| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 49.88 |
| Liaison | Karen Marin-Hines |
| Submission Date | Feb. 29, 2024 |
Texas Tech University
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 2.00 |
Karen
Marin-Hines Campus Sustainability Officer Operations |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Total campus area:
1,810.71
Acres
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 | 236.20 Acres |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses selected chemicals only when needed | 187.15 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional, chemical-based landscape management practices | 236.20 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 659.55 Acres |
If the total area of managed grounds is less than the total campus area, provide:
The 1264.59 acres uncounted for are Texas Tech University auxiliary buildings, satellite campuses, contracted maintenance, and wildland. Services are provided through Ground Maintenance to carry consistent landscape practices while producing a high level of care across regional campuses.
Organic program
35.81
If reporting an organic program, provide:
Texas Tech University Grounds Maintenance’s organic landscape management program begins with a well-planned landscaping design by selecting plants that are hardy, disease/pest resistant, suitable for our semi-arid climate, as well as, easy to maintain. In addition, utilizing a centralized computer irrigation system allows the department to shut down the system in the event of freezing temperatures, high winds, and rainfall more than a quarter of an inch. With the ability to read evapotranspiration, the system can adjust watering times as needed for moisture loss. Drip irrigation is used to minimize water loss and runoff. All pruning materials are taken to a campus site for grinding along with other plant material to create a mulch that is used on campus landscaping.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program
28.38
If reporting an IPM program, provide:
A brief description of the IPM program:
Texas Tech Grounds Maintenance uses native plant species when possible. In the event non-native plant types are required, varietals with drought tolerance or minimal irrigation needs are selected. Grounds Services employs both a certified arborist and a registered landscape architect to ensure that sustainability is a primary goal in maintenance and landscaping planning.
Optional Fields
Grounds Maintenance has used organics on a few sections of the campus, but at this time we do not have a program in place.
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
All LEED-certified buildings built on campus have rainwater retention ponds to trap the rainwater runoff, allowing it to soak into the soil instead of going directly to the storm drain. We have one rainwater harvesting system, catching water runoff from the building, and using this water to irrigate the landscape in this area. We use well water on several of our irrigation systems, allowing us not to use the city water supply.
A brief description of the institution's approach to landscape materials management and waste minimization:
Currently, there is no tracking of the weight or percentage. The GM Department composts all tree cuttings and plant material into mulch to be used on campus.
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
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A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution:
Sand is mostly used instead of a chemical deicer because it will not harm the landscape. When a chemical deicer is necessary it is used sparingly on walkways. Also, sand is removed as soon as it is possible with a street sweeper and is recycled to be reused for the next snow or ice event. Plus, Texas Tech Grounds Maintenance utilizes detention ponds to help alleviate rainwater runoff by redirecting away from roadways. Compost/mulch is created inhouse by shredding tree cuttings, and trimmings.
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable landscape management program is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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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.