Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 68.95
Liaison Daryl Pierson
Submission Date June 30, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Portland State University
OP-10: Landscape Management

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.50 / 2.00 Jenny McNamara
Sustainability Manager
Campus Sustainability Office
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
Area
Total campus area 50 Acres
Footprint of the institution's buildings 24 Acres
Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas 2 Acres

Area of managed grounds that is::
Area
Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan 0 Acres
Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined 24 Acres
Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected 0 Acres

A copy of the IPM plan:
The IPM plan :

Portland State University Outdoor Pest Management Program strives
to minimize the use of pesticides while ensuring balanced protection
of human, horticultural and environmental health. To accomplish
this, the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) are utilized
on campus grounds.

This PSU Integrated Pest Management Plan for the Outdoor Environment applies to all pest control activities and pesticide use on university grounds and landscaping. Recipients of this plan include faculty, staff, and employees including landscape contractors who monitor and/or treat
pest problems.

IPM Plan Goals include:

Consideration of the relationship between pest biology and pest management methods.
Consideration of alternative physical, mechanical, or biological control pest management methods before chemical pesticides are used.
Improved methods for pest controls, in consideration of the impact on human health and the environment.
Continued evaluation of the integrated pest management program.
Continued training and education.


A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:

PSU aims to preserve, protect, and/or integrate green space and tree canopy wherever possible.

Objectives include:
• Implementing a tree care plan during construction phase and throughout the year.
• Implementing storm water controls during the construction phase and include storm water management infrastructure in design of campus spaces.
• Choose drought tolerant and regionally appropriate landscaping that is suited for existing climate and future climate changes. Choose landscaping that is biologically diverse and provides habitat for natural pollinators.
• Where applicable, the use of permeable pavers is encouraged.
• Green roofs shall be incorporated in new construction to provide ecosystem services such as habitat promotion and filtration capabilities.


A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:

Landscape Services seeks to incorporate Pacific Northwest native plant material in future construction and renovation projects, as well as existing plant beds.

PSU also developed a Tree Care plan that outlines how can protect and preserve our urban forest overtime.


A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:

Waste from grounds keeping are transported to a regional transfer station by our waste/recycling hauler for composting.


A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:

PSU only uses non-synthetic fertilizers on campus.


A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:

PSU's Tree Care Plan, Storm Water Management Plan, and Technical Design Standards all outline our commitment to drought-tolerant, native, and regionally appropriate plant selection.


A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:

Portland state employs diverse stormwater management strategies on campus ranging from bioswales, stormwater planters, and eco roofs. Additionally there are rainwater cisterns on campus that collect water and distribute for toilet flushing. Finally, PSU strives to minimize irrigation through drought-tolerant and native plant use.


A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):

PSU uses:
*Meltoff Ice Melter, CP Industries, whose website says: "Less damaging to concrete and metal and safe, nontoxic to humans, animals and vegetation (when used as directed)"
*SnoPlow Snow and Ice Melter, Morgro Inc. The label says it contains no dangerous chemicals. Website claims "It is less toxic than baking soda. SNO-PLOW™ contains no dangerous chemicals. It can be handled safely with bare hands. 100% non-toxic to children and pets. USDA approved.... SNO-PLOW™ will not harm trees, shrubs, lawns or other vegetation when used as directed."
*Ice Clear, Monterey manufactured for Lawn and Garden Products Inc. http://www.planetnatural.com/site/ice-clear.html states: "Stops ice before it starts! Ice Clear is formulated from environmentally friendly materials and based on technology originally developed for airport deicing applications. The research behind this advanced technology received R&D Magazine's prestigious R&D 100 award as one of the top 100 new technologies in 2001. A special blend of renewable resources derived from agricultural products, IceClear contains no toxic materials or corrosive salts (chlorides), making it the ideal de-icer for safe and effective homeowner use."


A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:
Is the institution recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program (if applicable)?:
Yes

The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable landscape management programs and practices is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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