Office Space Guidelines

Appliances

The use of small appliances (fans, radios, etc.) in cubicles adds to the electrical usage of a building and can present a fire hazard. 

Electrical items not permitted in state office buildings including:

  • Appliances with heating coils (toasters, etc.), coffee pots and single-serve brewers (i.e. Keurig) unless preapproved in designated areas
  • Space heaters
  • String lights 
  • Electric extension cords

Coffee makers will be placed on a noncombustible surface with someone designated to disconnect them nightly. Coffee stations should be cleaned daily. Coffee urns should remain empty and stored dry at the end of each working day. Coffee grounds should be placed in plastic liners and disposed of in garbage containers, never in sinks or drinking fountains.

Large appliances (refrigerators, microwaves, etc.) in agency space are required to follow SAE Policy 220.352.

Heating and Cooling

DAS/General Services Enterprise has implemented cost-saving temperature control strategies throughout the Iowa State Capitol Complex and leased facilities. Buildings are heated to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (Β±3 degrees) and cooled to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (Β±3 degrees) during normal business hours. Building temperatures will be set back at night (after 5:00 p.m.) and fan coil units, air handling units and exhaust fans will be shut down. The night setback temperatures will not be implemented in areas where cooler air is required (IT, medical supplies, etc.).

Use of personal heating devices is prohibited, without approval. Use of personal devices is limited to personnel with medical needs and must be an approved, device. Improper use of unapproved devices can cause fire hazard, cause electrical issues, and imbalance the heating/cooling system causing additional discomfort.By implementing energy control strategies such as these, we will all be contributing to the overall goal of reducing the State of Iowa’s usage of power, saving taxpayers even more money in the years to come.

Lighting

Lighting throughout the Iowa State Capitol Complex is scheduled on from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday, excluding state holidays. Task lighting will need to be used when working outside of these parameters. A pre-approved lighting request through Customer Service must be made at least 24 hours prior to the event to operate general lighting outside of this range. 

Single Stream Recycling

Single stream recycling is a system to collect multiple materials classified as recyclable into one container. Capitol Complex Maintenance provides each workstation with a blue single stream recycling container and a lined black waste saddle allowing employees to participate in resources conservation.  

Recyclable items collected in the blue single stream recycling bin

  • Clean metal or aluminum cans
  • Magazines
  • Office paper
  • Newspapers
  • Cardboard
  • Paperboard
  • Glass bottles or jars
  • Plastic items with the recyclable symbol and a number between one and seven

Non-recyclable items collected in the lined black waste saddle

  • Soiled food containers
  • Facial tissues
  • Ziplock bags
  • Bubble wrap
  • Snack food wrappers
  • Plastic wrap
  • Napkins
  • Foam cups
  • Food waste - recommended to be placed in break room waste containers

Ink and Toner Cartridges

The State is contracted with two companies to recycle empty ink and toner cartridges. Both companies will collect empty ink and toner cartridges with the delivery of products.

For more information send an email to GSE Customer Service or call 515-242-5120, Option 3.