| Overall Rating | Bronze - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 38.33 |
| Liaison | Karen Marin-Hines |
| Submission Date | Feb. 28, 2020 |
Texas Tech University
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
Jessica
Bunyard Analyst BIMAR |
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 | 301.40 Acres |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses selected chemicals only when needed | 187.15 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional, chemical-based landscape management practices | 301.40 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 789.95 Acres |
A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds:
1323.38
Percentage of grounds managed organically:
A brief description of the organic landscape management program:
Texas Tech Grounds Maintenance uses several sustainable management practices. Use a centralized computer irrigation system that will shut the system down in the event of freezing temperatures, high winds, and rainfall more than a quarter inch. This system also reads evapotranspiration and adjusts watering times as needed for moisture loss. Where possible drip irrigation is used to minimize water loss and runoff. All pruning materials are taken to a campus site for grinding, then added to the compost pile with other plant materials. This mulch is then incorporated into the landscape. We are using more xeriscape plants on the outer perimeter of the campus to reduce water needs as well as maintenance. In the process of adding more perennials to our color beds in the place of annuals.
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:
Texas Tech University has ongoing monitoring for unacceptable levels of destructive or invasive pests. Prevention and treatment programs adhere to a Minimal Impact process, using only biodegradable pest control materials when available. If biodegradable products are not available, reduced-toxicity products or minimal-application procedures are used. Grounds Services and Environmental Health and Safety personnel work in cooperation to ensure that all pest control materials are handled in the safest possible manner.
A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:
Texas Tech Grounds Maintenance uses native plant species when possible. In the event non-native plant types are required, varietals with drought tolerance or minimal irrigation needs are selected. Grounds Services employs both a certified arborist and a registered landscape architect to ensure that sustainability is a primary goal in maintenance and landscaping planning.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
All LEED certified buildings built on campus have rain water retention ponds to trap the rain water runoff, allowing to soak into the soil instead of going directly to the storm drain. We have one rain water harvesting system, catching water runoff from the building, and using this water to irrigate the landscape in this area. We use well water on several of our irrigation systems, allowing us not to use the city water supply.
A brief description of the institution's approach to landscape materials management and waste minimization:
Currently there is no tracking of the weight or percentage. The Grounds Maintenance Department composts all tree cutting and plant material in to mulch to be used on campus.
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:
When safe, snow and ice are allowed to melt and drain naturally. In conditions where motorist safety is an issue, sand is applied to the roadways. As soon as possible the sand is removed by a street sweeper. When possible this material is recycled during the next snow or ice event. Deicer chemicals are used sparingly on our walkways, and is a product that will not harm the landscape. In most cases sand is used.
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.