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Sustainable Landscaping: Reducing Energy Bills

by: sahil | last updated: May 15, 2010
Category: Green Savings | Tags: landscaping, sustainable landscaping, eco friendly landscaping, xeriscaping, environmental landscaping, organic gardens, gardening

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Sustainable Landscaping: Reducing Energy Bills

Sustainable landscaping comprises of various methods and techniques used in landscaping a particular area. The landscaping can be in an urban environment or can be done in residential gardens in order to reduce costs on gardening, cut costs on utility bills by providing sustainable low-cost solutions, reduce expenditure on water, and contribute towards a greener environment. Therefore the scope of sustainable landscaping is vast and so are the benefits associated with it.

The benefits of sustainable landscaping are myriad and include reduction of expenses towards water, reduction of the heat island effect, capture and use of storm water run-off, creation of organic food supplying gardens, creation of wind breaks in winter, green roofing for cutting costs on cooling and heating, harnessing and using greywater, and Xeriscaping (modification of the landscape to endure the ravages of weather). Moreover even if some techniques of sustainable landscaping are applied at home, the savings can amount to a lot in the long run.

Sustainable landscaping can be commenced by performing an analysis of the soil and weather conditions. This can either be done by the owner or by an expert landscape designers who can advise on the type of plants and irrigation systems that are to be used. The material that is used for landscaping can make a difference in the sustainability of the landscape. Many factors such as exposure to sunlight, weather, availability of water, types of local plants, and use of non toxic materials are taken into account in order to increase the efficiency of the landscape financially as well as from an environmental point of view.

The three major factors that play an important role in the sustainability and frugality of the landscape are irrigation, composting, and plant selection. The proper use of these in tandem can create a self sustaining landscape that requires minimal or no irrigation and also cuts costs by saving energy at home and even in universities and business establishments. Using mulch and drip irrigation techniques are efficient and nourishing for the plants. The homeowner can also take the help of an accredited irrigation auditor or technician for better efficiency and sustainability in the long run.

Composting is another way of making the landscape more efficient and can be used for outdoor gardens as well as potted plants. The process of composting involves reducing organic matter to a type of eco-friendly fertilizer which is recycled and non-toxic. Organic matter such as waste from gardens and kitchens can be composted in a cubic yard of space which is partially covered from sunlight. The natural process of composting can take about three to four months; however if the compost is processed properly then it only takes about a month for it to become an organic growing resource.

The most important part of efficient landscape designing is probably the plants that are used in the process. There are numerous ways and techniques of using plants in order to landscape as well as save money on utility bills. Green roofing, roof gardens, Xeriscaping, “green” walls can help in mitigating heat loss and providing suitable temperature inside the building. Using the appropriate plants for these techniques to work is another factor that plays a pivotal role in economizing the landscape. This is as simple as trying to grow tomatoes in an arid region which may work but will require a lot of water and maintenance. Therefore choosing plant species that are abundant in the region that require less water can prove to be ecological as well as financial prudence.