PowerPoint Presentation

Grounds Management Meeting the Sustainability Challenge

The Professional Grounds Management Society Accreditation Program

Session OutlinePurposeBenefits of AccreditationAn Environmental Management System (EMS) ApproachKey PrinciplesBest Practices Steps for AccreditationSite EvaluationAccreditation DeterminantAccreditation ReportMaintaining AccreditationCase Study: University of DelewarePurposeTo provide organizations that have a landscapeservices or grounds component with an evaluation of strategic Grounds Management principles and practices that produce and guide in the delivery of properties that are attractive, healthy, sustainable and of high quality.Benefits of AccreditationProvides a systematic approach in performing an objective assessment of an organizations Grounds Management component by a nationally recognized independent entityProvides a means of evaluating the grounds program against industry standards and best practices to improve performanceEvaluates the Grounds program relative to established benchmarks for Grounds excellence and environmental awareness Determines if the Grounds Management area within the organization is properly set up to best implement existing and new stewardship and sustainability initiativesProvides the Grounds program with the necessary information on tools and procedures to meet current and evolving maintenance challengesReinforces Grounds Management focus on productivity and effectiveness through critical evaluation of programs and services

Integrates activities that exhibit a proactive approach to ensuring the success of Grounds related projectsDemonstrates that the organization is dedicated to the continuous improvement of Grounds Management practicesPromotes predictability and consistency in achieving Grounds Management obligationsGenerate information for Grounds adaptation measures that align with the organizations capacity to meet Grounds maintenance requirementsObtains stakeholder feedback and participation in meeting Grounds component goals and objectivesIncreases the organizations ability to realize the highest return on its Grounds investmentA site visit and analysis by a team of Grounds professionals typically possessing an average of 90+ years of experience

An Environmental Management System ApproachSustainable Strategic Management Developed around a concept put forth by The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, a United Nations study completed in 2005, this program evaluates the organizations strategic Grounds Management principles and practices that promote the economic,environmental and social performance within the Groundsfunctional area.

Environmental StewardshipKey PrinciplesBest PracticesProvide leadership and effective communication.

Value ecosystem services. Manage resources within natural limitations.

Evaluation of existing natural resources to preserve and conserve.

Establish environmental policies and evaluation processes.

Implement environmentally sustainable initiatives.Ecosystem services value included in organization's mission and vision statementGrounds management strategies designated by zonesComplete inventory and mapping of both man-made and natural resourcesPublicizes environmental connection to maintenance activitiesRecords and monitors sustainable projectsNatural resource management plans have been developedWaste management plan has been developedA site appropriate fertilization program has been developedImplementing an integrated pest management (IPM) programLand use maps have been preparedIrrigation zones and water conserving devices are designed and installed in landscaped areasData on materials consumed is documented and retainedEducational/informational notices are posted at project sitesPeriodic audit process in-place for natural resources and conservation activities7Economic PerformanceKey PrinciplesBest PracticesUse renewable and sustainable resources.

Eliminate or reduce the use of resources that are difficult or impossible to renew.

Improve grounds management performance through policies and programs.

Investigate the use of advanced and emerging technologies.

Conduct life cycle assessments and costing.

Produce contingency plans that reflect budget reductions.

Evaluating the use of alternative fuels and vehicles within maintenance operationResource conservation plans have been developedEvaluating different staffing models Utilizing remote site monitoring systemsAnalysis of materials, supplies and equipment needs is conductedPractice zero-growth budget exercise Completed equipment inventory and replacement planRetrofitting existing landscapes Metering water use in landscaped areas separatelyEvaluating multi-year contract potential for materials, supplies and equipmentGrounds damage recovery plans have been developedReducing landfill costSocial ResponsibilityKey Principles Best practicesEcosystems are safe, healthy and productive. Natural processes and human activities co-exist.

Involve stakeholders to define and link long-term maintenance strategies.

Find new resources and technologies that enhance the user's quality of life and the environment.

Routine assessment of training and development needs is being performed. Workplace environment is responsive to employees health, safety and welfare needs.

Employing sustainable maintenance activities Incorporating events management plan with grounds maintenance strategiesIdentifying and meeting regularly with stakeholders to inform and educateEmployees encouraged to participate in relevant trade organizations and educational opportunitiesStaff developmental goals are preparedConducting regular safe work training sessionsParameters of work areas have been definedMaintenance plans for Grounds component have been outlined and developedOptimizing site accessibilityChemical/pesticide exposure is limitedCommunity out-reach programs have been developedCultural and historically significant sites are identifiedSteps for Accreditation

Site EvaluationThe site evaluation phaseinvolves a visit by a PGMSteam for first hand observations and to gaugethe Grounds operations status on the implementation of bestpractices.

Accreditation ReportPrepared after the site visitCombines the evaluation teams perspectives, observations and notesDetails the applicants response to best practices associated with each management system categoryProvides recommendations in areas for improvementPresented to Accreditation Committee with accreditation level recommendationForwarded to applicant with letter of accreditationAccreditation DeterminantApplicant status on best practices:

No activityEvaluating best practiceDeveloping plans to attain best practiceImplementing best practiceBest practice in-place, monitored and reviewedLevels of AccreditationRating systemPoints Required1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4Stars

Accreditation will be awarded based on a 200 point evaluation and 4-star recognition system. 114 127 points128 141 points142 165 points166+ pointMaintaining Accreditation3 year re-accreditation cycleRe-accreditation will require written verification on the continuation of best practicesEvidence supporting accreditation upgrade request can be submittedAccreditation Committee determines if another site evaluation is warranted A small re-accreditation fee will be applicableCase Study

Starting the ProcessSubmittal of Site Survey QuestionnaireAccreditation Committee ReviewEvaluation Team SelectionCoordination of Site Visit

Site Visit Agenda

Example of Best Practice Response to Environmental StewardshipEnvironmental: waste management plan has been developed

Collections routes are clearly defined and reviewed periodically

Target goals for landfill diversion set

Waste Management plays role in plan review for new projects

Yard debris collected and ground on site for use as mulch / organic material

Food composting included in new projects site limitations preclude expansion at current time

Example of Best Practice Response to Economic PerformanceEconomic: Completed equipment inventory and replacement plan

In collaboration with Facilities Accounting Manager, developed Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Plan to guide replacement of all vehicles and equipment in Grounds and Facilities Maintenance & Operations Departments. Plans currently being updated.

Example of Best Practice for Social ResponsibilitySocial: Community Outreach programs have been developed

Much of the community outreach is handled though specific departments at UD. Since we have a College of Agriculture, their cooperative extension service plays a role in outreach for horticulture related issues. Have worked closely with the UD Botanic Garden and chaired their Advisory Board for several years.

We were the first University department to partner with the Center for Disabilities Studies to create a training program for their students. The program has changed over the years and we continue to support the group whenever we can to provide an environment for their students to learn basic life and work related skills.

Campus Tour

Case Study Findings:Best practices must be descriptive and well definedExamples of typical best practices should be providedGuidance and instruction on presentation methods should be offeredAdditional verification documents will be helpful to the processAn aesthetic factor should be inserted in the rating systemAccreditation report format offers high value to a progressive, efficient and productive grounds operation For More InformationContact:

Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) 720 Light StreetBaltimore, MD 21230Phone 410-223-2861Web www.pgms.org

Questions ?Joe Jackson, CGM, ASLAPGMS Past PresidentEcoGrounds Management Systemsphone number 919-806-9943 email jbjackson907@gmail.comweb www.ecogroundsmgmt.com