| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 69.28 |
| Liaison | Austin Eriksson |
| Submission Date | Feb. 29, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
California State University, Northridge
IN-3: Innovation 3
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Austin
Eriksson Sustainability Program Manager FPDC |
Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
California is being faced with a record drought and with a shrinking water supply all California’s are being asked to reduce their water consumption by 25%. In an effort to meet this goal, CSUN began looking at options to conserve water in our landscaped areas. The goals was to ultimate reduce water consumption in large turf spaces while maintaining a playable field. The University piloted a product called Aqua Cents on our East Field to test its effectiveness and how it could help us achieve our goals.
Aqua Cents offers the only technology on the market using a method of injecting pressurized hydrogels for water conservation measures in turf and landscaping. The Aqua Cents device injects agricultural grade hydrogels beneath the turf’s surface to help retain moisture. This material acts as a sponge below the root zone, holding any excess irrigation water until the roots extract it.
A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):
This product has helped the university reduce water consumption on the East Field by 50%-70% during the testing period. Because the product performed so well, two additional locations (North Field and Sierra Quad) were treated. CSUN is estimating an annual water savings of 7,320,000 gallons from these three projects.
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
Which of the following STARS subcategories does the innovation most closely relate to? (Select all that apply up to a maximum of five):
| Yes or No | |
| Curriculum | --- |
| Research | --- |
| Campus Engagement | --- |
| Public Engagement | --- |
| Air & Climate | --- |
| Buildings | --- |
| Dining Services | --- |
| Energy | --- |
| Grounds | Yes |
| Purchasing | --- |
| Transportation | --- |
| Waste | --- |
| Water | Yes |
| Coordination, Planning & Governance | --- |
| Diversity & Affordability | --- |
| Health, Wellbeing & Work | --- |
| Investment | --- |
Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
The website URL where information about the innovation 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.