| Overall Rating | Bronze |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 37.00 |
| Liaison | Bo Solomon |
| Submission Date | March 4, 2022 |
Drexel University
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.58 / 2.00 |
Bo
Solomon University Sustainability Officer Procurement |
Total campus area:
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds:
| Area (double-counting is not allowed) | |
| Area managed organically, without the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides | 0.70 Hectares |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses selected chemicals only when needed | 1.29 Hectares |
| Area managed using conventional, chemical-based landscape management practices | 2.66 Hectares |
| Total area of managed grounds | 4.65 Hectares |
A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds:
Excluded areas are building footprints and roadways. We maintain cleanliness and safety in parking lots, loading docks, plazas and permeable paving surfaces.
Percentage of grounds managed organically:
A brief description of the organic landscape management program:
For all new trees planted, a mixture of microbial soil amendments are added to the soil along with compost, instead of inorganic fertilizers. We use a liquid version of the microbial stimuland for any trees that are showing signs of stress, timed with the appropriate growth cycle of the tree. Estimated 15% organic
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:
Integrated Pest Management is practiced throughout the entire University. Our contracted vendors are asked to monitor, identify, and control pests in the most chemical free and environmentally friendly way possible. Only in rare cases are chemicals used to treat any pests on our campus and those must go through an Environmental Health & Safety review prior to implementation. Prevention is our number one tool in pest control and to that end we educate our users in ways to keep their areas pest free so that exterminators are not needed (timely removal of waste, keeping areas free of clutter & debris). We also incorporate horticutural techniques in our landscape maintenance that require little to no chemical use to control insects and weeds. It is our goal to limit the use of chemicals whenever possible and instead rely on techniques like proper pruning and plant selection.
A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:
On all new and renovated landscape areas, native plants are used whenever possible. We source our plant material from local greenhouses and landscape nurseries, most of which are within 50 miles of Philadelphia.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
All of the University's irrigation systems incorporate rain sensors to trigger the system 'off' when rain is detected. On over half of the University's irrigation, soil moisture sensors are used as well to prevent irrigating areas that don't need it.
A brief description of the institution's approach to landscape materials management and waste minimization:
All organic waste generated from campus activities are collected and then hauled offsite by a vendor who operates a composting/mulching facility. This prevents our materials from being landfilled; we average over 60 tons of material per year.
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
There has been a focus recently to install native landscapes that are tolerant to the urban micro-climate. This reduces the overall need for water and care as the landscape matures. We are planting more shade trees to help combat the heat in the summer and wherever landscape lighting is installed, we spec LED fixtures with photocell controlled operation to reduce run time.
A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution:
We have made it a point to install native landscapes, with perennials and groundcovers grown locally and installed as plugs which require care and time to establish. Our use of annuals in large plantings has decreased in favor of perennial plantings and where possible we've begun to plant environmentally friendly species (ie. butterfly bush). In the winter, we identify areas throughout campus near landscaped areas & drainage swales where snow can be piled and that salts & de-icers will not be used.
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable landscape management program 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.