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.