Last Updated on May 21, 2022 by Admin
The green movement is influencing different global industries. Landscapers are minimizing their environmental impacts by using sustainable materials and building techniques. Sustainable construction can help professionals stay ahead of eco-conscious government regulations.
It also helps landscaping companies meet eco-consumer demands and gain a leg up on competitors. Transitioning away from ecologically degrading practices can be challenging for many builders. Landscape architects may use five sustainable building techniques to shrink their carbon footprints.
1. Erosion Prevention
Construction professionals can develop sustainable landscapes by preventing soil erosion. Soil erosion commonly occurs when wind, rain, and flowing water carry layers of dirt off Earth’s surface. Over-exploiting natural resources, digging, mining, and excessive farming can also cause erosion.
Sustainable architects may design landscapes to prevent soil degradation. They can install rain gardens, retaining walls, and French drains to minimize erosion. Preserving soil fertility can enhance plant growth and protect surrounding structures.
2. Native Plants
Architects can also reduce natural resource exploitation by planting native vegetation. Some professionals add exotic plants to gardens to increase their aesthetic appeal. Exotic vegetation requires different resources than other regions can offer, however.
Many Colorado residents grow Kentucky bluegrass on their lawns. The grass originates from Europe, which has a higher precipitation rate. Coloradans exploit their state water supplies to maintain Kentucky bluegrass during droughts.
Architects can place native plants on landscapes in arid regions to minimize water waste. Most native vegetation thrives on its own without added water, nutrients, or pesticides. Individuals can also engage in sustainable landscaping practices using low-impact construction equipment.
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3. Low-Impact Construction Equipment
Construction professionals may invest in smaller machines for landscaping to reduce emissions. Large-scale equipment significantly contributes to construction pollution. The construction industry produces about 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions annually.
Individuals can construct unique landscapes using compact equipment. Compatible truck loaders can help individuals build garden features on unstable and uneven terrain. Architects may additionally use electric heavy machinery to move masonry materials and other heavy items.
Heavy machinery manufacturers are following the green movement and creating emission-free equipment. One company designed a 26-ton electric excavator with a 300-kilowatt-hour battery. The machine remains powered through an entire construction day. It also releases zero tailpipe emissions.
Construction professionals can shrink their projects’ carbon footprints when using low-impact machinery. They may also use renewable energy in their landscaping projects to reduce emissions.
4. Solar-Powered Landscape Lighting
Some sustainable landscapers are placing solar-powered lights throughout customers’ yards. The lights rely on photovoltaic (PV) solar cells, which absorb sunlight and knock electrons loose. Electrons create a direct form of energy, which becomes electricity.
Solar lights produce zero emissions while illuminating the outdoors. Individuals can place light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs in their landscape lanterns to enhance efficiency. LED lights to use about 75% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs.
They also last about 25 times longer than conventional lights, which reduces landfill waste over time. Solar-powered lights increase the self-sufficiency of landscapes. Residents can save money and shrink their carbon footprints by utilizing sustainable technologies like these.
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5. Synthetic Grass
Individuals may also improve the sustainability of their landscapes using synthetic grass. In arid regions, the grass is a water-intensive residential feature. For example, swapping out Kentucky bluegrass for synthetic alternatives improves residential water conservation.
Synthetic grass also decreases the demand for fertilizers and pesticides. Residents can achieve aesthetically pleasing landscapes without contributing to stormwater runoff. During storms, rainwater usually carries agricultural additives to the ocean.
The nitrogen-rich materials promote algal blooms in open waters. Algae deplete aquatic oxygen levels as they grow and degrade marine habitats. Synthetic grass is a sustainable landscape material because it eliminates eutrophication risks.
Transitioning to Sustainable Landscaping
Some landscapers feel intimidated by the cost and maintenance of sustainable technologies or techniques. Government officials recognize the importance of green construction and offer individuals tax credits as financial aid. Landscapers can access tax credits for their electric machinery purchases.
They may also receive money back on solar equipment purchases. The return on sustainable equipment is high and landscapers can make more money than unsustainable competitors over time. Individuals may make the most of their eco-friendly machinery and materials by conducting thorough training and following efficiency standards.
Author bio: Jane is an environmental writer who covers topics in sustainable construction and green building materials and the editor-in-chief of Environment.co.
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