Cultivating Green Sustainable Series

When we think of 'green building' we often focus on the building itself--everything that goes on within its walls and forget the very ground it is established upon and the surrounding landscape that provides the building its vital setting. For sustainable building design or renovation, even in the most urbanized situations, there are opportunities for the landscape to inform, support, protect, nourish and even delight us. Recognizing the potential of natural systems involving water, soil and plants to make our building environments healthier and more enjoyable is an important aspect of sustainable site design. This presentation will explore examples of site design that incorporate goals for protecting, restoring or creating built environments that increase livability. Areas of interest include: the role of native and invasive plants, spaces for food production, underutilized spaces such as those for green roofs and green spaces for inspiration and well-being. About the Presenter - Barbara Z. Restaino, RLA, LEED AP, BD&C: Barbara lives and practices in the Catskill Mountain and Hudson Valley Region of New York where she established her landscape architecture firm Restaino Design in 1992. Barbara is a registered landscape architect and combines her sculpture background and landscape architecture experience with a commitment to environmental concerns. As a member of the Upstate NY US Green Building Council and the American Society of Landscape Architects, she seeks to promote teamwork to institute 'green' alternatives and creative approaches to regenerate the landscape. Her primary interests lie in the use of native plants in a variety of settings from residential to restorations as well as attractive solutions for stormwater management and site design. Chestnut Creek, one of her firm's streamside restoration projects is featured as a case study on the sustainable sites initiative website, a national effort to promote sustainable site design. Discussion Topics To be able to recognize key elements of sound site planning that contribute to Green Building; Understand 'Integrated Design' and the role of Landscape Architects Recognize the differences between native and invasive plants including their design and maintenance issues; Examine the 'Landscape/Human Health and Well-Being' connection. Credits Approval for this event is pending. Remember to report this presentation to the GBCI as part of your credentialing maintenance.