| Overall Rating | Platinum |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 85.74 |
| Liaison | Mike Wilson |
| Submission Date | Dec. 13, 2023 |
University of Victoria
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.45 / 2.00 |
Leigh
Andersen Director of Customer Service and Program Integration Facilities Management |
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 | 119.13 Acres |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses selected chemicals only when needed | 143.96 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional, chemical-based landscape management practices | 0 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 263.09 Acres |
A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds:
Building footprints, green roofs, and impervious surfaces have been excluded.
Percentage of grounds managed organically:
A brief description of the organic landscape management program:
UVic maintains several large woodland and forested areas, which largely grow wild and are naturalized. Maintenance practices are limited to removing dangerous trees from path systems, invasive species pulls, and native species plantings. No chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used in the maintenance of these areas.
*No Treatment Zone (NTZ) – an area of land that must not be treated with pesticides. This includes childcare/family housing outdoor lands.
*Naturalized Areas: refers to the practice of eliminating watering and grass cutting in areas of campus during the summer months.
The naturalized areas include Alumni Garry Oak meadow, Mystic Vale, areas near the Alumni Chip trail, and part of the Cedar Hill Corner property (see Protected Areas in the Campus Plan 2016).
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:
The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan at the University of Victoria's Gordon Head Campus outlines a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship, emphasizing minimal pesticide use. Managed by the Environmental and Grounds services division of UVic Facilities Management, the plan involves collaboration with contracted pest management suppliers. The vision is to contribute to personal health and well-being by safeguarding natural environments, with a goal to minimize pesticide usage. Responsibilities are distributed among various departments and units, and the scope covers academic and administrative spaces, including specific areas overseen by different groups.
Key aspects of the plan include prioritizing non-chemical pest control strategies, establishing tolerance levels for specific pests, and strict guidelines for the use, storage, and transportation of pesticides. Notifications, signage, and communication with building occupants are crucial components. Performance measurement and regular reassessment are emphasized, with annual evaluations against the overarching goal.
https://www.uvic.ca/facilities/service/grounds/index.php
The plan includes detailed procedures, such as licensing requirements for pesticide applicators, alternative methods before pesticide use, and proper disposal of unused pesticides. Appendices provide additional information, including a list of licensed pesticides and definitions.
Overall, the University of Victoria's IPM plan reflects a commitment to responsible pest management, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of the campus community.
A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:
Native plants are used in landscaping around all new buildings (LEED Gold standard) and are integrated into gardens in all other areas of campus where appropriate. Invasive plant species such as English Ivy is pulled manually on a regular basis as required, by Grounds staff and by student and community volunteers.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
The university follows a Storm Water Management plan. The SWM plan includes: - Storm water detention practices in new building design and construction
- Use of rain garden technology in landscape design and construction
- Use of green roof technology in building design and construction where practical
The university’s irrigation system includes a computerized weather station which monitors and records precipitation. This live data is processed to regulate water consumption.
A brief description of the institution's approach to landscape materials management and waste minimization:
All campus garden waste including grass and tree clippings, are sent to be composted at local facility, Mitchel Brothers Farm. Trees and branches are mulched onsite and are spread on gardens and trails across campus.
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
Landscapes around the eight (soon to be nine) LEED buildings on campus are designed to promote energy efficiency of the buildings by providing shade in the summer.
A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution:
UVic Grounds, and Parking & Transportation units use only rock salt when required for snow and ice removal in very limited amounts due to our mild west coast climate.
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:
UVic has been operating according to our IPM documents since 2017, and in 2023 an updated IPM was developed and implemented: https://www.uvic.ca/facilities/service/grounds/index.php
Pesticides are only used when all other options have been considered and confirmed to not be effective under the circumstance. Where application is determined to be necessary, only the least toxic material specific for the target pest is selected at the lowest recommended rate and applied by certified applicator technicians. . During the summer months, watering and grass cuttings are eliminated in parts of campus that are classified as "naturalized areas".
For more information see:
The Stormwater Management Plan: https://www.uvic.ca/campusplanning/assets/docs/2004.Integrated.Stormwater.Management.Plan..pdf
The Campus Plan: https://www.uvic.ca/campusplanning/assets/docs/Campus-Plan-Update-2015/UVicCampusPlan.01.26.2016reduced.pdf
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.