Update Report: University Hall Going Green!
Your name: Rebecca Anderson
Project Leaders names: Rebecca Anderson, Ian Baldridge, Janis Honda
Organization / Department: EH&S, School of Public Health
Together, the occupants of University Hall began an initiative in 2008 to Go Green!, with LEED
for Existing Buildings Operations & Maintenance (EBOM) as the final goal. This TGIF grant is
assisting these efforts by enabling the project team to actively reduce energy consumption
through the replacement of old appliances with energy star models, the purchase of task lamps
which allow occupants to reduce use of overhead lighting and the installation of window film as
a pilot project on the third floor. This grant has also funded outreach events and the creation of
education materials which help to create lasting, sustainable behavior changes in occupants as
well as building visitors.
This TGIF grant funding four distinct projects which support the overall University Hall Going
Green! effort. Each of these projects has experienced accomplishments and challenges through
implementation. Below is a review of each project.
Appliance Replacement
1. Accomplishments & Sustainable Impacts: The appliance replacement project began with
an audit of all building appliances performed by Building Sustainability at Cal students in
2008-2009. The audit highlighted the best candidates for appliance replacement in the
building, which included old, energy-intensive refrigerators, as well as office suites
which had many small refrigerators being utilized rather than one central refrigerator. A
total of 11 refrigerators were disposed of and replaced with 7 energy star model
refrigerators. In addition, the 3rd floor breakroom inefficient coffee maker and hot water
“hotplate” was replaced with an energy efficient model coffee maker and electric hot
water kettle. The appliance replacements not only decreased the building energy usage,
but also improved occupant morale.
2. Challenges: There were few challenges with this project, it was easy to implement and
high impact.
Task Lighting
1. Accomplishments & Sustainable Impacts: Approximately 300 task lights were purchased
and distributed to building occupants. This resulted in increased enthusiasm in building
occupants, and reduced usage of overhead lighting, which had energy saving and
ergonomic benefits. In addition, the distribution of task lights fulfilled a LEED Credit for
Existing Buildings, Operations & Maintenance Certification (IEQ credit 2.2). For more
information on the Task Lighting Project, see the attached Green Fund Grant Report.
Created by N. Leung
Last updated 3/30/10
2. Challenges: This was a very labor-intensive project. After researching task lights, the
cheapest and most attractive lights were found at Ikea (approximate price per light =
$10). Unfortunately, these lights could not be purchased online, which resulted in many
trips to Ikea. In addition, energy star light bulbs are not distributed at Ikea and had to be
purchased at Home Depot. After lights & bulbs were purchased, the project team held
outreach events for the building where occupants could come to pick-up a task light and
learn more about the building’s green initiatives. These events, titled “Green Coffee
Hour”, were very popular- but time consuming.
Window Film Pilot Project
1. Accomplishments & Sustainable Impacts: This project is in the beginning phases. Two
offices on the 3rd floor have been retrofitted with window film with good results.
Feedback from the occupants suggested that the window film helped to reduce heat
loading in the summer as well as glare from direct sun. This summer, the remaining
offices on 3rd floor will be retrofitted with window film.
2. Challenges: Applying window film is time intensive and can only be done during dry,
warm weather. Building occupants who are considering window film must invested in
applying the window film themselves or be willing to provide funding for outside labor.
Outreach / Education
1. Accomplishments & Sustainable Impacts: Two “Green Coffee Hour” events have been
held in the building, one each year since TGIF granted the building funding. The
University Hall “Green Coffee Hour” has been an event where occupants can come and
gather to discuss sustainability- both for in the office and at home- and enjoy a midafternoon snack and coffee. The event includes educational material showcases by
vendors in the sustainable field (including City Carshare, Mike’s Bikes office supply
companies, whole foods, etc) and campus groups which support sustainability (Parking
& Transportation, Building Sustainability at Cal and the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee
on Sustainability) as well as showcases on the building’s “green” projects and
achievements in sustainability. The event also always includes a very popular raffle
(raffle tickets are given to participants who BYOM- bring your own mug!) and
environmental trivia game.
2. Challenges: This event is somewhat time consuming to put on, but partnering with
another organization (such as Building Sustainability at Cal) can be very helpful in
ensuring success.
Conclusions and next steps
The University Hall Going Green! project has plans to complete the two outstanding project
components (Outreach/Education and Window Film Pilot Project) by Fall, 2010. Pending results
of building commissioning, the building is planning on submitting documentation for LEED
EBOM certification by January, 2011.
Created by N. Leung
Last updated 3/30/10