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DEAPR Administrative Policy <br />Sustainable Landscaping at Orange County Facilities <br />Approved by the Commission for the Environment (CFE) on June 14, 2010. for implementation by DEAPR. It <br />is based on guidelines proposed by a Joint Committee on Sustainable Landscaping Practices (2008) comprised <br />of representatives of the CFE, the Planning Board and County staff from Planning & Inspections and DEAPR. <br />Goal Statement: Use appropriate and sustainable landscaping practices on all County - <br />owned properties, including buildings, parking, parks, and other facilities. <br />Purposes: Landscaping around government buildings and facilities is important for <br />maintaining the value and appearance of public property. When landscapes are not <br />managed efficiently, it can increase maintenance costs, waste natural resources, and pollute <br />the environment. Sustainable landscaping practices can produce significant economic and <br />environmental benefits. Savings include reduced labor, water, fertilizer costs, and lower <br />hauling expenses and disposal fees. Composting and mulching returns valuable organic <br />material to the soil, which increases the water - holding capacity of soil, reduces erosion, and <br />conserves water. Proper watering, fertilizing, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and <br />pruning can encourage healthier, disease - resistant plants and can reduce the amount of <br />pesticides, fertilizers, and other toxic runoff entering storm drains and polluting streams and <br />other water bodies. <br />I. Guidelines: <br />The following guidelines apply to all properties owned and maintained by the County. <br />Departments should consider these as minimum guidelines and may choose to <br />employ standards that are more restrictive than these guidelines, consistent with <br />other County policies and procedures. <br />A. Resource Conservation <br />1. Prioritize building on land that is already disturbed <br />2. Site buildings to take advantage of the natural day light and solar gain, with <br />natural venting where possible <br />3. Plant deciduous trees on the southwest sides of buildings to reduce energy <br />needs in the summer and to increase possible solar gain in the winter. <br />4. Plant evergreen trees on the northeast corner of buildings for protection from <br />winter winds <br />5. Harvest rain water with cisterns to help reduce the use of potable water <br />6. Design and implement efficient irrigation systems <br />7. Specify drought tolerant plants <br />8. Use local building and plant materials to reduce transportation costs <br />9. Use recycled materials and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood <br />10. Minimize night light pollution <br />11. Balance cut and fill on site <br />12. Provide priority parking spaces for carpooling, alternative fuel vehicles, and <br />bicycles <br />13. Identify and protect heritage trees —trees that, because of their age, size, <br />type, historical association, or horticultural value, are of special importance <br />