| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 59.65 |
| Liaison | Mark Klapatch-Mathias |
| Submission Date | Feb. 26, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
IN-3: Innovation 3
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Michael
Stifter Director Facilities Mgmt. |
Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls worked diligently with architectural and engineering consultant Ayres Associates to intertwine a number of innovative and sustainable components into the Falcon Center project designs – all of which brought numerous positive measureable outcomes. One involved the stormwater treatment system, which featured east-west bioswales in the main parking lot; two sequential, interconnected stormwater ponds; and an efficiently designed irrigation system. All brought significant improvements on stormwater management for the project.
The team put careful consideration into the selection of native plantings, wanting to not only save water but also offer low-maintenance lawn care. A specialized absorption material was added to the lawn seed to aid in making water available during its germination time. Two levels of native plants were used that can survive in wet and dry conditions.
LED lighting was used throughout the entire site, with controlled lighting in the parking lot that provides a lower level of lighting during times of non-use.
Additionally, pedestrian circulation patterns were evaluated, with the team determining to direct pedestrian flow in the main parking lot’s primary corridors. Bringing the crossings into and through the parking lot made the areas more visible while improving the perpendicular flow and providing better awareness of pedestrians – allowing for safer interaction between vehicles and pedestrians.
A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):
In the nearby athletic field, UW-River Falls selected an artificial turf field and drainage base system that will bring considerable labor savings as well as economic and social advantages. The artificial turf choice improves the field’s playability, increases the volume of activities played there, and enhances the quality of play. The artificial turf field also brings water savings, eliminates the need for mowing and irrigation, and offers minimal maintenance.
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
Which of the following STARS subcategories does the innovation most closely relate to? (Select all that apply up to a maximum of five):
| Yes or No | |
| Curriculum | --- |
| Research | --- |
| Campus Engagement | --- |
| Public Engagement | --- |
| Air & Climate | --- |
| Buildings | --- |
| Dining Services | --- |
| Energy | --- |
| Grounds | Yes |
| Purchasing | --- |
| Transportation | Yes |
| Waste | --- |
| Water | Yes |
| Coordination, Planning & Governance | --- |
| Diversity & Affordability | --- |
| Health, Wellbeing & Work | --- |
| Investment | --- |
Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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.