Introduction

Our exterior spaces provide opportunities to connect with nature, exercise, and play while also serving important roles in mitigating air, water, and resource impacts from the human-built environment. There are many environmentally preferable approaches to landscaping products and services and this webpage provides some resources to help you choose safer and greener options.

Sustainability Considerations

• Integrated pest management
• Salvaged and recycled-content materials
• Low embodied energy materials
• Permeable surfaces for storm water management
• Use of native, climate-appropriate plants
• Energy-efficient and solar-powered lighting
• Low- or zero-emission landscaping equipment

Additional Resources

• GSA’s Green Procurement Compilation (GPC)
  • Landscape Products page, which identifies federal requirements for various landscape products.
  • Landscape Services page, which provides further guidance on greening landscape service contracts.
• EPA's Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (CPG) for landscaping products (federal purchasing requirements for recycled content).
• EPA Guide, Soak Up the Rain to help prevent water pollution, reduce flooding, protect water resources, beautify our landscapes, and bring many benefits to our communities.
• EPA’s Introduction to Integrated Pest Management
• USGBC's LEED Site and Grounds Management Policy Template Exit