Laurent Paméla

Good work Brandon! Troy says he’ll teach you the secret handshake now!

Can anybody suggest books that go further into explaining all the different insurances that have to be carried?

WooHOO!!!! I passed all mine!!!!!!!!

Way to go Brandon!! That was a pretty serious battle you faught!! Congrats! and Well done!

I am happy to say two words to y’all…..I PASSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is the BEST MOST AMAZING feeling in the world…..To all those who are still struggling through the testing process….stick with it!!! I took the grading portion 10 times….I repeat 10 times…..DON’T QUIT!!!!! It is worth it I promise!!!

Yep, scores are posted! Finally!

Scores are posted.

Thank you again, Daniel for the great seminar on sketchup and vectorworks. I highly recommend Daniel Tal as a resource-
My thanks goes to the APLD and Robin and Cynde for their efforts with getting Daniel to SF. When is the next seminar-

Has anybody heard when the scores from December test are going to be released? The website says Feb 19.

Thank you Eric for your feedback – invaluable information since many have been asking about the LEED GA exam.

Just sat for the GA Exam and passed on the first attempt. It’s definitely distilled down from the old version of the exams. From my perspective the LEED GA is a great credential for LAs to have the distinction, but without having to go through the specialty portions that are beyond our typical work. Sustainable Sites is where I’m placing my emphasis.

In response to John’s question “how would you propose to reduce emissions and increase sequestration through design” in addition to my comments below about how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – landscapes can also play an active role in sequestering carbon through thoughtful plant selection and soil stewardship. Research has shown that…[Read more]

I believe the solution is to first accept the dual responsibility built landscapes hold in both causing environmental degradation AND protecting and restoring the ecosystem services we depend upon.

I agree with David, we can not and should not eliminate turf completely from our landscapes. There are many scenarios where mowed lawn is the best…[Read more]

I have not read the article, Heather, David and Reid, but I think the basic point is good one — maintenance should be consideration in designing a “sustainable residential landscape.” Even here in the SW, we will design what we think is a more sustainable landscape, and put in a water harvesting swale with cobbles. As it turns out the maintenance…[Read more]

David your are correct!

@Reid – Hahahahahahahahahahaha!

I love to laugh out loud! It’s good for the body. Relieves stress, improves circulation.

Stupid Article!

This study also “compare(d) carbon sequestration to nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide emissions from lawn grooming practices.”

I have news for anyone willing to listen. Lawn maintenance doesn’t produce carbon “di”oxide emissions. Lawn maintenance produces carbon “mon”oxide. Carbon monoxide produces carbon dioxide which in turn is used by plants…[Read more]

From the article: “It’s impossible for these lawns to be net greenhouse gas sinks because too much fuel is used to maintain them,” Townsend-Small concluded.

So what’s the solution? That’s what I want to know. Should we eliminate athletic fields and play completely? What then shall we do with those that have no place to play and engage in athletic…[Read more]

Urban “Green” Space may lead to Global Warming

Interesting article about the importance of extending sustainable practices to the maintenance of our landscapes. If the implications of maintenance requirements are not considered, the benefits of sustainable design practices may be lost. I think this article also highlights the advantage of having…[Read more]