Responsible Building

Policy

Introduction

The purpose of this policy is to design, renovate and build in a manner that protects the safety of all MHC community members, the public and that preserves the environment. MHC has a proud legacy of being on the forefront of responsible building – two of our buildings, Kendade Hall and Blanchard Campus Center, were among the first nine projects ever to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification, a designation awarded by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Following that achievement, the MHC Green Building Design and Construction Working Group was established to define the environmentally responsible building principles and guidelines found in the procedures section of this policy. Since that time, Creighton Hall was built and attained LEED-certification. 

Policy statement

This policy establishes environmentally responsible building principles and performance guidelines. All plans, methods and materials will be selected with the intention to minimize environmental impact and waste generation, preserve and increase ecosystem diversity, promote safe and accessible pedestrian travel routes with seating and honor MHC’s commitment to sustainability. 

While major projects may pursue LEED certification, it is often impractical for smaller renovations. Instead, all campus projects—regardless of size—must adhere to our responsible building principles and guidelines listed in the procedures below. 

This policy will be reviewed as new technologies and best practices emerge.

All work must be conducted in a controlled and responsible manner with full attention to the safety of the community, protection of the environment and preservation of property. 

Policy Violations

Violations of college policies are adjudicated according to procedures outlined in the Student Handbook and the Staff Handbook, with disciplinary consequences imposed by the adjudicating authority up to and including dismissal. Some offenses are punishable under state and federal laws.

Procedures

Environmentally Responsible Building Principles

MHC builds for the future by balancing green design with smart budget management. Our building principles guide every project to ensure we protect the environment, focusing on four key areas:

• Smart Design: Using natural light and cooling to save energy
• Water Care: Reducing water waste and protecting our campus lakes from runoff
• Low Waste: Choosing sustainable materials and recycling construction debris
• Occupant Wellness: Building healthy indoor spaces for our community

To ensure "green" ideas become reality and that every project is environmentally sound and on budget, the design and goal-setting process are flexible. 

• Plan Early: Sustainability commitments are understood and prioritized from the beginning
• Hire Experts: Work with architects and builders who specialize in green design
• Think Long-Term: Understand life cycle costing - look beyond initial expenses 
• Verify Performance: Conduct building commissioning to check system performance
• Set Custom Goals: Recognize that each project is unique and must be reviewed to set realistic sustainability targets
• Exceed the Minimum: Go above and beyond minimum building code requirements when feasible
• Keep Improving: Review and update as needed to ensure effectiveness and conformance with new standards, best practices and evolving technologies

Environmentally Responsible Green Building Design Guidelines

MHC integrates environmental stewardship into every project by focusing on site health, energy efficiency, and material responsibility. 

• Site Stewardship and Landscaping: Treat the campus as a living ecosystem. Projects must prioritize developed sites over green space to protect natural habitats and select sites without sensitive natural features and restricted land uses
• Waterway Management and Protection: Use bioswales, rain gardens, and porous paving to keep runoff out of Stony Brook and Upper and Lower Lakes
• Smart Planting: Use native, non-invasive plants that thrive on natural rainfall. Strategically place trees to block summer sun and winter winds
• Soil Health: Improve soil quality by using compost and avoiding non-renewable peat moss and toxic pesticides
• Transportation: Minimize new parking, prioritize bike racks and accessible pedestrian paths with seating and proximity to public transit

Building site and design will minimize long-term impacts and optimize passive energy strategies.

• Orientation: Align buildings on an east-west axis to maximize southern sun in winter while using overhangs or fin systems to block summer heat
• Daylighting: Use skylights and high windows (clerestories) to bring natural light deep into rooms, reducing the need for electric lights
• Thermal Envelope: Use high-performance insulation, thermal breaks in window frames, and green/living roofs or reflective roofs to eliminate heat loss and heat-island effect

Mechanical and electrical systems will be high-performance, smart and ultra-efficient.

• HVAC and Water: Use high-efficiency boilers, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and CO2 sensors to adjust airflow based on room occupancy. Connect to the central campus chilled water loop whenever possible
• Indoor Quality: Maintain high air quality through advanced ventilation and moisture control to prevent mold, while using acoustic design to ensure a quiet, comfortable environment
• Lighting: Install efficient LEDs controlled by occupancy sensors and the campus Energy Management System
• Water Conservation: Install low-flow fixtures and sensors. Implement greywater recycling and stormwater runoff capture for irrigation and other non-potable uses whenever possible

Materials will be chosen based on their life cycle and having the least impact. 

