facilities management department sustainability … · practice. building services supervisor...

february 2011

www.duq.edu/facilities

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DUQUESNE UNIVERSITYFACILITIES MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

SUSTAINABILITYUPDATE

The Facilities Management Department supports

the educational mission of the University by

maintaining a functional and appropriate campus

environment. Our department operates within

the Division of Management and Business and

leads the University’s efforts to improve the

environmental quality of its daily operations.

Our dedicated team of employees research

products and practices that are good for the

environment, and are sensible and feasible for

our campus. While some of us are responsible for implementing sustainable practices, others

are in charge of their execution and maintenance.

Many of our “greening” efforts are highlighted

in the University’s Sustainability Report, but

we want to continue informing the campus

community of our work, advancement and

commitment to environmental stewardship.

I invite you to learn about our current endeavors

by browsing this piece.

George FecikExecutive Director, Facilities Management

Duquesne University

This PDF document is an Adobe interactive publication incorporating live web links, rollovers and other rich media elements.


No. 1 Feb. 2011

http://www.duq.edu/public-affairs/publications.cfm


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february 2011

Major Projects - Water PumpsGreg Fuhrman, mechanical engineer and project manager

for design and construction, is currently working on projects

that have significant energy savings potential, such as the replacement of the chilled water pumps in Mellon Hall and in

the Duquesne Union. The equipment will be upgraded from

constant speed pumping (where the pumps always move the

same amount of water) to variable speed pumping (where the

pumps only move as much water as needed for the actual

air conditioning load at any given time). The pumps in both

buildings are original 1960s vintage.

Constant speed pumping was common then, not only because

energy was inexpensive, but the necessary controls for variable

speed pumping were not readily available.

Published sources indicate that variable speed pumps can save

from 30% to 70% of the pumping energy.

For these two chilled water pump replacement projects,

Facilities Management is applying for rebates from

Duquesne Light that total $22,500. The projects qualify for

this initiative because of the use of variable frequency drives

on the pump motors, which save energy when the full pump

capacity is not needed.

ENERGYNew chilled water pumps in Mellon Hall will reduce energy consumption by way of variable frequency drive technology.

Greg Fuhrman, project manager, and Ron Willis, heating and air conditioning technician, review the newly installed equipment.

http://www.duq.edu/facilitieshttp://www.duquesnelight.com/wattchoices/default.cfm?tab=2&win=main

february 2011


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Fan Coil UpgradesAlso in Mellon Hall, Facilities

Management is upgrading the

original fan coil units to a newer,

efficient model. By replacing

the equipment, not only do we

increase energy efficiency, we also

minimize hands-on maintenance.

The fan coils help to heat and cool

spaces such as offices and labs.

Another major energy efficiency

project involving fan coil unit

replacement is nearing completion

in Trinity Hall. This comprehensive

project involves demolishing old

steel piping and replacing it with

copper piping. The overall financial

benefit is hidden in the details.

If the upgrade were considered

based on energy savings, the

return on investment might not be

attractive. However, the services

needed to maintain a residence

hall decrease based on fewer

calls about leaking pipes, clogged

coils and optimizing automatic

temperature controls. This limits

manpower to the site, provides

comfort and increases indoor

quality—an overall reduction of

regular maintenances.

The University’s Energy Management Group has moved to the Chuck Cooper Building, where our central building automation system is now housed. Through this system, energy manager Guy Zupo and the HVAC team are able to interface with all HVAC systems across campus.


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february 2011

Occupancy Light SwitchesOne of the most ignored energy conservation devices is the light switch. According to the Green Seal’s report, lighting accounts for 30 to

50% of a building’s energy use, or about 17% of the total annual U.S.

electricity consumption. The University’s electricians continue to advance

conservation efforts on campus by installing occupancy light switches in

classrooms, offices and restrooms. The switches’ sensory devices interrupt

the energy circuit, turning the lights off after 15 consecutive minutes without

detecting movement or body heat. The use of occupancy lights is proven to

reduce energy waste and is an environmentally sound practice.

Facilities Management continues to plan and design for the installation of

occupancy light switches in campus locations.

