UiO has a total park area of 400,000 m2. Approximately 30,000 people move through the areas daily. This is equivalent to a mid-sized Norwegian town. The park areas have been awarded several prizes.
Climate and environment
The outdoor areas on UiO's campuses shall promote the environment and biodiversity.
Environmentally friendly landscaping operations
- We use a weather data-controlled irrigation system that optimises water consumption.
- Newly planted trees are watered using watering bags that release water slowly and directly into the root zone.
- Grass lawns and beds with perennial plants and shrubs are normally not watered.
- We use water during sweeping and spring cleaning to reduce the spreading of dust. We do not spray solid surfaces but moisten and collect gravel with a sweeper.
- Electric lawnmowers have replaced fossil-fueled mowers wherever possible.
- Cobblestones from Chateau Neuf have been reused in the courtyard of Domus Media.
- Hedges from Universitetsplassen in the city centre have been replanted at Blindern.
Water in fountains
- The water in Frederikkefontenen, Arkimedes basseng, the reflection pool in Ivar Aasens hage, the reflection pool between Eilert Sundts hus and Harriet Holters hus, and the small fountain in Kjemiatriet circulates and is refilled when needed.
- The pond at Ole-Johan Dahls hus usually circulates, but is currently leaking and will not be refilled until the leak is fixed.
- The fountain sculpture Velle at Helga Engs hus is switched off pending repairs.
- The small fountain in Urtehagen, as well as the fountain and pool in Universitetshagen in the city centre do not circulate.
Biodiversity
- The Estate Department has mapped the biodiversity at Blindern and other campuses.
- Certain grass areas grow freely, and as such contribute to biodiversity. To enhance our own professional expertise, one of Landscape Service's gardeners has undergone additional education in meadow management.
- When selecting plants, insect-friendliness and variety are emphasised.
- Landscape Services actively works towards preserving the large, old trees on campus. Trees play an important role in the biodiversity of green areas and serve as habitats of a number of species, such as moss, lichen, vascular plants, insects, and bird.
Maintenance
The University of Oslo's outdoor areas aim to be presentable, well-maintained and inviting.
Accessibility
UiO parks shall be safe for movement year round. UiO gardeners are responsible for:
-
Accessible and well maintained spaces, roads and pathways.
-
Sweeping and leaf management.
-
Snow removal of roads, spaces and paths.
-
Snow removal of steps.
-
Spreading sand/salt when icy.
Planting and tree care
UiO gardeners mow, plant, irrigate, prune and carry out weed control and fertilisation.
Protection
A large portion of UiO's parks and outdoor areas are subject to protection. Looking after the historical values that UiO manages is an important part of the maintenance work.
Report damages, defects and needs
You can also report other needs related to cleaning, outdoor space, waste, internal relocation, courier services or other operational work.