Sustainable Design and Development Blog

A Community for Landscape Architects and others Interested in Sustainable Design of Landscapes

We can’t wait to see you in San Diego! October 14, 2011

Filed under: ASLA,Events,SDD PPN,Sustainable Sites Initiative — allegra bukojemsky @ 12:28 pm

The ASLA annual meeting is just around the corner. This year’s schedule includes an amazing array of education sessions and field trips and the largest Expo hall yet. And of course there are also a variety of formal and informal events for networking, socializing, and recognizing leaders in our industry. Of this there is of course a great deal of offerings related to sustainable design including workshops, education sessions, and roundtable discussions on the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES). You can review the full schedule online as well as many of the education session handouts.

Leaders and members of the ASLA Sustainable Design and Development Professional Practice Network (SDD PPN) are giving a variety of talks throughout the conference, and we will be meeting to network on Tuesday, November 1st, 9:15–10:45 am in the Expo Hall.

And don’t forget many of the workshops and education sessions will gain you Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Currently:

  • 75 qualify for GBCI credit to maintain your LEED credential
  • 66 qualify for AICP credit
  • 60 qualify for AIA credit
  • 120 are approved by the Florida Board of Landscape Architecture
  • 105 are approved by the New York State Board for Landscape Architecture

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Do We Need a SITES Credential? Take the Survey Today! September 27, 2011

Filed under: Sustainable Sites Initiative — allegra bukojemsky @ 3:57 pm

SITES is working with the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), which manages the certification and credentialing programs for LEED Green Building Rating Systems™, to determine the feasibility and value of SITES professional credentialing and project certification. Please take the survey, and forward it on to colleagues who are interested in the SITES program. Survey respondents will be entered to win one of three $100 Amazon gift cards. The survey is open through November 2, 2011. Take the survey.

re-posted from sustainablesites.org

 

Uban Garden September 22, 2011

Filed under: edible landscapes,Health & Wellbeing,Urban — Keven Graham @ 10:02 am

Chicago Department of Aviation has installed an urban garden at O’Hare Airport. The garden will supply fresh local sources of produce at the airport food services. A great way to demonstrate what can be done in an unlikely place. http://bit.ly/nFe2an

 

Trees Make a Difference July 21, 2011

Filed under: exhibits,Urban — Keven Graham @ 1:47 pm

It doesn’t take much money or landscaping to transform an unused space into a community gathering spot.  In fact, it can be accomplished with seven trees in colorful planters with flowers.

Recently, Wheaton, Illinois held its annual summer festival that draws around 15,000 people over three days. The event typically has three main sections: an area for carnival rides, an area for entertainment and food and an area featuring a vintage car show. Connecting these areas is a street closed to traffic,Hale Street. Restaurants and shops along Hale Street stay open during the festival, hoping to increase business. In past years, their efforts were not successful. People mainly used the street to walk between the different areas and events. Sales did not increase.

The area, however, had potential to be a popular gathering spot. With a bit of financial assistance from the Downtown Association,Hale Streetwas transformed, without breaking the bank. A local landscape architect created “Park on Hale” – seven maple trees in colorful planters  with flowers and benches were placed in the middle of the street.

The simple change made a dramatic difference. This year, the street filled with families. The weather was hot like years past, but festival-goers this year found a new stopping point with sitting areas under the trees. Restaurants were packed. Children began to perform in the street at a small stage. Benches set around the planters were full.

A new festival midway was born.

A few simple trees had made a space come to life. They helped transform an asphalt street into a fun and lively family entertainment park for two days.

 

To vegetable or not to vegetable…Citizens revolt! July 17, 2011

Filed under: edible landscapes,Government Affairs,Health & Wellbeing,Urban — april philips @ 12:20 am

mama don't let your babies grow up to plant veggies

You can’t have a lifestyle trend such as urban farming or edible frontyards without some controversy. Did you know that there really are many cities and towns with old bylaws or zoning codes that prohibit a person from actually eating any food they grow in their own yard!  While some cities such as San Francisco, New York, Baltimore, Seattle and Detroit have begun to change laws and policy in support of urban agriculture, and as this trend continues to thrive because of food safety and security issues, the growing foodie locavore movement and urban hipster cred, many citizens in other cities and towns have been threatend with jail time or fines for planting a garden or organic farm on their own property. Yes, it seems that vegetable gardens are just not good for you or the community in these towns. Who knew planting a garden or creating an urban agriculture landscape could be the sign of a budding citizen activist. Let the revolution unfold. Here is a round up of some of the latest news of people who want to live a healthier lifestyle and grow their own food but now are being treated like criminals for doing so.

