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Landscaping Represents Missed ‘Green’ Opportunities
 While 96% of U.S. adults have personally adopted sustainable or energy-efficient practices at home, only 58% use energy- or water-saving techniques in their yard, lawn or garden, according to a new survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects.
For example, only 29% planted shade trees to lower energy costs, a scant 15% harvested rainwater or used recycled water for watering plants and an even smaller minority of 11% used drip irrigation.
Ninety-one percent of those same respondents reported turning off lights when they weren’t being used, and 70% said they had installed energy-saving light bulbs. Additionally, 55% said they were relying less on their furnace or air-conditioner and 38% said they unplug appliances when not in use.
“The results clearly show a desire and willingness to use techniques that reduce utility bills at home, but few know what can be accomplished outside their homes,” said Nancy Somerville, executive vice president and CEO of ASLA. “The space between buildings is just as important — perhaps more so — to not only reducing energy costs, but addressing a broad range of environmental issues.”
In partnership with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin and the United States Botanic Garden, ASLA plans to release a report next month that will offer scientifically researched approaches to sustainable sites and landscapes.
People want to conserve resources and limit pollution, but they’re not aware that sometimes ‘green’ isn’t really green. And, in many cases, they lack solid, scientifically researched information. Our November report will remedy that,” said Susan Rieff, executive director of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
A major goal behind the November report is to solicit additional feedback on the proposed benchmarks and guidelines, with a final report to be released in the summer of 2009. The Sustainable Sites Initiative plans to produce a rating system by May 2011 and test the guidelines with pilot projects in 2010 and 2011.
For more information, visit www.sustainablesites.org .
 The Future of Residential Construction Is Green
The Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation teaches builders, remodelers and other industry professionals techniques for incorporating green building principles into homes using cost-effective and affordable options.
Earning the CGP demonstrates to clients and peers your commitment to the best and latest in green building practices and techniques. More than 1,000 people have earned the CGPdesignation to date.
For more information, visit www.nahb.org/CGPinfo.
 Attend the National Green Building Conference in Dallas
Attend the 2009 National Green Building Conference in Dallas on May 10-13 to learn more about the critical paths to green building, and to participate in interactive sessions and be part of the driving force for the green building and remodeling markets.
For more information and to sign up to be notified when registration opens, visit www.nahb.org/GreenBuildingConference.
 ‘Profit from Building Green’ Available at BuilderBooks.com
“Profit from Building Green — Award-Winning Tips to Build Energy Efficient Homes,” available through BuilderBooks.com, showcases what energy conscious award-winning builders are doing, provides innovative energy-efficient features and covers successful techniques for building this niche market.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
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