ABSTRACT
In this chapter we consider how the appropriate selection, use, manipulation and management of materials and resources, both organic and inorganic can aid the achievement of sustainable designed landscapes. Particular emphasis is placed on the environmental profiling of materials and schemes (at all stages of production and use). Plant selection and planting design are discussed at two levels. At the holistic level, vegetation can play a major role in achieving wider environmental sustainability objectives (for example, biodiversity and air and water quality). At the specific level, the actual operations of landscape planting must also be sustainable in terms of plant establishment and management, as well as at the plant production stage. The various current approaches to Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Labelling of hard materials are introduced as the means for making informed choices in materials selection and guidelines for more sustainable design solutions, for both construction and planting are given.
