Envision is an indispensable tool that can be used for infrastructure projects of all types, sizes, complexities, and locations. It provides valuable insights that help the project design team achieve higher levels of sustainability at each step...

Construction projects are inevitable in public gardens, whether it is a new build or restoration. The common tendency is to anticipate the construction will result in negative consequences. When Longwood Gardens’ most iconic and historically...

CICEANA’s Botanical Garden, located on the rooftop of its headquarters in Mexico City, has acted as a catalyst throughout Mexico for a series of green roof and green spaces projects. One example is in Monterrey, where we have designed and built a 4,500...

To be tenable in the modern age, botanical gardens are obligated to be more than just display gardens but are called to be active parts of their community, both locally and globally. An open-propagation...

Green walls offer an opportunity to utilize and incorporate vertical spaces into the landscape. They can be used to improve air quality, provide space to grow food in urban locations, reduce energy demands for...

It is that connectedness that makes a walk in a garden such a pleasure. In any season, in any part of the country, walking through a natural habitat awakens our senses and heightens our
awareness of just how intimately we are linked to the...

The Design and Planning Section of American Public Gardens Association hosted the 2nd Celebrate Design! Reception on Wednesday, June 24 during the 2015 American Public Gardens Association Annual Conference in Minneapolis / St. Paul,...

This broad analysis attempts to place an economic value on the numerous benefits provided by green infrastructure (defined here as a network of decentralized stormwater management practices). The report brings together current research on green...

This online tool compares predevelopment, conventional development, and development with Green Stormwater BMPs for a single site.

This calculator compares the annual energy performance of a building with a green roof to the same building with either a conventional dark roof or a highly-reflective white roof. 

In Canada, transportation accounts for approximately 31% of total energy use and 37% of greenhouse gas emissions (Energy Efficiency Trends in Canada, 1990 to 2010). Natural Resources Canada works to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by...

Each State has a Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator in its State Department of Transportation to promote and facilitate the increased use of non-motorized transportation, including developing facilities for the use of pedestrians and bicyclists and...

The Green Cities: Good Health site provides research on the myriad benefits of urban greening and urban forestry efforts. The website provides useful information on the social and economic benefits of including natural areas in cities.

A certification program that provides guidelines for "sustainable land design, construction and maintenance practices." SITES can be applied to areas with or without buildings. The website details the areas of focus of the initiative, including...

The report draws on experience from nine case studies in California and makes a compelling case for conservation as an effective tool to reduce risks of a changing climate.

This calculator may be useful in communicating your greenhouse gas reduction strategy, reduction targets, or other initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions

The Emerging Technology team conducts research in space heating and cooling technologies, with a goal of realizing aggregate energy savings of 20% relative to a 2010 baseline. In addition to work involving the development of products, the U.S....

On-site power generation provides local governments with the most direct access to renewable energy. In addition to the overall benefits, on-site projects also provide a hedge against financial risks and improve power quality and supply reliability.