| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 68.42 |
| Liaison | Andrew D'Amico |
| Submission Date | Aug. 25, 2021 |
Princeton University
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
Devin
Livi Associate Director Grounds and Building Maintenance |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Total campus area:
690
Acres
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 Acres |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses selected chemicals only when needed | 346 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional, chemical-based landscape management practices | 0 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 346 Acres |
If the total area of managed grounds is less than the total campus area, provide:
The footprint of vegetated land is 346 acres and of impervious land is 344 acres.
Organic program
0
If reporting an organic program, provide:
---
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program
100
If reporting an IPM program, provide:
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A brief description of the IPM program:
We have two zones of inspections: the main campus is inspected in-house and the east and west sides by Bartlett Trees Experts. Our objective is to use cultural practices, good plants selection and soil remediation to have healthier plant material and therefore plants that can tolerate pests. Aspects of the plan include using the least toxic chemical pesticides; minimum use of chemicals; use of chemicals only in targeted locations and only for targeted species; and biological control through the release of beneficial insects (e.g. ladybugs) and larvae (e.g. green lacewing larvae).
Optional Fields
All University plantings are selected for their appropriateness in Princeton, New Jersey's hardiness zone, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additionally, the University chooses plantings by considering soil and watering requirements, as well as its proven ability to flourish in this campus environment. When possible, Princeton protects and uses existing vegetation on campus and in its natural areas. When possible, the University uses natural methods to control weeds, insects and fungi. An example of this is the University's integrated pest management program: periodically the University releases a variety of beneficial insects and larvae.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
In 2008, the University began implementing enhanced stormwater management through a campus-wide, ecosystem-based approach. Since that time, more than 20 stormwater projects — ranging from porous pavement to green roofs — have been implemented across 100 acres of the campus. To date, these strategies have contributed to reducing annual runoff by approximately 23 million gallons (35 percent), while improving the quality of remaining runoff.
A brief description of the institution's approach to landscape materials management and waste minimization:
Nearly 100 percent of the leaves and landscape trimmings collected on campus are composted. Since 2018, the University has been piloting a food waste composting system developed by FOR Solutions. The in-vessel aerobic digester will convert a portion of campus food waste into a soil amendment for University grounds, while serving as a living laboratory for multi-disciplinary investigations into all aspects of food waste conversion.
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
Several campus buildings include green roofs which support wildlife habitat, minimize stormwater run-off, and reduce building heating and cooling costs through lower maximum and higher minimum roof membrane temperatures.
A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution:
Whenever possible, Grounds staff uses natural fertilizers on the University's campus, such as compost tea and mulch. Synthetic chemical use is also reduced by incorporating natural materials such as sand and clay into fertilizers. However, weather conditions sometimes require the use of synthetic fertilizers. The University completes pre-storm treatment on campus to better prepare the campus before snow. Additionally, the University uses environmentally safer chemicals such as calcium magnesium acetate to remove snow.
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable landscape management program is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Additional Links:
Princeton University’s food waste demonstration project: https://biodigester.princeton.edu/
Princeton University’s food waste demonstration project: https://biodigester.princeton.edu/
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.