Sustainable Landscaping and Biodiversity

We progressively increase sustainable maintenance methods on campus, such as reducing grass cutting, planting patches of wildflowers for pollinators, reducing the amount of salt used during winter, and reusing wood from trees we must cut down on campus; all in line with the first objective of our Sustainable Development Plan.

Tree Care Policy

According to Bishop’s Tree Care Policy (2014), we aim to:

Define the existing arboreal heritage.
Maintain and enhance the arboreal heritage.
Ensure the sustainability of the arboreal heritage.
Create Awareness and educate about trees and biodiversity.

Every tree that is cut down for security or construction reasons is replaced by 2 trees. The Tree Care and Biodiversity working group ensures the selection of species that are adapted and tolerant to local conditions.

Repurposing fallen trees into rustic benches

When Buildings & Grounds had to cut trees on campus for security reasons, we repurposed them into wood chips for our landscaping and into slabs to make beautiful rustic benches! It gives a second life to these trees and it provides infrastructures to encourage time spent in nature on campus!

Benches made on campus from cut down trees.

Tree Distribution to the Community

We celebrate National Tree Day in September by planting trees on campus. We also distribute trees to the community in the spring, in collaboration with the organization Nature Cantons de l’Est.

Pollinator Gardens

One of the gardens on campus specifically for pollinators.

Since 2022, Bishop’s has implemented a plan to reduce grass maintenance on campus. This new approach reduces gas and energy spent on grass cutting, but also improves the soil’s moisture and health as longer grass reduces water evaporation. Vegetation also helps to control water fluctuations on campus during heavy rain and represents food for local pollinators and Bishop’s bees.

Bishop’s Bees

Bishop’s has a beekeeping club that promotes ecological beekeeping practices. It is open to staff and students. Joining the club offers you the chance to experience hive management, the treatment of diseases, and the process of making honey.

In 2023, 120 jars (250ml) of honey were extracted.

Reducing salt use on roads

Using less salt on roads during winter months offers significant environmental benefits, particularly for nearby rivers and water bodies. Excessive salt runoff can harm aquatic life by disrupting the balance of salt concentrations in water bodies. Moreover, limiting salt application can protect aquatic life—such as fish, plants, and other organisms—and safeguard the quality of drinking water sources.

The Office of Buildings & Grounds will continue its efforts to reduce salt usage on campus, promoting a win-win solution that benefits both people and the planet.