| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 73.03 |
| Liaison | Mark Lichtenstein |
| Submission Date | June 7, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
IN-25: Innovation B
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Timothy
Volk Co-Director, SUNY Center for Sustainable and Renewable Energy Forest and Natural Resources Management |
Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
This is an applied research project in the local community that uses shrub willow plants (a fast-growing, resilient plant) as an alternative vegetative cap system that protects environmental and human health while also producing renewable bioenergy, wildlife habitat, and other benefits. The willow plants preform an ecological engineering function, minimizing runoff from the site and preventing salts from entering into the local watershed and nearby Nine-Mile Creek and Onondaga Lake. The plant’s leaves, roots, and biological activity (transpiration) preform the same function as traditional cap and cover geomembrane systems, and the plant stems can be harvested regularly to produce woody biomass that can be used locally to produce renewable heat and power. This project is a unique partnership between numerous stakeholders in various sectors including ESF, Honeywell International, O’Brien and Gere (Environmental Engineering Firm), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and others.
Which of the following impact areas does the innovation most closely relate to? (select up to three):
Energy
Water
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Also see: http://www.esf.edu/willow
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.