| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 52.37 |
| Liaison | Sergio Alza |
| Submission Date | April 5, 2024 |
Brock University
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
Evan
Rodenburg Sustainability Data Analyst Facilities Management |
Total campus area:
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds:
| Area (double-counting is not allowed) | |
| Area managed organically, without the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides | 0 Hectares |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses selected chemicals only when needed | 89.95 Hectares |
| Area managed using conventional, chemical-based landscape management practices | 0 Hectares |
| Total area of managed grounds | 89.95 Hectares |
If the total area of managed grounds is less than the total campus area, provide:
Buildings were excluded from the total area of managed grounds. Parking lots were included as Brock does maintain these spaces regularly.
Organic program
If reporting an organic program, provide:
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Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program
If reporting an IPM program, provide:
A brief description of the IPM program:
Integrated Pest Management and Plant Health Care Practices for the Campus Landscape: For almost 20 years the Grounds Crew has not utilized pesticides to maintain the campus landscape. Sustainable Integrated Pest Management and Plant Health Care practices are followed. There have only been a couple instances in the past few years where herbicides were utilized to control Poison Ivy. Since the use of pesticides is not resorted to, every cultural practice possible is utilized. We regularly seek out and try new or proven practices, equipment etc.
Optional Fields
The following information comes from the Brock University Grounds and Landscape Development Design Standards: -The right plant for the site conditions, environment and maintenance considerations. -Native plant material to be used close to natural areas. Non-invasive exotics to be considered after native material. -Plant choices to be approved by Manager, Grounds Services. -Topsoil to be specified such that good quality loam is used for optimum plant health over the life of the plant. Topsoil depth to be 12” of soil minimum is desired. Turf areas may have less (8”) if sub-soil is sufficient. Bed areas will have more. - 16” minimum depth. Topsoil testing and samples testing to be provided prior to soil arriving on site. -Sub-surface to be broken up in areas that are compacted (either currently or by construction). Sub surface grade to be approved prior to placing topsoil. -Mulch must be specified such that good quality mulch is used. Shredded Cedar works well on campus providing a good weed barrier, longevity and it stays in place with the wind experienced. -No non-organic mulch/ground cover/surface treatment is NOT to be used. -Bed width must be greater than 6'. -Planted median strips/boulevards must be greater than 6’ in width. -Parking lot medians to be 20’ wide to provide enough soil mass for tree health and space for snow loading from plowing. -Tight corners in bed shape to be avoided.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
Brock’s Grounds Landscape Design Standards highlight that surface run off and drainage needs to be accommodated. Run off from up slope onto hard surfaces needs to be diverted before running across pavement to prevent ice in winter. In addition: -If system is supplied with gray water, a back-up option needs to be provided for when the gray water source is exhausted. When required, irrigation will be automated and tied in with the Building Automation System for control. -If system is supplied with gray water, a back-up option needs to be provided for when the gray water source is exhausted. -Hose bibs to be provided in strategic locations for access (minimum, one per face of building). -Sub-surface systems are not acceptable. -Irrigation responsibility for sod, trees and plants needs to be specified for the whole establishment period (for large trees this can be several years. Drainage is from Brocks main campus is either diverted into lake moody, we also have a storm-water management pond behind Zone 2, otherwise everything else runs down the escarpment.
A brief description of the institution's approach to landscape materials management and waste minimization:
All Landscape waste is composted and re-used on site. Most brush is chipped and used as mulch.
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
Brock’s Grounds Landscape Design Standards highlight that mulch must be specified so only good quality mulch is used. Shredded Cedar works well on campus providing a good weed barrier, longevity and it stays in place with wind. Only organic mulch/ground cover/surface treatment is used.
A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution:
Brock’s Grounds Landscape Design Standards highlight that existing trees are to be protected and preserved in accordance with ISA Standards (International Association of Arboriculture). Restoration of all areas disturbed will be required, including soil compaction relief.
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable landscape management program is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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.