University of Pittsburgh
OP-4: Building Operations and Maintenance

All University of Pittsburgh buildings are managed under a multi-attribute custom operations and maintenance program that takes into account energy use, water use, overall building performance, stormwater management, indoor air quality, green cleaning, integrated pest management, and occupant satisfaction.

Many of these approaches are systematized across campus by Facilities Management, while a few are building-specific.

1) UTILITIES: Both energy and water consumption are monitored daily by controls and personnel in Facilities Management’s Energy Center. Additionally, a cross-departmental Facilities-convened Energy & Sustainability team reviews building-specific and campus-wide issues (among other opportunities). Additionally, since 2014, the University of Pittsburgh tracks annual whole building energy and water performance of Pitt this data is put into the U.S. EPA Portfolio Manager software, which serves as a way to review, benchmark, and report this information.
2) VENTILATION: Procedures are also in place to increase outside air ventilation as needed. The University has an added air quality monitoring component of the building automation system as well as automated fault detection and diagnostics for the purpose of Automated Continuous Commissioning. (See more on IAQ below)
3) CONTINUOUS COMMISSIONING: Starting in 2018, Pitt began installing the Clockworks Energy System’s continuous commissioning sensors and software in buildings, which allows for the quick identification, prioritization, and correction of inefficient equipment operations. To date, Pitt has this continuous commissioning running in 18 buildings and 2 chilled water plants(representing 3.1 million square feet), helping ensure that both individual components and full buildings are being managed and maintained with energy conservation and preventative maintenance in-mind. An additional chilled water plant is being onboarded and 3 additional buildings under construction are in the queue to be added to this system.
4) WATER: Due to real-time metering installed by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, the University has immediate information about water consumption that allows for close attention to leaks and over consumption(see AASHE STARS OP-21). More on PWSA real-time water usage information: https://www.pgh2o.com/residential-commercial-customers/account-billing-info/check-your-water-usage
5) INTEGRATED PEST MANGAGEMENT: Integrated pest management is ensured by Facilities Management custodial teams across all buildings. Both types of facilities have external IPM providers with IPM certifications as verified in AASHE STARS Credit IN-29.
6) DESIGN: The University’s professional design standards often exceed required regulatory standards for new construction and renovation projects. In addition, regular commissioning, re-commissioning, and retro-commissioning schedules and procedures are in place to maintain design standards. The standards are updated regularly to incorporate new practices and technologies. Learn more: http://www.facmgmt.pitt.edu/sustainability/designconstruction.html
7) DESIGN MANUAL: Pitt’s Design Manual is at: https://www.fm.pitt.edu/design-manual
8) PANDEMIC RESPONSE FOR CLEANING & HVAC ON-CAMPUS: The University of Pittsburgh followed strict Federal, State, Center for Disease Control (CDC), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines to ensure a healthy and safe campus environment for the entire community. More information on Pitt’s Cleaning & HVAC alterations is here: https://www.fm.pitt.edu/cleaning-and-hvac-campus

9) INDOOR AIR QUALITY: Indoor air quality (IAQ) is monitored across campus via maintenance, occupants, and controls. In most Pitt buildings, IAQ is monitored via maintenance personnel and occupant concerns. Pitt takes IAQ concerns very seriously, with all verbal and written IAQ complaints referred to the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S). IAQ complaints or allegations may include but are not limited to: Temperature, humidity, and other comfort concerns; room “stuffiness” or “closeness;” air contamination such as odors, vapors, mold, particulates or secondhand smoke; and actual or perceived medical conditions such as allergic type reactions and other health-related symptoms that became manifested or exaggerated while in a space or room. EH&S then has a process to contact the individual reporting an IAQ concern for more information; engage appropriate departments for necessary adjustments, visit the site to determine additional issues, sources of concern, and solutions; create an action plan for remediation; and collect additional short-term or extensive IAQ data.

For IAQ standards, Pitt EH&S uses ASHRAE Standard 62.1 and 62.2; ACGIH Threshold Limit Values; and EPA-published Environmental Standards.
https://www.ehs.pitt.edu/sites/default/files/docs/01-005IndoorAir.pdf

Additionally, the University of Pittsburgh uses Aircuity systems to improve air quality in over 767, 639 square feet of space (a 6-fold increase over our 2021 reporting in this vein). These Aircuity systems constantly monitor indoor air quality and adjust ventilation to maintain and improve it through Pitt's Building Management System managed by Facilities Management; they are installed in the following buildings:
• Benedum Hall- 23,145 sq ft
• Chevron Annex, Auditorium, & 6 floors – 127,331 sq ft
• Clapp Hall - 19,370 sq ft
• Heinz Hall - 5,816 sq ft
• Hillman Library – 226,520 sq ft
• Graduate School of Public Health - 3,683 sq ft
• McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine - 39,962 sq ft
• Nuclear Physics Laboratory - 3,935 sq ft
• Posvar Parking Garage – 288,472 sq ft
• Salk Pavilion - 29,405 sq ft

1) Pitt Facilities Management Sustainability webpage - https://www.fm.pitt.edu/sustainability
2) 2018-22 Progress Report on Pitt Sustainability Plan – Reference Energy & Emissions, Health & Wellbeing, & Water Systems sections - https://www.sustainable.pitt.edu/progress-report/
3) Pitt’s Environmental Health & Safety team includes an Associate Director of Environmental Programs, Industrial Hygiene Manager, and Environmental Health Specialist - https://www.ehs.pitt.edu/people
4) University of Pittsburgh Safety Manual, https://www.ehs.pitt.edu/manual
5) University of Pittsburgh Safety Manual, Indoor Air Quality, Section 01-005: https://www.ehs.pitt.edu/sites/default/files/docs/01-005IndoorAir.pdf
6) University of Pittsburgh Design Manuals - https://www.fm.pitt.edu/design-manual