Sustainability Action Plan increases stormwater management efforts for improved water quality and reduced runoff

By
Jared Flesher, Office of Sustainability
on Jan. 16, 2020, noon

Improving stormwater management on campus is one of seven actions areas outlined in Princeton University’s Sustainability Action Plan, which was released in April 2019.

Currently, about 100 acres on campus meet high standards for improved surface water quality and reduced runoff. The University aims to expand these areas to 139 acres by 2026, and then 222 acres by 2046. Stormwater management strategies include porous pavement, stream restorations, rainwater harvesting, green roofs and rain gardens.

In this video, Associate University Architect for Planning Natalie Shivers discusses the importance of managing stormwater, and how the University plans to hit its targets.

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About 100 acres on Princeton's campus meet high standards for improved surface water quality and reduced runoff. The University's Sustainability Action Plan aims to expand enhanced stormwater management to 139 acres by 2026, and then 222 acres by 2046.

Video by
Jared Flesher, Office of Sustainability

“Our goal is to improve the overall health of the watershed,” Shivers said. “Every major capital project that we do, and ... every minor capital project, will be planned to meet our campus stormwater goals.”

The plan’s other key action areas are reducing greenhouse gas emissions; reducing water usage; increasing sustainable transportation options; reducing waste and expanding sustainable purchasing; designing and developing responsibly; and cultivating healthy and resilient habitats.

 

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