HomeMy WebLinkAboutRevisions to P-0095 Energy Conservation Policy, P-0097 Water Conversation Policy for County Facilities - now "Utility Reduction and Conservation Policy for County Facilities" Orange County
Effective: July 1 , 2013
Utility Reduction and Conservation Policy for County Facilities
A. General
Orange County's "Environmental Responsibility in County Government" goal includes
the objective: "Initiate policies and programs that conserve energy, reduce
fuel/utility/resource consumption..." In support of this goal, the County has adopted this
Utility Reduction and Conservation Policy for County Facilities.
Utility costs for electricity, natural gas, propane and fuel oil and water for County
facilities is a significant County cost. Beyond this, energy and water consumption has
significant environmental impacts, including direct local impacts. As a result, it is both
necessary and beneficial for the County to adopt a policy of energy and water
reduction, conservation and efficiency.
Vehicle fuel conservation is addressed in a separate policy
B. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to reduce the County government's energy and water
consumption, wherever possible, and improve efficiency for that energy and water that
must be used throughout Orange County government buildings, consistent with the
need for safe and secure County facilities.
C. Policy Goals
The policy addresses both short and long term goals.
1 . Short Term (One to Two Years)
• Establish the policy foundation of responsibilities, planning, programs, standards,
performance measures and the like to manage the County government's energy
and water use and conserve energy and water.
• Manage energy and water consumption to minimize use to the greatest extent
possible while maintaining safe and acceptable work conditions.
• Achieve a reduction in average energy and water consumption per square foot
annually.
2. Long Term (Three Years or More)
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Effective: July 1 , 2013
• Incorporate energy and water conservation and efficiency systems, techniques
and design in all major renovations, system replacements and new construction.
• Support change to State utility budgeting and public utility commission policy that
fosters monetary incentives to make energy and water conservation and efficiency
efforts economically attractive and streamline program justification requirements
so that projects can be executed within a timely interval and savings quickly
realized.
D. Scope
1 . Facilities
This policy applies to County owned and leased buildings, whether occupied by the
County, the courts or other agencies.
2. Equipment
This policy applies to County owned or leased equipment, including computer
equipment.
3. Energy and Water Sources
This policy applies to use of electricity, natural gas, propane and fuel oil and to
water from municipal sources and wells.
E. Responsibilities
1 . Energy, Water and Fuel Conservation Management Team
The Energy, Water and Fuel Conservation Management Team
Includes staff from:
1 . Asset Management Services Department (AMS)
2. Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR)
Provides direction, counsel and oversight as to implementation of the Energy and
Water Conservation Policy. As necessary, the Conservation Management Team
addresses questions of policy interpretation and adherence.
2. Asset Management Services Department
The Asset Management Services Department provides leadership, analysis,
monitoring, coordination and communication support to the energy conservation
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Effective: July 1 , 2013
initiative. Among other things, the Asset Management Services Department:
Coordinates development and implementation of the County's annual energy and
water conservation action plan including associated costs for inclusion in the
annual budget process.
• Tracks and assesses the County's energy conservation performance and
progress, including building data collection and analytical tools.
• Working through the departments involved, identifies and appoints a volunteer
"Building Energy and Water Representative" for each County facility.
• Conducts spot check energy audits after normal business hours to assess the
County's adherence to policies and standards.
3. The Asset Management Services Department is responsible for:
• Up fitting as authorized and maintaining County facilities in accordance with the
requirements of this policy, including installation of energy and water conserving
equipment and verification of correct equipment settings and operation.
• Identifying situations above and beyond those envisioned in this policy that may
require individual analysis and action to provide a comfortable, functional work
environment.
4. Building Energy and Water Representatives
The appointed volunteer Building Energy and Water Representatives serve as:
• A resource to building occupants about policies and responsibilities.
• "Energy conservation champions" to support awareness of energy and water
conservation and goal achievement.
• Field representatives to the , Asset Management Services Department, observing
and reporting to AMS on building conformity during normal business hours with
energy and water conservation standards such as those for heating and air
conditioning thermostat settings.
5. Department Heads
Department heads are responsible for:
Communicating the County's energy and water conservation goals and policies to
staff, providing guidance and promoting adherence.
Orange County
Effective: July 1 , 2013
Working with the Asset Management Services Department to identify energy and
water reduction techniques or systems that can be implemented without affecting
service delivery to the department's customers as well as bringing to their
attention any areas that require further action to address.
6. Employees
County employees are responsible for:
• Becoming knowledgeable about the County's energy and water conservation
policies and initiatives and complying with these policies.
• Advising their supervisor of any circumstance that prevents adherence to the
County's policies.
• Bringing forward ideas and suggestions for energy and water conservation and
efficiency that may not have been identified to them.
