11. Environmental Programs and Policy
11.1 Introduction
The Construction and Physical Plant Maintenance Division is responsible for most EHS issues pertaining to building and grounds planning, construction, operations, maintenance and conventional waste disposal (excluding chemical, biological and radioactive wastes). The sections within and between the Construction and Physical Plant Maintenance Division and Safety Unit overlap and compliment each other. The three sections responsible for most EHS activities are divided by manpower, expertise, and government authorities:
The Institute has embarked on an applied research program to promote sound environmental practices to improve energy- and water-use efficiency, environmental standards, and emergency prevention and response in buildings and on the grounds. Environment and resource conservation engineering and practices are promoted through an internal awareness and action program (lectures, labels and notices). Information is exchanged with local and international organizations to establish working criteria, anticipate legislative and other trends or requirements, and find engineering and other solutions.
- Security and Fire Prevention Section
- Planning, Operation and Maintenance Section
- Energy Efficiency Section
The Institute is installing new, and upgrading old, buildings into "smart" buildings to reduce energy consumption and protect the environment. Automatic computerized networks are installed that control water-use, building micro-climate, fire safety, special air-flow (laboratory hoods), and a monitoring system with feed-back mechanism to detect malfunctions. All new buildings will be smart buildings, and the old buildings are being upgraded.
11.2 Security, Parking and Fire Protection
Environmental considerations pertaining to security, fire protection and parking are covered in Sections 1.2 (Fire or Explosions), 2.1.11 (Safe Driving and Parking), and all of Section 6 (Fire Fighting Services).
11.3 Planning, Operation and Maintenance
Planning, operations and maintenance operations overlap with many other services, in accordance with the general EHS policy at the Institute (sections 2.1 and 12.1). The Construction and Physical Plant Maintenance Division is responsible for building construction and grounds development, conventional waste disposal, safe roads, the quality of water, wastewater and air, waste disposal and recycling. Specific attention is paid to separating hazardous wastes (responsibility of the Safety Unit) from conventional wastes, with the exception of sharp objects (sharps) such as needles. Conventional "sharp" wastes must be stored in durable containers before disposal to a waste receptacle (see sections 2.1.9, 2.1.10, and 4.4).
Environmental projects are proceeding concurrently at various stages (planning, data collection, design, implementation, operation and maintenance). For example, data on electricity, water and fuel requirements is collected using the existing hardware in some buildings, while advanced electricity and water monitoring meters, connected to a computerized system, are being installed in all new or upgraded buildings belonging to the Institute or principal outside agencies. The data are analyzed to statistically estimate electricity, water and fuel requirements throughout the Institute. Plans to improve the efficiency of the air pressure systems using an automatic leak detection system are under consideration.
11.4 Efficiency in Energy Use
Energy aspects of construction and maintenance include design, environmentally friendly equipment and fuels, and increased automation and feed-back loops to promote efficiency. Conservative and efficient energy use requires integrating technology with social cooperation. There are a number of proposals under consideration to reduce energy use and improve the environment, including energy-saving devices or modifications in small- and large-scale units, better housekeeping / maintenance, and the recent switch to low-lead fuels for heating. A computerized energy-control system is gradually being installed into all buildings and select locations. A new thermo-energetic profile will then be developed at the end of 1995, following the removal of various energy intensive units and other changes. In the future, field inspections will be conducted to research and identify special local energy requirements after work hours.
Many of the technical changes involving climate control mechanisms are triggered by persons working in the vicinity. Air conditioners (heat/cooling) only work or work more intensely in occupied areas, unless operated manually. Such a system is very efficient if people do not abuse the manual options. Air conditioning units will gradually be replaced by, and new units will use alternative cooling gases that do not adversely affect the environment (In accordance with the Montreal Protocol).
11.5 Water, Wastewater and Air Quality, Efficiency, Treatment and Monitoring
The Institute receives water from on-site wells, and pumps sewage to the Rehovot collection system. Water use is excessive, and water conservation and sewage recycling programs are underway (planning, construction, operation and maintenance). The automatic irrigation system throughout the institute is being expanded to reduce evaporation and other losses. Plans are being developed for sewage treatment, and the use of effluents and cooling water for irrigation. Water conservation efficiency is largely dependent on cooperation from Institute staff.