In Vancouver Island, Dirk Becker may soon be joining the lady in Michigan who was recently threatened with 93 days in jail for growing a garden in her front yard.  Becker, of Lantzville, British Columbia turned his 2.5 acre property which was a gravel pit into a thriving organic farm. The Beckers were cited under the  ”unsightly premises”  bylaw for having piles of manure on their property.  According to the post on Grist.org  the letter came on the very day 8,000 compost bins were distributed to residents in their community. So gravel pit = okay but beautiful organic farm with real soil = not okay.  Read the rest of the story and decide for yourself.

Becker Farm - before and after - you decide what is better

Now take the story of Julie Bass in Oak Park, Michigan where after her front yard was torn up to replace a sewer line, she decided to plant a vegetable garden instead of the lawn that was originally there. But instead of being praised for her decision, she has been cited by code enforcement as a misdemeanor because they say that the edible garden is not a “suitable” front yard choice. City code says that all unpaved portions of a site shall be planted with grass or groundcover or shrubbery or other suitable live plant material.  According to the Planning Director,  suitable means common and since there are no other vegetable gardens in the city’s  front yards the Bass garden is unsuitable. But, a quick look at Websters will tell you otherwise. You be the judge – does Julia Bass deserve jail time for planting a vegetable garden that even her neighbors might enjoy?  Read more in this excerpt from the source.

Bass edible front yard - suitable or not suitable?

 
 

You can help prevent the invasion! July 12, 2011

Filed under: Habitat,invasives,Native Plants,Resources,Sustainable Sites Initiative — allegra bukojemsky @ 4:23 pm

Are you planting or specifying invasive plants? Did your plant supplier or contractor substitute some invasive plants in your project? Do you even know?

Source: www.nps.gov

Did you know that the US spends upwards of $138 billion annually to manage both plant and animal invasive species that threaten and impact crops, managed forests, recreation areas, and wildlife habitats? This does not account for the extensive invasive management efforts by private land owners and managers, non-profit groups, and volunteer crews.  And did you know that there are studies that directly link development to exotic plant invasions, as well as profit driven nursery industries. These are just some of the reasons that the Sustainable Sites Initiative requires you to document that you are not planting an invasive plant with Prerequisite 4.2.

We often assume that nurseries wouldn’t sell us an invasive plant. While this is the law, the law only pertains to plants listed in the national data base of invasive plants. While there is a pretty extensive list of nationally recognized invasive plants, many states and local regions are battling invasive plants that are still widely sold at local nurseries.

Many of us don’t take the time to educate ourselves or others on the project team about  local invasive plants when working on a project. I personally know of a couple of cases where the landscape contractor unknowingly substituted invasive plants on habitat restoration projects when they were unable to obtain all the plants specified in the planting plan.

So how do you educate yourself, your plant supplier, your contractor, and others? (more…)

 

Report on the Health of Our Oceans June 21, 2011

Filed under: climate change,Resources — Keven Graham @ 1:14 pm

A new report from the United Nations brings to question the long term health of our ocean’s and the ecosystems they support.  How we choose to make the link to land development and management is discussed in the story.  As stewards of the land we need to look at continuing means of making wise choices that have positive actions.

 

Webinar Series: The Sustainable Sites Initiative – Part 1 May 20, 2011

Filed under: Events,Resources,SDD PPN,Sustainable Sites Initiative — allegra bukojemsky @ 11:44 am

Please join us on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 6:00 PM (PT) for the beginning of the Land8 webinar series on The Sustainable Sites Initiative. Part 1 of the five-part series will provide an overview of the certification system with a focus on ecosystem services, and the potential of market and industry transformation with this new tool. This presentation will provide an introduction to concepts that will be discussed in more depth in the following series including hydrology, integrated ecology, and an in-depth look at a pilot project.  Early Bird registration is now open.  Register Now >

 

Opportunity Knocks for Us All! EPA Survey for Stormwater Projects March 9, 2011

Filed under: ASLA,Stormwater — hunter beckham @ 1:48 pm

Survey responses are needed by March 31st.

