The Environmental Advisory Group found several definitions helpful to understanding the principles of sustainable development and green building design. These definitions are presented below: Sustainability ­ Sustainable developments are those which fulfill present and future needs (World Commission on Environment and Development 1987) while only using and not harming renewable resources and unique human-environmental systems of a site: air, water, land, energy, and human ecology and/or those of other off-site sustainable systems (Rosenbaum 1993 and Vieria 1993). This definition includes the needs of the natural environment. The committee interprets sustainability as environmental stewardship and design that is compatible with nature. We also believe that sustainability advocates an intergenerational responsibility for maintaining or enhancing the environment influenced by the development project. Sustainable Design ­ The process of sustainable or healthy, high performance or green design involves a universal integrated approach to meeting the needs of the built environment while conserving energy and natural resources (Doty and Miller 2001). Designing for sustainability requires awareness of the short- or long-term consequences of any transformation of the environment.

The Green Building Subcommittee of the Colby College Environmental Advisory Group (EAG) developed the following principles and guidelines, which have been discussed and approved by the full EAG. They describe Colby's environmental goals as they pertain to campus construction and renovation projects as well as the operation and maintenance of College facilities. They are meant to guide Colby and its representatives as they make decisions regarding the built environment and its relationship to the natural environment. By incorporating long range environmental goals into the construction process, the EAG believes that Colby College will be better prepared to identify opportunities, assess risks, and to promulgate environmentally sound decisions that help to define the College's future. The EAG encourages Colby to use experienced environmental engineers and design consultants when necessary to help achieve green building goals. Finally, the EAG believes that these principles will likely evolve as we continue to investigate issues related to sustainable development and green building design.

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• I.   Each new construction or renovation project at Colby should produce ongoing educational lessons in sustainability and excellent examples of the benefits of green design. Details



• II.   Each new building or remodeling project at Colby should include components that facilitate the college’s move towards carbon neutrality. Details



• III.   Low environmental impact strategies must be carefully considered throughout the design, construction, and use phases of the building. Incorporate low environmental impact strategies when possible. Details



• IV.   Maximize the use of sustainably harvested or produced materials in campus construction or renovation. Details



• V.   Promote safety by reducing dependency on harmful chemicals in Colby buildings and the surrounding areas. Details



• VI.   Actively commit to the application of these principles throughout the lifespan of all campus buildings so as to endow a Green philosophy in perpetuity, that is strong yet flexible to allow for evolution. Details

Project Goals

Site Preparation
• Maximize recycling of construction and demolition by-products.
• Maximize the salvage topsoil.
• Save existing plant material whenever possible.
• Minimize pollution and runoff from the construction site.

Construction Process
• Maximize efficiency in the use of resources such as energy, water, materials and finishes, land, and capital.
• Use long-lasting, durable materials that are easily recyclable when their useful life ends.
• Purchase project materials locally, at least within a 500 mile radius whenever possible.
• Maximize the use of materials with low embodied energy.
• Maximize building useful life by constructing spaces that are adaptable to future needs, future technology, and future resource availability.
• Construct a safe, healthy, efficient building, which is inviting, comfortable, and nurtures the people working and learning inside.
• Consider life cycle analysis when purchasing construction materials and designing building processes.
• Provide full accessibility for all users.

Project Components

Building Envelope Components
• High level of insulation.
• Efficient window composition and insulating ability.
• Location of entrance appropriate for energy conservation strategies.
• Building orientation to facilitate use of solar energy.
• Efficient use of overhangs and proper shading techniques.
• Use of plantings for heating and cooling considerations.
• Avoidance of heat islands.
• Air-tight construction where appropriate.
• Low maintenance building “skin”.

Mechanical Systems
• Metering tied into energy management system.

Appropriately sized equipment
• Ventilation design suitable to maintain high aur quality standards
  Natural ventilation strategies

Heat Recovery as Appropriate
Proper zoning to achieve energy efficiencies as well as comfort
• Low NOX boilers when boilers are specified.
• Minimal CFC and HCFC refrigerants.
• Maximal use of solar thermal chimneys/wind scoops.
• Use ground source heat pumps when appropriate.

Lighting and Daylighting
• Lower light levels where applicable.
• Maximize daylighting.
• Use efficient, state of the art lighting with electronic ballasts.
• Occupancy sensors for lighting control.
• Use photoelectric controls to regulate artificial lighting vs. daylighting.
• LED exit lights.

Water and Waste Systems
• Maximize use of low flow fixtures and faucets with automatic shutoffs.
• Consider waterless urinals/composting toilets where appropriate.
• Consider gray water reuse (irrigation & cooling) where appropriate.
• Consider storm water collection and reuse strategies where appropriate.
• Maximize use of non-public sourced irrigation water (water source other than public).
• Use non-city water source heat pumps.
• Avoid contamination of groundwater by building construction or operation.

Materials and Finishes
• Building materials and furnishings should be selected to minimize toxicity, potential off-gassing, finish, and maintenance requirements.
• Building materials and finishings should be selected for their durability and, whenever possible, be produced from recycled components or from waste by-products.
• Materials and finishings should be manufactured from renewably harvested plant products. Give priority to materials certified to be harvested from renewable sources whenever possible.
• Maximize use of materials and finishes that are characterized by zero ozone depletion potential. Minimize use of CFC and HCFC containing products.
• Maximize the use of indigenous (on campus) materials.

Office Equipment, Appliances, and Furnishings
• Purchase Energy-Star or other certification program compliant.
• Furnishings that minimize out gassing from furniture materials.

IV. Maximize the use of sustainably harvested or produced materials in campus construction or renovation.

• Maximize the use of green construction materials throughout all aspects of the construction project, including the furnishings. Materials should be low energy embodied reflecting energy savings during extraction, refining, transforming, and utilizing the materials.
• Purchase materials that are certified as coming from renewable sources whenever possible.
• Purchase construction materials produced from recycled materials and from waste by-products whenever possible.

V. Promote safety by reducing dependency on harmful chemicals in Colby buildings and the surrounding areas.

Building Construction

• Building materials and furnishings should be selected to minimize toxicity, potential off-gassing, finish, and maintenance requirements.
• Inhabited spaces should be safe and inviting as well as pedagogically appropriate.
• Avoid use of products containing urea formaldehyde resins.
• Paints, stains, and finishes that contain volatile organic compounds should be avoided whenever possible.