SUSTAINABILITY IN LANDSCAPING

In 2023, I wrote a series of monthly articles, and their key purpose was to help all readers increase their understanding of sustainability, learn from the experiences of others and help them deliver sustainable practice in their own organisations and operations. In this new series, I am taking the opportunity each month to look in more depth at individual organisations. How are they seeking to be more sustainable and, importantly, how are they seeking to advise and support members or customers? 

This month we focus on the landscaping sector based upon discussions with BALI and a selection of its members.

 The landscaping industries and organisations form a very important and substantial element of amenity activity. They provide a wide range of services to private households, commercial establishments, and public-sector entities. Implementing a proper planned approach to the management of these hard and green spaces is a key activity. Without maintained facilities the consequences would be substantial in economic, environmental and social terms. 
In 2019, Oxford Economics published a study which illustrated just how important landscaping is in economic terms. The estimate then was that the UK ornamental horticulture and landscaping sector contributed some £25 billion to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). A further study in 2021, published by the Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group (OHRG), forecast that this would be at least £42 billion by 2030 supporting some 760000 jobs. So, an important sector indeed and one, like every other set of organisations, looking to address the sustainable agenda whilst at the same time matching client and public demands for quality and fit for purpose spaces.

SUSTAINABILITY WITHIN BALI

Wayne Grills is CEO of BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries) and he is very aware of the need for sustainable practice in both how his own membership body operates and amongst its members. Currently the BALI board are putting together a comprehensive sustainability plan but, in the meantime, Wayne has put a strong focus on sustainable practice in operational matters at BALI. There has been a full review of paper flow and the types of paper used.  Circulation to members using high gloss plastic has been stopped although, whilst there is a strong move to digital in communicating with members, some still very much prefer hard copy and so BALI continues to produce some printed copy, albeit in much smaller volumes. The decision was taken some time ago to move to compostable give-a-way bags used very much at shows and events. It was more expensive then but, as developments have continued, it is now turning out cheaper! LED bulbs in the offices are now the norm as is recycling and sustainable water cups. Whilst in person meetings still take place, there is now much greater use of online.

As regards vehicles, BALI have two electric cars. For longer journeys finding charging points can be challenging but Wayne is quick to point out the savings in running costs already made. A task and finish group, focussed on sustainable practice, has already looked at a number of other options, all being evaluated. These include the use of air source heat pumps, further development of CRM (Customer Relationship Manager) systems, increased events online, not using plastic name badges at physical events and, for their annual major awards event, insisting on an emphasis on sustainability on menu choices at the Grosvenor House venue. Online membership renewal is another option although accompanied by letters for those not using email frequently. Wayne recognises that these may seem small steps but important. He also recognises the BALI responsibility to encourage and support sustainable practice amongst its members. That is where BALI’s sustainability plan is so important and a current priority.

PLANT CHOICE AND HARD SURFACES

From discussions with some BALI members and others, it is very clear that the sustainability agenda is very much to the fore in their actions and planning. Government and public pressure demands this. At the same time, individual organisations need to balance such matters with client expectations. This is not always an easy task. From my discussions, I have identified some of the changes in thinking and in the rest of this article will summarise just some of those highlighted.
 
In terms of plant choice, there is a clear move towards using native plants. By definition these have evolved and adapted to an area’s environmental conditions. So, it seems logical that they can thrive with less human aid than non-native. There is also a move to use plants in design schemes which require less maintenance and less inputs of fertiliser, pesticides and the like. Where hard surfaces are being considered in terms of paths and other such areas, there is a definite move to permeable surfaces rather than tarmac or concrete. An impervious surface creates run off increasing flood risk and pollution of drainage systems. By definition, a permeable surface allows water to soak away reducing pressure and pollution in drains as more water naturally seeps into the ground. Of course, permeable surfacing may not always prove practical in terms of mode of use but it certainly is regarded as more sustainable.

WATER CONSERVATION AND ENERGY

With growing populations, we all recognise the need to conserve fresh water. Although water covers 71% of the Earth, only a fraction of that water is freshwater with the majority of that (about 68.7%) in glaciers and ice caps. Whilst salt water can be turned into fresh, it is a high energy process. So, whilst clearly plants require water, it is important in landscaping to fully consider the best methods of reducing water loss as well as limiting use. There has been much effort in recent years in grass and plant breeding to produce species more tolerant to both drought and flooding. Where possible, landscaping schemes can incorporate rain harvesting. Collecting rainwater from rooves can have a significant impact. For example, if the roof section that drains into receiving containers is 10 square metres in size, rain collection can be circa 150 litres after just 1.25 cms or half an inch of rain. 

In new designs for offices or homes, landscape lighting can be seen as a key feature. However instead of connecting this to electricity or other external energy source, solar power can be the solution. The technology and design of solar panels and the like is developing at pace and, in one design shared with me in researching for this article, solar panels were skilfully part of the gardens design.

BIODIVERSITY

A major feature of last year’s Chelsea Flower Show and other events was a focus on wildlife gardens with features designed to increase biodiversity. Such gardens still need management and maintenance but as part of a design can have huge advantages in providing space for, and encouraging, wildlife as well as supporting pollinators essential for many plants.

The importance of lawns and green spaces designs, especially in urban areas, cannot be overstated but here too, seeking to make them more sustainable is key and a growing trend. As highlighted in a previous article, much can be done here ensuring green spaces are established properly. Too often the lay out of turf on housing developments is seen as the last task when budgets are expended. Speaking to a major turf supplier company recently, they expressed their frustration that too often their quality turf was laid on ill prepared surfaces. This needs to change. Once established sustainable practice involves proper management, use of slow-release fertilisers and the like.

CONCLUSIONS

These are just some of the ways landscaping businesses have highlighted as factors in more sustainable practice. Yet there is much more to do. Again, balancing public expectations from landscaping with this agenda is not always easy. Increasingly pressure will increase for all of us to be more sustainable. National targets already exist, and most local authorities have adopted climate action programmes and drivers.  The landscaping sector is important, is responding and I am sure will continue to do so. Emerging from all the discussions that I have highlighted here and in others, they indicate a real willingness to engage in sustainable practice. It is seen as less of a challenge but more an opportunity. The key is determining how best not just to implement sustainable practice but also demonstrating this. In reality much is already being done. Too often the amenity sector can be criticised, yet so much is being done. Everybody involved needs to say that.

Wayne Grills, in our discussions, was clear on the importance of his sector taking a lead in implementing sustainable practice and a determination for BALI to seek to co-ordinate and be a voice for this. As often cited in these articles sustainable practice is best practice. We do not seek revolution but small step change to the right outcomes. 

Next month’s article will focus on the machinery supply sector using Kubota as a case study.

Previous articles in this series

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE GOLF SECTOR

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE IN THE AMENITY SUPPLY SECTOR

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE LAWN CARE SECTOR

SUSTAINABILITY IN OUR PARKS & PUBLIC GREEN SPACES