What are Sustainable Landscapes?

Sustainable landscapes are responsive to the environment, re-generative, and can actively contribute to the development of healthy communities. Sustainable landscapes sequester carbon, clean the air and water, increase energy efficiency, restore habitats, and create value through significant economic, social and, environmental benefits.

Through this site, you will learn how landscape architects improve your world through projects ranging from the large-scale sustainable master plans and housing communities to small-scale green streets, parking lots, and private yards. You will also learn how landscape architects, planners, architects, engineers, horticulturalists, and others work in interdisciplinary teams to create innovative models that outline a path to sustainable future practice.

Once you’ve explored the projects, learn more about the technical details that landscape architects bring to designing and creating sustainable landscapes. Visit the Sustainable Sites Initiative, a new rating system that will help bring these types of projects to all communities.

Watch animations created with SketchUp to learn how sustainable design works.