| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 47.82 |
| Liaison | John Stolz |
| Submission Date | March 4, 2022 |
Duquesne University
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.12 / 2.00 |
Brianna
Marks Graduate Assistant Center for Environmental Research and Education |
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 | 1 Acres |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses selected chemicals only when needed | 7 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional, chemical-based landscape management practices | 0 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 8 Acres |
A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds:
This data only includes campus greenspaces (excludes building footprints, parking lots, sidewalks, etc.)
Percentage of grounds managed organically:
A brief description of the organic landscape management program:
Estimating 1 acre managed organically (the slope behind the Crucifix garden and the Liberty bridge connector, and the slope at Brottier/Forbes Ave).
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:
The Duquesne University Grounds department is dedicated to the concepts of IPM in our care for the campus grounds. We are guided in our IPM program just as we are in all of our daily horticultural operations by the concepts of Good Cultural Practices.
IPM practices have been adopted on campus in the care of ornamental beds and lawn areas. Licensed and trained employees inspect plants and lawns daily. Problem areas are treated with chemicals if significant concern rises for the health of the plant. The grounds crew uses a tree injection system, which treats our trees systemically, rather than spraying chemicals into the air. This injection system is efficient in treating plants with small, but concentrated doses of the product.
The IPM approved in early 2022 (completed largely during FY21) has several sections that discuss sustainable landscaping and stormwater management. See discussion of sustainable landscaping practices on pp. 63-64; Environmental protection plan, p. 97; Sustainable Landscape & Green Infrastructure Benefits, pp. 104-115; and Storm water Management, pp. 122-131. The site design for the future College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM), which was done largely during FY21, employs progressive bio-cells to foster the growth of street trees and associated bio filtration plantings.
A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:
Duquesne University is dedicated to creating high quality and high performing landscapes by designing with plantings to create a cohesive campus aesthetic, using the landscape to frame key views and screen less-desirable ones, considering maintenance implications before plantings, and selecting plants for seasonal interest, designing for maximum effect when classes are in session. Landscaping should consist of 75% native plants or plants adapted to the region.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
Duquesne University uses plant species suited for the climate and that are low water use plants. Additionally the University utilizes the living landscape as an opportunity to reduce pollutant loads.
A brief description of the institution's approach to landscape materials management and waste minimization:
25% of landscape materials are diverted. We mulch grass clippings into the grass. Upon leaf drop, leaves are blown into the grass and mulched into until the first freeze.
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
Duquesne University follows best management practices, such as:
1) putting the right plant in the right place
2) avoids massing of the same species of plants, but utilizes the 30, 20, 10 rule
3) species selection based on minimal pests and human interaction for health, majority of plants sourced are indigenous to the region and/or naturalized to region
A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution:
Duquesne works to reduce the use of fertilizers on campus and to use slow release fertilizers to reduce fertilizer runoff. Duquesne also uses plant materials that do not require maintenance after establishment and reuses organic materials when available. Landscaped trees are mulched annually.
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.