The following standards and guidelines support the University's policy on energy and water conservation and management in facilities operations. All new construction and repair projects shall engage their Campus Energy Manager and the Office of Sustainability to ensure all work is done in compliance with and in support of goals stated in UC’s Policy on Sustainable Practices.  Application of the standards and guidelines shall not involve any measure that will violate applicable laws, be hazardous to health or safety, cause significant impairment of the instructional or research effort, or result in an unreasonable minimum standard of comfort.

1. Implement system operation and maintenance on the basis of "least total cost," considering both labor and energy costs, and as required by Policy on Sustainable Practices.
2. Reduce running time of energy-consuming equipment through:
   • Equipment shutdown when not required (no continuous operation or idling when there is no demand).
   • Building use scheduling both on a daily and longer-period basis (e.g., vacations and between quarters).
   • Programs for selective load shedding of power in event of excessive peak usage.
   • Programs for reduced speed, for long periods, of various types of electric loads which can tolerate reduced-speed operation with only minor effect on the user (demand control).
3. Adjust lighting levels to no more than illumination requirements of CCR, Title 24, power use recommendations. Use group relamping programs where feasible.
4. Buildings designed under the Policy on Sustainable Practices should be operated according to their original design intent. Optimize heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems (through modification by way of Capital Improvement Projects where necessary).
   • Within the interiors of buildings, temperatures between 68 degrees and 78 degrees Fahrenheit are considered to provide a reasonable standard of comfort. Thermostats should be set at 78 degrees in the Summer and 68 degrees in the Winter. These limits will not apply in areas where other temperature limitations are required by law or where special use of an area demands other limits.
   • Modify or adjust HVAC systems to avoid simultaneous use of heating and cooling energy use in the same zone or space wherever possible or minimize such simultaneous energy use within system limitations by resetting the system operating limits.
   • Optimize boiler and chiller plant (or equivalent) operation for best utilization of facility components and for achievement of maximum practical operating efficiency. Achieve optimum use of outside air or maximum practical energy recovery from exhaust air where 100 percent outside air is required for building ventilation.
   • Minimize the rate of air circulation within constraints of applicable laws, regulations, codes, or other necessary limitations.
5. Use water from on-site sources such as springs or wells where possible within environmental constraints.
6. Install flow control devices such as low-flow shower heads and flush valves.
7. Balance systems using once-through water to minimize flow rates and operate these systems only when required. Investigate options for replacement of once-through with closed loop systems when feasible.  This guideline applies to landscape irrigation and mechanical equipment systems.
8. Recycle wastewater when ease of conversion and code requirements allow; for example, modify once-through cooling systems to recirculate rather than discharge cooling water.
9. Purchase equipment such as lasers, compressors, and vacuum pumps that do not require once-through water cooling systems.
10. Develop and use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation. Consider off-campus reclaimed water supplies, where available, for this purpose.
11. Have operating contingency plans at each Facility to curtail operation in the event of limitation of boiler fuel, electricity, or water supply. Base these operating contingency plans on the concept of progressive interruption to accommodate different levels of energy or water supply curtailment. Review and update contingency plans annually.
12. Follow procedures adopted by the University from the governor's Executive Orders and California Department of General Services Management Memos.

See ASHRAE Thermal Comfort Standards (Publication Ordering Information). 

Recognizing the criticality of University Programs, Campuses are encouraged to isolate themselves from interruption of service through the combined use of on-site power generation, energy storage, fuel storage and fuel contracts. Campuses are encouraged to use a 14-day horizon for planning purposes. Specific planning provisions will be determined by the criticality of a Program, and its dependence upon fuel or electricity.

For all UC Health facilities that fall under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI), please access the HCAI Building Safety guidelines for information on facilities, building plans and permits, seismic compliance, inspections, backup power requirements and more.

This article contains procedures for active participation by University staff or other administrative units acting on behalf of the University during proceedings of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and equivalent regulatory activities of other government utilities agencies. Adherence to these procedures will ensure that (1) necessary legal and other services are provided to University participants before and during presentations to the CPUC and equivalent agencies, and (2) appearances and presentations by Facility or other administrative unit representatives will be consistent with University policies and interests regarding the regulatory matter.

CPUC is a constitutionally created, quasi-judicial body having jurisdiction over matters concerning the operations of and rates charged by investor-owned utilities companies that serve the public throughout the state. The University's provision of natural gas, electricity, and telecommunications services is subject to CPUC decisions affecting these services. Customarily, the CPUC holds hearings under rules governing admission of testimony and rights of parties to take testimony from interested parties as part of its decision-making process. Such testimony may be a major influence in shaping the commission's final decisions. Other governmental agencies such as municipal utilities conduct regulatory proceedings in a similar manner. Because of the continuing importance of utility services and costs, the University must be involved in such proceedings to protect its interests. Cases may involve a single Facility or administrative unit or may involve the entire University system. Independent or uncoordinated participation by University representatives may compromise the University's interests and subsequent University options for appeals or other actions in these regulatory matters. See "Public Utilities Commission, Rules of Practice and Procedure," California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Chapter 1; and Assembly Bill 2951 – chaptered 9/30/2006. 

CPUC Hearing Participation. Request assistance from the UCL prior to participation in CPUC or equivalent proceedings. Responsible staff should communicate with UCL and with the department in the UCOP responsible for Facilities operations or telecommunications. This will allow sufficient time for review, comment, and preparation of appropriate legal advice or a presentation for the proceeding. Coordinate response with UCL and the UCOP to any invitation from a serving utility agency, company, or the CPUC. Also notify those offices in advance of any self-initiated proposals by a Facility to participate in any regulatory proceeding. Avoid official University representation that might become a matter of record without such coordination. Coordination with the above offices is not necessary for routine informational communications with the CPUC or equivalent agencies or for non-participating spectator attendance at proceedings. "Routine" communications might include determining hearing dates and requesting copies of decisions. Each Facility or administrative unit should have a coordinator for CPUC (or regulatory agency) matters.

Assembly Bill 2951, effective January 1, 2007, authorizes public entities providing utility services to charge the University just like any other of its customers. Such fees “should not exceed the reasonable cost of providing the public utility service.” If there are questions about the appropriateness of any public utility fee charged to a Campus, they should be directed to UCOP, Energy & Sustainability Unit.