As energy costs continue to rise, homeowners should consider alternative ways to lower their energy bills – and help the environment – by making their homes more “green.”
The American Society of Landscape Architects is doing its part to become more environmentally responsible by installing a green roof covered with vegetation on its downtown Washington, D.C., headquarters. The ASLA says the benefits of green roofs include:
Lasting up to twice as long as conventional roofs.
Saving significantly on heating and cooling costs.
Improving community air and water quality.
While it’s not feasible for most homeowners to retrofit their homes with green roofs, there are other steps they can take to minimize the home’s impact on the environment:
Use trees and vegetation to cut summertime air conditioning needs by shading west-facing windows. Shade windows from the outside with a covered pergola, strategically placed trees or trellises with vines.
Create “outdoor rooms” for your family, such as cooking and dining areas. Spending more time and cooking outdoors reduces the need for air conditioning indoors.
Replace exposed concrete and asphalt driveways and walkways with pavers, which stay cooler, look better and can be placed to allow vegetation to grow through.
Use native plants common to Colorado to reduce watering and garden maintenance. Keep traditional lawn areas to a minimum or consider using ground-cover plants.
– Source: American Society of Landscape Architects
