Why create a group on sustainable design and development–aren all landscape architects committed to sustainability?
Landscape architects play a critical role in designing sustainable environments. However, as a group we have not been known for directly addressing the importance and value of sustainable design to the public although it is at the core of our professional foundation. There are certainly a few leaders in the profession who convey the environmental message, but the majority of landscape architects do not seek opportunities to promote their work in this area. Most of us tend to do the work and let it speak for itself. There are many green building and sustainable development strategies that landscape architects use, obstacles we encounter, and innovative solutions that could benefit other professionals, but other than the annual meeting, no forum is available to communicate and discuss these strategies and issues. What was the impetus for creating a SD&D PI group? In May 2002, a partnership meeting was held between the Society and the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) at ASLA h
