| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 65.89 |
| Liaison | Allie Schwartz |
| Submission Date | Aug. 29, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Columbia University
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
Dan
Held Assistant Vice President Strategic Communications, Columbia University Facilities and Operations |
Total campus area (i.e. the total amount of land within the institutional boundary):
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds:
| Area (double-counting is not allowed) | |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses a four-tiered approach | 58 Acres |
| Area managed in accordance with an organic land care standard or sustainable landscape management program that has eliminated the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides in favor of ecologically preferable materials | 0 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional landscape management practices (which may include some IPM principles or techniques) | 0 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 58 Acres |
A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds (e.g. the footprint of buildings and impervious surfaces, experimental agricultural land, areas that are not regularly managed or maintained):
N/A
Percentage of grounds managed in accordance with an IPM program:
A copy of the IPM plan or program:
A brief description of the IPM program:
see attached.
Percentage of grounds managed in accordance with an organic program:
A brief description of the organic land standard or landscape management program that has eliminated the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides in favor of ecologically preferable materials:
We do not currently follow the organic land standard, however, our use of cultural and IPM practices reduces our need for inorganic products.
A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:
Columbia University removes invasive species by manual removal such as phragmites in the Muscota Marsh; provides cultural practices to ensure adequate coverage of turf to effortlessly absorb rainfall, and selects plant material appropriate for hardiness zone, including improved cultivars.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
By maintaining a healthy stand of turfgrasses, soil erosion in minimal at both sites. Computerized irrigation systems ensure that plants receive the proper amount of moisture, and can automatically shut off in the event of a broken water pipe or heavy rain event. At Muscota Marsh, a tertiary weir system, combined with aquatic plant material, filters runoff water prior to its ultimate release into the salt marsh.
A brief description of the institution's approach to materials management and waste minimization (e.g. composting and/or mulching on-site waste):
The University in partnership with DSNY does have a composting program in place.
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
N/A
A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution (e.g. use of environmentally preferable landscaping materials, initiatives to reduce the impacts of ice and snow removal, wildfire prevention):
Prior to the start of each snow season, employees are re-trained on the proper techniques to apply deicing materials; equipment is carefully calibrated for proper application rates, and weather stations and forecasts are monitored in real time to track the potential storm intensity and impact on the campuses. When feasible, snow and ice removal are accomplished by plows and brushing, and chemical treatment is applied only when necessary. Deicing products are directed toward targeted areas, not haphazardly applied.
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support 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.