Temperature Control Policy (Policy 85)

Purpose

Governors State University (GovState) spends millions of dollars on energy including electricity and natural gas.  In order to increase the sustainability of the campus, and to help meet and exceed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), the University will be adopting this policy in an effort to promote energy conservation and temperature control.  In no way shall this policy restrict an employee's existing access rights to University facilities.  

Definitions

Space Temperature: The temperature of an occupied space, as determined by the building automation room sensor. 

Policy

The University will make reasonable efforts to keep temperatures in occupied spaces between 71^oF and 78^oF. The University may deviate from these ranges in areas where special needs exist. 

1. The Cube is set for 73^oF (+/-) 2^oF and is determined by Information Technology Services (ITS) and Facilities Development Management (FDM).
2. The F building Science Labs are set for 70^oF (+/-) 2^oF and set point is determined by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Division Chair for Sciences in conjunction with FDM.
3. The Anatomy Lab temperature is set by the Department Chair of Occupational Therapy, the Department Chair of Physical Therapy, and FDM. 
4. The Family Development Center (FDC) temperature is determined by Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) regulations. 
5. Prairie Place temperature guidelines can be found in the GovState Student Handbook. 

Space temperatures may be allowed to drop during unoccupied times to as low as 55^oF in the winter and rise to no more than 85^oF in the summer. 

For safety purposes primarily, no portable heating or cooling devices that require refrigerant, or either that require more than 2 amperes, may be used in the University owned spaces unless it is either provided by the University through FDM, or its use is approved by the Chief Operating Engineer and/or Assistant Chief Operating Engineer.  Such devices may only be utilized in area where Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems cannot maintain the specified temperature range and/or be rectified within reasonable time and effort of FDM staff.

Appeal Statement

All requests for a reprieve from the defined temperature parameters, or use of any portable heating or cooling device, should be sent to FDM.  The request should also include a written justification from the Department Head.  If the request includes medical reasons, the request must also be approved by the Human Resources Department. 

Summer Hours and Winter Break

FDM will review space usage during Summer Hours and Winter Break, and set back temperatures in unused areas to increase the goals set forth above.  It is incumbent upon the Department to notify FDM of occupancy during these periods. 

1. Administrative Buildings, Classrooms/academic use spaces, GMT Building: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.. Saturday and Sunday based on Library and Athletics (except holidays).
2. Special Events (CPA, Athletics, Student Life. etc.) time will vary on the area and needs of the event if outside normal occupied times.
3. FDC: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (except holidays).