| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 75.35 |
| Liaison | Megan Litke |
| Submission Date | March 30, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
American University
OP-10: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.50 / 2.00 |
Mark
Feist Assistant Director Grounds, Vehicle Maintenance & Support Services Facilities Management |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
None
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
| Area | |
| Total campus area | 34 Hectares |
| Footprint of the institution's buildings | 5.26 Hectares |
| Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas | 0 Hectares |
None
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 | 28.73 Hectares |
| Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected | 0 Hectares |
None
A copy of the IPM plan:
None
The IPM plan :
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None
A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:
AU manages the landscape immediately surrounding the SIS building using guidelines from the SITES pilot project.
None
A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:
AU primarily uses native and adaptive plants on campus grounds.
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A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:
AU partners with Recycled Green to collect, compost, and return 100% of AU’s yard waste and apply it as an organic fertilizer on campus grounds.
None
A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:
Organic Topsoil and compost is utilized to encourage healthy soils. Erosion control practices are followed during construction projects.
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A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:
AU utilizes permeable paving when possible. We also use locally sourced, organic compost top-soil and mulch from a local composting facility in Maryland. Edibles, perennials, and natives are planted whenever possible. Gator bags are used for trees to maximize the efficient use of potable water.
None
A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:
American University has a variety of stormwater management features including green roofs, stormwater retention ponds, and rain gardens. Rainwater is collected on the roof of the School of International Service building and is filtered in the cistern and reused for toilet flushing. Irrigation is run on an automated system that is connected to the weather station on campus to reduce potable water use for irrigation. Rainwater is also collected in a cistern in Cassell as well and is used for irrigation.
None
A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):
Hand shoveling and brush-sweeping equipment is used. Magnesium chloride (MgCl) is used as a deicer alternative to NaCl on walkways and stairs. AU is also looking at other alternatives to find the most environmentally friendly road salt, such as possibly Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA).
None
A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:
AU’s campus is a Certified Wildlife Habitat from the National Wildlife Foundation. The School of International Service achieved a 2 star certification for the Sustainable Sites Initiative.
None
Is the institution recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program (if applicable)?:
Yes
None
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:
American University does not exclusively manage organically, through a third party and/or protected although we incorporate organic practices using organic fertilizers, composting, IPM and expansion of the campus tree canopy (carbon sequestration).
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.