7 Ways to Incorporate Sustainability Into Your Public Park Design

What was once nice to have, is now a firm necessity. Making a public park design more sustainable contributes to a friendlier environment and more pleasant open space for the community. Sustainable park designs are increasingly a requirement for municipalities’ tender processes.

This is a challenge for architects, but the good news is that sustainable park design is more accessible than ever. Sustainable and green technology are widely available throughout the industry.

In this article, we’ll explore seven ways to incorporate sustainability into your park design; from material selection to amenity location and everything in between.

1. Integrate Renewable Energy Solutions in Lighting

When considering lighting in public parks, there are several ways to improve its sustainability. According to studies, combining energy saving, efficiency, and cost-reduction is the best approach to making park lighting more sustainable.

This includes optimal placement of public lighting, for example, by strategically placing light fixtures to minimize the amount of lighting while maintaining complete visual comfort.

Another option is using efficient technologies such as LED lights in conjunction with solar panels and batteries to reduce the cost of energy. Smart lights that dim and brighten when needed are another innovative sustainability feature. All together, these strategies can be a powerful, environmentally friendly way to light a public park.

2. Source Local Building Materials to Reduce Carbon Footprint

Sourcing building materials locally can help reduce transportation costs and the project’s carbon footprint. The further that materials need to travel, the higher the carbon footprint.

Sourcing locally also has the benefit of contributing to the local economy and promoting the development of local industry. This circular economy momentum can contribute to local innovation and greater emissions reductions in future projects.

Support local. It’s good for the community, good for the environment, and good for the local economy.

3. Use Recycled and Sustainable Materials in Construction

Incorporating sustainable materials into your park furniture such as recycled aluminium or low-impact concrete is a thoughtful way to lower a project’s environmental impact and contribute to a circular economy.

Fun fact: All of Terrain Group’s leg frames and base castings for street furniture are manufactured from 100% recycled aluminium.

Another consideration is the effect different materials have on the ground on which they are built. When paving in a green space, selecting permeable material can contribute to better stormwater management and even more sustainable and efficient irrigation control.

4. Promote Recycling and Effective Waste Management

Promoting the availability and visibility of recycling bins, or even compost areas, can help park visitors make more sustainable choices. Ensuring the ease of use of bin enclosures, for example, in sight of picnic tables or barbecue spots minimizes litter and pollution in the area.

Effective waste management is key to a healthier and prettier park space.

5. Design for Durability and Ease of Maintenance

The first element of the popular axiom “reduce, reuse, recycle” is essential for sustainable park design. In the initial design, taking into account the durability of materials chosen and the ease of maintenance of certain park features can reduce the need for future interventions and keep the park functioning longer.

For example, selecting materials that are resilient to , will keep parks in better shape for longer. This means less manufacturing, less waste, and long-term cost savings.

6. Landscape With Locality in Mind

Contribute to and conserve local biodiversity by being mindful of the plants you incorporate into your park design. Plants that are adapted to local conditions reduce the need for additional irrigation in dry environments and strengthen local soil composition.

The presence of native plants can also bring park visitors closer to local nature and contribute to further learning and environmental conscientiousness among the community.

7. Promote Sustainable Transportation

Selecting locations for parks that are accessible by public transportation is key to incentivising park-goers to incorporate more sustainable practices into their lives.

Planning pedestrian walkways and bike paths in parks can also promote sustainable leisure activities that are an extension of a wider sustainable urban network. Another key consideration is to ensure your public space is accessible to all.

After all, the most sustainable mode of transport is human-powered.

Design with Sustainability in Mind

Incorporating sustainable ideas into your park design can help reduce the project’s carbon footprint and promote environmental practices in local communities. These innovative and progressive designs are more popular with residents and can win your tender.

Terrain Group are sustainable design experts. We help architects design open spaces and manufacture locally sourced, sustainable park furniture. Contact us today to make your next park design a sustainability wonder.