| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 67.08 |
| Liaison | Philip Mansfield |
| Submission Date | March 4, 2022 |
Carleton University
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
Philip
Mansfield Sustainability Manager Facilities Management and Planning |
Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, or regions of conservation importance?:
A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
The Rideau Canal is adjacent to Carleton University, recognized not only as a National Historic Site of Canada, but also a World Heritage Site. In the winter months, a portion of the canal also becomes the Rideau Canal Skateway, which is the largest skating rink in the world.
Part of the Carleton Campus also covers the Rideau River flood plain, 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 Rideau Valley Conservation Authority 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.
Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory species) with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution?:
A list of endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution, by level of extinction risk:
Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution?:
A brief description of areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution:
No areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution.
The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or areas of biodiversity importance and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
Carleton conducted a review of our outdoor space and areas of biodiversity important areas within our outdoor space master planning review.
A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
The Carleton University campus is located in an urban outside of the core of downtown Ottawa. It is a near mixed environment of commerce, residences, and industries. The campus is bordered by the Rideau River, Major Road (Bronson Rd) and the Rideau Canal.
A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
The Carleton Sustainability Plan includes key strategic goals to maximize the use of green space on campus and maintain university grounds in an environmentally sensitive way, having regard for the enhancement of local ecosystems, the use of native species and promoting the use of green spaces to grow food on campus. In addition it seeks to enhance conservation and biodiversity outcomes through the management of our campus and increase communications and engagement towards biodiversity efforts. The plan also set actions to review the feasibility for Carleton to provide more space for pollinator habitats.
Carleton has also developed an Outdoor Space Master Plan, in an effort to coordinate and promote the university’s landscape setting as a catalyst for learning and sustainability. This plans sets goals to prioritize sustainability by considering urban ecology, embodied carbon, and low impact development. Biodiversity, sustainable management strategies, and smart material choices will guide the design and renovation of campus landscapes. Partnerships with faculties on campus, as well as with the Sustainability Office, can facilitate implementation as well as experimentation with sustainable technologies.
The plan also incorporates Indigenous perspectives and acknowledge the campus location on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Nation. Wherever possible and wherever appropriate, Indigenous perspectives will be considered in the design, of outdoor elements on campus. Respectful and meaningful consultation must be held with Indigenous people on and off campus in the design of these elements.
Planting and Biodiversity Selection is outlined (and includes a full list of species on campus and which are native for use):
• Establish diverse plant communities native to the Mixedwood Plains and Ontario Shield ecological regions
• Consider seasonality - including fall foliage display, winter colour, and spring blooms where appropriate
• Tree planting should avoid mono-cultures of the same species
• Where appropriate, provide drought tolerant plants that require minimal to no irrigation beyond the establishment period
• Select plants that promote biodiversity and increase animal and insect habitat
• Consider use of traditional medicinal plants in appropriate locations on campus, in partnership with Indigenous campus stakeholders
Estimated percentage of areas of biodiversity importance that are also protected areas :
Website URL where information about the institution’s biodiversity initiatives 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.