Sustainable Landscaping

Sustainable landscaping encompasses a variety of practices that have developed in response to environmental issues. These practices are used in every phase of landscaping, including design, construction, implementation and management of residential and commercial landscapes.

1. SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING IN DOWNTOWN

2. Introduction to Downtown Introduction Downtown belongs to all of us. It is at the heart of the City and the center point for a much broader region. It is our responsibility to ensure it remains a vibrant and vital neighborhood not just today but for generations to come. Impact of Climate Change on Human Health in downtown Global climate change stressed ecosystems and has negative health impacts and increasing resource consumption is forcing us to address sustainability issues. Fig 1: Impact of Climate Change on Human Health

3. Sustainable Landscaping Sustainable landscaping  encompasses a variety of practices that have developed in response to environmental issues. These practices are used in every phase of landscaping, including design, construction, implementation and management of residential and commercial landscapes. Sustainable landscaping is a part of growing global effort in the landscaping industry to create aesthetically pleasing landscapes while improving and conserving the environment and saving money.

4. Why use Sustainable Landscaping Require less maintenance Reduce environmental harm p ollution, climate change etc Benefits Wildlife f ood, water, cover Provide seasonal interest Maintain local character Fig 2: Sustainable Landscaping

5. Benefits of Sustainable Landscaping Environmental benefits • Enhance and protect ecosystems and biodiversity  • Improve air and water quality  • Reduce solid waste  • Conserve natural resources  Economic benefits • Reduce operating costs  • Enhance asset value and profits  • Improve employee productivity and satisfaction  • Optimize life-cycle economic performance 

6. Benefits of Sustainable Landscaping Health and community benefits • Improve air, thermal and acoustic environments  • Enhance occupant comfort and health  • Minimize strain on local infrastructure  • Contribute to overall quality of life Fig 3: Benefits of Sustainable Landscaping

7. Link of sustainability with other aspects Fig 4: Link of Sustainability with Other Aspects

8. Sustainable Landscaping Architecture It is  concerned with the planning and design of outdoor space. This can include ecological , environmental, social and economic aspects of sustainability. The design of a green roof or a roof garden can also contribute to the sustainability of a landscape architecture project .

9. Principles of Sustainable Landscaping The typical landscape requires many inputs: time, money, labors, water, chemicals and fertilizers. Our landscapes also produce wastes which most of us never consider: plant trimmings, polluted run-off from chemicals and fertilizers, and water lost by evaporation. The concept of sustainable landscaping asks us to examine the input and output of our landscaping and find ways to minimize both. Treat Water as a Resource Value Your Soil Preserve Existing Plants Conserve Material Resources

10. Main Components of Sustainable Landscaping Water Quality Soil Quality Plants Energy System Air Quality Urban Forest Fig 5: Plants Fig 6: Soil Quality Fig 7: Water Quality

11. Energy System in Downtown Energy consumption is a major cause of whether or not a community moves towards greater sustainability. The Downtown cannot be considered a sustainable community without unaffected guarantee to sustainable energy practices. Energy Policies Green Buildings Establish development requirements for highly energy efficient new buildings through design and construction techniques including: green roofs, windows, and doors; delighting interiors.

12. Energy System in Downtown: Policies 2. Support for Zero Emission Projects Provide financial and development incentives to encourage the development of zero emission projects that establish original methods for energy efficiency, building design . 3. Energy into the Power network Place green energy back into the power network establishes the Downtown as a net producer of thermal energy. Fig 8: Power Network Fig 9: Green Roofs

13. Water Quality in Downtown Pollution from urban storm water is a major contributor to water pollution. Green strategies for storm water management aim to reduce water-resistant or hard surfaces, adding vegetation and soils that can absorb and filter storm water. The Downtown can become a focal point for water conservation. Water Quality Policies Storm water management Reduce the volume of storm water flow from the Downtown through increased absorbency and on-site water retention and use.

