Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 50.72
Liaison Philip Mansfield
Submission Date Feb. 17, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Carleton University
OP-10: Landscape Management

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 2.00 Philip Mansfield
Sustainability Manager
Facilities Management and Planning
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
Area
Total campus area 62 Hectares
Footprint of the institution's buildings 11.59 Hectares
Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas 9.59 Hectares

Area of managed grounds that is::
Area
Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan 40.81 Hectares
Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined Hectares
Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected Hectares

A copy of the IPM plan:
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The IPM plan :

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.


A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:

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.


A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:

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


A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:

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


A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:

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


A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:

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.


A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:

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.


A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):
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A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:

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.


Is the institution recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program (if applicable)?:
No

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:

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".


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".

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.