| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 73.99 |
| Liaison | Mary-Lee Townsend |
| Submission Date | Oct. 20, 2021 |
Western University
OP-22: Rainwater Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Evan
Green Energy and Carbon Manager Office of Sustainability |
Which of the following best describes the institution’s approach to rainwater management?:
A brief description of the institution’s green infrastructure and LID practices:
- In 2018 Western developed an Open Space Strategy for campus that outlines key strategies and initiatives across campus. Storm water management was identified as a strategic priority in the plan. This plan outlines building solutions as well as at grade paving and at grade planting approaches across campus.
- Western is surrounded by the Upper Thames watershed and the Medway Creek. Significant amounts of Western’s property are on flood plain. We work closely with Upper Thames Conservation Authority for any new construction, renovation and site work. We abide by their policies and plans.
- Whenever possible, Western incorporates cisterns or retention ponds on its new construction projects, to aid in storm water management.
- Western has also started incorporating climate change adaptation planning. For example, in 2016’s work for the design of a new building near the Medway Creek, measures were taken to stay as far away as possible, as well as including a cistern and avoiding the construction of a basement.
- In 2016, Western developed the first version of its Sustainable Design Guideline, which addresses stormwater management for large, small and site projects throughout all of Western’s buildings and sites.
- The specific measures taken are assessed on a project-by-project basis, considering the site conditions, proximity to the watershed and the facility being developed.
- New constructions and major renovations are implementing diverse stormwater management techniques. All materials are being contained in bins to avoid the contamination of groundwater when it rains and at the new Richard Ivey Building, there are two sinks for water collection. The water runs into these ponds and from there they flow to the storm water drainage. Western regulates the flow of water going into the sinks by slowly releasing it, to avoid overflowing the capacity of the drainage system.
A copy of the institution’s rainwater management policy, plan, and/or guidelines:
A brief description of the institution’s rainwater management policy, plan, and/or guidelines that supports the responses above:
- In 2016, Western developed the first version of its Sustainable Design Guideline, which addresses storm water management for large, small and site projects throughout all of Western’s buildings and sites.
- Strategies for rainwater runoff management have been implemented at the new Richard Ivey School of Business. The Richard Ivey School of Business features a rain water collection system that will allow for rainwater to be used to irrigate the landscape and flush toilets/urinals.
- The CMLP’s green roof is covered with flats of drought-resistant sedum, a hardy garden plant. The soil and plants insulate the building for sound, along with increasing the heating and cooling efficiency.
Website URL where information about the institution’s green infrastructure and LID practices is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.