Delta College
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Sustainability is one of four focus areas of the college's Strategic Plan. Focus areas are published in annual Delta College Strategic Plan & Budget (URL provided) and a copy is uploaded.

New Employee Training Plan, Energy Conservation Guidelines, Business & Finance Environmental Sustainability Statement, Purchasing Sustainability Guidelines, Landscape Master Plan, Delta College Strategic Plan & Budget
Public website http://www.delta.edu/sustainability/student-leadership.html

Strategic Planning Action Plan 2015-19 (reference upload for Sustainability Plan)
1. Assess sustainability learning outcomes
2. Explore sustainability certificate program
3. Investigate transferability of sustainability certificate programs and/or curriculum paths leading to 4-year sustainability-related degrees
4. Establish regular college-wide sustainability-related communication

Strategic Planning Action Plan 2012-15

1. Expand Codify Sustainability Across the Curriculum
Action Plan: Continue to expand cross-discipline sections that incorporate sustainability into the curriculum; Baseline: Current sustainability related course count; Goal: Increase by 5%

2. Promote Sustainability Across the Curriculum
Action Plan: Identify avenues to promote opportunities for sustainable learning to faculty and students. Introduce faculty centric outreach opportunities to create a culture that engages students to adopt and maintain a socially, environmentally, and economically responsible lifestyle; Baseline: Assess current baseline; Goals: 1 - Demonstrate the broad capacity for engaging in sustainable learning and leadership to faculty and potential students through outreach activities, 2 - Expand on current sustainability promotion with a focus on faculty, 3 - Expand outreach to provide faculty and current students with opportunity for sustain learning and leadership.

3. Codify Sustainability Across the Curriculum
Action Plan: Analyze the sustainability assessment data outcomes; Sustainability Assessment; Baseline: Current Sustainability Assessment; Goal: Contingent upon data which will be analyzed and processed from previous semesters.

Delta College is not a research campus.

Strategic Planning Action Plan 2015-19 (reference upload for Sustainability Plan)
1. Assess sustainability learning outcomes
2. Explore sustainability certificate program
3. Investigate transferability of sustainability certificate programs and/or curriculum paths leading to 4-year sustainability-related degrees
4. Establish regular college-wide sustainability-related communication

Strategic Planning Action Plan 2012-15

1. Expand Codify Sustainability Across the Curriculum
Action Plan: Continue to expand cross-discipline sections that incorporate sustainability into the curriculum; Baseline: Current sustainability related course count; Goal: Increase by 5%

2. Promote Sustainability Across the Curriculum
Action Plan: Identify avenues to promote opportunities for sustainable learning to faculty and students. Introduce faculty centric outreach opportunities to create a culture that engages students to adopt and maintain a socially, environmentally, and economically responsible lifestyle; Baseline: Assess current baseline; Goals: 1 - Demonstrate the broad capacity for engaging in sustainable learning and leadership to faculty and potential students through outreach activities, 2 - Expand on current sustainability promotion with a focus on faculty, 3 - Expand outreach to provide faculty and current students with opportunity for sustain learning and leadership.

3. Codify Sustainability Across the Curriculum
Action Plan: Analyze the sustainability assessment data outcomes; Sustainability Assessment; Baseline: Current Sustainability Assessment; Goal: Contingent upon data which will be analyzed and processed from previous semesters.

Community Focus is one of four college strategic planning areas. The Delta College Strategic Planning & Budget for 2015 outlines goals and measurements to include utilizing off campus centers to meet the education needs of the community, increasing collaboration with K-12 and post-secondary educators to understand their needs and strengthen our partnerships, meet the needs of area employers and provide support for economic development in our region.

Specific action plans are set annually to meet these goals with measurements reported to the Strategic Planning Committee.

https://sites.delta.edu/employeeinfo/FacilitiesManagement/Documents/Energy%20Conservation%20Guidelines%20-%20Approved%20091516.pdf -or- reference guidelines here:

Delta College
Energy Conservation Guidelines

PURPOSE
Delta College and its campus centers are committed to a policy of effective energy management including conservation, efficiency, and sustainability. It is the College’s intent to conserve energy and reduce consumption whenever possible through the active efforts of its faculty, staff, students, and visitors; installing and monitoring energy-saving devices and equipment in its building and operations; and through the efficient scheduling of its facilities. The reach of this program is to institutionalize energy conservation and efficiency in the Delta College culture through an educational and collaborative approach so that it becomes an integral part of campus life.
These guidelines are implemented through the Delta College Energy Conservation Program whose goals are to:
• reduce campus-wide energy consumption.
• schedule use of campus buildings and facilities for the greatest efficiency of utilities with the best interest to meet the needs of the campus community.
• identify energy, fuel, sewer, and water conservation and efficiency opportunities.
• engage with the campus community to promote energy resourcefulness and to create a comfortable and sustainable work and learning environment.

1. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
A. Energy Conservation Guidelines will be utilized to communicate energy conservation measures.
a. Guidelines will be reviewed and approved by the Director of Facilities and the Vice President of Business and Finance.
b. Exceptions to the Energy Conservation Guidelines must be approved by the Director of Facilities.
B. The Director of Facilities will appoint an Energy Manager who will administer the Energy Conservation Guidelines.
a. The Energy Manager will perform routine audits of campus facilities and will communicate results
to appropriate personnel.
C. The Facilities Department and the Energy Manager will monitor environmental conditions related to temperature, relative humidity, and light levels throughout the campus's buildings to ensure compliance with industry standards.
D. The Energy Manager will provide detailed consumption/cost/savings reports to appropriate personnel to help communicate overall performance.
E. The Director of Facilities coordinates the primary environmental controls and is considered the final authority on exceptions or addendums to these Procedures.
a. All energy sources will be controlled and/or monitored at their point of entry to college facilities.
F. The Facilities Department will monitor all utility meters on campus.
a. Meters will be inspected periodically to ensure accurate readings are being recorded.
b. All meters not being used on campus will be removed as expeditiously as possible.
G. As energy consumers, all campus personnel are expected to also be energy savers.
H. Faculty and staff are responsible for the judicious use of energy in their respective areas.
I. Campus common and transition areas will be monitored and reported for nighttime shutdown.

2. HEATING & VENTILATION
A. HVAC systems are designed to function optimally as isolated spaces which include closed doors.
a. Ensure doors between conditioned space and non-conditioned space remain closed at all times (i.e. between hallways and gym or pool area) with the intention of improving the space environment.
b. Non-critical or non-essential exhaust fans should be turned off every day and during unoccupied hours.
 
3. TEMPERATURE GUIDELINES
A. Temperature guidelines are in accordance with ASHRAE 55-2007 ‘Conditions for Thermal Comfort.’
a. Heating Season - Occupied 68°F-71°F, Unoccupied 55°F
b. Cooling Season - Occupied 72°F-76°F, Unoccupied 85°F
B. Unoccupied time will begin when the faculty, staff, and students leave an area.
C. Most campus building utilize an EMS (energy management system) that switches between occupied and unoccupied times.
D. The Energy Manager will work with the Scheduling Office to make every effort to identify the most efficient occupancy patterns and to reduce the TOD (time of day) schedules to eliminate energy use in unoccupied spaces.

Heating Equipment
A. Occupied temperature settings should be 68°F-71°F unless it is a critically controlled environment.
B. Unoccupied temperature setting should be 55°F (i.e. setback). This may be adjusted to a 60°F setting during extreme weather.
a. Exceptions will be made for areas that require specific temperature control such as laboratories and medical). Approval is required from the Director of Facilities.
C. During seasons when there is no threat of freezing, all heating systems should be switched off during unoccupied times unless required to maintain a sensitive environment.
D. Campus domestic (potable) hot water will be maintained at a temperature of 110F-120F to maximize efficiency in compliance with American Disability Act requirements.
a. Lesser temperatures may be maintained depending on usage, location, and facility.
b. All domestic hot water recirculating pumps will be switched off during unoccupied times and when not in use by custodial staff.

Air Conditioning Equipment
A. Occupied temperature settings should not be set below 72°F unless that area is identified as a critical environment that requires cooling below 72°F.
B. During unoccupied times, the air conditioning equipment should be off.
C. Air conditioning start times may be adjusted depending on weather to ensure student and faculty comfort.
D. Non-centralized facilities should be maintained as close as possible to designated temperatures identified for the appropriate season.
a. When feasible, heating and cooling will be adjusted as necessary depending on the season.
E. Outside air dampers will be closed during unoccupied times.
F. Relative humidity levels should not exceed 60% for any 24 hour period. Notify the Energy Manager or Facilities if you suspect high humidity levels indoors.
G. Dry food storage areas should be maintained within code requirements. Typically, this is 55°F-75°F temperature and 35%-60% relative humidity.

