LEED Compliance
Conservation and LEED Compliance
FS Commercial Landscape is committed to being as “Green” a company as possible. We encourage our clients to do all they can to conserve the environment. One of the ways to do that is to follow the LEED-EB (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings) guidelines from the U.S. Green Building Council. These guidelines represent good advice for anyone trying to be environmentally sensitive, but it is also possible to obtain LEED-EB certification and recognition for your building. LEED-EB points are awarded for green building performance, operations and maintenance based on project registration and satisfactory documentation of having met certain prerequisites and compliance with various requirements. LEED-EB awards are then given based on the level on attainment. FS Commercial Landscape can help in several areas (quotes in the following are gleaned from the USGBC guidelines). A greater and more detailed explanation can be found on the USGBC website. Here are some examples of how we can help:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Erosion Control and Landscape Management Plan
“. . . managing outdoor pests (plants, fungi, insects, and/or animals) in a way that protects human health and the surrounding environment and that improves economic returns through the most effective, least-risk option. IPM calls for using least-toxic chemical pesticides, minimum use of the chemicals, use only in target locations, and use only for targeted species.”
“Erosion and sedimentation control for ongoing landscape operations . . . prevent erosion and sedimentation; prevent air pollution form dust or particulate matter and restore eroded areas. . . . Diversion of landscape waste from the waste stream via mulching, composting or other low-impact maintenance.”
“Diversion of landscape waste from the waste stream via mulching, composting or other low-impact means.”
“Chemical fertilizer use. The use of artificial chemicals can be minimized by the use of locally adapted plants that need no fertilizer, less polluting alternatives to artificial chemicals, or other low-impact maintenance.”
Application of chemicals for control of weeds and insects is done by FS Commercial Landscape State of California certified technicians in accordance with strict environmental controls. We will also work with you to select “. . . locally adapted plants that need no fertilizer, less polluting alternatives to artificial chemicals, or other low-impact maintenance.” Burrowing animal control is done by State of California certified pest control technicians in strict accordance with environmental regulations.
FS Commercial Landscape will help you evaluate strategies to prevent erosion and sedimentation and to prevent air pollution. Options such as plant selection and mulch can have great impact in these areas. We use mulching mowers and recycle or compost all tree trimmings and plant debris.
Water Efficient Landscaping
“Reduce potable water or other natural surface or subsurface resource consumption for irrigation compared with conventional means on irrigation.”
FS Commercial Landscape is very sensitive to water conservation. We have helped clients reduce their irrigation water usage by as much as 75% while maintaining the quality of their valuable landscape. Conventional system monitoring and adjusting, satellite weather monitor systems, installation of drip irrigation or the use of reclaimed water as well as the specification of drought tolerant plants are some of the strategies that may be effective and economical alternatives for your site.
Overall, it takes at least 34 points to qualify for LEED-EB certification. While FS Commercial Landscape supports our clients’ efforts to qualify for LEED-EB certification, our contribution is only part. By using FS Commercial Landscape, a client can work toward an award for environmental awareness and action. If you have any questions or comments on our commitment to the environment or our ability to assist you in helping your building qualify for LEED-EB certification, please call us. We are anxious to be of assistance.
