| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 51.95 |
| Liaison | C Jane Hagen |
| Submission Date | July 24, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Virginia Commonwealth University
OP-10: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.07 / 2.00 |
Steve
Heinitz Recycling Manager Physical Plant |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
None
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
| Area | |
| Total campus area | 731.50 Acres |
| Footprint of the institution's buildings | 80 Acres |
| Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas | 578 Acres |
None
Area of managed grounds that is::
| Area | |
| Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan | 5 Acres |
| Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined | 0 Acres |
| Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected | 0 Acres |
None
A copy of the IPM plan:
---
None
The IPM plan :
The exterior Intergrated Pest Management is used at the Walter L. Rice Education Building located on the Inger and Walter Rice Center for Enviornmental Life Sciecne Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University. (The Monroe Park Campus and MCV Campus are not included in the program. Use of the plan is limited to the Walter L Rice Education Building and the surrounding landscape area with the designated LEED boundary. The objective of the plan is to minimize the impact of the site management practices on the local ecosystem.
None
A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:
The Superintendent of Grounds for VCU works with our Planning and Desgin staff to review sustainable options for landscapes for new construction and renovations projects.
None
A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:
VCU chooses plants whose cultural requirements are matched to site conditions. This includes native plants when possible. VCU avoids planting non-native invasive species. VCU strives to increase biodiversity. Many factors influence plant selection including aesthetics, maintenance requirements, space availablity, susceptibility to disease, etc.
None
A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:
VCU has composted leaves and woody debris. VCU does not compost grass clippings because lawn mowers mulch the clippings. The grounds crew picks up the composting materials and transports them back to a central drop-off location. The composting materials are then picked up by ACE Recycling and transported back to their facility in Chester, Virginia. Note: This practice was in place until ACE Recycling went out of business 12/01/2014.
None
A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:
We currently do not practice organic soil management.
None
A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:
None at this time.
None
A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:
VCU has rain gardens at the Grace E Harris Hall and the Trani Life Science Center that support the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus.
None
A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):
The VCU Rice Center uses environmentally friendly options for snow and ice removal. The VCU Grounds Department attempts to minimize the amount of chemicals applied on the Monroe Park and Medical Campuses based on the weather forecasts while also ensuring the safety of the faculty, staff and students.
None
A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:
None.
None
Is the institution recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program (if applicable)?:
No
None
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:
Paul Thrift the VCU Grounds Superintendent provide the information for this credit.
Undeveloped land includes the VCU Rice Center 493 acres and Ashland Research Farm 30 acres
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.