Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 67.42
Liaison Mary-Lee Townsend
Submission Date Oct. 6, 2014
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Western University
OP-11: Biodiversity

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Stefanie De Adder
Sustainability Coordinator
Facilities Management
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Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance?:
No

A brief description of any legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance on institution owned or managed land:
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Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Yes

Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify environmentally sensitive areas on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Yes

The methodology(-ies) used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or environmentally sensitive areas and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
The late Dr. Jane Bowles, in cooperation with researchers at the Sherwood Fox Arboretum, The Thames Talbot Land Trust, The Maitland Valley Conservation Authority, and many other conservation organizations, identified and recorded regions on campus and throughout Middlesex County where vulnerable species or environmentally sensitive areas exist. Though little-to-no work was formally published regarding on-campus identification of such species, her records and more information regarding endangered/vulnerable species can be found by contacting the office of the Sherwood Fox Arboretum. http://www.uwo.ca//biology/research/biology_facilities/arboretum.html

A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
As Western University is situated next to the Thames River, flood plains are a well documented, and regularly monitored area. Many individuals across campus have been responsible for monitoring these regions, particularly Jane Bowles who ensured that new pathways and other developments did not interfere with these sensitive areas.

A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
-The Sherwood Fox Arboretum maintains an inventory of vulnerable species and areas on campus. -At the old age forest, located outside the current Richard Ivey School of Business, wildlife habitat is preserved. Unless it is likely to become a safety issue, Western does not maintain this bushy area. Natural regeneration of plants takes place, allowing for the development of habitat for plants, insects, and other types of wildlife. Furthermore, Western works alongside Reforest London to keep these natural areas intact as well as other natural areas around campus.

The website URL where information about the institution’s biodiversity policies and programs(s) is available:
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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.