ASLA new online resource guide

Developments like this one on Upper Gar Lake will showcase several Low Impact Development features throughout the property. This picture above shows the beginning stages of a retention swale/rain garden that is being constructed. This particular feature is a 6-foot deep trench that has been filled with different sizes of rock and gravel with drain tile running in and out of it from roofs and driveways. These areas will collect storm water runoff, filter it through the ground and permeate away naturally.

ASLA created a new online resource guide on using low-impact materials in sustainable residential landscape architecture. The guide contains lists of organizations, research, concepts and projects related to plants and sustainable landscape architecture, and includes sections on: permeable materials, certified woods, reclaimed and recycled local materials, recycled content, reflective materials, and adhesives, paints, coatings and sealants. Developed for students and professionals, the resource guide contains recent reports and projects from leading U.S. and international organizations, academics, and design firms.

This sustainable residential design resource guide is the third in a new four part series. See earlier guides in the sustainable residential design series: increasing energy efficiency, improving water efficiency and maximizing the benefits of plants.

The guide is separated into five sections:

• Permeable Materials
  
• Certified Woods
  
• Reclaimed and Recycled Local Materials
  
• Recycled Content
  
• Reflective Materials
  
• Adhesives, Paints, Coatings and Sealants

As an example, the section on ''permeable materials'' includes Chicago's Green Alley handbook, as well as studies from the U.S. EPA and city of Portland on using permeable pavements to manage stormwater. There are also links to projects that have successfully incorporated these concepts in a residential context.

See earlier resource guides:

• Combating Climate Change with Landscape Architecture
  Livable Communities
  
• Sustainable Design and Development
  
• Sustainable Transportation
  
• Sustainable Urban Development
  
• Improving Skills During the Economic Downturn (career resource guide)
• Go to the Resource Guide