Wentworth Institute of Technology
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
Reporter |
Debra
Shepard Sustainability Consultant N/A |
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 | 0 Acres |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses selected chemicals only when needed | 5.99 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional, chemical-based landscape management practices | 0 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 5.99 Acres |
A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds:
Wentworth is located in a densely developed urban location so landscaping is limited. A campus survey provided updated acreage for managed landscape and lawn areas. Hardscape such as roadways and walkways, as well as building footprints have been excluded from the total area of managed grounds.
Percentage of grounds managed organically:
A brief description of the organic landscape management program:
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:
Physical Plant retains the services of a professional pest management company to routinely monitor the buildings and grounds for signs of pests and address any reports of pest activity. Guidance to deter pests is provided for the community on the Physical Plant website. The IPM plan meets LEED for Existing Buildings Operations & Maintenance criteria.
A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:
Several recent construction projects have incorporated bioswales, permeable pavers, native and adaptive plantings, rain gardens, and limited or no irrigation. Smart sensors are installed on any new irrigation systems.
Approximately 16% of this densely developed urban campus is covered by tree canopy, providing approximately 5 tons/year of carbon sequestration, a reduction in local air pollution (CO, NOx, SOx, PM) of 300 lbs per year, and absorbing 163,000 gallons of stormwater runoff. 79% of campus walkways are made of light-colored hardscape to reduce heat island effect and promote a more resilient campus landscape.
Native and adaptive plants are chosen for landscape applications whenever feasible. Recent projects have added trees and plantings to areas formerly covered with impervious surfaces to improve aesthetics, reduce runoff, and reduce heat island effect.
The recently released Institutional Master Plan includes ambitious goals to increase green space by 38%, increase tree canopy 10%, and promote biodiversity and microhabitats by selecting plants recommended in the City of Boston's Urban Forest Plan.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
Wentworth is located in an area of Boston that is highly sensitive to changes in groundwater levels. Wentworth promotes infiltration of rainwater through numerous groundwater recharge systems installed throughout the campus and in conjunction with new construction projects. Select areas now also have bioswales and permeable pavers. Recent new construction projects have followed LEED guidelines to emphasize the preservation of green space, promote groundwater infiltration, and select plantings and irrigation systems that reduce water consumption. In addition, 16% of the campus footprint including parking lots and rooftops that have stormwater management systems installed to capture and treat runoff.
The Institutional Master Plan includes ambitions goals to reduce surface parking areas by 60%, and increase green/open space by more than 2.5 acres, including strategically placed green infrastructure.
A brief description of the institution's approach to landscape materials management and waste minimization:
Grass clippings and other organic matter from landscaping are collected for off-site composting.
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution:
See Chapter 7 of the Institutional Master Plan linked below.
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:
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.