Source: Green Seal’s Choose Green Report

Fisher Hall

Classrooms Completed

College Hall

Offices 90% Completed


Mellon Hall


Labs Completed

Administration Building

Offices Completed

Bayer Hall


Facilities Management

Offices Completed

Canevin Hall

Offices Completed


Restrooms Completed

Rockwell Hall

Offices 95% Completed


Gumberg Library

Restrooms Completed

Switched Switches

http://www.duq.edu/facilities

february 2011


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A.J. Palumbo Center’s Auxiliary Gym Lighting By replacing metal halide lights with T5,

locally produced gym lighting, University

electricians Andy Novak, left, and Matt

O’Neil, under the supervision of Tim

Barefoot and Guy Zupo, made significant

environmental contributions. The new lighting provides the following advantages:

• 55% energy reduction

• 60% longer lamp life

• Eco-friendly, low mercury lamps

• Act 129 Rebate Eligibility

• Higher color rendering; colors appear

bright and true

By having talented electricians on staff,

the installation was completed quickly

and contractors were not needed—saving

additional cost.


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february 2011

LED and Energy Efficient Lighting Upgrades• 375 energy-saving light fixtures were installed at the

Forbes Garage. This will cut energy usage by 50%

and provide better illumination.

• 40 energy-saving light fixtures were installed at the

Locust Garage

• LED lighting was installed at the Duquesne Union

and at Vickroy Commons as part of the University

lighting retrofit plan.

Because of these upgrades, the University received

$14,000 in rebates from the Duquesne Light Watt

Choices Program. These funds will cover additional

lighting replacement fixtures.

Replacing incandescent lights with LED (light emitting diode)

is implemented by the University to conserve energy while

improving efficiency. According to ledtronics.com, because LED

bulbs are not made of filaments, their solid-state design renders

them impervious to shock, vibration, frequent switching and

environmental extremes. With an average lifespan of more than

50,000 hours (5.7-plus years), LED bulbs operate more than 20

times longer than the equivalent incandescent bulbs. LED lamps

produce very little heat and use up to 90% less operating power

than equivalent filament-based bulbs, making them friendly to the

environment and fiscally responsible. Nearly all campus buildings

have been retrofitted with the energy-saving LED bulbs.

LEDs

Evergreen Christmas

In order to enhance the ambiance on our Bluff during the holiday

season while conserving energy, over 80% of our campus outdoor

Christmas lights were LED.

The University also decreased the number of Christmas trees on

campus by providing student organizations with a single tree to

decorate together—in previous years organizations were given an

individual tree to adorn. The stand-in evergreen was transplanted

from the Des Places demolition site and placed on the Academic

Walk. After the holidays, all Christmas trees that decorated our

campus were dropped off at a local composting site.

http://www.duq.edu/facilitieshttp://www.ledtronics.com

february 2011


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Green Carpeting Fiscal and environmental responsibility purchases for our campus require

the combination of performance, cost and green design.

Green product design means that all stages of a product’s life cycle are

developed to minimize negative environmental impact, including the

products’ disposal.

For example, office furniture and carpeting are considered in light of

their recycled content, optimum safety standards and eco-friendly

opportunities for recovery, reuse or recycling. Eco-friendly packaging

also is considered at the time of purchase, as many materials used in the

packages can be harmful to the environment.

Examining the life cycle of the products we purchase is a way to prevent

what we buy today from ending up in a landfill tomorrow and is another

effort we take on.

Since 2007, we installed 7,855 square yards of “green” carpet. In turn

6,700 square yards of old carpeting were sent to a reclamation unit,

processed and then remanufactured into new carpeting.

PROCEDURESAND PRODUCTS

Square Yards of Green Carpet Installed Since 2007

2007 2008 2009 20101580 1775 2200 2300

Green PaintAccording to the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are

gases emitted from certain solids or liquids that

may cause adverse health effects. VOCs are released by a wide array of household products

including paints, aerosol sprays, disinfectants

and even office supplies such as glue and

permanent markers.

As part of its responsible environmental stewardship efforts, Duquesne has implemented

a selection process that limits the VOC levels

of the cleaning products, paints and other

chemicals purchased by the University. An

estimated 75% of the cleaning products used

on campus are environmentally friendly, with

low or no VOC content. And for two years

the University has invested in high-quality,

VOC-free paints that have been recognized for

environmental standards.

