Commercial Landscape Architecture: About Sustainability 2024

commercial landscape architecture
Native Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) planted on street in Takoma Park, Maryland. The Birds compete with humans to consume the edible fruit.

What’s Sustainable Commercial Landscape Architecture About?

Commercial landscape architecture has a greenside where sustainability is king. More businesses are understanding the benefits of sustainable landscapes.

Companies are turning to sustainable landscape design to create aesthetically pleasing outdoor areas that are eco-friendly, as well. This article will look into sustainable solutions to explore how they change how we look at and interact with the landscape.

For some examples of sustainable commercial landscapes. Click here!

A Look at Sustainable Design Principles:

Incorporating Native Plant Species

Embracing the local environment is at the core of sustainable landscape design. By landscape architecture firms specifying native plant species, commercial spaces contribute to the region’s natural beauty and foster a balance between nature and the built environment.

Our firm typically specifies 80% to 100% native plant species on our commercial landscape architecture. Baltimore landscape architects must use a certain quantity of native plants on commercial projects. 

Water Conservation Considerations

Commercial landscape architecture firms are supporting water conservation strategies. Everyone doing their part will lead us towards a greener, more sustainable future, from modern and efficient irrigation systems to rainwater harvesting. Native plants can handle local conditions and use less water because they evolved there.

Lighting Design for Energy-Efficiency

Lighting plays a crucial role in security and highlighting landscape features. Still, it shouldn’t come at the expense of the environment. By integrating energy-efficient lighting and technology to illuminate commercial spaces responsibly, professional lighting designers are doing their part to increase the benefits of sustainable landscaping.

Selecting Materials for Longevity and Eco-friendliness

Longevity is a crucial concern in the landscape. The selected materials and how the contractor assembles them are vital to having landscape elements stand the test of time. Choosing suitable materials is the backbone of sustainable design. Commercial landscapes should be eco-friendly and minimize the environmental impact of landscape construction. 

Benefits of Sustainable Landscapes:

What are the Benefits?

Most importantly, sustainable commercial landscapes contribute to a healthier planet for humans. Some positive environmental impacts are enhanced biodiversity, reduced carbon footprint, and improved air quality. Landscape architects can contribute so much just by plant selection alone. 

Bottomline: Economic Advantages for Businesses

When some folks hear something is ‘eco-friendly,’ they instantly think it will be unnecessarily expensive. Sustainable practices are not only eco-friendly but also save money over time. 

Less maintenance, chemicals, and water means less money spent. When landscape architects educate business owners on the benefits of sustainable landscaping, they often witness long-term cost savings on expenses.

Users and Visitors Enjoy the Positive Effects

A green, sustainable environment supports the well-being of those who live, work, and visit these spaces. Productivity, mental health, and overall satisfaction increase from exposure to nature. 

Challenges and Solutions:

While it’s easy to get most people on board with the benefits of sustainable landscaping, challenges do arise. Baltimore landscape architects and others must explore common obstacles in sustainable design and discover strategies for mitigating environmental impact during construction. Commercial landscape architecture firms are becoming increasingly more sustainability-oriented so that they can develop more solutions. 

CONCLUSION:

Sustainable solutions in commercial landscape architecture are more than a trend or a design philosophy. It’s a commitment to developing landscapes that work with nature. If we aim to have a greener tomorrow, sustainable landscapes on commercial properties will play a significant role. Commercial landscape architecture can leave its mark on the Earth one eco-friendly design at a time.

Click HERE for more information from Sustainable Site Initiative.

Contact our office if you have a commercial or residential landscape project. We understand that designing landscapes with sustainability in mind saves our clients money.

Visit us at: landarch1.com

 

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