| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 58.54 |
| Liaison | Jay Price |
| Submission Date | March 2, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
OP-10: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.43 / 2.00 |
Preston
Jacobsen Sustainability Manager Facilities Services |
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
| Area | |
| Total campus area |
580
Acres
Date Revised: May 4, 2016
|
| Footprint of the institution's buildings | 200 Acres |
| Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas |
274.90
Acres
Date Revised: May 4, 2016
|
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 | 81.50 Acres |
| Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected | 14 Acres |
A copy of the IPM plan:
The IPM plan :
Pests shall be controlled through the use of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. A thorough review of the issue and of alternate methods of treatment shall be undertaken prior to the use of chemicals to control weeds and pests.
A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:
Augment the integrity and performance of the campus landscape by employing sustainable practices. Authentic participation in higher education programs to advance environmental responsibility must guide all campus development.
As a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher
Education, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville has initiated the Make Orange
Green campaign that includes a Climate Action Plan, energy conservation,
numerous recycling efforts, and Green Dining. In recent years, UTK has
made significant investments in a sustainable future with the creation of new
departments and implementation of plans and policies. The mission statement
of the University of Tennessee System makes specific mention that “The UT
System’s delivery of education, discovery, outreach and public service contributes
to the economic, social and environmental well-being of all Tennesseans.” This
commitment to sustainable practices – those that are environmentally sensitive,
economically feasible and supportive of social equity – is reflective of the
University’s founding mission as a land grant institution and appropriate to an
aspiring Top 25 Public Research University. To meet this goal, further sustainable
practices should be incorporated into the life of the University that are reflective
of an institution that is engaged in cutting-edge technology and research.
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 species shall be considered for all planting applications on
campus for the environmental benefi ts that they provide. The “Invasive Plants of Tennessee” document from Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council shall be consulted to ensure that all new plant species are not listed. Prioritize the removal of documented invasive plant species to prevent them from overwhelming the native plant communities and threatening local insect and bird populations that depend on the native species. Consult the following resources on Tennessee’s invasive plants: The Oak Ridge National Education Research Park website - http://www.esd.ornl.gov/facilities/nerp/invasive_species.html, and the Tennessee Exotic Pest Council website - http://www.tneppc.org.
A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville has an on-site composting facility, and much of the green waste from Landscaping Services goes to this facility to be added to the compost.
A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:
There is a 14 acre certified organic farm owned by the university. The use of this farm is primarily research and experiential learning focused. So the farm is used for vegetable based field and variety research trials, organic management techniques, organic and sustainable forage research, no-till corn and soybeans, management practices for production of corn and soybeans, with emphasis on fertility and weed control, bee and wildflower management, student market garden, tomato variety testing, vegetable production on biodegradable mulches, and extensive use of cover crops for prevention of erosion, improving organic matter content of the soil, and for overall sustainability.
Date Revised: May 4, 2016
A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:
N/A
A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:
The University of Tennessee employs best management practices for stormwater management, promoting the campus as a leader in environmental stewardship, as befits a land grant institution. The institution uses sustainable strategies, such as bioswales and rain gardens, to increase the quality and decrease the quantity of runoff. The university considers these strategies to filter pollutants that accumulate between rainfalls and encourage on-site infiltration, while also providing carbon sinks with the vegetation, improving air quality and providing biodiversity on the campus. It also utilizes permeable pavements where possible to minimize non-point source pollution of local waterways, while also increasing groundwater recharge and reducing stress on stormwater infrastructure. There are permeable pavers and structural cells at Neyland Stadium’s Gate 21 to permit infiltration and improve growing conditions for the trees in the plaza. Additionally, several cisterns have been or will be installed on campus to collect rainwater for use for irrigation.
A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):
A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:
The University of Tennessee has 14 acres of certified organic farm land in production that is readily used for research. Some of the projects at the farm include conservation tillage techniques, high-tunnel production, variety trials, optimizing fertility, and assessment of native bees.
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.