The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) today announced that is one of nine exemplar organizations exhibiting the most comprehensive approaches to educating and engaging their members, according to a report released today by the Kresge Foundation.
The Kresge report, “Professional Societies and Climate Change,” analyzes how professional societies are helping their members integrate climate change into their thinking and decision making. Researchers found that the professional societies most engaged on climate issues recognize the substantial impacts that climate change will have on their missions and membership.
ASLA has identified climate change as a key issue for its members, according to ASLA Executive Vice President and CEO Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA.
“ASLA is honored to be recognized by the Kresge Foundation,” said Somerville. “Most landscape architects acknowledge the reality of climate change, and as a result their work helps make communities more resilient and better able to recover from disruptive climate events.”
The Society provides substantial climate mitigation resources, including a policy statement on climate change and a code of environmental ethics; a Professional Practice Network focused on Sustainable Design and Development; a webpage on combating climate change with numerous mitigation-related resources; a resource guide on increasing energy efficiency and an energy efficient home landscapes animation. Various articles in Landscape Architecture Magazine (LAM) and blog The Dirt are related to mitigation, such as a 2014 post on “How to create a climate change mitigation and adaptation plan.” In addition, a working group was formed to provide input on model codes within ASHRAE 189.1 specific to site sustainability and water use.
Climate adaption resources developed by ASLA includes a webpage on combatting climate change; resource centers for critical issues like stormwater; resource guides on topics like green infrastructure, livable communities and sustainable transportation; and a new Guide to Resilient Design.
ASLA works with educators and schools through the Council of Educators of Landscape Architecture. ASLA’s “Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System” (LA CES™) has offered courses on adaptation, such as the 2012 “Landscape Systems, Urban Heat Island, and Climate Change: a landscape architecture approach to adapt.” The Society helped to develop The Sustainable Sites Initiative™ (SITES®), a rating system for the sustainable design, construction and maintenance of landscapes now owned by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI).
The Society is also engaged in political advocacy and public education on the topic of resilience and social justice. It will convene an interdisciplinary blue ribbon task force later this year to develop climate change- and resilience-related public policy recommendations.
In addition to ASLA, other professional societies on the list include the American Planning Association, the American Public Health Association, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Water Works Association, the International City/County Management Association, National League of Cities, the National Medical Association and the Urban Land Institute.
The report was authored by independent climate adaptation consultant Dr. Missy Stults and Ph.D. researcher and consultant Sara Meerow.
About the American Society of Landscape Architects
Founded in 1899, ASLA is the national professional association for landscape architects, representing more than 15,000 members in 49 professional chapters and 72 student chapters. Members of the Society use “ASLA” after their names to denote membership and their commitment to the highest ethical standards of the profession. Landscape architects lead the stewardship, planning and design of our built and natural environments; the Society’s mission is to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, communication, education and fellowship.
