GGC
GREEN GROUNDS CERTIFICATION
Meet the schools pioneering the transition to organic land care. These schools have committed to reducing and/or eliminating synthetic pesticides and fertilizers on their campus grounds, earning them the Green Grounds Certification. Green Grounds Certified Campuses are creating campus environments that not only promote the well-being of their community but also exemplify a profound commitment to environmental health. These schools are nurturing biodiversity and actively confronting the challenges of climate change by creating climate resilient spaces. You can find the standards for the Certification here. Ready to join the movement? Apply for the Green Grounds Certification here.
Platinum Campuses
Seattle University
Point of contact: Shannon Britton, Assistant Director Grounds and Waste Management
Percent of campus managed without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers: 100%
Level of certification: Platinum
What impresses us: The entire campus has been fully organic and synthetic pesticide and herbicide free since 1986
Plan for improvement: Seattle University plans on exploring organic fertilizer options for sports fields which occasionally require a synthetic fertilizer in cool seasons
University of Washington Bothell
Point of contact: Tyson Kemper, Grounds Supervisor of University of Washington, Bothell and Cascadia College
Percent of campus managed without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers: 100%
Level of certification: Platinum
What impresses us: Cascadia College and UW Bothell created a Food Forest. With over 30 fruit trees, it is a living laboratory and provides healthy food for the community
Plan for improvement: Cascadia College and UW Bothell would like to expand their no mow areas to include all of the campus lawns
Cascadia College
Point of contact: Tyson Kemper, Grounds Supervisor of University of Washington, Bothell and Cascadia College
Percent of campus managed without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers: 100%
Level of certification: Platinum
What impresses us: Cascadia College and UW Bothell created a Food Forest. With over 30 fruit trees, it is a living laboratory and provides healthy food for the community
Plan for improvement: Cascadia College and UW Bothell would like to expand their no mow areas to include all of the campus lawns
Gold Campuses
Colby College
Point of contact: Doug Cosentino, Grounds Supervisor and Landscape Manager
Percent of campus managed without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers: 99%
Level of certification: Gold
What impresses us: Colby College is intentionally creating low input (both nutrient and labor) landscapes to let nature and wildlife take over
Plan for improvement: If Colby can get the Rugby field irrigated they have future plans to turn that field organic
Bronze Campuses
University of Northern Iowa
Point of contact: Eric O'Brien, Sustainability Coordinator
Percent of campus managed without synthetic pesticides: 60%
Level of certification: Bronze
What impresses us: University of Northern Iowa is home to many native prairie grass restoration sites
Plan for improvement: There is a significant desire to pilot a number of different organic management practices on campus with an end goal of implementation on a larger scale
