George Mason University
OP-4: Building Operations and Maintenance

Mason follows a number of policies to maintain sustainable operations and maintenance despite not certifying its process.

See policy here: https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/energy-conservation-efficiency-and-management/

Temperature Settings: Building occupants and on-campus residents will keep indoor temperatures in all spaces during occupied periods at 70°F during the winter and 76° during the summer. Indoor temperature settings in all spaces during extended unoccupied periods will be 60° F during the winter and 80° F during the summer. The Energy Management office will monitor and adjust the above set points, in consideration of outdoor environmental conditions and indoor humidity levels, for all buildings and spaces controlled centrally. If temperatures are significantly different from those settings, supervisors are to contact Facilities Management Work Control or the Energy Management office to investigate. Otherwise, please dress appropriately for the temperatures.

Occupancy Schedules: Mason will optimize each building’s heating and cooling systems to accommodate the schedules of the majority of the building occupants. If exceptions are needed for an individual or a subgroup, the supervisor must get approval from the Energy Management office. Department and unit leaders are to coordinate with the Energy Management office to set occupancy schedules during extended unoccupied periods where buildings or spaces such as academic breaks, summer session, weekends, or end of the day.

Portable Heating and Cooling Highly Discouraged: Use of portable heating and cooling devices is highly discouraged due to safety issues, increased cost, and interference with the proper operations of the University’s heating and cooling system. Exceptions must be approved by the supervisor and must comply with Mason’s Fire Safety Plan. The Environmental, Health, and Safety office will regularly inspect buildings and document when devices are not in compliance. Individuals or departments may be responsible for compensating the University for the increased energy use and cost, if deemed appropriate.

Power Management: Mason Information Technologies will work with occupants to turn off or enable power management features for electronics and equipment when leaving the classroom or workspace for extended periods of unoccupied time such as weekends, academic breaks, and at the end of the day.

Lighting Controls: The Energy Management office will work with occupants to regulate lighting in their building and spaces to match approved lighting standards. These include the use of devices such as occupancy sensors, LED lights, daylighting, blinds, etc. Occupants who intentionally dismantle and/or damage the lighting controls may be responsible for compensating the University. If the occupant or office wants to modify or remove the lighting, supervisors please contact the Energy Management office to discuss.

Loss of Conditioned Air: Building occupants and on-campus residents will keep windows and doors in conditioned spaces closed when building conditioning systems are operating otherwise the energy used in heating or air conditioning will be lost and unfiltered. If occupants are excessive in wasting energy, he or she may be responsible for costs associated with that waste.

Manage Water Use: Building occupants and on-campus residents will minimize the use of water, especially hot water, whenever possible and feasible for water conservation and to save energy due to heating the water. If occupants are excessive in wasting water, he or she may be responsible for costs associated with that waste.

Purchase Energy Efficient Products: Purchasers will purchase or lease energy efficient products, such as EnergySTAR or EPEAT products, when purchasing or leasing new appliances, office equipment, or electronics. These rated devices save up to 75% in energy costs compared to the average appliance, equipment, or electronic.