F. Energy and Water Conservation Action Plan
1 . The Conservation Management Team, Asset Management Services Department
and others involved, coordinates the development of an annual "Energy and Water
Conservation Action Plan."
2. This annual plan identifies specific actions to be implemented, proposed or
estimated time lines, and responsibilities for implementation.
3. The action plan is submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for review and
approval, as part of the annual budget process.
4. The action plan is reviewed and updated annually along with evaluation of the
previous year's performance, during the annual "Update and Scorecard Results"
report.
G. Reporting, Benchmarking and Performance Measurement
Reporting
1 . The Asset Management Services Department:
Ensures information for all billing periods for each energy and water utility
(electricity, natural gas, fuel oil and propane gas) is accurately recorded each
month and assesses progress, by building and/or department where feasible as
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Effective: July 1 , 2013
well as for the County as a whole, in reducing energy and water demand. This
includes analysis of the information and assessment of trends and identification of
billing errors.
• Presents reports to department heads and the County Manager to aid in
determining if conservation efforts are meeting goals or additional efforts are
required.
• Leads development and delivery of the annual reports to the Board of County
Commissioners to advise them of progress in conserving energy and water.
2. Bench marking/Performance Measurement
The Conservation Management Team uses reporting information to benchmark and
measure performance:
• From year-to-year (aggregate and by individual building) adjusted for heat and
cooling degree days, and and any other significant factors, in keeping with
accepted industry practices, and
• Compared to results for organizations located in similar geographic areas.
H. Energy Use Standards
1 . General
The intent of the energy and water conservation policy and program is to achieve
reductions in energy and water consumption while maintaining reasonable comfort
levels for building occupants.
Initial temperature set points were based upon ASHRAE comfort chart for 50
percent relative humidity, and employees at light work.
2. Heating and Air Conditioning Standards
Except as otherwise noted, temperature set points are based on the standards
(Attachment) of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Engineers (ASHRAE) and are as follows:
Cooling Season Set Points 75° F — 78° F
Heating Season Set Points 68° F — 72° F
Occupied air conditioning temperature settings are not set below 75 degrees and
heating settings are not set above 72 degrees, except for operations which require
other settings based on function such as Health Department examination rooms,
Orange County
Effective: July 1 , 2013
medical laboratories, computer equipment rooms, library stacks, recreation rooms,
animal quarters or the like.
3. Use of Windows
Windows are to be kept closed, unless specifically authorized such as when the
HVAC system is disengaged, because open windows throw the HVAC system off
balance, and interfere with providing uniform heating or cooling in large buildings.
4. Auxiliary Heating and Cooling Sources
Personal portable space heaters are not allowed because of their excessive energy
consumption, fire code and safety issues. If a room is not consistently within the
heating/air conditioning set-point range, Asset Management should be notified
through the established work order system so that the problem can be addressed.
If building conditions are such that acceptable temperatures cannot be achieved by
the HVAC system, Asset Management Services takes necessary measures to
resolve/rectify. If auxiliary heating or fans are required, Asset Management
Services will provide these.
5. Night, Weekend and Holiday Temperature Set-backs
The heating temperatures are set to 60 degrees for all buildings for periods when
buildings are not normally occupied. The air conditioning temperatures are set to
80 degrees when buildings are not normally occupied. Normal occupancy for most
buildings is from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This means that from 7:30 a.m., until 6:00
p.m., the temperature will be within the set points defined in Item H2 above.
Note: Exceptions to the set backs are made for those functions that must remain
operational during these periods such as for night meetings, Emergency
Management and the Jail. Also some buildings have unique requirements for
longer start up times to reach heating or cooling set points.
If a building has complete digital control, and individual zone or office temperature
control, occupants will be able to override the schedule to provide heating/cooling
for their office at any time, for a limited period (typically two hour intervals).
I. Lighting Policy
1 . Office and conference room lights are to be turned off whenever rooms are likely to
be unoccupied for more than 15 minutes.
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Effective: July 1 , 2013
2. Each department or agency shall assign an employee to turn off common area
lighting other than corridor lights at the end of the business day. Lights are to be
turned off even if it is anticipated that cleaning staff will soon be in the area.
3. Cleaning staff are responsible for turning on lights on an "as needed" basis while
working; that is, turning on lights only while an office or room is being cleaned, and
turning lights off as soon as cleaning has been completed. Cleaning staff turns off
corridor and related lighting prior to leaving the building at the completion of
cleaning.
4. Parking lot lights and streetlights located near buildings are typically owned by
power companies such as Duke Energy and are controlled by photocells or timers.
Costs for this lighting are on a flat rate basis, and turning them off does not result in
cost savings regardless of usage.
5. Athletic Field lights are to be operated only as needed. They should not be in
operation during daylight hours. Lights generally will not be operated on
weekends, except for special events.