• Reduce and Reuse: Priority will be given to renovating existing structures, instead of building new. Whenever possible, new materials will be locally sourced (within 500 miles), made of recycled content or rapidly renewable materials, such as bamboo or cork
• Non-Toxic Interiors: Low-VOC paints, adhesives, and sealants will be used. Wood will be FSC-certified and free from toxic preservatives. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be available for advance review
• Waste Diversion: Design dedicated, labeled recycling areas and manage construction waste and all other waste streams responsibly and in compliance with waste ban laws and other regulations

Environmentally Responsible Green Building Construction Guidelines

All construction phases will adhere to resource conservation and health and safety plans. Focus will be on erosion prevention, wetlands protection, operational discipline, good housekeeping, sustainability and best management practices to ensure a healthy indoor and outdoor environment.

• Buffer Zones and Erosion Control: Buffer zones, erosion control, soil management, spill prevention, fencing and other protective measures will be installed, implemented and maintained as determined by the Facilities Management Resource Protection Area Coordinator and in compliance with MHC’s Stormwater Management Policy
• Vehicle Access: Use only existing or planned permanent roadways for heavy machinery. Any vehicle that must drive on a pedestrian way or unpaved area must comply with the Vehicles Leaving Campus Roads Policy 
• Waste Management: Waste will be minimized, segregated and managed responsibly as described previously in this policy and in accordance with MHC’s sustainability mission and all applicable regulations
• Indoor Air Quality: Low-VOC products and less toxic building materials will be reviewed and used as previously described in this policy
• Hazardous Materials: Sampling, surveys and investigations will be conducted by licensed consultants in advance to ensure hazardous building materials will not be disturbed. Coordinate the removal of asbestos, lead, or any other hazardous material through Facilities Management. Contractors must store all equipment and materials properly and remove all chemical products from the site upon project completion.
• Nuisance Control and Security: Adhere to pre-established work hours and noise limits to minimize disruption to campus life. Maintain a secure perimeter fence with controlled access points, adequate safety lighting, clear warning signs, barriers and other measures to protect the public

Deliverables – Design, Performance and Review

Sustainability is integrated from day one and the design process involves rigorous review of all materials and methods. 

• Green Strategies Planning: For all major projects. architects, engineers, landscape designers and all other contractors must collaborate with MHC project managers to set specific environmental targets and decide if the project will pursue formal LEED certification
• Initial Performance Plan: The project team will present a clear narrative of design intent establishing sustainability goals and the means to achieve them while following resource protection and health and safety plans. Life cycle cost analysis will be conducted in early planning stages
• Performance Plan Updates: Any deviation from specifications or plans requires advance approval from Facilities Management
• Environmental Analysis: Design stages must include site plans showing solar and wind paths, energy use targets (costs and power density), and an analysis of different building shapes 

Accountability for environmental responsibility and verification are built into every project phase, from pre to post construction.

• Bidding Requirements: All bidders must understand their responsibility and explain their methods, including waste management, safety and site protection prior to award
• Project Phases: General Contractors are responsible for ensuring that their subcontractors adhere to all safety and environmental protection standards
• Post Construction: All projects, regardless of size, will be evaluated upon completion, prior to sign off to ensure proper function and that all requirements and expectations have been met. Building commissioning will be conducted for large projects

Definitions

These definitions apply to terms as they are used in this policy. 

• Building Commissioning: systematic, quality-focused process for verifying and documenting that a building’s systems—primarily HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and controls—are planned, designed, installed, tested, and operated to meet all code and MHC requirements
• Campus: All properties owned and managed by Mount Holyoke College
• Campus Roads: All College roads that are meant for motor vehicle traffic
• Fin System: An innovative vertical or horizontal architectural feature designed for optimal shading and ventilation. This product is particularly well-suited for east and west-facing elevations, providing excellent solutions for managing solar heat gain, reducing glare, and enhancing energy efficiency
• Life Cycle Costing - A structured, comprehensive method used to estimate the total cost of ownership for an asset, product, or system over its entire lifespan - this includes planning, acquisition, operation, maintenance, and disposal, allowing for informed, long-term economic decisions
• MHC Community: All students, faculty, staff, alums and visitors to Mount Holyoke College

Related Information

• Facilities Management: For contractor approval and building design protocols in accordance with this policy and to report any issue with campus grounds, buildings or non-emergency safety concern
• Public Safety and Service: For immediate reporting of any emergency (413-538-2304 or 911) and for enforcement of laws and College policy in order to protect the community 
• Stormwater Management Policy: For clear guidelines around stormwater management, wetlands protection and compliance with all EPA, DEP and Town Conservation Commission requirements
• Sustainability: For MHC’s commitment to environmental justice, education on the science of climate change, reducing our environmental impact and our goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2037, the College’s 200th anniversary
• Vehicles Leaving Campus Roads Policy: For clear guidelines on motor vehicle use in order to protect the MHC community and the environment