ASLA is working to gather 300 green infrastructure case studies to submit to EPA, to aid in their rulemaking related to green infrastructure for stormwater management.  Please submit information on stormwater management projects from your firm/organization by filling out the green infrastructure project survey.

Your response to this survey is very important to every landscape architect and provides you an opportunity to showcase some of your own work. Here is the link to the recent Land Online for more information. It really doesn’t take too much of your time and your effort will be very much appreciated by ASLA, the EPA and many of your fellow members. Choose any topic you like, permeable paving, slope stabalization, water quality improvements etc… here is one example.

Before photo of a slope that washed out and silted in a pond.

After photo of the same slope with protection methods in place. This hillside will become a berry bramble that the client can harvest while protecting the integrity of the pond.

 

Sustainable Design and ASLA Federal Priorities February 2, 2011

Filed under: ASLA,Campus,climate change,Government Affairs,green roof,Habitat,Health & Wellbeing,Materials,Native Plants,O&M,PPN Updates,projects,Regional,SDD PPN,Stormwater,Sustainable Sites Initiative,Uncategorized,Urban — hunter beckham @ 2:57 pm

Representative Carnahan receiving his ASLA Honorary Membership from Saint Louis Chapter Trustee in a SITES Pilot Project rain garden

It’s true; Federal Representatives really do pay attention to us as Landscape Architects.

ASLA membership recently responded to a survey on Federal Priorities for 2011 and consistently ranked the following issues the most important to the profession:

  • Sustainable design
  • Water and stormwater management
  • Transportation design and planning
  • Parks, recreation, and active living issues

For more about this visit last months LAND e-news from ASLA

As you can see every one of these has relevance to Sustainable Design and Development. We would love to start a dialog about how these Federal Priorities relate to your regional and local issues.

It would also be great to hear about how these priorities might fit into the work some of you are doing with Sustainable Sites Initiative.

Learn more about ASLA Advocacy at asla.org/advocacy.

 

Green Roof Or PV? December 22, 2010

Filed under: climate change,energy,green roof,Stormwater,Urban — Jana McKenzie, AECOM Principal, ASLA, LEED AP @ 12:30 pm

Source: http://greenroofs.wordpress.com

Green roof or photo voltaic cell power panels (PV) on a roof surface – what is the best choice?  Some say a green roof, because it insulates better, increases the life span of the roofing material, increases habitat and aesthetic appeal, and retains stormwater (especially if rain water is collected from the roof for reuse as irrigation water, as studied at the University of Central Florida).

Others say PV isbetter to put on roofs because it generates energy, and makes the most difference in reducing carbon (some researchers report that PV generates more energy than green roofs insulate).  Green roofs in the southwest US require a substantially deeper soil layer, which may be cost-prohibitive from a structural standpoint . Green roofs in arid climates also require irrigation, which then raises other benefit versus impact questions. The University of Arizona is currently studying green roof prototypes for desert environments in hopes of answering some of these questions.

In areas of the country where both are appropriate, and the roof can accommodate both, perhaps you don’t have to choose one over another.  They are not mutually exclusive, and some claim that they may be mutually beneficial.

(more…)

 

Sustainability and the System View November 29, 2010

Filed under: ASLA,climate change,projects,Urban — Michael Stanley, RLA @ 6:21 pm

All the discussions regarding sustainability, whether it is related to products, designs, ideas, etc. we must always remember the most important concept:  the system view.  There have been two very influential books in formulating my understanding of sustainability.  The first published in 2008, written by Peter Newman and Isabella Jennings is Cities as Sustainable Ecosystems.  The other, published in 1996, is The Web of Life written by Fritojof Capra.  While Newman and Jennings specifically compare an evolving ecosystem of a city, Capra takes a holistic view. He incorporates the human mind, theories, mathematics and structures.  Both books discuss the understanding of natural systems and humankind’s place in the systems.

We as Landscape Architects and designers need to continue our understanding these systems.  Sustainability is not achieved by one specific item or instance, but with an understanding of energy flow through the system.