J. Refrigerators, Microwaves, and Similar Devices
As a longer-term goal, the County will assess the use of refrigerators, microwaves and
similar devices and possible replacement of less energy efficient equipment with more
energy efficient equipment and approaches.
K. Computer Equipment
The Chief Information Officer assesses energy consumption of personal computers,
printers and related devices and recommends to the County Manager guidelines for
turning on or off and setting the "sleep" modes that reflect the technology in place. The
County Manager issues guidelines for such equipment that apply to all County
departments. As experience is gained this will be issued as policy.
L. Water Use Standards
General
The intent of the Energy and Water conservation policy and program is to achieve
reductions in water consumption while maintaining reasonable comfort levels for
building occupants.
1 . Waterless or low-flow fixtures are used for any replacement fixtures, unless
technically impractical.
Orange County
Effective: July 1 , 2013
2. The County gives preference to drought-tolerant plants when new or replacement
plants and/or trees are required for landscaping. Large areas of grass are avoided
in favor of alternative plantings and landscaping techniques, whenever possible.
3. Irrigation is limited to critical needs to support survival of plants, and if allowed by
local watering restrictions. Permanently installed irrigation systems are preferred to
provide most efficient distribution of water.
4. Vehicle washing is performed only as permitted by local watering restrictions. If
performed, it is done only with water conserving spraying devices rather than an
open garden hose. Rain collection for vehicle washing is pursued as feasible.
M. Programs
To support the Energy and Water Conservation Policy and initiative, the County
implements a variety of programs including:
1 . Employee Awareness
The County conducts communications programs to promote employee awareness
of the need for energy and water conservation. This includes such activities as
distribution of this Energy and Water Conservation Policy, reminders via pamphlets,
e-mails, Orange Alive, coverage in new employee orientation, and opportunities at
employee events to reinforce the conservation ethic.
2. Incentives
Incentive programs will be developed to improve compliance and acceptance by
County employees, and other building occupants. These may include building-
versus-building contests, department-versus-department contests, financial
incentives, preferred parking and the like.
3. Preventive Maintenance
Preventive Maintenance procedures are used to obtain optimal
Energy, and Water-efficient operation of equipment, systems and devices.
4. Repairs
Repairs/replacement of equipment take into consideration the most cost
effective solution over the life of the repair/equipment. Considerations shall include
future maintainability, improved operation, improvements to energy or water
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Effective: July 1 , 2013
efficiency, requirement for additional or reduced Preventive Maintenance, and the
like.
5. Energy Efficiency Retrofits
The County bases energy efficiency retrofitting project priorities upon the availability
of capital improvements plan funds and maintenance needs such as the condition of
existing equipment. The County develops and maintains a priority list of retrofit
needs.
6. Renovations
Renovations to County facilities, whether major or minor, are to meet standards for
energy, and water-efficient equipment and design.
7. New Construction
New construction is required to follow energy and water efficient standards as set
forth by the Guidelines for Sustainable Public Facility Design and Development.
Life-cycle cost analyses are required, and energy and water efficient designs,
including Passive and Active Solar systems, natural lighting, cogeneration and
thermal storage, among others are considered and evaluated.
8. Equipment Selection
The selection of all equipment procured for Orange County, to include computer
equipment, printers, copy machines, equipment, refrigerators, and so forth is to
consider carefully the anticipated energy use and available energy saving devices.
9. Automation
With the direction and leadership of the Energy Management Team , each County
department pursues automation solutions, as feasible, to replace travel-intensive,
paper-intensive or other energy consuming activities.
Orange County
Effective: July 1 , 2013
Attachment
From American Society of Heating, Refrigeration
and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standards
1 . Thermal comfort is that condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with the
thermal environment. There are large variations, both physiologically and
psychologically, from person to person, which makes it difficult to satisfy
everybody in a space. The environmental conditions required for comfort are not
the same for everyone. However, extensive laboratory and field data have been
collected that provide the necessary statistical data to define conditions that a
specified percentage of occupants will find thermally comfortable.
2. This standard specifies the combinations of indoor space environment and
personal factors that will produce thermal environmental conditions acceptable
to 80% or more of the occupants within a space. The environmental factors
addressed are temperature, thermal radiation, humidity, and air speed; the
personal factors are those of activity and clothing.
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3. ASHRAE Standard 55-1992 Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy,
recommends the following acceptable temperature ranges at relative humidity (RH) of
50% and air speed less than 0.15 m/sec. (30 fpm).
Acceptable Temperatures
Season Clothing Temperature
Winter Heavy slacks, long sleeve shirt 20-23.5°C
and/or sweater (68-75°F)
,,
Summer Light slacks and short sleeve 23-26°C
shirt (73-79°F)
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys agents/hot cold.html