GREENING UCSB: DEVELOPMENT OF AN ASSESSMENT ...

Building materials, finishing materials and mechanical systems are selected bycontractors in accordance with specifications outlined in project proposals. Becausethe law requires the campus to select contractors with the lowest bid, it is difficult toensure that the most efficient/environmentally sound/sustainable products are chosen.Contractors have an incentive to choose materials with the lowest initial cost, ratherthan those with the lowest life-cycle costs, unless required by project specifications.Indoor Air Pollution6. What indoor air pollutants have been identified on campus?Indoor air pollutants have occasionally caused problems in some campus buildings.The Office of Environmental Health and Safety has been working with PhysicalFacilities to respond to occupant complaints and remove pollution sources.Mold—There was a major problem with mold in the HVAC system of the libraryin 1993, which resulted in several workers compensation claims. A few otherbuildings have also had mold problems in the last several years.Radon—The Environmental Health and Safety Radiation Safety Office begantesting for radon in 1997. So far no building has been found to have radon levelsin excess of EPA standards.Asbestos and Lead—Both asbestos and lead exist in many of the older buildingson campus. Inspections are conducted regularly and required precautions aretaken to avoid air quality problems.VOCs—There have been complaints about VOCs and other toxic fumes fromcarpet and finishing materials in several buildings. In one case, recently installedcarpeting had to be removed and replaced due to fumes from the adhesives thatwere used.Dust—Dust has occasionally been a problem in buildings undergoingrenovations.7. What are the policies or guidelines regulating the use of indoor air pollutants?The Campus Integrated Pest Management Policy was signed by the Vice Chancellorof Administrative Services in 2000. This policy prohibits the use of toxic pesticidesindoors, limits the amounts of pesticides used outside, and calls for least toxicmethods of pest control on campus.In addition, the EPA has specific guidelines for the handling and removal of asbestosand lead, and for testing and handling radon contamination that the University must18