Binghamton University
OP-4: Building Operations and Maintenance

While Binghamton University is not actively pursuing Building Certification(s) for sustainable O&M, we operate & maintain our campus in accordance with a multi-attribute sustainable management program as described below.

Green Cleaning Program:
In order to maintain a clean, safe, & healthy environment, improve indoor air quality, reduce the use of toxic chemicals, and increase worker safety, Binghamton University Custodial staff are trained in and follow green cleaning practices as required by NYS Executive Order 22. This includes:
-Installation of entryway matting to reduce the amount of soil tracked into buildings;
-Procurement of environmentally-preferable cleaning products whenever possible, including cleaning chemicals, hand soap, toilet paper, & paper towels;
-Procurement of high-performance/high-efficiency cleaning equipment that meets specified standards; and
-Matching cleaning frequencies, methods, tools, supplies, & chemicals to the usage of the space, the surface being cleaned, and the level of soil.

Water Management Program:
As a campus dedicated to sustainability, we are adamant about conserving our water sources. In order to reach its goals, the University has installed the following infrastructure to reduce water usage. Due to the following efforts, 52 million gallons of water is saved each year across campus.
Our Innovative Technologies Complex boasts one of the largest rainwater-harvesting project to date in upstate New York. The system harvests rainwater from University parking lots, building roofs, and other locations and sends it to the tanks where it's stored before being sent to the University's cooling towers (an evaporative type of cooling system) and for sewage purposes.
Binghamton installed low-flow faucets and toilets across campus, put artificial turf in the Bearcats Sports Complex to cut down on the need for irrigation, and is pursuing methods to reduce pool-water evaporation.
Water meters monitor water use throughout campus and alert staff to any potential problems.

Energy Management Program:
Since 1984, the University has been monitoring our energy use and building operations with a centralized Energy Management System (EMS). Over the past 25 years, our system has grown in its sophistication and size. There are now over 200,000 data points being monitored and / or controlled by our EMS.
The EMS allows control and programming of each building's HVAC and lighting systems in accordance with how that building is being used/occupied. When a building isn't in use, systems are curtailed to conserve energy.
The University has numerous installations of solar panels across campus. Some of these locations include Susquehanna Community, the Information Technology Complex, and on top of all of our pay-by-space meter systems.

Indoor Air Quality Program:
Binghamton University believes their students, employees and guests deserve a healthy and comfortable work environment, and is dedicated to addressing problems that may be associated with indoor air quality on campus.

In recognition of the important role that good indoor environmental quality has in contributing to the health and comfort of University faculty, staff and students, EH&S serves as a source of indoor environmental quality information. Members of the University community are expected to follow the recommendations provided and to recognize that indoor environmental quality issues may have multiple causes and may, on occasion, not have a simple solution.

Several factors are recognized as being important towards contributing to an acceptable indoor environment. In general, an indoor environment is expected to be free of any noxious odors and dust and to be maintained at a comfortable temperature and humidity. More specific factors that must be present to assure an acceptable indoor environment include adherence to applicable ventilation guidelines and standards designed to maintain comfort factors acceptable to most occupants. All mechanical equipment, including air handling units and exhaust fans, must be maintained in working order and in a clean, uncontaminated state. Any significant sources of contaminant emissions must be kept isolated from occupied spaces and any major sources of contamination must be promptly controlled. Maintenance and construction activities must be conducted in a manner that does not adversely affect the indoor environmental quality in occupied areas.

EH&S Staff can perform an indoor air quality assessment and answer any questions you may have. Interested employees should call 777-2211.

The first step is the completion of an occupant questionnaire and an occupant diary. An EH&S staff member will perform a walk through of the area. Common indoor air quality parameters including temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels will be measured.

EH&S Staff will work in conjunction with Physical Facilities and other BU staff in an attempt to address any issues.

Occupants can unknowingly contribute to poor indoor air quality. To minimize this please remember:

Clean-up any spills or leaks immediately.
Eating should be limited to designated areas due to the potential for the development of vermin and cleaning problems.
Limit the amount of clutter.
Take measures to limit settled dust on horizontal surfaces. PF does not perform routine dusting of office surfaces.
The use of chemical air fresheners (i.e. “Plug-ins”, sprays) is discouraged due to their tendency to emit volatile organic compounds (VOC) that may trigger a sensitive individual’s asthma or other respiratory condition.
Do not alter or block air flows to and from air conditioning diffusers without first contacting Physical Facilities at 7-2226. Realize that, depending on the type of air conditioning system, it may not be possible to open windows and doors without affecting air flows and temperatures throughout the whole system.
Do not bring in insecticides from home. Pest control concerns need to be brought to the attention of Physical Facilities at 7-2226.
Do not over water potted plants. Eliminate standing water in the bottoms of plant pots. Note that potted plants can be a significant source of mold in an indoor environment.
Sewer gas odor issues are often due to dried out sink or floor drain traps. Pouring a bucket of water into a floor drain or running the water in a sink for a minute or two will often eliminate the odor.

Comprehensive Sustainable Waste Management Program:
The Binghamton University campus community is continually looking for ways to reduce the amount of waste we generate and to reuse or recycle all possible materials. We follow the guidelines set forth in NYS Executive Order 22.

Here is a look at some of our efforts:

General recycling. The University has a comprehensive recycling program, with recycling bins for different materials in all buildings on campus. As part of our comprehensive recycling program, we recycle the following materials: glass, metal, plastic, cardboard, paper, compost, ink, toner, batteries, scrap metal, pallets, electronics, waste oil, & mercury-containing light bulbs.
Race to Zero Waste. Race to Zero Waste is a friendly competition among hundreds of colleges and universities in the United States that provides the campus community with a fun, proactive activity aimed at waste reduction.
Move-Out Week. Each year, the University collects unwanted food and clothing when students leave campus after spring semester. Bins are placed in all residential communities so students can donate items they don’t plan to take home. In 2015, we collected and then donated 1.7 tons of sealed food!
Electronic waste. E-Waste is collected during the Student E-Waste Drive. All items are responsibly recycled or donated to those in need.
BU Acres. This student-driven project promotes composting and organic gardening through active demonstrations, as well as serves as a field lab for an ecological agriculture course.
All University employees and students are encouraged to reduce paper use by printing documents only when necessary, and if necessary, then double-sided.
Hazardous waste. The University's Environmental Health and Safety Department can provide direction on the proper disposal of hazardous waste and how to safely dispose of chemicals.