the repair, recycle and swap of usable goods. Campus design should incorporate the facilities to make recycling convenient. Green waste should be composted. Hazardous waste must be disposed of properly; non-toxic alternatives should be used where practical.

11. Transportation: Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to walk or bicycle to get around campus. Carpooling is encouraged. The acquisition of new fleet vehicles should take into consideration alternative fuels and high fuel efficiencies.

12. Grounds and Land Use: We will work to sustain the integrity of the local ecosystem through proper land management practices. 

13. Food and Food Services: We will encourage our vendors to purchase food locally when practical, and to minimize or eliminate the use of disposable trays, plates, cups and utensils. The use of reusable mugs will be promoted.

14. Green Cleaning: We will use environmentally friendly cleaning materials wherever practical and cost effective.

15. Suggestions: Any suggestions for ways of reducing energy or water consumption on campus, or otherwise being more environmentally responsible, should be directed to suggestions page, found by clicking here.