| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 78.00 |
| Liaison | Katie Maynard |
| Submission Date | Feb. 29, 2024 |
University of California, Santa Barbara
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
Jewel
Persad Sustainability Manager Administration |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Total campus area:
1,127
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 | 308 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional, chemical-based landscape management practices | 0 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 308 Acres |
If the total area of managed grounds is less than the total campus area, provide:
Areas that are excluded form the 'managed' grounds include driving surfaces, bike paths, building footprints, street medians, and un-managed natural areas.
Organic program
0
If reporting an organic program, provide:
---
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program
100
If reporting an IPM program, provide:
A brief description of the IPM program:
Started in 1995, the University of California, Santa Barbara's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Advisory Committee oversees and supervises pest control on campus. The IPM Advisory Committee works to proactively minimize the use of pesticides and promote the application of IPM methods. Since its origin, the IPM Advisory Committee has banned the use of pesticides inside UCSB buildings, mandated that IPM methods be used on all University properties, and replaced pesticides with environmentally friendly products. A detailed account of the IPM Advisory Committee's accomplishments can be accessed at the link below.
Optional Fields
Landscape guidelines at UCSB prioritize that the perimeter of the University is landscaped with native vegetation. Native plant species are also used in landscaping around buildings and other structures. The University does place an emphasis on creating landscapes that encourage large gatherings, and although these particular areas may not always consist of native vegetation, architects are encouraged to utilize drought tolerant plants and native plants in surrounding fringe areas and where appropriate. In addition, for teaching and restoration purposes, more than 233 acres are protected and being restored to native plant communities.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
UCSB irrigates 90% of the main campus with recycled water. Impervious surfaces are often bordered by bioswales in order to decrease runoff and promote infiltration and groundwater recharge. Examples of large impervious surfaces bordered by swales include parking lots and the library corridor. The Davidson Library corridor at UCSB is also paved with permeable pavers that allow water to infiltrate them and not run off. This feature significantly decreases stormwater runoff. It is of the utmost importance for UCSB's Environmental Health & Safety department and the Cheadle Center for Biological and Ecological Restoration to ensure and restore the integrity of the natural hydrology on campus, which is often done through testing and audits, working with groundskeepers and contractors and implementing restoration programs/ projects.
A brief description of the institution's approach to landscape materials management and waste minimization:
At UCSB, all grounds keeping waste is collected for mulching purposes. For lawns, trimmings are directly deposited back onto the grass, a system called Grass Cycling. The trimmings of all other vegetation, such as plants and trees, are stored in a campus depository to be later used as mulch. Approximately 300-400 cubic yards per year of this mulch are used for soil and landscaping purposes.
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
The University plants xerophytic vegetation that requires little to no irrigation. Landscape waste is collected, mulched, and returned for use in campus landscape. The on-campus weather station collects data on evapotranspiration levels, and irrigation only occurs with high recorded levels.
A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution:
The University has transitioned to primarily using battery-powered landscaping equipment that includes, string-line trimmers, hedges, edgers, blowers, and select lawnmowers. The goal for the department is to fully transition to all electric within the next year.
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.