Overall Rating Bronze - expired
Overall Score 32.05
Liaison Gary Cocke
Submission Date June 13, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

The University of Texas at Dallas
OP-10: Landscape Management

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.03 / 2.00
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
Area
Total campus area 445 Acres
Footprint of the institution's buildings 135.12 Acres
Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas 0 Acres

Area of managed grounds that is::
Area
Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan 291 Acres
Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined 18.50 Acres
Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected 0 Acres

A copy of the IPM plan:
The IPM plan :
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A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:

At UT Dallas, our team utilizes a number of different sustainable landscaping techniques and practices. From mulching mowed grass clipping to prevent any need for bagging of leftover grass, to using low rate precipitation nozzles that reduce water loss and runoff, our team pays special attention to the needs of our environment with minimal impact when managing the campus landscape. A few other sustainable practices include:

-Drip Irrigation in landscape beds.
-Well monitored and tested campus irrigation system.
-Re-utilization of landscape waste by means of our composting operations.


A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:

At UT Dallas, landscape waste including tree limbs are shredded into mulch and reused on-campus. The Monarch Butterfly, a species of concern, is protected at UT Dallas as well. The development of a Monarch Waystation features diverse plant and insect life including milkweed, the flower at which Monarch Butterflies reproduce, feed and thrive during migration.


A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:

At UT Dallas, the collected landscape waste materials are integrated into the campus composting operations. Small and medium sized tree limbs are placed in a brush pile where they are eventually shredded down and reused on-campus. Leaves are collected on-campus in heavy duty, reusable bags. The leaves are collected on-campus and added with pre-consumer food waste to make compost, then mixed with soil and reused on-campus.

UT Dallas also harvests milkweed seeds from our Monarch Waystation to replenish the station. This reduces the demand for milkweed seed purchases from external parties which is protective of campus resources.


A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:

At UT Dallas, student, staff, and faculty managed community garden utilizes domestically and locally generated compost materials. The campus organic source of soil is generated through a composting operation where 100% of the landscape waste is reused on-campus grounds. Compost and mulch are added to beds across campus to improve soil quality. In 2015, 75 tons of compost was produced.


A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:

UT Dallas utilizes native and adaptable plant materials on-campus, in addition to maintaining existing landscapes. Organic compost and mulch are used liberally as soil amendment and weed control.


A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:

UT Dallas utilizes bioswales, rainwater harvesting, stormwater ponds, and native landscaping to minimize water loss and runoff. Bioswales have been added as part of new construction at the Student Service Building and Bioengineering and Science Building. Stormwater mitigation techniques improve the management of Cottonwood Creek that runs through campus.


A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):

The utilized snow and ice plan calls for sanding in explicit locations; the sanding plan precludes the use of salt in the mix. After an event, the university sweeps up the sand for reuse to prevent the material from flowing into the creeks.


A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:

UT Dallas has a certified Monarch Waystation that is recognized by the nonprofit organization Monarch Watch. Approximately 8 acres are used to create this habitat. It has provided year round food and habitat for a variety of insects.


Is the institution recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program (if applicable)?:
No

The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable landscape management programs and practices is available:
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.