regenerative landscape green schools summit presentation
DESCRIPTION
Regenerative LandscapesGreen Schools Summit Presentation, Pasadena, October 2011TRANSCRIPT
The Regenerative Landscape is Smart Resource Management…
Cost Savings
Environmental Benefits
MeetEnvironmental
Mandates:AB 1881
Climate Action Plans, etc.
SMART RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT(RegenerativeLandscape)
…and Good for People…
Health andWell-being
Environmental Benefits
EducationalOpportunities
REGENERATIVELANDSCAPE
Repeated Synthetic Inputs
High Energy Use
Soil Compaction
Shallow Roots
Pollution from Chemical Runoff
Increased Pests and Plant Disease
High Maintenance Costs
Risks to Human Health due to Chemical Exposure
Conventional Landscape Management Practices :
Regenerative Landscapes Save Money:
Reduced:
–Water Use
–Fertilizers
–Pesticides
– Imports
–Maintenance
Environmental Benefits:
Water Purification
Reduced Water Pollution
Improved Flood Control
Carbon Sequestration
Local Food Production
Increased Habitat
Increased Biodiversity
Pest & Disease Control
Educational Opportunities:
Watershed
Ecology
Carbon Sequestration
Food production
Habitat and Biodiversity
Entomology
Soil Science
And much more…!
Meet Environmental Mandates & Sustainability Initiatives:
CHPS
CalGreen
AB 1881 – Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
Bay-Friendly & River-Friendly
LEED
Sustainable Sites
Stormwater – NPDES
Analysis and Action Plans for School Sites
SOIL Complete Soil EvaluationOrganic Soil Management
WATER Smart Irrigation, Water Conservation and Rainwater Harvesting
PLANTS Planting EvaluationsSolutions for Reducing Water Use, Increasing Habitat, Biodiversity and
Human Health and Well-being
REDUCED MAINTENANCE COSTS
SOIL
Start with Complete Soil Evaluation
Analyze the Soil Foodweb
Develop Biological Soil Management Program
1. Analyze the Soil Foodweb
2. Add the Right Biology
3. Create Healthy Soil
Compost Actively Aerated Compost Tea
Create Biologically Balanced Soil
RESULTS:
Source: Soil Foodweb Oregon
Create Safe, Healthy Play Fields
Biologically Managed Turf:
Needs Less Water
Uses No Chemicals*
Produces No Chemical Runoff
Requires Less Frequent Mowing
Can Withstand Heavier Use
Sequesters More Carbon
Has Greater Disease Resistance
Contains no Synthetic Products
* Of the 30 most commonly used lawn pesticides, 19 can cause cancer, 13 are linked to birth defects, 21 can affect reproduction and 15 are nervous system toxicants - beyondpesticides.org
Harvard Yard Soils Restoration Project
Harvard Yard Soils Restoration Project
Soil Management Strategies:
Complete Soil Evaluation
Soil Foodweb Consultation
Organic Soil Fertility Program
Soil Regeneration Training
Ongoing Monitoring and Soil Management Guidelines
WATER
Preserve and Protect the Local Watershed…
Water Supply in the Long Term
Comprehensive Water Analysis
Current Water Use
Water Harvesting Potential
Irrigation Needs
Stormwater Management
Rainwater Harvesting and Greywater Systems
Plant-Based Stormwater Management -Stormwater Planters, Green Roofs…
Smart Irrigation
Reduce water use by 50%
Eliminate Potable water use
Use Weather Based Controls
High Efficiency Distribution System
Minimize Maintenance
Water Management Strategies:
Water Efficient Irrigation Design
Landscape Irrigation Audits
Water Harvesting Technologies
Assembly Bill 1881 Compliance
Landscape Water Management
Stormwater Management
PLANTS
Start with Complete Planting Assessment
Assess Context and Growing Environment
Evaluate Recreation Needs Habitat Biodiversity Opportunities to Enhance
Natural & Urban Environment
Increase Habitat and Biodiversity
Enhance Human Habitat – Greenways & Pathways
Advocate Green Schoolyards
Outdoor Learning Environments
Use Appropriate Plants
• • Drought Tolerant, Non-Invasive, Attractive, Contextual, Natives
Provide Turf For Recreation..
& AlternativesWhere Appropriate
Create Healthy Environments for Learning
Services to Consider:
Landscape Architecture
Bay-Friendly and River-Friendly Design
Bay-Friendly Project Rating
Urban Agriculture
Urban Forestry and IPM
Habitat Restoration
Organic Turf Management Guidelines
Landscape Maintenance Specifications and Guidelines
PROCESS
SOIL
PLANTS
WATERLANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT
First Step:
DEVELOPINTEGRATEDAPPROACH
Landscape Assessment Action Strategies:
Inventory
Assessment / Evaluation
Life Expectancy of Amenities
Repair and Replacement Costs
Capital Costs Short-term Mid-term Long-term
Funding and Financial Strategies
Landscape Management Strategies
Field Analysis Report
Recommended Resource Savings:
General
Targeted
Prioritization List Low Cost Solutions
Higher Cost Solutions
Evaluation
Repair and/or Replacement Costs
Continuing Education Program - Staff
Case Studies
Fullerton College Water Conservation
20% Water Reduction by 2020
Minimize Installation, M&O costs
Reduce Resource Consumption
Research State and Federal funding sources
Educate and Inform Community
Low Cost Solutions
Dedicated irrigation water meters
Smart Irrigation Controllers
Rain shutoff sensors
Moisture sensors and flow sensor devices
Planting Assessment
Remove high water-demand plant materials (including non-essential turf)
Replace with low-water-use “California Friendly” planting materials where feasible
Green Schoolyards - Tule Elk School, SF
Before
Green Schoolyards – Everett School, SF
Construction 2011
Before
Washington School Environmental YardBerkeley, CA
Before
Creekside Park, Marin County
Sheet mulching
Windrush SchoolEl Cerrito
Chabot Elementary School, Oakland
Before
San Marcos College Case Study
RESULTS
Cost Savings plus Sustainability…
Cost Savings &Cost Recovery
EnvironmentalBenefits,
Sustainability,Health
EducationalOpportunities
SMART RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT(RegenerativeLandscape)
About MIG
Vision to Implementation – Involvement in projects from planning through construction = consistent and vested approach
Maintenance Management – Best Practices and effective use of labor and materials
Long-term Visioning – 20 year plan vs. “instant” effect = cost-effective and built to last
Able to deliver top-quality services within a short timeframe and limited budgets
Communication & Technology tools to strengthen connections and engage stakeholders and the community
Conservation and Stewardship – sustainable, ecological principles for long-term health of ecosystems and the public
Resource Management = built-in efficiencies of both natural resources and budgets
Contact Us!
www.migcom.com
www.regenerativelandscape.org
Email:
Suzanne Schrift, LA#5276 [email protected]
Darren Rector, LA#4861 [email protected]
Jim Pickel, LA#4385 [email protected]