Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 70.13
Liaison John Alejandro
Submission Date March 24, 2021

STARS v2.2

University of San Diego
OP-9: Landscape Management

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.76 / 2.00 Alison Sanchirico
Sustainability Coordinator
Office of Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Total campus area:
180 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 35 Acres
Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses selected chemicals only when needed 35 Acres
Area managed using conventional, chemical-based landscape management practices 67.50 Acres
Total area of managed grounds 137.50 Acres

A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds:

Roads and building footprints are excluded. Slopes are not treated and therefore considered organic.


Percentage of grounds managed organically:
25.45

A brief description of the organic landscape management program:

Generally there are two types of fertilizers we use on campus. On shrubs Grounds uses a product named Milorganite 6-4-0; it is an organic based fertilizer. On lawns Grounds deploys Eco-Green 12-4-6; one of its main ingredients is processed chicken manure. Tree, shrub, and lawn waste is reused for fertilizer on campus grounds. Therefore, the organic landscape management program is based on organic and ecologically preferred materials. The overall premise is a preference towards organic materials and avoids chemical use as much as possible.


Percentage of grounds managed in accordance with an IPM program:
25.45

A copy of the IPM plan or program:
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A brief description of the IPM program:

The University of San Diego operates by promoting ethical practices that enhance the integrity, quality, and values of the University's Mission Statement and its goals. USD takes great pride in the appearance of the campus grounds and the impact the beauty has on our lives. When necessary, the University participates with the City of San Diego to monitor and properly integrate pest management. Goals of the IPM Program are as follows:

- Reduce pesticide use, and associated exposure risks
- Reduce the cost of pest control on campus
- Minimize harm to the environment
- Improve long-term plant protection
- Train and educate staff members about the Grounds IPM program

More information can be found on: http://www.sandiego.edu/facilities/facilities-services/grounds-maintenance/


A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:

USD selects species that are commonly used in San Diego and are well adapted to the climate, soil and growing conditions. The palette included in the link is intended as a guide and does not preclude the use of additional species.

All chemical use is reported to the County of San Diego and was used to calculate the total square footage not included in the IPM/Organic sections.


A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:

The University of San Diego utilizes RainBird irrigation and weather-sensitive sprinklers to mitigate water usage. By monitoring weather through satellite programs, water use is controlled and maximized based on what the landscaping needs.


A brief description of the institution's approach to landscape materials management and waste minimization:

The University of San Diego composts the vast majority of green waste produced on campus. Some tree branches and lumber are not mulched but instead processed using a splitter and made available for the campus community (especially staff and Outdoor Adventures team) for use. Others such as palm branches, Formium and Yucca are not suitable for mulching due to their fibrous nature and have to be sent to the landfill. Most lawns are clipped using a mulching mover and the clippings left on-site to nourish plants there. Clippings from sports fields (combined size about five acres) and other green waste (from trimming, pruning activities) are mulched using a chipper and used on site to nourish plants. USD has been self-sufficient in mulch since 2011.


A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
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A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution:

USD has made changes throughout campus to replace grass landscaping with drought-tolerant, natural plants. This reduces the amount of landscaping that needs to be manicured and watered, and provides a sustainable alternative to grass on campus.


Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable landscape management program is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.