| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 75.90 |
| Liaison | Deborah Steinberg |
| Submission Date | Dec. 6, 2021 |
Carnegie Mellon University
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Steve
Guenther University Engineer and Assistant Vice President of Facilities Management and Campus Services Facilities Management Services |
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:
CMU is directly adjacent to the Panther Hollow Watershed, which is nested within the Four Mile Run Watershed and part of Schenley Park. Created in 1889 with land donated by heiress Mary Schenley, the park now contains 456 acres of trails, woods, and attractions. Schenley Park is a daily destination for university students and outdoor enthusiasts. The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority released City-Wide Green First Plan, a framework to address stormwater issues by using green infrastructure in areas such as Four Mile Run Watershed.
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:
The inventory of campus vegetation was compared to a list of endangered and vulnerable species and none were present.
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:
Carnegie Mellon University retains landscape architects and other consultants to complete in-depth ecological analysis and study of biodiversity and land health for all major construction projects. The findings and analysis are incorporated with the landscape plans for the site protection and development. The campus does not include any areas of biodiversity importance on land 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:
The inventory of campus vegetation was compared to a list of endangered and vulnerable species.
A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
The survey recorded more than 7,000 trees, shrubs, and plants on the main Pittsburgh campus.
A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
We are improving our bee and songbird population with pollinator plantings and increased tree canopy coverage.
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.