Landscape architects create new sustainability resource guides

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) announced a new series of comprehensive online resource guides on sustainable design and planning. Created for national and local policymakers, government agencies, design professionals, planners,and students, the guides include hundreds of project case studies, research papers, organizations,and other government resources on sustainable design aggregated for the first time.

According to ASLA, sustainable design practices can mitigate the effects of rising greenhouse gas emissions, aid in adaptation to climate change, clean air and water, reduce the urban heat island effect and increase the health and wellbeing of residents all while providing significant long-term savings through lower heating and cooling energy costs, higher property values and viable, livable communities. The guides provide the “best of the best” resources and award-winning projects that offer real economic, social and environmental benefits.

The five online resources include:

• Green Infrastructure (www.asla.org/greeninfrastructure) covers park systems, wildlife habitat and corridors, urban forestry and green roofs.
• Sustainable Transportation (www.asla.org/sustainabletransport) covers sustainable transportation planning, sitting sustainable transportation infrastructure, designing safe and visually appealing transportation infrastructure, green streets and reducing the urban heat island effect.
• Sustainable Urban Development (www.asla.org/sustainableurban) covers fighting sprawl, sustainable zoning, reusing brownfields, investing in downtowns, open spaces and sustainable urban design.
• Livable Communities (www.asla.org/livable) covers sustainable land use, place making, green schools, sustainable housing, sustainable employment growth and health, safety and security.
• Combating Climate Change with Landscape Architecture (www.asla.org/climatechange) covers site planning, open spaces, plant selection, stormwater management and other areas.

ASLA is also looking for additional or new resources on these topics. Those interested in submitting research, case studies or other items are encouraged to contact ASLA at info@asla.org.