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You're landscape isn't Carbon Balanced, you say?



So your landscape isn't carbon balanced?


It isn't even balancing out in the next 10 years?


All I can say is, Welcome to the party!

Please have a seat at the table. We've got work to do.



 

I hear so many quiet concerns from designers afraid of exposing themselves as carbon illiterate by presenting the carbon report from Bond.


The first thing we recommend to break through this fear is shifting your perspective and aligning your viewpoint with the current realities.


Most of us have all begun to face the fact that our landscapes and what we put in them need to change. After decades of prodding, the ASLA has even finally woken up, and begun stumbling its way through the early stages of sustainability awareness.

When it comes to adapting for carbon realities, this is the beginning for most of us.

We have large problems to solve at almost every step in the design/build process. This journey has only just begun and it is freakin exciting!!


The current reality


Even the leaders in pushing carbon literacy are not hitting the mark on most projects.

AND THAT'S OK, as long as we are not claiming we are.

Your favorite modern landscape architect- NOT producing carbon-balanced landscapes

Your favorite permaculture designer- NOT producing carbon-balanced landscapes.

Your favorite architect- NOT even close.

In fact, anyone designing and/or building outdoor living spaces is likely NOT producing them in a way that they can balance in 5-10 years, More like 30-60 years!


Those who claim to be balancing sooner are often not building hardscapes or not measuring the construction activities which constitute a large percentage of the emissions. Those types of "balanced examples" are generally worthless to consider and damage the integrity of the efforts of those trying to solve these issues.



Incomplete or fabricated carbon-positive results is the newest form of greenwashing.


 


At this stage of the work, true leaders are doing the real work of trying hard to hit the mark, studying, thinking, taking the brave steps of stumbling through early solution decision trees, and having tough conversations with clients, team members, suppliers, and contractors. Above all being honest with those around them.

And you should join us in that work.

This requires humility, creativity, diligence, and risk-taking

Elder Creek is not hitting our targets on a regular basis. That is why we built Bond.

It doesn't matter what 'path' you find yourself on or how conscience you are of carbon. We are all in the early stages and we are measured by the steps we achieve toward our goal, not simply by whether we meet the goal or not.


It's too early in this and not enough of our material and build partners are on board yet to provide solutions to problems outside of our control.


There is room at the table for you.


Join us


 

Rick Taylor

Founder

Elder Creek Design Studios

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