Energy Systems

The Operations Department plays a key role in energy management and reducing carbon emissions. We are mandated to control utility costs while maintaining a quality learning and working environment. This is accomplished through maintenance and upgrades of equipment as well as the monitoring, analysis and scheduling of building systems. Please see some of the energy savings initiatives under the energy management link. The electrical and mechanical staff continues to find innovative ideas to further enhance energy reductions.

Electrical

Light fixtures, switches and receptacles are repaired and light bulbs/tubes are replaced as a part of routine maintenance.

Any heaters, permanent or portable, should be requested and installation approved by Facilities Management. If a number of electrical devices are to be added to a circuit, consult Electrical personnel in Facilities Management through an online work request to ensure safe operation of electrical systems. Work requests can be found here: myOkanagan—OC Express—Requests and Notices—Facilities Work Request.

Electrical power bars and the installation of jiffy poles and raceways are available from Facilities Management. All electrical appliances connected to the campus electrical system are to be C.S.A. approved. These services will be charged to the requesting department, in which case estimates will be provided. Estimates are requested through an online work request.

General inquiries and requests for major electrical modification or services should be directed to the Manager, Operations and Energy Systems, for investigation.

Lighting

Operations maintains all interior and exterior lighting systems on a regular basis. Interior lighting includes both normal and emergency lighting and exterior lighting is comprised of street and building lights. To request repairs to any of these systems between regular maintenance, please submit an online work request: myOkanagan—OC Express—Requests and Notices—Facilities Work Request.

Energy Systems

The Operations Department plays a key role in energy management and reducing carbon emissions. We are mandated to control utility costs while maintaining a quality learning and working environment. This is accomplished through maintenance and upgrades of equipment as well as the monitoring, analysis and scheduling of building systems. Please see some of the energy savings initatives under the energy management link. The electrical and mechanical staff continue to find innovative ideas to further enhance energy reductions.

Indoor Air Quality:

• All OC Buildings are operated under our standard Indoor Air Quality Guidlines (IAQ)
• Buildings at Okanagan College are engineered with the guidelines of the ASHRAE standards.
• Air quality is maintained within the regulations of Work Safe BC as a minimum.
• HVAC systems are maintained by a scheduled preventative maintenance program.
• Any air quality issues are attended to by in house maintenance staff, portable IAQ metering is used to check problem areas.
• Work order requests are tracked for completion and depending on the problem a recorded log can be obtained from the assessed area.
• A number of our ventilation systems support demand control ventilation using CO2 sensors.
• On any new ventilation systems air quality is a priority and simple modifications have improved the air quality of the older systems.

Elevators

The operations department ensures the safe operation by overseeing the servicing and compliance of all elevator systems.

Elevators requiring attention should be reported to Facilities Management at 250-762-5445 local 4262.

Fire Suppression Equipment

Fire detection and suppression equipment is provided in all public areas. Minor maintenance and servicing of equipment is performed by the Operations department. Records are kept of all installations, servicing and inspections. Contracts with external firms are maintained for servicing fire extinguishers, fire hose cabinets, standpipes and sprinkler systems. In addition, we serve as a liaison between local fire departments in correcting deficiencies.

If additional fire equipment is required or needs alteration, please submit an online work request form: myOkanagan—OC Express—Requests and Notices—Facilities Work Request. The purchase of fire suppression equipment in addition to that required for general building safety compliance is the responsibility of the requesting department.

Contacting Operations and Energy Systems

Most work required by Operations and Energy Systems is requested by submitting an online work request: myOkanagan—OC Express—Requests and Notices—Facilities Work Request.

If you would like to discuss a project or issue that falls outside the routine work order request system, please contact the Manager, Operations and Energy Systems: Peter Csandl.