Carbon and environmental profiling of hard landscape materials

Abstract

This study examines the ways in which the choice of hard materials in landscape projects affects the total level of CO₂ emissions from those projects. It aims to better inform landscape design and construction professionals in New Zealand about some of the consequences of their choices. The findings are also relevant to those in other professions or organisations which specify or use hard materials when implementing landscape change. The research questions are to: 1. Identify and compile a list of typical hard landscape materials and techniques. 2. Define the carbon and environmental footprint of selected materials, with reference to embodied energy. 3. Develop an outline approach to the ways in which this information could be used as a tool for professional landscape architects, to better inform their decision-making processes in regard to specification of materials and techniques.