Sustainability, going green, eco friendly … What do they mean and why should I care?

"These are interchangeable terms that define a movement in our society," according to PLANET, the Professional Landcare Network.

"Sustainable" is a word that is suddenly used everywhere.

How is it defined?

- Meeting the present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

- Using methods, systems, and materials that won’t deplete resources or harm natural cycles.

- Doing onto future generations as you would have them do onto you.

Some of the world biggest companies, such as Wal-Mart and Coca-Cola, are engaged in sustainability initiatives.

The landscape industry is also leading the way by providing green products and designs. Gardens that control storm water, cool homes, scrub pollutants from the air, sequester carbon and provide homes for beneficial insects, birds, butterflies, and other animals to name a few.

One voluntary program that has exploded since its inception in 1998 is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED. LEED is a voluntary program that was founded by the U.S. Green Building Council, USGBC. The mission is to drive building trades toward the construction and renovation of buildings that are more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, as well as provide healthier environments for their occupants. A portion of the LEED credits deals with landscape activities.

Sustainable Sites or SSI is an initiative that was developed in cooperation with the American Society of Landscape Architects in 2005. The USGBC is a stakeholder and anticipates incorporating the SSI guidelines and standards into future LEED guidelines.

Why should I care? Consider this …

The earth’s population has grown from 1.6 billion people at the turn of the 20th century to more than 6.3 billion today. By 2025, there could be 8 billion people requiring food, water and shelter.

From 2005 to 2050, world energy consumption will double.

Although 96 percent of U.S. adults indicated in a 2008 poll that they have adopted energy efficient practices at home, 58% use energy or water efficient practices in their landscapes or lawns. Only 29% planted shade trees to lower energy costs and 15% harvested rain water to water their plants. These figures need to improve!

While the environmental challenges to our society will be great, E.G. Rall Jr. Landscape Design, and the landscape industry are uniquely positioned to lead the way! To stay abreast of Green information check out our past newsletters and tips - or visit the following websites:

PROJECT EVERGREEN

USGBC

RODALE - ENVIRONMENT