Total Gallons Used Since 2007 – 1830 Gallons

Gallons of Green Paint Used Since June 2007

June 07 July 08 March 09 Nov 10560 250 400 670


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february 2011

Green Grounds Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a practice of managing the

care of lawns and ornamental plantings from a more complete and

proactive standpoint. It includes visual inspections, proper pruning and mowing as well as organic controls. An IPM plan requires a

thorough knowledge of common pests and of proper irrigation control

methods. The many benefits include:

• Healthy, structurally sound plants, from roots to flowers;

• Reduced use of pesticides, alleviating potential negative effect on

people and animals;

• Promotion of clean water and environment;

• Better and long-term pest control;

• Reduced cost.

IPM practices have been adopted on campus in the care of ornamental

beds and lawn areas. Licensed and trained employees inspect plants

and lawns daily. Problem areas are treated with chemicals if significant

concern rises for the health of the plant.

The grounds crew uses a tree injection system, which treats our

trees systemically, rather than spraying chemicals into the air. This injection system is efficient in treating plants with small, but

concentrated doses of the product

In the area of office operations, Facilities Management is eliminating

manual processes and thereby reducing the amount of paper used.

Recently, we implemented an automated payroll process that

eliminated three paper processes.

Other programs have been

successfully used such as

Maximo, a computerized

maintenance management

system that reduces paper

usage. Another paperless

program assists us in managing

the custodial operations and building

inspections via handheld PDAs instead

of the paper checklist of the past.

Page by Page


february 2011


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In Duquesne’s Living-Learning Centers, green cleaning is a staple practice. Building Services Supervisor Suzanne Sinclair, left, and employee Kathy Walhnoah show off the new line of Green Seal Certified products used for daily cleaning. Microfiber cloths and dusters are other examples of our arsenal of sustainable cleaning tools.

Gaylen Wright, building services work leader, explains the benefits of using a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter backpack vacuum cleaner. The versatile vacuum takes the place of multiple tools, as it can be used on hard and soft surfaces. The equipment exceeds industry standards for assisting in ensuring superior indoor air quality.


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february 2011

LEED CertificationIn alignment with Duquesne’s commitment to environmental

stewardship, the University’s new

residence hall will be constructed

to earn Leadership in Energy and

Environmental Design (LEED)

certification of the U.S. Green

Building Council. Des Places

Hall is expected to earn at least

LEED Silver Rating with enhanced

commissioning.

Some features of the project that

qualify for LEED points:

Site

• High density, urban setting

near to transportation

alternatives;

Water

• Low-flow fixtures resulting in

40% water use reduction;

CONSTRUCTIONEnergy & Atmosphere

• Occupancy sensors for

controlling lighting;

• Day lighting wherever possible,

saving energy and providing

for a more productive

environment;

• On-site, photovoltaic

renewable energy;

• Green power through

renewable energy credits to

offset electricity not generated

on campus by clean-burning

natural gas turbines.

• Enhanced commissioning

saves energy and prevents

operational problems by

ensuring that building systems

are installed and operating as

designed.

Artist rendering of the 12-story, suite-style Des Places residence hall.


february 2011


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Materials & Resources

• Material salvage limits debris

taken off-site by crushing

masonry from the existing

building and using it as fill for

new construction, diverting

75% from disposal.

• Use of bio-based floor tile in

lieu of petroleum-based.

Indoor Environmental Air Quality

• Controllability of systems

allows each sleeping room an

individual thermostat.

• Daylight access wherever

possible and operable windows

improve interior air quality.

Innovation & Design

• Educational display shows

floor-by-floor energy

consumption monitoring.

• Green housekeeping practices

utilized.

Respect for the OldThe demolition of the former Des

Places building was conducted

with concern and attention to the environment:

Pre-Demolition Phase:

• All items containing asbestos

were abated—floor tile, mastic,

caulking, roof flashing, pipe and

tank insulation—per Allegheny

County Health Department

requirements.

• Several gallons of propylene

glycol from the heating and

cooling system were drained

and recycled.

• Inspection and proper disposal

of all lighting fixture ballasts

containing PCBs, as well as

electrical capacitors containing

PCBs.

• Proper disposal of all fluorescent

light bulbs.

Demolition:

• Concrete and brick from the

building were crushed and

stockpiled on McCloskey Field

to be used as engineered fill

material. This measure kept

130 tri-axle trucks off the roads

and prevented the purchase

and consequent delivery of

engineered fill material.

• All steel rebar, I-beams, copper

wiring, metal flashing and

machines containing metal

were segregated and recycled.


