Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 58.86
Liaison Joseph Wasylycia-Leis
Submission Date March 3, 2015
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

University of Winnipeg
OP-10: Landscape Management

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 2.00 Alana Lajoie-O'Malley
Director
Campus Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
Area
Total campus area 5.67 Hectares
+ Date Revised: April 14, 2015
Footprint of the institution's buildings 3.21 Hectares
+ Date Revised: April 14, 2015
Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas Hectares

Area of managed grounds that is::
Area
Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan 2.46 Hectares
+ Date Revised: April 14, 2015
Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined Hectares
Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected Hectares

A copy of the IPM plan:
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The IPM plan :

Integrated Pest Management plan is incorporated into UWinnipeg's Land Use and Property Management policy. Indicators are reported on annually in the University's Sustainability Performance Report.

Goals listed under this policy include:
- To strive continuously to adopt approaches to land use planning, landscape design
and construction, and grounds maintenance which are, (a) consistent with the goals of the University’s Sustainability Policy; (b) reduce waste; (c) reduce use of toxic pest management substances; (d) reduce the energy intensity of grounds maintenance activities; (e) reduce discharges of wastes to landfill, and (f) whenever practicable, reuse materials and products necessary to landscape maintenance.
-Develop or commission landscape designs that employ xeriscaping, permaculture, or other organic and sustainable approaches to landscape maintenance.


A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:

The University of Winnipeg is committed to promoting and maintaining an ecologically sound, environmentally sustainable and aesthetically pleasing urban campus. Such a setting presents unique opportunities and challenges. We strive to strike a balance between tradition and innovation made manifest through practical micro-environmentally conscious plant selection and grounds keeping practices. Since 2012 the University of Winnipeg has maintained an herbicide free campus environment and as such great care is required to cultivate our flora. We do this by tailoring our planting to our campus micro-environments and employing a combination of targeted mulching techniques, cleaning, pruning and judicious watering ensure a healthy and weed free environment.


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

The RCFE grounds contain locally sourced, native species of plants and grasses. Selection was based on the ability of indigenous varieties to thrive in the existing soil, water, and solar environment. On main campus, the elm canopy is an existing vegetation that the University has worked to protect these trees. Invasive plants are cut back before they have the opportunity to seed out.


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

Grass clippings and weeds are composted.


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

Soils are textured with recycled sand. When fertiliser is used, fish fertilizer is the preferred product. Iron sulfate is sometimes used sparingly to acidify the soil when necessary.


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

The University is herbicide free. An environmentally preferable ice melter is used.


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

The Unviersity's watering system has humidity sensors on it and is automated to reduce unnecessary watering with potable water. The campus landscape was designed using xeriscaping practices.


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

Ongoing efforts are in place to reduce the use of ice melt products. Ice melt has been replaced with grit in areas near beds that will be negatively affected by ice melt. Snow cleared from walkways that may contain ice melt are piled away from planting beds.


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

none.


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.