Washington and Lee University
The Facilities Management Department is responsible for master planning, construction, operation, repair and maintenance of over 2 million gross square feet of buildings and over 690 acres. There are 116 employees including tradesmen in the on-campus automotive, carpentry, electrical, HVAC, locksmith, grounds, paint and plumbing shops plus custodial and administrative staffs. Facilities Management also operates and maintain a central heating / cooling plant on campus.
Facilities Management does not have any formal guidelines for procurement of environmentally sustainable products, but is sensitive to the need to purchase environmentally-friendly products. A recent energy conservation initiative replaced some light bulbs with more efficient bulbs, installed some occupancy sensor light switches and replaced many plumbing fixtures with water saving models. Efficient water distribution devices, such as low flow showerheads, commodes and urinals, are installed in new and newly remodeled buildings. Electronic ballasts and T8 tubes are used in all fluorescent lighting fixtures in renovations and replacements and recycled at the end of their functional life. Long life tubes and bulbs are used in areas that are hard to access. Surplus furniture is sold or given to charity. Variable speed motors are used in air handling equipment.
Facilities Management provides the University with 100% recycled toilet tissue and paper towels. Biodiesel is used in all University diesel vehicles and equipment. Electric vehicles are being purchased for use on campus to mitigate problems caused by the use of service vehicles on campus.
Procurement of environmentally sustainable products is important because of the expansive influence that Facilities Management has on the University.