What Basic Landscape Design Practices Should Be Followed in Order to Obtain LEED Credits?

Landscape design is an important part of any building project and can play an integral role in obtaining Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits. LEED certification is a third-party verification system that awards points to projects based on their sustainable design, construction, and operations. To obtain LEED credits, basic landscape design practices should be followed to ensure that the project meets the criteria for certification.

Minimizing Water Usage
Water conservation is one of the most important aspects of sustainable landscape design and is an essential factor for obtaining LEED credits. Strategies for reducing water usage in landscapes include using native or adaptive plants that require less water, installing efficient irrigation systems, capturing rainwater for reuse, and installing drought-tolerant plants.

Increasing Biodiversity
Landscapes should also be designed to maintain or increase biodiversity. To achieve this goal, native plants should be used wherever possible as they are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions.

Native plants also provide food and shelter to wildlife, which helps promote a more diverse ecosystem. Additionally, integrated pest management strategies should be employed to reduce the use of chemical applications in landscapes.

Utilizing Sustainable Materials
The use of sustainable materials can also help contribute to LEED credits. Permeable pavement materials such as porous concrete or gravel can reduce stormwater runoff while providing an aesthetically pleasing surface material. In addition, recycled materials such as glass or plastic can be used as well as reclaimed wood products in place of virgin materials.

Conclusion: In order to obtain LEED credits, basic landscape design practices such as minimizing water usage, increasing biodiversity, and utilizing sustainable materials should be followed during the construction process. By incorporating these principles into the design process, projects will not only meet the requirements for LEED certification but will also create more sustainable landscapes in the process.