Toward Sustainability
What is Sustainability?
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. "In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decision on the seventh generation." (From the Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy.)
Why Sustainability?
Our biosphere is in a state of unprecedented decline. The unbridled proliferation of greenhouse gasses threatens to destroy our way of life, indeed all life. Everything we do will either help to save the world or destroy it. By designing and building sustainable projects, we can help save our home planet. "Concern about sustainability is rooted in the growing awareness that human activities have significant environmental impacts that can impose economic, social and ecological costs..."
What does this mean to our clients?
For starters, it means less irrigation, temporary irrigation or no irrigation. (Go native!) Where recycled water is available, we encourage our clients to use it. Soon, landscape irrigation in our Southwestern region may become a thing of the past. In any case, it will become more rationed and restricted. The only really sustainable landscape is the Native or xeriphytic landscape.
Using building materials that have a smaller carbon footprint is another step towards sustainable design. Recycled building materials and local, natural materials are preferred. Lumber from sustainable sources also makes great sense. Other "soft path" techniques include sustainable sites, porous or permeable paving, low energy (LED) lighting, even photovoltaics.
DRLA started our sustainable design career many years ago, with our habitat restoration projects. More recently, the firm has made a more significant commitment towards sustainable design.
Waxie Corporation Building - Salt Lake City, Utah
J. Craig Venter Institute at UCSD - San Diego, California
Hillel of UCSD/La Jolla - La Jolla, California
In the planning phase; will be a LEED certified project. Landscape improvements surround and appoint a proposed Jewish Student Center at the University of California San Diego. Improvements include a public park space with a bike and pedestrian trail, using Torrey Pine trees and an all native plant palette.
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Pershing Middle School Joint Use Fields - San Diego, California
Pump Station #45 - Torrey Pines, San Diego, California
El Cajon Blvd. - El Cajon, California
Carmel Mountain Ranch Library - San Diego, California
Recycled Water Landscapes:
These projects utilize recycled water, giving a compound benefit and heat reduction to the urban environment by increasing vegetation to provide shade and cool the air. Even as such, most of the plantings are low water use species.
Mosaic, A Planned Community - Escondido, California
Tradition Apartment Homes - Carlsbad, California
Scope of work for this 140+ unit apartment home community included complete hardscape, landscape improvement plans and permit approvals for a 30 acre site. On-site amenities included a recreation center with pool and spa, children’s play area and high intensity landscape. Work also included development and landscaping of a 1/4 mile stretch of new median on El Camino Real, a large native plant revegetation, and extensive use of reclaimed water irrigation.
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Starling - San Marcos, California
The developer utilized this neglected 5 acre site to build a new 28 unit planned community along Rock Springs Blvd, in San Marcos. These landscape development plans feature a tot lot and children’s play area, a through connection to the nearby community park and extensive landscaping along the street frontages.
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