| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 55.05 |
| Liaison | Nicole Arsenault |
| Submission Date | April 20, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
York University
OP-10: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.33 / 2.00 |
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
| Area | |
| Total campus area | 218.33 Hectares |
| Footprint of the institution's buildings | 24.20 Hectares |
| Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas | --- |
Area of managed grounds that is::
| Area | |
| Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan | --- |
| Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined | 172 Hectares |
| Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected | --- |
A copy of the IPM plan:
The IPM plan :
York University follows an Integrated Pest Management strategy:
The IPM strategy used by York aims to prevent and reduce the occurrence of pests through cultural techniques, such as maintaining good building cleanliness and encouraging individuals to dispose of food waste in outdoor compost digesters or kitchenette organic waste bins. In the event that pest control is required, we use humane and non-chemical mechanical controls to physically remove pest.
If necessary, highly localized and species-specific chemical controls may be applied in strict adherence with York University’s Standard Operating Procedures (http://www.yorku.ca/csbo/documents/CSBO%20Spray%20Days%20SOP%200803.pdf) which state that It is imperative that activities producing fumes, odours, or spray drift be carried out in such a manner that insect, animal and plant research is protected.
A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:
York’s Master Plan is adopting a larger focus on greening the campus in a sustainable way. Through a 2009 assessment, York’s tree canopy covers 16.2% of the campus. The York Master Plan has set a target of 30% tree canopy coverage in order to meet City of Toronto guidelines. Grounds management decreased the amount of grass cutting, which has allowed for more naturalization of green areas and a reduction in energy and fuel consumption. Landscape development is increasingly being done with xeriscaping, planting primarily native species that are suited to the local climate.
A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:
The natural beauty of the campus is complimented by increasingly using xeriscaping, planting primarily native species that are suited to the local climate.
A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:
Approximately 60 Organic Digesters (a.k.a. composters) are located around the outdoors of Keele and Glendon campuses (see the Waste Diversion Map for locations). These digesters can be used by the York community to dispose of any fruit or vegetable waste.
A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:
The university applies organic fertilizers, as well as applying organic materials, including compost for topdressing and mulches around planting areas (trees, shrubs, perennials, etc). We also leave all grass clippings during our grass cutting operations and mulch tree materials (wood chips, leaves, etc), which are applied back to the campus grounds.
A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:
-Since 2006 the use of pesticides has decreased by 50%.
- 50% of fertilizer used on campus is organic
A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:
A continuously growing amount of York’s landscaping features are being designed to require minimal watering. This is done by selecting plants and shrubs that are naturally suited for York’s climate. York has increased its use of mulch in planted areas for water retention and the use of porous hard surface materials such as interlock pavers (which are reusable, offer better durability than asphalt/concrete and improve water infiltration). As well, York uses landscape features to maintain the natural hydrology of campus. Bio swales have been constructed throughout the campus in locations where they can collect and filter storm water naturally before it runs into drains. Two ponds (Stong pond, Tennis Canada pond) have also been constructed which are serve as retention ponds to prevent flooding during heavy rain and storms.
A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):
York strives to minimize the use of rock salt for environmental reasons, to reduce corrosion and to avoid tracking salt into buildings. As such, a mixture of sand and salt is utilized for de-icing purposes. Straight rock salt may be used during an ice storm or freezing rain situation. Potassium chloride pellets are used on concrete surfaces or at entrances and stairways in order to minimize corrosion.
A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:
The City of Toronto Ravine and natural Feature Protection By-law, Municipal Code Chapter 658, was amended by the City in May 2008 to include woodlands in addition to ravines. The purpose of the By-law is to promote the management, protection and conservation for ravines and associated natural and woodland areas and to prohibit and regulate the injury and destruction of trees, filling, grading and dumping in defined areas. York has four woodlots on Keele campus as well as Hoover Creek. These features are located within the ravine and natural heritage protection area and are thus subject to the requirements of the By-Law.
The Glendon forest is located within a designated historic site protected by the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority (TCRA)
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.