| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 53.99 |
| Liaison | Eric Meliton |
| Submission Date | Dec. 20, 2013 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Wilfrid Laurier University
OP-10: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.50 / 2.00 |
James
Emary Area Manager: Grounds Services Physical Resources |
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
| Area | |
| Total campus area | 34 Hectares |
| Footprint of the institution's buildings | 29.54 Hectares |
| Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas | 0 Hectares |
Area of managed grounds that is::
| Area | |
| Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan | 0 Hectares |
| Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined | 4.45 Hectares |
| Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected | 0 Hectares |
A copy of the IPM plan:
The IPM plan :
The IPM plan is to use organic fertilizers, topdress, and aerating to produce a healthy turf. The use of horticultural vinegar for the interlock walkways, curbs, and medians controls unwanted weeds on a yearly basis.
A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:
We reduce the stormwater run-off through the use of rain gardens, green roofs, and rain water harvesting systems. Also, we reduce the water used in our landscapes through design of water-wise garden techniques. This includes the use of drought tolerant native plants for all landscape projects.
We use composted soil to replenish all our planting beds annually which gives us great success with our annual planting.
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 are used in 100% of campus landscape improvements. This includes the use of native grasses, flowers, herbs, shrubs and trees.
A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:
Grass trimmings, plant trimmings and fall leaf clean up are collected throughout the growing season and taken to a local nursery that uses it for compost and insulation for the nursery stock over the winter months. Grass clippings are also mulched during the summer months to provide nutrients to the turf.
A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:
Laurier does not use any inorganic fertilizers or chemicals. We use organic fertilizers, topdress, and aerating to produce a healthy turf.
A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:
Native plant species are used in 100% of campus landscape improvements. This includes the use of native grasses, flowers, herbs, shrubs and trees. Our ground crew is trained in the 'Smart about Salt' program and uses environmentally friendly road salt.
A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:
Laurier is not near any shorelines or wetlands. We do harvest rainwater for grounds maintenance.
A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):
Grounds employees have all completed the ‘Smart About Salt’ program presented by the Region of Waterloo. The program teaches about the environmental issues associated with winter maintenance activities, and how simple acts and use of alternatives can help drastically reduce these impacts for your institution. It then trains employees on the innovative execution of implementing the program.
'Smart about Salt Training' is unique in that it includes:
-Training specific to private parking lots, roads and sidewalks;
-Support during implementation; and
-Continuous improvement
The program has also been widely recognized and has garnered interest from across North America.
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.