| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 56.90 |
| Liaison | Paul Mathisen |
| Submission Date | April 16, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
OP-10: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
Liz
Tomaszewski Facilities Systems Manager/Sustainability Coordinator Facilities Department |
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indicates that no data was submitted for this field
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Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
| Area | |
| Total campus area | 93 Acres |
| Footprint of the institution's buildings | 45 Acres |
| Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas | 13 Acres |
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Area of managed grounds that is::
| Area | |
| Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan | 35 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 |
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A copy of the IPM plan:
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The IPM plan :
Bartlett Tree Experts is the contractor that takes care of pest management at WPI. They use a integrated approach to managing insects and diseases on commercial properties taht begins with maintaining plant health using sound cultural practices, including pruning and creating optimal soil conditions for plant growth. Periodic inspections are used to detect pest infestations before they each damaging levels. Bartlett arborists are trained to recognize beneficial insects that will help naturally suppress pest populations, and we also release beneficial to augment existing populations. When treatments are necessary, Bartlett uses organic and natural-based materials and reduced-risk products that provide effective pest suppression while protecting people and the environment.
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A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:
Grass is cut once every 5-10 working days. Normally aeration is not undertaken unless a specific lawn repair project is undertaken. Reseeding or resodding is generally done in the spring to repair bare spots resulting from winter damage. Weed control is practiced when weeds present a visible problem or when they affect approximately 10% of a lawn area. The campus has a growing selection of local perennial flowers that bloom throughout the season. There are augmented with local annual plantings in the spring and fall to highlight specific areas of campus. The care cycle for maintenance is every week to 10 days. Health and vigor dictate the cycle of fertilization and disease control in beds that are essentially kept weed-free.
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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 campus has a growing selection of local perennial flowers that bloom throughout the season. These are augmented with local annual plantings in the spring and fall to highlight specific areas of campus.
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A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:
A small portion of landscape waste is left on site. The bulk of the landscape waste is transported to Worcester Sand and Gravel where the waste is screened and then sold as compost.
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A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:
Whenever possible, our contractor Bartlett Tree Experts applies organic and natural-based materials and reduced-risk products that provide effective pest suppression while protecting people and the environment.
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A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:
Whenever possible, our contractor Bartlett Tree Experts applies organic and natural-based materials and reduced-risk products that provide effective pest suppression whole protecting people and the environment.
None
A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:
WPI installed an environmentally sound and academically-interesting green roof on East Hall. The 5,000-square-foot plant-covered section of East Hall's roof improves the building's environment footprint in several ways, including handling and filtering storm water. The roof plantings include a combination of low-maintenance, drought-resistant specimens such as sedums, chives, hen, and chickens (a species of succulent plant) and ice plants, also know as Delospema. Most of the plants were selected not only for their ability to hold water, but also for their color and to provide a new habitat for birds, butterflies, and other species. In addition, a bioswale was created in the Higgins House parking low, providing natural sediment and contamination filtration from the parking lot run-off.
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A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):
WPI uses magnesium chloride on all walks as it is a more plant-friendly option than sodium chloride for de-icng.
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A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:
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Is the institution recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program (if applicable)?:
No
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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.