Taking a long-term view of the building, Support Services is researching environmentally sound practices in construction, maintenance and operation of the building including the use of solar voltaic systems, gray water systems, a centralized recycling system, and day lighting systems. Through this process they studied different building systems prior to building and brought together world-class experts in engineering, architecture, construction materials and constructabiity with the goal of analyzing, evaluating and recommending system components having the least environmental impact within a full cost perspective. A parallel and related process brings together 17 teams of building occupants, service providers and school leadership to address issues concerning the configuration of space, the sharing of resources, and the programmatic needs and goals of the academic units planned for the facilities. The University maintains a comprehensive energy management program that has been successful in substantially reducing the use of heating and cooling resources across all utility types. The dollar savings associated with these consumption reductions have primarily been reinvested into further conservation projects.
Action is more important than analysis.
By integrating sustainability into their core values, the Support Services department can help the University contribute to sustainability in the wider society. Baby steps are okay. Have a culture that allows mistakes and views mistakes not as failure, but as part of the process of learning. Learn from others who are exploring the same issues. Don1t be afraid to call other institutions and find out what they are doing.