Macalester College set a goal to generate zero waste by 2020 and become carbon neutral by 2025. The college hired Barr to create a sustainable landscape master plan to help it achieve these goals. Working with school administrators and with input from students and faculty, Barr created a plan that:
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guides and informs decision-making about the campus grounds to allow for carbon sequestration, reduce urban heat island effect, and provide outdoor spaces for student use
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develops a landscape that is attractive, is ecologically sound, does not increase maintenance, and allows for multiple uses
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addresses stormwater management, plant diversity, soil improvement, and energy efficiency
Large areas of turf were converted to low-maintenance plantings to shade buildings, provide wildlife habitat, clean stormwater, and build soil. Pervious pavement and rain gardens increase runoff-water quality and reuse water for irrigation purposes. The campus plan is currently being implemented and serves as a demonstration of sustainable landscape design principles.