| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 75.27 |
| Liaison | Lori Collins-Hall |
| Submission Date | Jan. 28, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Sterling College (VT)
OP-3: Building Operations and Maintenance
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.50 / 4.00 |
Kelly
Jones Manager Buildings and Grounds |
Does the institution have any building space certified under the following green building rating systems for existing buildings?:
| Yes or No | |
| LEED for Existing Buildings or another 4-tier rating system used by an Established Green Building Council (GBC) | No |
| The DGNB system, Green Star Performance, or another 3-tier GBC rating system | No |
| BREEAM-In Use, CASBEE for Existing Building, or another 5-tier GBC rating system | No |
| Other non-GBC rating systems (e.g. BOMA BESt, Green Globes) | No |
A brief description of the green building rating system(s) used and/or a list or sample of certified buildings and ratings:
Total floor area of eligible building space (operations and maintenance):
Floor area of building space that is certified at each level under a 4-tier rating system for existing buildings used by an Established Green Building Council::
| Certified Floor Area | |
| Minimum Level (e.g. LEED Certified) | 0 Square feet |
| 3rd Highest Level (e.g. LEED Silver) | 0 Square feet |
| 2nd Highest Level (e.g. LEED Gold) | 0 Square feet |
| Highest Achievable Level (e.g. LEED Platinum) | 0 Square feet |
Floor area of building space that is certified at each level under a 3-tier rating system for existing buildings used by an Established Green Building Council::
| Certified Floor Area | |
| Minimum Level | --- |
| Mid-Level | --- |
| Highest Achievable Level | --- |
Floor area of building space that is certified at each level under a 5-tier rating system for existing buildings used by an Established Green Building Council::
| Certified Floor Area | |
| Minimum Level | --- |
| 4th Highest Level | --- |
| Mid-Level | --- |
| 2nd Highest Level | --- |
| Highest Achievable Level | --- |
Floor area of building space that is certified at any level under other green building rating systems for existing buildings:
Floor area of building space that is maintained in accordance with formally adopted sustainable building operations and maintenance guidelines or policies, but NOT certified:
A copy of the sustainable building operations and maintenance guidelines or policies:
The date the guidelines or policies were formally adopted:
A brief description of the sustainable building operations and maintenance program and/or a list or sample of buildings covered:
Sterling College has a dedicated mission to environmental stewardship. Because of this, we have guidelines and policies around how are buildings are maintained, operated, and renovated that don't particularly fall into LEED and/or other green building councils.
The buildings owned and operated by Sterling College are mostly an assortment of traditional and classic New England buildings. Because of this, Sterling puts more value in the energy contained within the living structure. By not pursuing LEED and other certifications, Sterling College not only saves money but also is able to reinvest and bring value back into the buildings. For instance, instead of investing in equipment required by LEED certifications, Sterling will invest in local companies to renovate the building to better standards. If a new building were built from the beginning, a large amount of material would have to be used and processed and shipped for the construction. Instead of this, Sterling renovates existing structures to become Net-Zero buildings, or buildings and structures that produce more energy than they expend.
Net-zero buildings go beyond LEED and other certifications. Not only do they not cost as much to the community and environment with materials, but the energy that they save also saves the community. Overall, this policy has proved most effective and adheres to Sterling College's mission of environmental stewardship.
Below is a statement from the 2013-2108 Strategic Plan that includes our mission related to Buildings and Maintenance:
"Sterling College will have well-maintained facilities appropriate to the aspirations of our community, our curriculum, and our values including environmental stewardship. To sustain such a campus will require that the College develop adequate funds to maintain and repair its facilities, equipment, tools, and other physical resources. The campus will be integrated into the community of Craftsbury Common and will present an appealing appearance to our neighbors with whom we will seek to share our resources.
Specifically, the College will endeavor to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and will commit to increasingly live by its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Goal: To restore and renovate the campus so that all buildings are efficient and attractive and serve the needs of the community and a population of approximately 120 students."
A brief description of how the institution ensures compliance with sustainable building operation and maintenance guidelines and policies:
Sterling College adheres compliance with these principles by purchasing only used buildings and renovating them. In the very rare case of building new buildings, Sterling believes that most resources can be had on campus. For instance, wood harvest by the college forestry crews and classes is then processed and turned into lumber for new buildings. A small shed built in the spring of 2014 is an example of this. All lumber was harvest on site and the building was built on site with almost not outside materials needed. The building may not be LEED certified, but is definitely more environmentally sound than most certified buildings.
The website URL where information about the institution’s certified buildings and/or sustainable operations and maintenance guidelines or policies is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.