4. COMPUTERS & PERIPHERALS
A. All networked office machines (copy machines, network printers, etc.) should be in the ‘energy saver’ mode to reduce consumption during unoccupied times. Computers should be powered off.
a. All computers, including monitor, local printer, and speakers, should be turned off each night or when use is not anticipated for extended periods of time. Network servers, switches, etc. are exempt and will remain on. (The monitor “sleeps” after 10-minutes of inactivity. Screen savers keep the monitor in ‘active’ mode and should not be confused with power management.)

5. APPLIANCES
A. Personal audio devices and equipment will be permitted for use within college facilities by individuals at their respective work station.
B. Other personally-owned appliances such as cooling fans, heaters, foot warmers, candle heaters, etc. are not permitted for use on campus.
a. Exceptions may exist when areas are not able to be heated or cooled to the temperature guidelines in Section 10. A written exception for a college-issued heater or cooling fan must be requested from Facilities Management and approved by the Director of Facilities. The Director of Facilities or designee will notify the individual to remove non-permitted appliances.
C. Departmental appliances such as microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee pots require written approval by the Director of Facilities and will be restricted to common-use areas only.
a. Exceptions may exist depending on health issues, location, and usage. A written exception must be requested from Facilities Management and approved by the Director of Facilities. The Director of Facilities or designee will notify the individual to remove non-permitted appliances.

6. LIGHTING
A. Campus lighting will be maintained by the Facilities Department.
a. Lighting will meet acceptable standards for all facilities as it relates to classrooms, conference rooms, offices, laboratories, etc.
b. All ballast and lamp replacements will be energy efficient models when changed-out and/or upgraded.
B. All unnecessary lighting in unoccupied areas should be turned off.
a. Refrain from turning on lights unless needed. (Lights not only consume electricity but also generate heat which increases air conditioning equipment loads and the electricity necessary to cool the room.)
b. Utilize natural lighting where appropriate. “Make the Switch to Off” is the concept to adopt on campus.
c. Faculty, staff, and students should make certain that lights are turned off when leaving an empty classroom or other area.
d. Custodians will turn on lights only in the areas in which they are working.
C. Exterior campus lighting will be maintained by the Facilities Department.
c. Lighting will meet acceptable standards for all interior drives, parking lots, pedestrian walkways, and athletic game areas.
d. All ballast and lamp replacements will be energy efficient models when changed-out and/or upgraded.
D. All outside lighting should be off during daylight hours unless required for a sponsored event and/or security reasons.
E. All unnecessary lighting in unoccupied areas will be appropriately dimmed or powered off.

7. WATER / SEWER
A. Ensure all plumbing and/or intrusion (i.e. roof) leaks are reported and repaired immediately.
B. If possible, water the grounds only during the hours between 12:00am-7:00am.
C. Install and monitor water saving fixtures (faucets, showers, bottle refill stations, etc) as needed to maintain operating efficiency.
D. Maintain hot water temperature to ensure output is working efficiently to meet the needs of the specific campus area/use.

8. CONSTRUCTION
A. All construction should be designed and built to minimize energy use. The most recent version of ASHRAE Standard 90.1 - Energy Efficient Design of New Buildings Except Low Rise Residential Buildings will be the minimum energy efficiency guideline since it has been shown that further reductions in energy use are economically achievable.
a. The design process should include energy life-cycle costing analyses.
b. New construction should be added to the existing college’s environmental control system for enhanced energy management capabilities.
B. Alternative energy sources such as passive solar heating and heat recovery should be considered, as well as day lighting and other strategies for decreasing building energy consumption in accordance with green building concepts.
C. Primary consideration should be given to connecting and/or extending central systems for heating, cooling, and other electrical and lighting systems.
a. Year-round cooling needs should be met by utilizing the most energy efficient systems.
D. All new construction should include utility metering for electricity, natural gas, steam, and water.

