Going Green?

by Don Westphal

Green is good – financially and ecologically!

This installment in our series will focus on the growing public awareness of the environment and its effects on our day-to-day lives. Leveraging this in many market areas is critical… In some markets, green communities have an advantage of perception.

A few tips and tricks are outlined below that, if utilized, will allow your staff to say confidently, "We Are Green."

Plant Selection

By choosing a range of native plants, costly replacement and maintenance can be reduced. Not only will your landscaping fit with its surroundings, your plantings will thrive under local conditions while being less likely to invade new habitats. 

Drought tolerance is also important. If plants are selected correctly, irrigation can be minimized if not avoided entirely. What could you do with those savings?

Xeriscaping [a method of landscape design that minimizes water use] is the epitome of this concept and it has become popular in arid regions. Using a combination of succulent plants and rocks, an attractive display can be created that radically conserves water.

If irrigation is absolutely necessary, consider utilizing a detention pond or a rain barrel first. Consider the "grey water" option.

Is grass always necessary? Traditional lawns can be costly… maintenance, water, and fertilizer add up quickly while negatively impacting the environment. The natural appearance of these alternatives are often more appropriate for a campground or RV resort.

Site Design

Proper site design will accommodate the hills and slopes of a site, minimizing the need to waste time, fuel, and money moving earth and designing unnecessary storm water systems.

Efficient traffic routes can further reduce fuel use while avoiding the confusion and frustration that comes with an illogical street layout.

By providing pedestrian walkways and trails, a social and human scale experience can be achieved while simultaneously promoting public and ecological health. Field trips to arboretums and parks are fun green events.

Another option is to provide multi-function water features that can serve as ecological habitats, visual centerpieces, recreational amenities, storm water detention ponds, and educational experiences.

Material Choices

You can go a long way in achieving the "Green" by choosing the correct materials.

Paving materials such as gravel and permeable pavers allow for pollution filtration and ground water recharge.

Choose materials from local sources. The regional economy will be bolstered while limiting transportation costs and carbon emissions.

Considering renewable or recycled products? Locating recycling bins throughout your community can help involve your guests.

Solar Heating

Solar heating harnesses the power of the sun to provide thermal energy for hot water heaters, space heating, and pool heaters. Many of these systems transfer heat to more traditional systems.

Solar heating has come a long way, and in the correct climate, it can save energy while reducing utility costs.

Rain Gardens

Rain gardens are planted depressions that are designed to retain runoff and allow for pollution filtration. The water then renews the local reservoir.

When designed properly, rain gardens provide a low maintenance alternative to expensive storm sewer systems. They also reduce site flooding, while providing a visible reminder of your green efforts.

Lighting

Any environmentally-conscious lighting plan needs to consider integrating sky lights and day lighting into your rec-centers, clubhouses, and maintenance buildings.

An effective way to extend the energy provided by the sun is to incorporate solar lighting. In many situations, the cost of solar lighting is easily offset by reduced installation and utility costs.

In combination, a few simple features such as lighting sensors, LEDs, and florescent bulbs will dramatically reduce your carbon footprint and your utility bills.

Name Recognition

Energy Star and LEED are well-known national programs that can provide instant recognition and credibility… maximizing your marketing impact. Ask your planner to help guide you through the process.

Our homes are now eligible for Energy Star classification. Have you considered offering a promotion offering incentives to those who choose Energy Star Homes?

Most municipal planners are in tune with these trends and often provide incentives and benefits that can help increase profitability. A savvy development team will take advantage of this while promoting the approval of the project or upgrade.

Remember to list your green efforts in your marketing material.

Go Green!

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