| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 56.19 |
| Liaison | Lissette Hernandez |
| Submission Date | May 13, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Florida International University
OP-27: Rainwater Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Alexandra
Dutton Program Manager Office of University Sustainability |
Does the institution use Low Impact Development (LID) practices as a matter of policy or standard practice to reduce rainwater/stormwater runoff volume and improve outgoing water quality for new construction, major renovation, and other projects?:
A brief description of the institution’s Low Impact Development (LID) practices:
FIU's building policy requires that all new construction meet a minimum of LEED Silver Certification. LEED BD+C addresses rainwater management in a credit. This credit aims to reduce runoff volume and improve water quality by replicating the natural hydrology and water balance of the site, based on historical conditions and undeveloped ecosystems in the region. The LEED process also addresses water run-off during construction in a prerequisite credit that aims to reduce pollution from construction activities by controlling soil erosion, waterway sedimentation, and airborne dust.
FIU aims to meet these credits in the LEED rating system to achieve maximum points possible. In addition, FIU adheres to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). This requires development of EPA Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for construction projects site area greater than 1 acre. FIU adheres to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). FDEP is responsible for issuing permits and performing compliance and enforcement activities as the NPDES permitting authority in Florida.
Has the institution adopted a rainwater/stormwater management policy, plan, or strategies that mitigate the rainwater runoff impacts of ongoing campus operations through the use of green infrastructure? :
A brief description of the institution’s rainwater/stormwater management policy, plan, and/or strategies for ongoing campus operations:
The Campus Master Plan specifically address management of stormwater in Element 16 Landscape Design Guidelines
Policy 1.1.10 Improve the integration of existing and new storm water retention areas as landscape enhancement elements.
Policy 1.8.4 New projects and major renovations should be seen as opportunities to utilize new pervious paving. The use of pervious pavers in appropriate locations, such as courtyards, plazas and service drives to reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality is encouraged. All materials shall comply with universal accessibility requirements.
Additionally, stormwater management is addressed in all construction in adherence to a LEED Silver minimum as stipulated by the Campus Master Plan in Element 15 Architectural Design Guidelines.
A brief description of any rainwater harvesting employed by the institution:
All ponds on campus are designed and used as rainwater retention ponds that are used for irrigating campus grounds.
Rainwater harvested directly and stored/used by the institution, performance year:
A brief description of any rainwater filtering systems employed by the institution to treat water prior to release:
A brief description of any living or vegetated roofs on campus:
FIU is home to the first green roof in South Florida on our Academic Health Center (AHC) 3 Nursing building, our first LEED Silver certified building. FIU also has a large green roof on the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) building which was the first building on campus to achieve a LEED Gold rating.
A brief description of any porous (i.e. permeable) paving employed by the institution:
FIU Parkview Residence Hall utilizes a porous pavement road along the southeastern edge of the FIU Nature Preserve.
A brief description of any downspout disconnection employed by the institution:
A brief description of any rain gardens on campus:
A brief description of any stormwater retention and/or detention ponds employed by the institution:
All ponds on campus are designed and used as rainwater retention ponds that are used for irrigating campus grounds.
A brief description of any bioswales on campus (vegetated, compost or stone):
The FIU Basketball Arena has two vegetated swales in the outdoor plaza that collect and filter rainwater.
A brief description of any other rainwater management technologies or strategies employed by the institution:
The website URL where information about the institution’s rainwater management initiatives, plan or policy is available:
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.