9. GROUNDS / LANDSCAPING
A. To the greatest degree possible, a low impact development of grounds and outdoor space will be utilized.
a. Select native and drought tolerant plants in accordance with the Campus Landscape Master Plan that, once established, require minimal or no watering.
b. Reduce the coverage of manicured grass lawns by using plants native to the region and landscaping that reduces lawn coverage.
c. Apply low/no mow operations.
d. Refrain from using automatic irrigation systems and potable water as much as possible and access the rainwater harvest system overage for watering the grounds as needed.

10. PURCHASING
A. The College will use sustainable purchasing by applying the methodology of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover.” Whenever practical, attention should be given to the environment through the evaluation of this methodology along with performance, life expectancy, quality, and value for money. For product categories that have ENERGY STAR rated products available, the College will purchase Energy Star equipment whenever financially possible and wherever practical. Energy efficient products should be purchased whenever possible.

11. SUGGESTIONS
A. Faculty, staff, or students with suggestions for energy efficiency and conservation should contact the Facilities Management Department at sustainability@delta.edu.

12. DEFINITIONS
Utilities refers to any natural or man-made source of power or commodity, such as, natural gas, steam, water, sewer and electricity used in lighting, heating, cooling, sanitation, and environmental functions.

Energy Conservation is the act of reducing energy through using less of an energy service. Energy conservation differs from efficient energy use, which refers to using less energy for a constant service.

Energy Efficiency is the act of delivering more services for the same energy input or the same services for less energy input.
Energy Management System is a system of computer-aided tools used by utility operators to monitor, control, and optimize the performance of the building utilities.
HVAC refers to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
Potable Water is water safe enough for drinking and food preparation.
13. Next Review/Revision Date
A. Annually or as public awareness, equipment, processes, and technologies deem necessary.

Delta College Sustainable Building Design Policy Guidelines

Delta College has established itself as a leader in environmental responsibility by engaging in and demonstrating sustainability practices that enhance the life-cycle of its materials, equipment, and infrastructure. To further its progress towards reducing the impact of the campus on the environment, Delta College adopts a plan to:

1) Design and construct all new buildings, including major renovation projects, to meet or exceed LEED Silver standards whenever possible with consideration to program needs and budget parameters.

2) Address sustainable building principles to the fullest extent possible in new, existing, and renovated buildings including landscape and infrastructure projects. Sustainable business principles include those elements of planning, design, and construction that promote the efficient use of energy and material resources, water conservation, and the protection of land and water environments. Projects utilizing this approach will use the LEED process and rating system to the fullest extent possible within principles of efficient use of financial resources.

3) Incorporate LEED points related to optimizing energy, green cleaning and maintenance, and other applicable measures to all new and existing buildings as deemed operationally and financially feasible.

4) Establish methods to achieve measurable life-cycle cost savings.

5) Evaluate and change, as appropriate, existing College processes to promote the development and operation of sustainable building.

6) Actively seek environmentally innovative projects and use of innovative technology to achieve these objectives.

Delta College Sustainable Building Design Policy Guidelines

Delta College has established itself as a leader in environmental responsibility by engaging in and demonstrating sustainability practices that enhance the life-cycle of its materials, equipment, and infrastructure. To further its progress towards reducing the impact of the campus on the environment, Delta College adopts a plan to:

1) Design and construct all new buildings, including major renovation projects, to meet or exceed LEED Silver standards whenever possible with consideration to program needs and budget parameters.

2) Address sustainable building principles to the fullest extent possible in new, existing, and renovated buildings including landscape and infrastructure projects. Sustainable business principles include those elements of planning, design, and construction that promote the efficient use of energy and material resources, water conservation, and the protection of land and water environments. Projects utilizing this approach will use the LEED process and rating system to the fullest extent possible within principles of efficient use of financial resources.

3) Incorporate LEED points related to optimizing energy, green cleaning and maintenance, and other applicable measures to all new and existing buildings as deemed operationally and financially feasible.

4) Establish methods to achieve measurable life-cycle cost savings.

5) Evaluate and change, as appropriate, existing College processes to promote the development and operation of sustainable building.

6) Actively seek environmentally innovative projects and use of innovative technology to achieve these objectives.

Energy data and savings is reported in the published Climate Action Plan.

