Sustainable landscape design plays an essential role in creating outdoor spaces that are functional, environmentally responsible, and built to last. As climate challenges grow, property owners, both residential and commercial, are looking for solutions that reduce resource consumption and environmental impact without sacrificing quality or aesthetics.
At Brown Design Group, we design landscapes that help clients meet today’s sustainability goals while improving long-term property performance. Here’s how a sustainable approach to landscape architecture can make a difference.
Sustainable landscape architecture focuses on reducing negative environmental impacts while maximizing efficiency and usability. It’s about working with the land, not against it, to create outdoor spaces that support people, wildlife, and natural systems over time.
Key objectives of sustainable landscape architecture include:
This approach benefits urban, suburban, and rural developments by improving site resilience, reducing costs, and aligning with green building standards.
Plant selection has a significant impact on landscape sustainability. Choosing native and drought-tolerant plants reduces the need for excessive watering, fertilizers, and pesticides—saving money and supporting local ecosystems.
Native plants are ones that have evolved in a specific region over hundreds or thousands of years. They are naturally adapted to the local climate, soil, and wildlife. Benefits include:
Perennials & Wildflowers
Grasses & Groundcovers
Shrubs
Trees
Drought-tolerant species can thrive with minimal irrigation, making them ideal for regions with hot summers or limited rainfall. When used appropriately, they can help to reduce pressure on municipal water supplies and improve landscape resilience.
Drought-tolerant plants that do well in the Pittsburgh area include, but are not limited to:
Grasses
Shrubs
Trees
At Brown Design Group, we tailor plant selections to each site’s conditions and the client’s design preferences, ensuring beauty without unnecessary upkeep.
Water management is a central component of sustainable landscaping. Instead of directing stormwater into traditional drainage systems, modern techniques aim to manage and treat runoff on-site.
Rain gardens are shallow, landscaped areas planted with deep-rooted vegetation that absorb and filter rainwater from roofs, driveways, and walkways. They:
Bioswales are similar to rain gardens but typically longer and designed to move water laterally across a site. These vegetated ditches slow down water flow, remove debris and contaminants, and reduce flooding risks, especially near roads or large paved areas.
Unlike traditional concrete or asphalt, permeable pavers allow water to pass through the surface into a gravel base or subsoil. They’re useful in:
Together, these systems help meet local stormwater codes, reduce stress on infrastructure, and improve overall site health.
Landscaping can contribute to building energy efficiency in ways that aren’t always obvious. Properly placed trees, shrubs, and hardscapes can reduce the need for building heating and cooling.
Even in small residential projects, energy-efficient landscape design can lead to measurable utility savings over time. Our team uses climate and sun analysis tools to plan for optimal energy performance.
Sustainability is a smart investment. While sustainable materials or systems may have a higher upfront cost, they typically deliver strong returns over the property’s lifetime.
Over time, sustainable landscapes become more resilient and self-sustaining—requiring fewer inputs while maintaining their appearance and performance.
For commercial projects and developments, sustainability often involves building certifications, zoning approvals, and incentive programs.
SITES is a comprehensive rating system for sustainable landscapes. It evaluates criteria like:
SITES certification can improve project visibility and meet public or private sustainability goals.
LEED is a green building rating system that includes credits for sustainable site practices. Landscape-related LEED credits include:
Some municipalities offer credits or incentives for features like:
At Brown Design Group, we help clients align their designs with certification programs and permitting requirements—supporting both regulatory compliance and long-term value.
Sustainable landscaping is no longer a niche option—it’s a practical and increasingly necessary approach to development. Whether you’re improving a residential yard or planning a large commercial project, sustainable design helps protect resources, lower costs, and improve property performance.
Brown Design Group works closely with clients to design outdoor spaces that meet environmental standards, look great year-round, and function efficiently over time.
If you are ready to incorporate sustainability into your landscape strategy, contact us today to start planning a smarter, greener future.