14. Water Quality in Downtown: Policies 2. On-site Storm Water Management Encourage the use of green roofs and other devices for conserving water, retaining rainwater, improving storm water quality and reducing storm water flow. 3. Sustainable Street Project Establish the Sustainable Street Project as a local pilot project to increase awareness of downtown’s urban environment.

15. Urban Forest in Downtown Downtown needs more trees. Urban forests contribute many quality of life factors. The Downtown environment can be harsh. It suffers from poor soils, poor drainage, a wind passageway effect between high-rise buildings and mixed use from human activity. Urban Forest Policies Urban Vegetation Expand the quality and quantity of the urban forest in both the public and private area to improve the environmental health of the Downtown.

16. Urban Forest in Downtown: Policies 2. Appropriate landscaping standard for Downtown streetscapes and park spaces Select Downtown plantings that take into consideration the characteristics and environmental conditions of the Downtown . 3. Green Links Provide pedestrian networks which establish sustainable landscaping use Green Links as a means to connect the Downtown Internally, improve connections between Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

17. Strategies of Sustainable Landscaping Plan and Design This is the most important phase. When you begin to plan, first analyze your site. Make note of the unique traits of the location, such as conditions of sun and shade, ground slope, available moisture, soil type and air movement. By considering these factors and planning with them in mind, the resulting landscape will be easier to maintain. Fig 10: Plan and Design for Sustainable Landscaping

18. Strategies Healthy Soil Healthy soil is an important foundation for every landscape. Dealing with problem soils can take up much of the time spent in maintaining a yard. Aspects of soil composition slope and need for amendments must all be considered. Characteristics of the soil can help determine the best choice of plants and irrigation systems for your landscape. Fig 11: Healthy Soil

19. Strategies Plant Selection Choosing plants for your yard is an important step in making the landscape sustainable. Besides the usual consideration of how the plant looks, there are other important factors to keep in mind when selecting the plant materials for your garden. Fig 12: Plant Selection Fig 12: Plants for Sustainable Landscape

20. Strategies Reduce size of lawn Lawns can be an attractive and useful part of a landscape but are not considered “sustainable landscaping” due to the large inputs of water, labor and often chemicals to keep them healthy. A smaller lawn requires less labor and resources. Fig 13: Reduce Size of Lawn

21. Strategies Reduce Chemical Change-Sustainable Agriculture Less toxic pesticides and fertilizers mean a healthier environment, and prevent harmful chemicals from washing off your yard and into the streams and ocean. Fig 14: Reduce Chemical Change- Sustainable Agriculture

22. Strategies Pollution Prevention Pollution prevention approaches can be applied to all pollution-generating activities, including those found in the energy, agriculture, Federal, consumer as well as industrial sectors. Prevention practices are essential for preserving wetlands, ground water sources and other critical ecosystems.

23. Strategies Irrigation & Water Efficiency The choice of irrigation systems and techniques has great impact on the efficiency of water use. Benefits of efficient water use, besides a lower water bill, include a healthier garden and less work. Fig 15,16: Irrigation and Water Efficiency System

24. Strategies Attract Wildlife You can create a garden that attracts and supports a variety of wildlife.  Birds, butterflies, lizards can add an interesting and entertaining element to your garden.   Fig 17,18: Attractive Wildlife

25. Planning and Design Guidelines for Sustainable landscaping in Downtowns The focus of the city’s government and cultural spaces and places, attracting citizens city-wide, and sized for the whole city’s population, while providing comfortable spaces scaled for Downtown dwellers. These places are given ‘pride of place’ within the Downtown and are surrounded by retail and entertainment benefitting from the visitors to government and culture . Fig 19: Planning and Design of Downtown

26. Findings and Recommendations Master conservation and re-development plan for Walled City (UNDER SECTION 15 OF THE WALLED CITY OF LAHORE ACT, 2012) Prohibition of demolition and destruction of buildings or structures Removal of encroachments Prohibition against alteration in heritage property Design and plan a Walk-able Downtown