DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
CAMPUS PLANNING & FACILITIES
6111 McKenzie Hall
Hanover, New Hampshire 03755-3529
Telephone: 603/646-1463
College Temperature Policy
Background
The purpose of this policy is to establish temperature conditions that provide a comfortable and productive
environment while controlling energy costs and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Deviations from this
policy must be approved by Facilities Operations and Management (FO&M). This policy applies to the General
plant Undergraduate College, research and athletic facilities (administrative, academic, arts, athletic, and support
facilities). Professional schools (Tuck School, Thayer School, Geisel School of Medicine) and the Office of
Residential Life set policies based on their own facility requirements.
In general, indoor temperatures, and in some cases humidities, are controlled by building automation systems
managed by FO&M. The overall goal is to have the temperature of offices and similar spaces controlled within
a range of 69°F to 75°F throughout the year while using minimum amounts of energy. Occupants do not have
the ability to select specific temperature set points within this range.
Spaces such as laboratories, museums, server rooms, and other spaces where more stringent temperature and/or
humidity requirements exist, will have conditions controlled based on the functional requirements of their
program.
Classrooms and event spaces are controlled based on the nature of the event and may require sub-cooling prior
to occupancy to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout an event.
Building occupants can contribute to their own comfort by wearing seasonably appropriate clothing and making
sure that windows, storm windows, shades and blinds work and are positioned appropriately for the season.
FO&M implements this Policy via a continuous commissioning program to improve building system
performance and energy efficiency.
Winter Season: Late September to mid-May
Our goal is to maintain a minimum space temperature of 69°F. Due to the accuracy of thermostats and sensing
devices, temperatures may fluctuate within or between spaces. If the temperature consistently drops below 68°F,
please contact FO&M's Work Control Office.
If the space is not maintained at our minimum goal, FO&M will make necessary adjustments to the system or
provide supplemental heating until the problem can be fixed. FO&M may need to place a temperature recording
device in the space to monitor conditions and help identify the problem.
Electric heaters: Electric heaters may be temporarily provided by FO&M if necessary to supplement heating.
Heaters are only allowed with the authorization of FO&M. Campus departments and occupants may not purchase
or install supplemental heating devices. These devices can be dangerously misused and are allowed only under
controlled circumstances. Unapproved space heaters will be removed by FO&M.
Seasonal Activation and De-activation of Heating: Dates when heating systems are activated vary slightly each
year based upon weather and activities in the buildings. During September, when an extended cold period is
forecast, FO&M will activate the heat for the season. In May, when daytime temperatures stabilize, heating is
generally deactivated for the season.
During the winter, temperatures in storerooms, stairwells and other unoccupied areas may be kept in the 45°F to
55°F range.
Undergraduate College Temperature Policy
July 24, 2014
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Summer Season: Mid-May to Late September
Air Conditioned Spaces: In buildings with central air conditioning systems, space temperatures will range
between 75°F and 69°F. Due to the accuracy of sensing devices, and/or humidity control requirements,
temperatures may fluctuate within or between spaces. Buildings with reheat systems may experience space
temperatures lower than 75°F. While this may appear inefficient, it is a result of system design and is less
expensive than heating spaces up to 75°F.
If temperatures should rise above 78°F or drop below 68°F for an extended period, please contact FO&M's Work
Control Office.
Non-Air Conditioned Spaces: In non-air conditioned spaces, occupants will need to rely on ventilation from
fans and open windows to maintain reasonable working conditions. During periods of high heat and humidity,
individuals will have to cope as best they can with temporarily uncomfortable working conditions. During these
periods, managers are urged to consider turning off unnecessary lights and electronic equipment, relaxing the
dress code, adjust working hours and making other adjustments if possible.
Supplemental Air Conditioning Units: Departments may contact FO&M to request seasonal installation of
freestanding or window air conditioning units. Supplemental free standing units provide temperature relief but
often do not perform consistently under high humidity conditions. Departments will be responsible for paying
for the unit, seasonal installation and removal costs, an energy surcharge, and any electrical upgrade required
for the unit. Freestanding units are typically installed on an annual basis from late May - early June and removed
from mid-September to mid-October. Due to safety and permitting concerns, departments are not allowed to
install supplemental air conditioning units. If a department is interested in this program, please contact Work
Control for further information.
Unoccupied Period Temperatures:
Temperatures in offices and common spaces may be allowed to drift outside the 69°F to 75°F range during
unoccupied periods. Unoccupied temperature ranges will be evaluated, set, and controlled by FO&M to ensure
that space temperatures do not drift excessively and that they are back within normal range by the time of
scheduled occupancy.
Frequent reasons for temperature complaints:
Windows: Regardless of the season, one of the most frequent causes of temperature complaints is a window or
storm window that is left open. If you find that your space is uncomfortable, please check the window and
storm window to ensure that it is closed. If it is open, please close the windows and allow an hour for the
system to adjust. If the window cannot be closed, please contact FO&M's Work Control at 6-2508 or at
work.control.office@dartmouth.edu.
Office Layout: In many cases, FO&M responds to calls and finds office furniture, books, or boxes blocking
radiators or fan coil units impacting the ability of the systems to deliver heat or cooling. Please keep these
devices clear of furniture, books and equipment. In older buildings, individuals seated adjacent to large
windows during the winter may experience a radiant cooling effect, making them feel uncomfortable
regardless of the temperature in the space.
Summary
If you have questions about how your particular building operates and how the controls are set up, please email
facilities.operations.and.managment@dartmouth.edu. A representative from the Engineering Department will
respond to your inquiry and meet with you to explain the systems in your building.
If heating or cooling systems are not performing adequately, please contact FO&M's Work Control at 6-2508
or at work.control.office@dartmouth.edu.
Undergraduate College Temperature Policy
July 24, 2014
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DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
CAMPUS PLANNING & FACILITIES
6111 McKenzie Hall
Hanover, New Hampshire 03755-3529
Telephone: 603/646-1463
Berry Sports Center
Burnham Soccer Facility
Davis Varsity House
Floren Varsity House
Leverone Field House
Memorial Stadium
Scully/Fahey Field
Thompson Arena
College Facilities
1, 3, 5 Rope Ferry Road
11 Rope Ferry Road - Billings Lee
37 & 50 Dewey Field Road
7 Rope Ferry Road - Dicks House Infirmary
Baker Berry Library & Carson Hall
Bartlett Hall
Black Family Visual Arts Center
Blunt Alumni Center
Burke Chemistry
Carpenter Hall
Choate House
Class of 1978 Life Sciences Center
Class of 53 Dining Commons
Collis Student Center
Dartmouth Hall
Electron Microscope Building
Fairbanks North
Fairbanks South
Fairchild Physical Sciences
Hallgarten Hall
Hood Annex
Hood Museum
Hopkins Center
Kemeny Hall/Haldeman Center
McNutt Hall
Moore Psychology Building
Murdough Center
Parker House
Parkhurst Hall
Reed Hall
Robinson Hall
Rockefeller Center for the Social Sciences
Rollins Chapel
Sanborn House
Shattuck Observatory
Sherman House
Silsby Hall
Steele Hall
Sudikoff Laboratory for Computer Science
Thornton Hall
Webster Cottage
Webster Hall - Rauner Library
Wentworth Hall
Wilder Laboratory
Wilson Hall
Winifred Raven House
Athletic Facilities
Alexis Boss Tennis Center
Alumni Gymnasium
Undergraduate College Temperature Policy
July 24, 2014
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