Carleton University
OP-10: Landscape Management

Integrated Pest Management Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the use of chemical, biological and cultural controls to manage the pest population with techniques that cause as little disruption as possible to the natural environment. In this context the term “pest” refers to anything that may be unwanted such as fungi, virus, weed, insect or animal. A pesticide is anything that limits unwanted growth. IPM recognizes that the use of chemicals is a necessary part of a pest control program. IPM stresses conservative and accurate application of chemicals with an emphasis on a selective and responsible approach. Biological control involves the introduction of a living organism such as predators or parasites into the environment for the purpose of reducing or controlling an antagonistic species. Cultural controls include selecting plants that are native or suited to the environment, maintaining a diverse plant population and maintaining proper soil conditions. IPM recognizes and appreciates the imperative balance of nature while at the same time allowing for manipulation of the environment. The goals of Integrated Pest Management are to reduce the use of chemical pesticides and manage pest populations by other methods.

The Campus Master Plan reinforces many aspects of sustainability. Growth will be achieved through deinsification of the existing property and the Campus Master Plan notes that replacement of existing buildings will be considered so that more efficient use can be made of a building footprint.

Green spaces are to be maintained and highlighted through careful planning.

In 2011-’12, Carleton University produced approximately 2,360metric tons of waste or approximately 83 kg per capita. Of that 2,360 metric tons of waste, 1,332 metric tons or 56 per cent, were diverted through reuse, composting and recycling and by adding more recycling containers on campus, producing consistent signage and education materials, and diverting other materials such as unwanted furniture. Just the recycling of the blue box-type materials at Carleton saved the university approximately $74,500. In 2015, the waste diversion rate was 61%. To better understand the waste streams, building level waste audits were conducted in 2010. The results were used to evaluate where improvements were needed (reallocating recycling or garbage bins), as well as engaging the community (meetings with the cleaning staff in order to educate/engage them in the program). Special waste depots were established in 2009 to collect batteries, printer cartridges and cellular phones. To date, Carleton has shipped three large 45-gallon drums of batteries for recycling and disposal and many printer cartridges Practices: 1. Increase the diversion of waste to 60 percent by 2015. 2. Continue to work with Housing and Conference Services to focus on diversion (reuse and recycling) for move-in and move-out. 3. Create a comprehensive management plan for paper on campus –the largest individual stream of waste. The plan will include targets for overall reduction of paper use as well as recycling targets. A reduction in paper use will generate significant cost savings for Carleton as well. Aspects of the strategy may include: all computers on campus having double-sided printing as a default setting; requiring the use of centralized printers where possible (eliminate or reduce support for individual printers which are less efficient in many ways); promoting the use of electronic course packs (provide training); track the amount of paper each department uses and set reduction targets; require all theses to be double-sided (they are currently required to be single-sided); ensure that all mailings are targeted and that only the number needed are produced. 4. Hardware Services to develop a comprehensive strategy for dealing with all electronic waste or e-waste (by May 2014 and implemented by December 2014). E-waste such as computer monitors, hard drives, printers, etc. have components that are hazardous when not disposed of properly so a strategy ensuring proper disposal is an important step to achieving a more sustainable campus. 5. Work with Carleton’s main vendors such as Unisource and Grand and Toy to minimize the waste generated from regular deliveries (reusable shipping containers, combining shipments, etc.). 6. Purchasing and Facilities Management and Planningto explore the possibility of expanding the surplus goods process and establishinga permanent system for furniture reuse/recycling/disposal (June 2014). 7. Ensure that opportunities for minimizing waste and maximizing diversion are pursued for all construction and renovationjobs at Carleton. Comply withthe ASHRAE standard 189.1 for construction and demolition wa

The university has used no chemical pesticides on the grounds in at least five years.

Carleton’s land use and management of the 62 hectare campus impact the local ecosystem through the use of water, campus development and construction, landscaping applications such as fertilizers in summer or salt in winter, and storm water management. The university already has a policy for integrated pest management and has used no chemical pesticides on the grounds in at least five years.

Carleton University has invested substantially over the years in metering potable water by building. As a result, the university is in the enviable position of being able to assess where water is consumed and target specific areas where additional conservation is possible. The Canal Building is sub-metered to provide even more specific information on how and where potable water is consumed. To better understand where water is consumed on campus, the sustainability office conducted a water audit of Carleton University. The data collected will allow for specific targeting of high-use areas. The Sustainability Office has also worked with Housing and Conference Services to ensure that the renovation of the Russell Grenville residence in 2010 established a new level of water conservation at Carleton. There has been a drop in water consumption in Russell Grenville of 65 percent which will save Carleton’s Housing and Conference Services $44,000 a year in utility costs alone.

The Rideau River flood plain is regulated by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA), which is interested in reducing development in the river’s riparian zone. Carleton will work with the RVCA to balance active use of the amenity of the river bank (such as walks, seating and patios) for a portion of the river bank, with limits of use to the majority of the area on campus, as shown below.

Our Campus Master Plan states, "Carleton will continually seek ways to build, renew and maintain buildings, infrastructure and landscapes in a way which conserves resources, land, water and vegetation, reduces energy use, and limits waste disposal".