Site & Landscape

Graywater is defined as untreated household wastewater, which has not come into contact with toilet waste. This includes water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, clothes washing machines and laundry tubs. It does not include wastewater from kitchen sinks, dishwashers, or laundry water from soiled diapers.

This fact sheet discusses, green building benefits, permitting requirements, design and cost considerations, operations and maintenance, and cites further resources.

Also called porous or pervious pavement, permeable pavement falls into three main categories, conventional asphalt or concrete with the fine materials left out of the mix, grids that are filled with aggregate and planted with vegetation, and unit paving blocks that are spaced apart. Each of these options reduces run-off by allowing water to percolate through the surface. When incorporated into a proper site design, these systems can promote the recharge of local aquifers, reduce run-off pollutants, and reduce or eliminate the need for curb gutters and storm sewers.

Pressure treated wood is used in applications where decay and insect damage are a concern such as playground equipment, decks, building foundations, landscape ties, retaining walls, and fence posts. Wood was traditionally treated with copper chromated arsenate (CCA) until it came restricted by the EPA. Currently more environmentally friendly treatments are widely used.

Rainwater harvesting is a viable water conservation concept. Simple systems are inexpensive and easy to maintain. Larger systems greatly reduce potable water consumption and can become a backup supply for fire suppression and earthquake preparedness. If we harvest rainwater for nonpotable uses (landscape, toilet flushing, etc.), we reduce demand on our potable water supplier, and reduce our monthly water bill as well.

Both recycled plastic lumber and recycled wood/ plastic composite lumber are molded or continuously extruded into standard lumber forms. 100% plastic lumber is usually made with 100% recovered plastics such as HDPE, LDPE, PET, or a mixture of various recovered plastics. Wood/ plastic composite lumber is made from a 50/50 mix of plastic resins (typically trash bags) and reclaimed wood. Plastic lumber is commonly available in three grades: hollow, solid, and structural solid.

In the U.S., termites cause more monetary damage to homes than fires, storms, and earthquakes combined. Many termite infestations can be avoided in the first place: numerous low-cost, common-sense, chemical-free design and construction measures can physically hinder termites and other pests from entering a home in their search for wood and wood-based materials to eat. As a general rule, implement measures that eliminate excess moisture, available food, and physical termite pathways. Read this fact sheet for details.

Conservation of potable water costs less and is more sustainable than treating non-potable water and delivering it to your tap. Plus, most water conservations strategies are relatively easy to accomplish. Most water utilities encourage customers to conserve water through public education and incentives for equipment upgrades. Water-efficient technologies and lifestyle modifications can work together to drastically reduce water use.

This fact sheet discusses: green building benefits, outdoor and indoor conservation strategies, and cites further resources.