| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 68.58 |
| Liaison | Mary Ellen Mallia |
| Submission Date | Jan. 15, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University at Albany
OP-10: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.50 / 2.00 |
Nancy
Dame Grounds Supervisor Grounds |
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
| Area | |
| Total campus area | 535 Acres |
| Footprint of the institution's buildings | 475 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 | 60 Acres |
| Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected | 0 Acres |
A copy of the IPM plan:
The IPM plan :
While there is no formal document, the grounds department adheres to IPM practices by assessing the presence of pests through baiting and monitoring to determine the level of infestation, determining the appropriate response (i.e. least toxic/minimal level of chemical use) and when spraying is necessary, only applying in targeted areas.
A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:
Sustainable landscape management for the campus is approached in many ways. These include no phosphorus and strategic fertilizer and pesticide applications, higher mowing heights and reduced mowing areas, aeration, seasonal pruning and best practice plant care, use of native plant materials that require less irrigation, and the introduction of porous pavements limiting salt use and plowing.
A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:
During construction and renovation projects, existing trees are protected with fencing extending to the canopy edge when possible. Air spading around root systems is encouraged to minimize disturbance and destruction during projects. Plants that have been identified to have pests or diseases are removed and new plantings are planted. New plantings are selected based on soil type and location. Locally grown nurseries are selected first when choosing plant material sources and invasive lists help guide preferred plantings. Some limitations and restrictions apply in this arena in order to meet the minority and women owed business (MWBE) requirements for the state.
A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:
We have static piles on campus for lawn clippings, leaves, and tree debris.
A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:
Our soils on the uptown campus are naturally sandy. Plant selection to tolerate these soils is very important. Organic matter is provided during planting and yearly mulching with hardwood mulch provides additional soil enhancement. With no plant debris composting efforts on campus, plant bed and lawn area top dressing and nutrient recycling is limited.
A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:
Where economical, consideration of time of year, and existing and proposed plant conditions allow, plants will be moved and reused during construction and renovation projects. Groundcover plantings and shredded hardwood mulch are used to control weed growth in areas requiring a refined appearance.
A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:
As part of stormwater management, we try to use green infrastructure practices as much as possible such as porous surfaces for parking lots and sidewalks, rain gardens and green roofs. We utilize surface and subsurface stormwater infiltration systems that discharge stormwater to the soil. The campus irrigation system utilizes stormwater runoff that is collected at Indian Pond as the source of water for the system.
A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):
The university has begun to implement two strategies to reduce the environmental impacts of snow and ice. These include the use of porous surfaces reduces the use of salt and provide more traction and switching to a product that is 95% magnesium chloride (away for calcium chloride)
A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:
None
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:
Landscape master plan link: http://www.albany.edu/facilities/campusplanning/documents/LandscapeMasterPlan.pdf
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.