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Section 2 Architectural Planning
The ENERGY STAR program was developed
jointly by the EPA and the US Department of
Energy as a measure to help protect the envi-
ronment. To earn the ENERGY STAR, a product
must meet strict guidelines for energy effi ciency.
If you are designing the landscaping as well as
the home, incorporate water-effi cient landscaping
methods to help the homeowner conserve water
on an ongoing basis. Xeriscaping is landscaping
using only native plants or plants that are appro-
priate for the local climate and ecosystem. These
plants require less water than “exotic” plants that
are better suited for another area of the country
(or world). See Figure 11-15. Native plants have
the additional bonus of being more pest-resistant
than exotics, which results in less need for pesti-
cides and other groundwater contaminants.
Irrigation systems—even gray-water sys-
tems—can be used effi ciently or ineffi ciently.
Encourage the homeowner to practice water
conservation by using a few basic techniques:
• Use a controller to turn the irrigation
system on and off automatically.
• Limit the amount of time the system runs
to the minimum needed.
• Irrigate at night to minimize water loss
from evaporation.
• Set the controller to water for a shorter
amount of time to avoid runoff.
Many people over-water their lawns without
realizing it by using a controller to set a certain
number of hours per week throughout the year.
In reality, plants and grasses require a different
amount of water at different times of the year.
The amount of irrigation needed also depends
on the amount of rainfall the area receives. Some
states, such as California, have online calcula-
tors that can help people determine exactly how
much water their landscaping needs at specifi c
times of the year. If you are responsible for land-
scaping the site, educate the homeowner about
how much water is needed for irrigation and
provide tips for conserving water.
Figure 11-14. To earn the ENERGY STAR,
an appliance or home must meet the energy
effi ciency guidelines provided by the EPA
and the US Department of Energy. (EPA/US
Department of Energy)
Figure 11-15. Using native plants helps reduce
the need for irrigation. Notice also the gravel
used between stepping stones in this path.
Unlike solid concrete surfaces, the gravel
allows water to fl ow naturally into the ground.
(Juha Sompinmäki/Shutterstock.com)