Conscious Living, Inside and Out
Progress: 
 
ENERGY CONSERVATION A well designed landscape can reduce heating and cooling costs. On average, landscaping for energy efficiency provides enough energy savings to return an initial investment in less than 8 years. *U.S. Department of Energy
 

If you could save money on heating, cooling and energy use, which of the following might you consider?
Home or office energy audit (identify sources of energy loss)
Site analysis (optimize energy conservation for new construction)
Solar panels (to power swimming pool and spa)
Shade structures (cool places to sit)
Shade trees (increase amount of shade on house)
Live wind breaks (block chilling winds)
Sky lights (add natural light)
Low voltage or LED lighting (energy saving)
Green roof (vegetative or non-vegetative; cooling and insulation, noise reduction)
Green wall (shade, cooling and insulation, noise reduction, screening)
Adding non-conditioned living spaces or moving activities outside during warmer months can help conserve energy at your home. Which of the following might you consider?
Porch (open or screened-in)
Conservatory
Gazebo
Pavilion
Pool house
Smoking shed
Grill or cooking area
Shower (poolside)
Trellised sitting area
Fireplace
Spa
WATER MANAGEMENT The benefits of correcting existing water-related issues and incorporating water-conserving landscaping strategies will improve your overall water use efficiency, conserve energy and help produce a healthy garden.
 
What issues or concerns do you have with water on your site? Check all that apply.
Gutter and downspout failures
Erosion from storm water
Standing water
Clogged drains (interior or exterior)
Water entering window wells
Cracks or leaks in foundation walls or floors
Water seepage through basement floor, doors or garage
Moisture or mold on interior walls
Sump pump inefficiency or lack thereof
Exterior basement stairwell collapse
Other  
How concerned are you with storm water runoff and water conservation as it relates to the environment?
Very concerned
Somewhat concerned
Not concerned
How concerned are you with storm water runoff and water conservation as it relates to your site?
Very concerned
Somewhat concerned
Not concerned
If keeping storm water on your site is a concern, what method(s) might you consider?
Rain barrels (to collect and reuse roof runoff in the garden)
Rain gardens (aesthetic; filtration, dispersion and infiltration)
Dry wells (erosion control thru water diversion; underground infiltration)
Cistern (underground collection; reuse for irrigation)
Permeable paving (reduces runoff; filtration, dispersion and infiltration)
Green roof (vegetative or non-vegetative; collection and reduced runoff)
What methods of water conservation might you consider for your site? Check all that apply.
Raising mowing heights to 2 ½ - 3" (to slow down runoff)
Turf reduction (will reduce need for supplemental watering)
Shade tree installation (reduces evaporative loss)
Non-invasive groundcover installation (to slow down runoff)
Reduce the amount of mulch used in planting beds
Composting instead of mulching
Increasing native plants in your landscape (reduction in watering needs)
Test soil to gauge fertilization needs
Other  
SUSTAINABILITY A characteristic of a process or state that can be maintained at a certain level indefinitely without depleting natural resources.
 
Does your HOA provide guidelines for sustainable landscapes?
Yes
No
Not sure but I can find out
I don't have an HOA