Achieving Sustainable Design

Dr. Lou MillsNovember 15, 2010

Quantitatively or Qualitatively? LEEDS, BREEM, ASLA Sites Sustainability

Initiative, Other techniques? What is the economic impact of delaying

sustainable design or implementing it? Government and Tax policies to encourage

sustainable design? How can land planning affect sustainability? Economic competitiveness Worldwide? Where is the US in the race for

Sustainability?

How is Sustainability Measured?

ConnectivitySite to Context ConnectionsNatural and Cultural SystemsTemporal Connections

Meaning Sense of Place

Process and Phenomena Engagement Purpose

Landscape as Spatial and Living MediumLand-Based Program Goals

EfficiencyLow InputsSelf-MaintainingEconomic, Health Benefits- Value- Added LandscapesMulti-Use Landscapes

StewardshipParticipatory DesignLong-Term Care and Responsibilityfrom Dinep and Schwab. 2010

Elements of Site Sustainability

Start with professional site plan, conceived as sustainable project and clear goals:◦ Good program development

Building techniques- refer to state of the art◦ Buy local products, incorporate into design

Construction Techniques and clean up- least disturbed site, protect existing vegetation, storm drainage scheme

Maintenance Operations- design xeriscape and native plantings requiring less input

Compost, Reduce Chemicals, Re-vegetate.

New vs. Renovated Landscapes: Sustainable Approaches

Effectiveness of measuring index from street(non-invasive means) ?

Effectiveness of measuring index from Internet sources?

Rank order of sustainability criteria? Effectiveness of encouraging improvements? Applied strategy for implementing sustainability at

local and street level? How is agricultural lands measured for sustainability? How to promote lifestyle of sustainability? Economic Model for implementation(Safeti.net)

Sustainability- Research Questions on West Texas Study

Commonality in Sustainability Values? Areas of particular concern? Model areas for high sustainability? Scenic/Architectural features of West Texas

Sustainability. How to improve test methodology and

achieve consistency in results, efficiency in data gathering, and applicable criteria?

How to expand to agricultural sector and larger cities?

Survey Results and Trends?

Metropolitan or regional approach, not site design. Transportation and energy systems Land Use Systems Recreational and Tourism sustainability Economic Development- New Urbanism and Clustered

Development Regional Park Systems Water(supply and storm water) Soil and Erosion Control Habitat Consideration- Flora, Fish and Fauna Global Warming Issues Systems Thinking

Environmental Planning for Sustainability

Economic Development and Vitality Life Style- Health and Welfare Proactive mapping, marketing, and

manufacturing New Architecture and Landscape Design

motifs Population Control Water Conservation Renewable Energy

Future Research and Trends

Get rid of the SUV or Pickup Truck unless you need it for business- Weight correlates with gas consumption.

Turn off the lights when you leave the premises Buy local produce and materials Recycle cans and bottles Walk or take the bus, don’t drive more than

necessary. Turn the heat down and AC thermostat up. Insulate to recommended levels for homes. Vacation close to home. Share a shower

Improving your Sustainability Index : IT STARTS WITH YOU !!!