Energy is tracked regularly. Measurable goals are set and reported as part of the college's internal 'Strategic Planning – Scorecard/KPI' as follows:

Measure: Physical Plant Energy Cost Per Cubic Foot

Definition: Physical Plant energy cost per cubic foot for the total college is 5% or more below state average for the most recent reporting year.

Source of Data: State of Michigan Activities Classification Structure Report (ACS) Table 38; Expenditures by Activity

Frequency of Collection: Annually

Target: 5% or more below state average

Rationale: To measure the colleges desire to operate a highly efficient physical plant in order to commit additional resources to instructional priorities.

Food Service sustainability statement: 'Food Services is committed to creating a dining experience in which the customer can be confident that they are supporting eco-friendly efforts and initiatives.'

Food Service pre-consumer, post-consumer, and general waste stream are tracked monthly. They are reported as part of the college's internal 'Strategic Planning – Scorecard/KPI'.

Food Service operations and materials are included and reported in the published Climate Action Plan.

Delta College Landscape Master Plan includes a vision for land distribution, vehicular and pedestrian circulation, building expansion, maintenance zones, signage, reforestation, athletics, courtyard, wetland research, watercourses, and stormwater management. The plan addresses sustainable business principles with elements of planning, design, and construction that promote the efficient use of energy and material resources, water conservation, and the protection of land and water environments.

Delta College Sustainable Building Design Policy Guidelines - Delta College has established itself as a leader in environmental responsibility by engaging in and demonstrating sustainability practices that enhance the life-cycle of its materials, equipment, and infrastructure. To further its progress towards reducing the impact of the campus on the environment, Delta College adopts a plan to:

1) Design and construct all new buildings, including major renovation projects, to meet or exceed LEED Silver standards whenever possible with consideration to program needs and budget parameters.

2) Address sustainable building principles to the fullest extent possible in new, existing, and renovated buildings including landscape and infrastructure projects. Sustainable business principles include those elements of planning, design, and construction that promote the efficient use of energy and material resources, water conservation, and the protection of land and water environments. Projects utilizing this approach will use the LEED process and rating system to the fullest extent possible within principles of efficient use of financial resources.

3) Incorporate LEED points related to optimizing energy, green cleaning and maintenance, and other applicable measures to all new and existing buildings as deemed operationally and financially feasible.

4) Establish methods to achieve measurable life-cycle cost savings.

5) Evaluate and change, as appropriate, existing College processes to promote the development and operation of sustainable building.

6) Actively seek environmentally innovative projects and use of innovative technology to achieve these objectives.

Waste data tracking and savings are reported in the published Climate Action Plan.

All campus waste is tracked regularly. Measurable goals are set and reported as part of the college's internal 'Strategic Planning – Scorecard/KPI' as follows:

Measure: Waste to Diversion / Recycle Ratio

Definition: Amount of materials recycled or diverted from disposal in landfills

Source of Data: Waste Management service reports and vendor reports for diverted materials (metals, mixed paper, plastics, pre/post-consumer foods, beverage containers, etc.)

Frequency of Collection: Quarterly

Target: Strive for 50% diversion to 50% disposal of materials annually

Rationale: Reducing the waste we send to landfills lowers our costs and has a direct link to financial stability and sustainability.

Although water consumption and waste water are closely tracked by Facilities Management aimed toward conservation and reduction, there is no formal measureable objectives.

See 'Additional Document' upload for Strategic Plan & Budget action plans for Diversity & Affordability

.See 'Additional Document' upload for Strategic Plan & Budget action plans for Work & Wellbeing

Technology: Delta College Data Center Life Cycle Management Plan - Relevant sections are contained in the document 'Measurable Objective' which has been uploaded in the section for additional documentation.

Guiding Principle as adopted by the Board of Trustees: Promoting learning, actions and practices that incorporate social, environmental, and economic sustainability in our communities.

Delta College is committed to promoting learning, actions and practices that
incorporate social, environmental, and economic sustainability in our communities.

• Socially focused education develops student understanding of social justice and equity, encouraging involvement at the local level while considering the global population.

• Environmentally focused education ensures that students understand the ecological processes and how our choices affect the environment.

• Economically focused education teaches that business can be structured to be sufficiently profitable without generating financial profit at the expense of the ecosystem or local and world communities.