| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 65.52 |
| Liaison | Andrew D'Amico |
| Submission Date | Feb. 28, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Princeton University
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.00 / 2.00 |
Devin
Livi Associate Director Grounds and Building Maintenance |
Total campus area (i.e. the total amount of land within the institutional boundary):
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds:
| Area (double-counting is not allowed) | |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses a four-tiered approach | 0 Acres |
| Area managed in accordance with an organic land care standard or sustainable landscape management program that has eliminated the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides in favor of ecologically preferable materials | 0 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional landscape management practices (which may include some IPM principles or techniques) | 425 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 425 Acres |
A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds (e.g. the footprint of buildings and impervious surfaces, experimental agricultural land, areas that are not regularly managed or maintained):
The footprint of impervious land is 210 acres.
Percentage of grounds managed in accordance with an IPM program:
A copy of the IPM plan or program:
A brief description of the IPM program:
We have two zones of inspections: the main campus is inspected in-house and the east and west sides by Bartlett Trees Experts. Our objective is to use cultural practices, good plants selection and soil remediation to have healthier plant material and therefore plants that can tolerate pests. Aspects of the plan include using the least toxic chemical pesticides; minimum use of chemicals; use of chemicals only in targeted locations and only for targeted species; and biological control through the release of beneficial insects (e.g. ladybugs) and larvae (e.g. greenlacewig larvae)
Percentage of grounds managed in accordance with an organic program:
A brief description of the organic land standard or landscape management program that has eliminated the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides in favor of ecologically preferable materials:
Princeton embraces the opportunity to integrate the campus more fully into the local natural landscape through restoration efforts and natural plantings. Robust natural landscapes provide pervious surfaces, thereby improving groundwater recharge, preventing soil and stream bank erosion, and protecting nearby surface waters.
Since the first Sustainability Plan in 2008, the University has undergone a series of design improvements, such as strategic woodland plantings in degraded areas and stream restoration. Historically, Princeton has irrigated minimally on campus, instead relying on robust plantings that require little maintenance, chemical input, and watering. This approach is a historically sustainable one, requiring far less fossil fuel input than extensive annual or sensitive specialty plantings. While limited specialty plantings are an integral part of the campus character, Princeton will maintain its traditional approach to general landscaping. Princeton emphasizes: preserving native soils, increasing pervious surfaces, installing plantings adapted to the local climate and soil types that require minimal maintenance, favoring organic approaches, and irrigating as an exception rather than a rule.
A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:
All University plantings are selected for their appropriateness in Princeton, New Jersey's hardiness zone, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additionally, the University chooses plantings by considering soil and watering requirements, as well as its proven ability to flourish in this campus environment. When possible, Princeton protects and uses existing vegetation on campus and in its natural areas.
When possible, the University uses natural methods to control weeds, insects and fungi. An example of this is the University's integrated pest management program: periodically the University releases a variety of beneficial insects and larvae.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
Princeton’s Stormwater Management Plan comprises of a two pronged approach. First, campus-wide strategies include enhancing existing systems, constructing new local systems, and implementing landscape-based restoration projects. Additionally, since 2008, Princeton has implemented sustainable design principles to minimize adverse effects in new development projects. Sites selected for new development projects have respected the environment by protecting sensitive natural resources, buffer zones, forests, and other ecologically sensitive areas. Whenever possible, new projects have been built on sites that are already developed and make them “greener” by creating new green space. All projects have demonstrated innovative site design techniques, such as integrating stormwater within the landscape for treatment, and promoting infiltration and rainwater reuse.
Overall, since the adoption of the Stormwater Plan in 2006, Princeton has reduced annual stormwater runoff by 23 million gallons by implementing the following strategies on more than 100 acres of Princeton’s campus: stream restoration (1,400 linear feet) along Washington Road, green roofs (63,000-plus square feet), porous pavement (63,000-plus square feet), subsurface infiltration facilities (450,000 cubic feet), infiltrating turf fields (580,000 square feet), and 24,000 gallons of rainwater harvesting systems at Frick Chemistry and the Andlinger Center.
A brief description of the institution's approach to materials management and waste minimization (e.g. composting and/or mulching on-site waste):
Nearly 100 percent of the leaves and landscape trimmings collected on campus are composted. During fiscal year 2017, almost 7,000 cubic yards of "green waste" were composted.
Beginning in 2018, the University will pilot a food waste composting system developed by FOR Solutions. The in-vessel aerobic digester will convert a portion of campus food waste into a soil amendment for University grounds, while serving as a living laboratory for multi-disciplinary investigations into all aspects of food waste conversion.
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
Several campus buildings include green roofs which support wildlife habitat, minimize stormwater run-off, and reduce building heating and cooling costs through lower maximum and higher minimum roof membrane temperatures.
A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution (e.g. use of environmentally preferable landscaping materials, initiatives to reduce the impacts of ice and snow removal, wildfire prevention):
Whenever possible, Grounds staff uses natural fertilizers on the University's campus, such as compost tea and mulch. Synthetic chemical use is also reduced by incorporating natural materials such as sand and clay into fertilizers. However, weather conditions sometimes require the use of synthetic fertilizers.
The University completes pre-storm treatment on campus to better prepare the campus before snow. Additionally, the University uses environmentally safer chemicals such as calcium magnesium acetate to remove snow.
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Additional Links:
Princeton University’s food waste demonstration project: https://biodigester.princeton.edu/
Additional Links:
Princeton University’s food waste demonstration project: https://biodigester.princeton.edu/
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.