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11
Exercise 2
Sustainability in Landscape
Construction Activities
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this exercise is to properly evaluate sites
and construction documents for opportunities to practice
sustainable landscape construction.
TEXTBOOK REFERENCE
References to sustainability are located throughout Land-
scape Construction, particularly in section introductions
INTRODUCTION
Sustainability concepts are substantially influencing the
practice of landscape construction today. Sustainability
can be practiced on a small scale, for instance, by recy-
cling construction materials. It can also impact a project
more holistically, influencing site design, materials selec-
struction practices are presented below.
Before Construction Begins
• Source local materials rather than materials
imported from great distances.
• Maintain stockpiles of materials instead of making
numerous trips to suppliers.
Site Preparation
• Avoid wetlands and environmentally sensitive
areas.
• Minimize disturbance to the site.
• Properly protect plant material to be saved.
• Salvage, compost and/or recycle the waste
removed from a site.
• Implement water retention techniques to store
and reuse rainwater on site.
• Use bioswales and stormwater retention to hold
water on a site.
Site Utilities
Landscape Retaining Walls
and Stairs
• Use recycled wall materials when appropriate.
97171_02_ch02_p011-012.indd 11 14/06/10 8:39 PM
12 Exercise 2 Sustainability in Landscape Construction Activities
Wood Landscape Construction
• Use Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified
Fences and Freestanding Walls
• Use reduced impact wall construction, such as
rammed earth.
Site Amenities
• Recycle old amenities from other sites or the
existing site.
• Use amenities manufactured from recycled materials.
MATERIALS REQUIRED
• Sites for which landscape improvements are
EXERCISE DESCRIPTION—PART A
List opportunities to practice sustainable landscape
construction at project sites identified by the instruc-
tor. Use the ideas provided in the introduction as a
guide for your work, adding details specific to the sites
in your answers. If you develop new ideas that you feel
will help protect the site environment, add them to
your list.
97171_02_ch02_p011-012.indd 12 14/06/10 8:39 PM
