600-12: Energy Conservation

Conservation of natural resources is an integral part of University facilities design and operation. Energy conservation efforts will be achieved using a cost-effective approach with consideration given for flexibility of use and future remodeling convenience. However, occupant health, safety, comfort, and program requirements shall always be the primary concerns.

In order to improve the efficiency of all resource-consuming systems and equipment (e.g., water, natural gas, electrical) and improve the environment in all facilities, and in compliance with the UC Office of the President’s Policy on Sustainable Practices, UCSF has adopted a resource conservation policy.

UCSF will comply with the provisions of the UC Policy on Sustainable Practices. Additionally, UCSF has adopted the following prescriptive policy requirements to ensure efficient operations.

1. Lighting: UCSF has shifted to the use of energy efficient LED and fluorescent lighting sources. Typical LED lamps use about 80%-90% less electricity than standard incandescent lamps. The use of incandescent lighting is prohibited except when more energy efficient light sources are not suitable for a specific use or location.
2. Interior Environment: Due to the significant fire hazards involved with the use of portable space heaters, the use of portable space heaters shall be prohibited except in instances where no other means of providing temperatures within the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) indoor comfort standards can be made. Space heaters are always prohibited in certain hospital settings and space heater use in other areas must meet conditions described in the Office of the Fire Marshal bulletin on space heaters (pdf).
3. Appliances and Office Equipment: Appliances and office equipment purchased with University funds are required to be ENERGY STAR labeled unless no ENERGY STAR labeled alternative is available. Examples of product categories where Energy Star products are available include: (1) Computers, (2) Servers, (3) Refrigerators and Freezers, (4) Vending Machines, and (5) Water Coolers.
4. Fume Hoods: Fume hood sashes are to be closed when not being accessed to minimize energy use and provide improved lab safety.

1. All faculty, staff, students, design consultants, and construction contractors must observe energy and conservation resource measures and comply with this campus policy.
2. UCSF Facilities Services will operate campus facilities in the most resource efficient manner capable of providing required occupant health, safety, comfort and program needs.
3. UCSF Facilities Services will make every effort to maintain building temperatures consistent with the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers comfort guidelines during occupied hours or as dictated by specific programmatic needs.
4. Supply Chain Management shall be responsible for providing departments with ENERGY STAR rated equipment and appliance purchasing options consistent with this and other UCSF policies.

• UC Policy on Sustainable Practices
• American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy Standard 55-2013