Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 61.13
Liaison Elizabeth Drake
Submission Date March 6, 2020

STARS v2.2

Swarthmore College
OP-22: Rainwater Management

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Ralph Thayer
Director of Maintenance
Facilities Management
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Which of the following best describes the institution’s approach to rainwater management?:
Comprehensive policies, plans or guidelines that require LID practices for all new projects

A brief description of the institution’s green infrastructure and LID practices:
Swarthmore College follows a rigid Environmental Sustainability Framework for new construction and major renovation projects, informed by an in-depth analysis of key opportunities for energy conservation and renewable energy and the most effective areas on campus to manage stormwater. As the host of the Scott Arboretum has a great interest in storm water control. The campus boasts 7 green roofs, more than 10 underground stormwater infiltration structure, use of porous asphalt, 2 bioretention ponds and numerous infiltration beds (rain gardens).

A copy of the institution’s rainwater management policy, plan, and/or guidelines:
A brief description of the institution’s rainwater management policy, plan, and/or guidelines that supports the responses above:
The campus includes one of the last vestiges of natural woodlands in Delaware County, PA bisected by the Crum Creek where virtually all surface run-off accumulates. Slowing the rate of discharge not only limits erosion but aids in limiting flooding downstream of the campus. The college has it's own Crum Woods Committee and is also active with the Chester-Ridley-Crum Watersheds Association. Website: https://www.crcwatersheds.org/
The college has constructed bioswales, green roofs, porous pavement, and in general limited the amount of paved areas to control stormwater runoff.
Website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/sustainability/land-and-natural-environment

Optional Fields 

Website URL where information about the institution’s green infrastructure and LID practices is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Jeff Jabco
Director of Grounds
Email: jjabco1@swarthmore.edu

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