Green Landscapes Bloom
Designs stress conservation, sustainability
by Janey Adams
American University Interactive Journalism Program
Fall 2007
Photo by Janey Adams
The University of Maryland’s Sam McGlone
talks about the benefits of a green wall.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — At the 2007 Solar Decathlon in Washington, D.C., 20 university teams from across the country and world competed to design the most energy efficient and aesthetic solar-powered home.
But what’s a green house without some greenery?
The University of Maryland, which finished second overall in the competition, covered part of its front exterior with a “green wall” that added whimsy and function. Cornell University used “green screens” along the front and sides of the house, plus two green walls on the back and a wetlands system in the front. And Pennsylvania State University touted its Audubon Garden, which provides habitats for a diversity of wildlife, including birds and butterflies.
Photo by Janey Adams
Broccoli is one of many vegetables
in Cornell’s University’s vegetable garden.
Rainwater mitigation and water conservation were big themes in the competition. Carnegie Mellon’s dramatic “greenscape” on the front of the home boasts edible plants like broccoli and blueberries. A large water tank feeds the greenscape with captured rainwater from the roof’s downspouts.
Cornell University’s wetlands system serves a similar function. Grey water from the home is treated as it runs through the system and is absorbed by the plants. Any water left is used to irrigate the rest of the plants and can be pumped back into the house for non-potable uses, like toilet flushing. But homeowners still have to be mindful.
“One of the downsides of the wetland is you do have to be very eco-conscious in the types of soap and materials that you’re going to be putting into your home,” said Katie Alexander, an engineering student at Cornell University.
Photo by Janey Adams
Carnegie Mellon’s Greenscape, topped
by a water tank, is made up of
non-invasive, native plant species and a
host of edible plants like broccoli,
blueberries and a selection of herbs.
Cornell also emphasized sustainability in its backyard. The home’s vegetable garden, which includes green peppers, eggplants, green beans, and broccoli, can feed one vegetarian for up to six months, Alexander said.
Creating an energy efficient landscape is practical and affordable for the average homeowner. Reducing lawns could cut down on both air pollution and maintenance costs; the use of rain gardens and rain barrels could cut down on erosion by limiting runoff; and homeowners can help reduce their heating and cooling costs by simply using plants that provide better wind protection and shading.
Although installation and maintenance costs vary, the long-term benefits could outweigh the short-term costs. The Department of Energy estimates careful landscaping with as few as three trees could save an average household up to $250 a year in cooling costs alone.
Listen to the audio story
Useful Links:
U.S. Landscaping for energy efficiency
Green landscaping in the Mid-Atlantic region
Building Design and Construction
Green Building