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february 2011

Although the University has offered a recycling program for many years,

grassroots efforts and industry innovation have allowed for a substantial increase of product collection in the last 5 years.

Working with Pittsburgh Recycling Services in Hazelwood, Facilities

Management implemented commingled recycling opportunities on

campus, making appropriate disposal more convenient. This way,

products such as paper, plastic, cardboard, glass and aluminum can be

deposited in the same container.

Here is how it works:

RECYCLING

STEP 1 STEP 3STEP 2 STEP 4

Students deposit products into recycling receptacles.

Commingled material is transported to our recycling compactor on Gibbon Street, where Pittsburgh Recycling Services comes to campus weekly to pick up, on average, 3.5 tons of product.

A Facilities Management employee transports the disposed content to the building’s loading dock, where it is kept separate from general trash.

Once in the reprocessing facility, the products are sorted and packaged to become a traded commodity.

february 2011


february 2011


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“Last time we visited the

Hazelwood facility, rail cars full of

bailed plastic were being prepared

to be transported to the West

Coast, and ultimately to China,”

said Bill Zilcosky, assistant director.

“Disposing of recyclable materials

appropriately is a personal

choice. We aim to make it as easy and convenient as possible,

but ultimately, individuals choose

to participate or not.”

Zilcosky explains that the areas of

higher recycling success are those

in which individuals proactively

approached Facilities Management

with ideas and requests to make

the program work well in their area.

The Gumberg Library is Zilcosky’s

favorite example: Dr. Laverna

In 2009, the University strengthened its recycling efforts with the purchase of an environmentally friendly self-contained compactor.

The equipment compresses campus waste, preparing it to be sent

out to reprocessing facilities.

Operating with high environmental standards, the compactor uses

biodegradable oil and enlists stringent odor and pest control. It also

reduces fire hazards by enclosing material rather than exposing it to

open air. Marathon Equipment, the compactor’s manufacturer, has

been recognized by the U.S Department of Energy for its energy

conservation initiatives. The company stated that Duquesne has the

first GreenBuilt® compactor in Allegheny County.

Recycled material is reprocessed to become

a commodity traded around the world.

Saunders, University librarian,

met with him. Consequently, they

determined that the appropriate

disposal of recycling content

would become standard behavior

in the library.

“We worked together, deciding

on quantity and placement of the

containers and her staff devised

a plan to educate library users,”

Zilcosky said.


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february 2011

Bill Zilcosky

Among the responsibilities of Bill Zilcosky, assistant director at the Facilities Management Department, is the research and execution of efficient recycling options for our campus. Zilcosky oversees the University’s integrated recycling program, which aims to reduce the amount of campus waste sent to landfills.

Recycling, however, is not just a job to Zilcosky—it is a way of life. At home, the Zilcosky family recycles plastic, metal and glass, according to his municipality guidelines. They also make regular trips

to an Abitibi paper retriever to deposit their paper and fiber waste. The family owns canvas shopping bags from all three local supermarkets and chooses walking over driving whenever possible.

During a summer vacation, the Zilcosky family was disappointed to find no recycling options at the hotel where they were staying. So they researched and located a recycling facility within the vicinity and took turns carrying all their recyclable waste to the appropriate containers.

The Three RsYes, We Now Compost

The University has recently contracted with Agrecycle, Pennsylvania’s

largest composting company, to begin composting food waste from

campus dining locations. This environmentally conscious endeavor

will start March 1, with the bi-weekly pick up of organic waste from the

Sean Hogan Dining Hall in Towers, the Red Ring and catering services

in the Power Center. According to Agrecycle, composting recycles

millions of tons of organic materials in a sustainable and Earth-friendly

manner. Not only does composting conserve landfill space, it benefits

the environment. The resulting product of composting reintroduces

organic matter with nutrients, minerals and beneficial microorganisms

back into our soil.

For more details on the advancements of this effort on campus, look

for our next sustainability update this fall.

Please Note: If/When prompted by Acrobat Reader, “trust” this document and re-click “play” button to view the embedded video. Video may take a moment to load.

http://www.duq.edu/facilitieshttp://www.agrecycle.com/

february 2011


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Departmental Awards and Recognition

Others have recognized our outstanding effort. Use your computer’s mouse to roll over the awards for detail.


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february 2011

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