C5.10: Support Sustainability in Plant Production – Above Green

(1-5 points)

INTENT

Support sustainable practices in plant production by purchasing plants, sod, and seed from providers whose practices increase energy efficiency, reduce resource consumption and waste, and minimize negative effects on human health and the environment.

REQUIREMENTS

The requirements apply to the businesses from which plants, sod, and seed are purchased for the site. If multiple businesses are involved in plant production, the requirements apply to the business that grows the plant material until it is ready for sale (finishes the plant material). Percentages are based on cost.

Option 1: Advocate for sustainable plant production (1 point)

Submit a letter to all businesses from which plants, sod, and seed are purchased asking them to perform, track, and disclose sustainable practices in plant production.

Option 2: Support producers that disclose data on sustainable practices (3 points)

Obtain 80 percent of purchased plants, sod, and seed from businesses that have a publicly available sustainability statement that discloses efforts to achieve at least six of the 10 practices listed below.

Option 3: Support producers that achieve significant improvements in sustainable practices (5 points)

Obtain 80 percent of purchased plants, sod, and seed from businesses that achieve at least six of the 10 sustainable practices listed below.

Sustainable practices in plant production:

1. Reduce use of potable water or other natural surface or subsurface water resources

Use non-potable water (e.g., captured rainwater, recycled graywater, reclaimed/treated wastewater, water treated and conveyed by a public agency specifically for non-potable uses) for 50 percent of the total annual irrigation volume or reduce total irrigation volume by 50 percent.

2. Reduce runoff from irrigation

Capture and recycle all irrigation runoff water on site (i.e., no dry-weather discharges).

3. Choose sustainable soil amendments and growing media

Use peat-free growing media or other sustainable sources. Use cover crops and amend soils with compost, manure, or other sustainable sources.

4. Recycle organic matter

Compost or recycle 100 percent of vegetation trimmings on site for use in nursery operations or for sale to the public.

5. Reduce waste

Conduct a waste audit to identify the weight or volume of ongoing consumables, and reuse, recycle, or compost 50 percent of the on-going consumables waste stream.

6. Use integrated pest management (IPM)

Employ a certified IPM practitioner OR use an IPM-certified nursery.

7. Prevent use and distribution of invasive species

Demonstrate that invasive species are managed and are not distributed.

8. Reduce energy consumption

Demonstrate that the energy use during the three most recent years is at least 25 percent less than the average energy use over the previous 10 years.

9. Use renewable energy sources

Use on-site renewable energy sources to meet 10 percent of electricity demands OR engage in at least a four-year contract for the purchase of 20 percent of electricity from renewable energy sources.

10. Provide safe and fair working conditions

Develop nursery employment policies in order to establish open communication with employees about issues such as workplace safety and job satisfaction.

RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES

Identify and select plants from nurseries that actively implement better business practices to reduce damage to the environment and conserve resources.
Contact state and regional nursery and other plant producer associations to identify growers using sustainable practices in plant production. Also contact USDA extension offices to help identify suppliers.