What does it mean to make design decisions based on a system?  It means, understanding the energy flow not only in design, but also in the general public’s lifestyle.  Examine the sustainable design practices that we integrate now, green roofs, porous paving, mixed-use housing, grey-water plumbing, public transportation, low-flow irrigation, high-efficiency windows, and the list can go on and on.  All are integral pieces (and needed) but what is lacking is the public understanding of the system relationship to lifestyle. It is in this role of the arranger, assembler, and educator for the system, that I see Landscape Architects and American Society of Landscape Architects fulfilling.

 

The Power of One – it takes only one student to inspire a village November 28, 2010

Filed under: climate change,edible landscapes,Health & Wellbeing,Urban — april philips @ 2:56 am

The story of a student, a garden and the national obesity epidemic.  An 11 year old middle school student inspires the fight against childhood obesity & promotes environmental stewardship with an organic garden classroom.

The Story:

Childhood obesity has tripled in the last thirty years and America now ranks number one globally with this unwelcome distinction. If you add to this fact the unprecedented escalation of childhood diabetes and a national school lunch program that bases nutrition on numerical chemistry components set  forth by the USDA rather than fresh, nutritious food, the landscape for our children’s health is a mine field of processed foods high in trans fats and sugary beverages with nary a fresh vegetable or fruit in sight. This of course is a sight that is worth shuddering about and getting fired up about. Some adults have been doing just that such as renowned Chef Jamie Oliver’s crusade for reforming the US school lunch program seen recently on national television but seldom do you hear about the message for reform being led by the students themselves.  This is the story of how one 11 year old girl decided to take action to help change this unhealthy landscape through her own actions and thus adding her voice to tackling the broken system.

(more…)

 

Will we see you in DC? August 26, 2010

Filed under: ASLA,Events,PPN Updates,SDD PPN — allegra bukojemsky @ 6:55 pm

We hope so! Every year we gather for education, celebration, recognition, networking and, of course having a little fun at the ASLA Annual Meeting and EXPO. This year in DC we hope to meet some of you that we haven’t met yet. The officers (and authors of this blog) will be hosting a meeting of the Sustainable Design and Development Professional Practice Network (SDD PPN) on Sunday Sept 12th at 5pm in 146 C, Street Level and we invite you to join us. In addition some of us officers are presenting and a few are becoming Fellows, so there are many opportunities to introduce yourself. Of course there is an amazing collection of education sessions, field trips and filed sessions on a wide variety of topics, many with a focus on sustainable design, others with sustainability as an underlying theme. Here is just a sampling of some that might be of interest (more…)

 

That’s roof-tacular! Personalize your garage with a green roof August 17, 2010

Filed under: ASLA,climate change,green roof,Habitat,Health & Wellbeing,Native Plants,projects,Residential,Stormwater,Urban — hunter beckham @ 8:00 am

Landscape Architects are continually being recognized as a resource for green roof design and consulting. The high-profile green roof designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates at our Societies Headquarters in Washington DC is no doubt our Flagship.  If you haven’t been to the ASLA Green Roof Page you should check it out. It is full of data, design information, resources and tells a great story about how ASLA is staying on top of the issues.  From there you can link to many other educational resources to learn more about the design process and benefits of green roofs.

Green Roof at ASLA Headquarters in Washington DC

An important point to make is that while the green roofs in public or commercial settings are outstanding they could be seen as relatively expensive, something to go see on a field trip.  Everyone should know that we can all have a slice of the green roof pie. I encourage any of you to share your own green roof stories from work or at home. I bet there are more landscape architects directly tied to this practice than we think. Let’s get started…

A few years ago it was time to rebuild my burned out garage one block from the Missouri Botanical Gardens where I live is St. Louis. So here’s how we started, aside from cleaning out all of the garbage and debris (including several skulls and other nasty things) we got a great builder who knew how to structure everything properly and worked directly with me and the waterproofing and roof membrane  representative to make sure there was a structurally sound water tight garage.

What happened over the next few years gets to the point of this post. ‘Everyone should have a green roof’ is a Face book post I made a few months back. It showed a handful of images from this spring with all the flowers popping out.  So instead of burdening face book with all of the green roof junkies it seemed a blog post would be the right setting for this. Skipping all of the construction images (that’s another blog) let’s just jump to some of the good stuff.  (more…)

 

 
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