Sustainability Practices

For the past 50 years, Parklane has built a reputation for uniquely natural designs and quality construction. Today, we continue to surpass our standards while maintaining a concern for the environment. We see each site as an opportunity to give back to the earth, and rejuvenate the natural environment.

In order to do this we evaluate each property based on five different categories that are fundamental to the rejuvenation of our world.

Soil
Traditional landscaping practices involve removing poor soil and bringing in new triple mix. We have re-evaluated this practice and will be implementing a soil management plan on site. We will test it, identify its components, find out what it needs, amend it as required, nurture it, and keep it.

Water
We believe that all rainwater should be kept on site and can form an integral part of the design. We are now incorporating facilities such as bio-swales, rain barrels, cisterns, low flow irrigation systems, and swimming ponds into all of our designs. Imagine a garden that remains lush even during the driest months without using municipally treated water.

Plants
Plants are vital to our life on earth. They provide habitat, nutrients, protection, and energy to ecosystems. Into our designs we incorporate native and edible plants to restore the environment and encourage local food production. We will keep all the trees we can and plant new varieties to allow for summer cooling of the house and to increase the urban tree canopy.

Power
One thing that generally lacks attention is the power that goes into landscapes. Whether it is lighting, pumps, filters, stereos--they all need power. We will encourage our clients to look at alternative energy sources for their landscapes and inform them of technologies and ways to offset their energy costs.

Waste
The cost and amounts of waste that we send to a landfill is substantial. Each site will have a customized waste management plan. We will use all applicable materials from the site in the design plan. Soil, organic debris, and construction waste that cannot be reused will be diverted to an appropriate recycling facility.

Materials
Parklane is committed to making smart purchases. We will follow these guidelines whenever possible:

» Purchase materials and goods from local sources
» Purchase materials made from recycled products
» Purchase materials that are reusable/recyclable/biodegradable
» Purchase materials that are produced in an environmentally conscious manner