Building/Mechanical

Accomplishments

The college has proactively implemented energy-efficient mechanical systems during renovations and upgrades. These systems utilize efficient pumps and motors, many with variable frequency drives, to allow for highly controlled flows. Many of the exhaust systems are also equipped with heat recovery systems while building envelopes have been repaired to limit air infiltration and, where possible, to add additional insulation and energy-efficient windows. Energy Star compliant appliances are a standard specification where applicable. This equipment, combined with sophisticated control systems all interfaced through computers to allow for centralized control, has saved substantial amounts of energy.

Stone Davis & Pendleton East
Both of these buildings had antiquated steam heat systems. The heat was converted from steam to forced hot water and utilized technology which allows for individual control of almost all radiators. This high level of control allows for significant savings of energy. Building envelopes, including windows, were repaired to limit outside air intrusion.

Wang Campus Center
Wang Campus Center

Wang Campus Center
The campus center employs efficient mechanical systems to provide for proper heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). The design of the building allows for extensive utilization of natural light, even in Tishman Commons on the lower level of the north side of the building. The green roof, visible from the 4th floor dining area, regulates the building’s temperature, lowering heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Many of the floors in this building utilize bamboo—one of the most sustainable woods available. Further, this building is maintained by a custodial staff using only environmentally friendly cleaning products and methods.

Green Roofs
In addition to the green roof at the campus center, green roofs have also been installed at the Davis Parking Facility, the water treatment facility, the number six oil vault/tanks and above a large transformer vault at the Central Utility Plant.

Green Roofs
Green Roofs

Lake House
This building’s recent renovations included energy-efficiency windows to help insulate the building’s envelope and an upgraded, more controllable heating system. A new domestic hot water line was run to this building which allows all domestic hot water to be heated by “waste” heat from the cogeneration plant.

Davis Museum
Extensive envelope repairs and upgrades have recently been performed which included masonry work, a new roof, and energy efficient windows. Further, a 50% reduction in air supply to the museum with local pretreatment for humidity control dramatically reduced demands on the power plant and improves moisture management for the museum’s building structure.

Green Hall
While the heating system remains in poor condition and needs replacement, the climate control system for the warmer months works well and efficiently. This system utilizes flat panel technology for cooling and dehumidification and circulates the air by convection instead of using powered fans.

Athletics Swimming Pool
The ventilation and dehumidification system which services this large indoor pool utilizes an efficient heat recovery system. The recovered heat warms the pool water before it radiates to the surrounding air.

Science Center
The Science Center uses more energy than any other building on campus. Key initiatives scheduled to reduce energy consumption in this large building include:

Houghton Memorial Chapel
The upcoming renovation of the chapel will involve envelope repairs to limit unwanted air infiltration. The antiquated, poorly controlled, and inefficient heating system will be replaced with forced hot water heat made even more efficient through the use of proper controls and improved distribution. Further, a low to zero mechanical cooling strategy will be implemented on the renovated lower level.

 

Initiatives

  1. Initiate a sustainability review process for all construction/renovation projects in the early stages of planning.

    Implementation: Utilize LEED standards as a guide but pursuit of actual certification is not a requirement for college projects. Begin review process with the chapel renovation project (current) and refine to include all future projects. Explore LEEDS certification for the upcoming Alumnae Hall renovation.
  2. Expand the use of Green Clean and other environmentally friendly chemicals/cleaning practices to all buildings on campus.

    Implementation: "Green Clean”" is currently being practiced throughout the Wang Campus Center. Implement “lessons learned” throughout campus. Ongoing, 80% implementation in all academic and residential buildings by 2009.
  3. Utilize low VOC paints and adhesives in renovations and maintenance operations.

    Implementation: Establish a new VOC standard and policy by the end of fiscal 2008.
  4. Research and implement energy-efficient window alternatives for existing traditional windows. Repair and/or upgrade building envelopes for better insulation qualities and to limit air infiltration.

    Implementation: This is singled out as a separate issue since it will require discussion as we renovate the historical buildings on campus. Windows at the Sage Science building will be replaced with energy efficient windows in 2008. This will be an ongoing priority with all future renovations.
  5. Replace antiquated and inefficient heating systems with efficient and properly controlled systems.

    Implementation: Implementation will be addressed as major renovations occur.

    Chapel to be converted from steam heat to highly controlled forced hot water system. (2008)

    Air handlers and associated systems being upgraded at the Science Center. (2007-2008)

    Alumnae Hall to be converted from steam heat to highly controlled forced hot water system. (2008-2010)
  6. Incorporate new and more efficient lighting technology such as LED lights, motion sensors, dimmable lights with light level-sensing controls, and compact fluorescent lamps to replace incandescent ones where possible.

    Implementation: Develop a planed program of replacing incandescent bulbs with compact florescent lamps as a short term goal. This is an ongoing maintenance initiative as fixtures are re-lamped.

    Replace metal Halide lamps in the Davis Parking Facility to allow for better lighting while allowing for significant energy savings. Ten fixtures will be installed in January 2008 as a test. If successful the other 181 fixtures will be re-lamped in 2008.

    Investigate florescent lights and light harvesting fixtures for the Field House and pool building to allow for significant energy savings. (2008)

    In coordination with the Facilities Master Plan review lighting systems and replace with more energy efficient fixtures while maintaining or increasing light quality. This may be done independently of a major renovation. Implement during major renovations but identify and develop a plan to address buildings which will not be renovated in the near future. Major upgrades to the lighting in the Science Center (2007-2008) will result in better quality lighting yet significant energy savings.
  7. Identify and employ sustainable building materials, such as forestry-managed wood products like bamboo, wherever possible. Utilize renewable or recyclable materials, i.e. carpets, wherever feasible.

    Implementation: Commissioning occurred for the Davis Museum renovation and is also scheduled for the Alumnae Hall renovation. Recycled carpeting is now being utilized for carpet replacement in the common areas of the residence halls.
  8. Recycle as much materials as possible during building projects and construction.

    Implementation: The college currently complies with state regulations but this initiative will be refined to capture more waste to exceed state standards for future projects.
  9. Commission all major building projects and renovations to ensure that planned improvement including sustainability and efficiency targets have been achieved.

    Implementation: This is ongoing.
  10. Install green roofs in other viable locations.

    Implementation: Identify feasible roofs and incorporate into the Facilities Master Plan. (2009)

 

home | about | recycling | conservation | green fund proposal | green competitions | wellesley college

Maintained by: Catherine Salop
Date Created: October 28, 2008
Last Modified: September 23, 2009
Expires: August 31, 2010