Role of landscaping in creating energy efficient environment

Role of Landscaping

in Creating

Energy-Efficient Environment

H.S. JohlIn association with

Sarbjit Singh Bahga

Role of Landscaping in Creating Energy-Efficient Environment H. S. Johl

Overview: Landscaping & Greening our Habitat Natural Environment Becomes Extinct in the World Population Explosion in India Requirements for Well Planned Habitat People Living & Working in Ugly Surroundings Role of Trees in Conditioning Environment Greening Reduces Global Warming Functionally Suitable Trees Required Landscape by Way of Growing Trees Some Other Landscape Features Use of Functional Trees Urban Landscape Design Principles About Tree: Form & Colour Excellent Trees for Landscaping Conclusions


Landscaping & Greening our Habitat

Creates Energy Efficient Environment in a very big way. Natural conditioning is achieved. Purify & Beautify all Living, Working & Recreational Spaces.

Architect


Natural Environment Becomes Extinct in the World

Landscape = Habitat + Man Above equation never stable Man – himself constantly changing Quarter million years ago – Men were hunters & food gatherers Did not interfere with nature

Man Progressed:

5000 years ago – started farming Habitat + Farmer -- produced different landscape

250 years ago – started industrialization Habitat + Industrial Man – created polluted landscape Population Explosion + Industry – destruction of entire natural environment Global Warming happening due to Industrial Development

NOW NATURAL ENVIRONMENT NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE


Population Explosion in India Population since long crossed 100 crores (1000 Millions). Urban & Rural Habitat exploding at high speed. Almost all highly populated areas are TREELESS, NAKED & BARE


Requirements for Well Planned Habitat

Total area available in India : 850 million acres.

Population in India : 1000 millions.

Medium density for planned habitat : 50 persons per acre.

Area required for planned development : 20 million acres.

It constitutes just 1/45 th part of the total area (approx).


People Living & Working in Ugly Surroundings

Scorching heat of summers.

Sleet & blast of winters.

Dust & Glare.

Polluted air.

Noise.

Ugly surroundings.

Cruel test of physical & mental endurance of people.


Role of Trees in Conditioning Environment

Trees play tremendous role in conditioning environment.

Cut off 69% sun’s heat from the ground.

Reduce wind velocity by 63%.

Reduce dust pollution by 66%.

Reduce noise pollution by 50%.

Planted area cooler in summer & warmer in winter.


Greening Reduces Global Warming

Extensive greening with trees saves world from global warming.

Single tree with large structure and thick foliage:

- Produces 4.8 tons of oxygen per day.

- Consumes 6 tons of CO2 per day.

Tolerable limits CO2 = 350 ppm.

Present level = 390 ppm.


Functionally Suitable Trees Required

Functionally suitable

trees

are essential for all

places of:

LIVING

WORKING

RECREATION


Landscape by Way of Growing Trees

IT is Cheapest & Economical. Most effective method to

improve physical environment. Trees once established

do not need maintenance. Continue to serve mankind

for many hundred years. Provide comfort & beauty. Improve productivity of

human beings.


Some Other Landscape Features

Lawns, Shrubberies, Hedges, Flower beds,Ground Material, Water features

Contribute in creating energy efficient environment.

Beautify buildings. Add pleasure. Make areas attractive &

comfortable.

But expensive compared to trees. Productive value is much less.


Use of Functional Trees

Essential Qualities of Trees to be Used for Landscaping.

Trees should be:

Structurally big with abundant foliage.

Very hardy – facing extremes of weather.

Highly durable – having very long life.

Able to stand environmental pollution.

Suitable for agro-climatic conditions.

Indigenous species

Should meet aesthetic requirements.


Urban Landscape Design Principles

Plantation of city roads and streets should be done according to fundamental design principles.

Density, Diversity, Form, Colour, Scale to be considered while doing plantation.



Dense plantation produces excellent composition. Single kind of plants creates excellent collective impact. Trees with big structures & spreading crown creates green tunnel.



With close planting trees develop:

Tall straight trunk.

Narrow high crown.

Does not obstruct views

of the city.



Tall & large sized plants are suitable for narrow streets.

Look fantastic & according to scale.



Use of large sized plants.

Height more than 10 feet.

Stem thickness not less than 3 inches.


About Tree: Form & Colour

Form & colour of trees – not important for city plantation. With close planting form of tree changes entirely. Open grown trees never make good pattern in urban spaces. Out of 52 weeks in a year, blooming period is merely 2 weeks. Structurally, flowering trees are too small – unfit for city roads & streets Flowering trees only good for gardens, parks, open spaces & homes.


Excellent Trees for Landscaping

Neem

Pride of India

Melia azedarach

Giant Tree. Dense foliage. Hardiest & sturdiest. Very long life–more than 100 yrs. Pollution tolerant. Indigenous. Ideal for landscaping.



Indian Mahogany

Chukrassia tabularis

Structurally very big. Beautiful dark green foliage. Purify environment. Very hardy. Very long life-more than 100 yrs. Excellent for aesthetic plantations.



Indian Laurel FigFicus microcarpa

Giant tree. Foliage – extensive, pretty,

shining, dense. Interesting structure with

upright, spreading & drooping branches

Very long life-more than 100 yrs.

Excellent for landscaping. Ideal for big avenues.



Spreading Ashoka

The Mast Tree

Polyalthia longifolia

Very tall elegant tree. Symmetrical crown. Structurally strong. Abundant foliage. Excellent for narrow streets. Stands environmental pollution. Very pretty – meets aesthetic

requirements.



Mahogany

Swietenia mahogany

Hardy, sturdy & durable tree. Structurally big. Foliage dark green, shining

& very beautiful. Stands pollution. Purifies environment.



Kusam

Schleichera oleosa

Most beautiful & striking. Very hardy & durable. Big structure. New foliage crimson in colour. Foliage becomes brilliant yellow in

autumn months. Pollution tolerant. Excellent for aesthetic plantations.



Bahera

Terminalia bellerica

Very hardy. Tall. Beautiful. Long life. Pollution tolerant. Highly functional.



Uriam

Bischofia javanica

Large evergreen tree. Very beautiful foliage. Big structure. Very hardy & durable. Pollution tolerant. Foliage colourful in spring &

autumn.



Toon

Cedrella tuna

Big structure. Very hardy & durable. Pollution tolerant. Indigenous. New foliage appears in early

spring. Excellent for car parking areas.



Hollock

Terminalia myriocarpa

Big structure & strong frame. Very hardy. Highly durable. Pollution tolerant. Excellent for landscaping. Foliage & flowers very pretty. Very long life-more than 100

yrs.


Conclusions:

Design Process must include Landscape.

Trees are important element of design.

Selection of trees is very important.

Result oriented programme of greening needed.


Thank you

Education

Role of landscaping in creating energy efficient environment