What is the primary focus of Sustainable Site Design?

The primary focus of Sustainable Site Design is minimizing environmental impacts in landscaping. This approach seeks to create landscapes that are environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable. By prioritizing sustainable practices, such as selecting native plants, considering water conservation, and utilizing organic techniques, sustainable site design aims to protect and enhance the natural environment.

This focus on minimizing environmental impacts includes strategies like reducing soil erosion, improving water quality, and creating habitats for wildlife. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining ecological balance and promoting biodiversity while providing functionality and aesthetic value to landscapes.

In contrast, maximizing aesthetic appeal through exotic plants can often lead to increased maintenance and potentially harmful ecological effects, as non-native species can outcompete local flora. Similarly, increasing the use of chemical fertilizers and expanding non-native plant species can negatively impact soil health and exacerbate environmental degradation, which goes against the principles of sustainable design. Therefore, minimizing environmental impacts is central to the concept of sustainability in landscape architecture.