| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 78.69 |
| Liaison | Lindsey Kalkbrenner |
| Submission Date | Feb. 14, 2023 |
Santa Clara University
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
Brian
Bettencourt Grounds, Waste and Fleet Supervisor Facilities |
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 | 0.50 Acres |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses selected chemicals only when needed | 118.42 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional, chemical-based landscape management practices | 0 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 118.92 Acres |
A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds:
Percentage of grounds managed organically:
A brief description of the organic landscape management program:
Santa Clara University’s ½-acre edible, certified organic garden is a hub for sustainable food system education. Established in 2008, the Forge Garden has committed to serve the campus as a space for course research, service learning, and demonstration of sustainable food production.
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:
This Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan provides comprehensive guidelines for protecting and enhancing the natural diversity of the campus landscape at Santa Clara University (SCU).
https://www.scu.edu/media/offices/sustainability/operations/buildings-amp-grounds/IPM-Plan-2019.pdf
A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:
SCU strives to protect existing trees when new construction takes place. Native plants have been used in many of the newer projects on campus and a number of lawns are currently in the process of being converted to native landscaping. The IPM plan encourages reduction in the use of chemicals to manage invasive species in favor of mitigation and more natural and organic methods.
Our institution is recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus Higher Education program. SCU’s Tree Tracking program emphasizes campus engagement in regards to our urban forests and outlines methodologies to track and inventory 2,000+ trees on campus comprehensively. This data aids in informing the gardeners to address diseases and other health problems as well as maintain trees on campus. The Tree Tracking program trains campus community members to monitor tree health. Using tools like a laser vertex, flexible tape measure, GPS and smartphones, volunteers spend an hour gathering tree data to share with Facilities.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
SCU currently irrigates about 80% of its campus grounds with recycled water, and constructs paths and large semi-permeable surfaces with the use of sand and open connections in order to allow for water to pass between pavers during rainfall.
A number of bioswales have been constructed around SCU buildings to allow for the natural removal of silt and pollution from surface runoff water.
Native plants are used wherever possible in order to minimize landscaping water demands.
Two decorative fountains have been turned off due to the California drought, and the washing of building’s exterior windows has been halted in an attempt to conserve water.
A brief description of the institution's approach to landscape materials management and waste minimization:
Landscape waste is either chipped on site and used as mulch back on campus, or it is hauled away by a third party and turned into compost for sale.
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
Some trees around campus have been planted in strategic locations to offer shading and cover, however energy efficient landscape design is not commonly practiced by the University.
A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution:
SCU uses recycled plastic header boards rather than wood (material used to divide lawns from shrub/flower beds). SCU strives to use minimal fertilizers and pesticides and generates its own mulch and compost using plant waste from campus.
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.