| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 54.05 |
| Liaison | Tony Gillund |
| Submission Date | March 23, 2023 |
Purdue University
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.52 / 2.00 |
Tony
Gillund Director of Sustainability Campus Planning, Architecture and Sustainability |
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 Acres |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses selected chemicals only when needed | 1,357 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional, chemical-based landscape management practices | 1,233 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 2,590 Acres |
A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds:
Buildings & Grounds: All buildings and grounds services by Purdue’s Grounds department are included. AT the time of reporting, buildings and grounds at these locations were excluded as they were not serviced by the university’s Grounds department: Discovery Park District, golf courses, airport, recreational sports, and parking.
Percentage of grounds managed organically:
A brief description of the organic landscape management program:
N/A
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:
Purdue University’s Grounds staff is responsible for maintaining the iconic appearance of the West Lafayette campus and provides multiple services including the removal of pests within academic and Residential Life buildings. This service is provided utilizing Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks.
Staff identify which pests to target and determine the best eradication approach for each pest. Non-chemical options are evaluated and implemented, if possible, prior to resorting to chemical sprays and poisons, which can cause allergic reactions if unwanted contact occurs with people and damage the environment. In some situations, chemical-free forms of weed and pest management include insecticidal soap, weed removal by hand, and companion planting. Monthly preventative maintenance checks are performed and if the building or outdoor space needs to be serviced more frequently, the respective building owner places a Work Order.
If alternative methods fail, least-toxic pesticides will be used prior to resorting to the use of higher toxicity pesticides or baits. If a chemical application is required, spot spraying should be utilized instead of a general full coverage approach, and the least hazardous pesticide should be selected. Staff who apply regulated pesticides must maintain their Indiana 3A and/or 3B certifications (3A covers pesticide or fertilizer applications to ornamental plantings and 3B covers pesticides or fertilizers on turf areas).
A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
A brief description of the institution's approach to landscape materials management and waste minimization:
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution:
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.