| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 69.35 |
| Liaison | Mary Lucus |
| Submission Date | March 14, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Belmont University
OP-10: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.50 / 2.00 |
Mary
Lucus Director, IR Provost |
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
| Area | |
| Total campus area | 75 Acres |
| Footprint of the institution's buildings | 37.50 Acres |
| Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas | 0 Acres |
Area of managed grounds that is::
| Area | |
| Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan | 0 Acres |
| Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined | 37.50 Acres |
| Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected | 0 Acres |
A copy of the IPM plan:
The IPM plan :
• Pests are managed by daily observation of plant material prone to insects or if the plant looks distressed
• There are certain seasons of the year, which we check and/or treat specific plant material for possible insect infestation.
• We practice cultural measures if we have not crossed the threshold.
• We utilize natural, organic chemicals if possible, otherwise we use synthetic chemicals.
• We work with beneficial insects when possible.
Belmont actively monitors plant material and deals with issues as they occur. We practice cultural prevention and control prior to chemical usage. We follow up with applications when the life cycle of insects or disease warrants intervention. It is our intent to treat only in environmentally safe conditions.
A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:
The institution utilizes mulching mowers to return grass clippings to the soil as organic material. Other green waste is composted and utilized in campus ornamental beds. Underground water is recovered to utilize for irrigation. There is a weather station on campus utilized for control of irrigation systems and providing ETR and rainfall data.
Whenever possible natural oils are used for pest control on plants.
A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:
Native plant materials are being incorporated in new construction projects and in areas where plant beds are being modified or, upgraded.
A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:
All leaves and spent color beds are composted. We incorporate "cooked" compost into landscape maintenance.
A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:
The university utilizes organic compost produced from green waste on campus. In addition, grass clippings are mulched back into the soil instead of being removed.
A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:
In every case where new buildings have been constructed the campus has made every effort to relocate existing trees and plant material. Native species are used as frequently as possible, especially on the green roofs on campus.
A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:
Dewatering tanks are in place in underground garages on campus. Water from these tanks is pumped out through the irrigation system at a rate of 20-30,000 gallons per day during watering season, returning the water back to the earth instead of the storm sewer system.
A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):
Snow removal and ice management is a combination outsourced program and in-house responsibility. Campus streets and parking lots are patrolled by an outsource company using plows, urea and sand. Sidewalks and steps are cleared in-house using urea, NaCL , and sand.
A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:
Is the institution recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program (if applicable)?:
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable landscape management programs and practices is available:
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.