1. Use of Recycled Materials: Incorporate recycled materials like crushed concrete, glass, and plastic into the hardscape design. Reclaimed wood can also be used for landscaping details or as edging.
2. Natural Stone: Use of natural stones like granite, sandstone, and limestone can be used for walkways, retaining walls, and patios.
3. Pervious Concrete: Use of pervious concrete which allows water to penetrate through and be absorbed by the soil below. This reduces runoff and can be used for parking lots and driveways.
4. Green Roof: Another way to integrate sustainable design into hardscape is to incorporate green roofs. This can help reduce the heat island effect in urban areas, provide insulation, and promote biodiversity.
5. Solar-powered Outdoor Lighting: Use of solar-powered outdoor lighting can help conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions.
6. Rainwater Harvesting: Harvesting rainwater can reduce water consumption, and be used for irrigation.
7. Biophilic Elements: Integrating biophilic elements into hardscape design can increase the overall sustainability of the design, like green walls and roofs.
8. Low-Impact Materials: Consider low-impact materials like permeable pavers, which are designed to reduce runoff and increase groundwater recharge.
9. Native Plants: Using native plants enhances the sustainability of an outdoor space while reducing water usage.
10. Applying the principles of the circular economy, choosing materials with a sustainable lifecycle that could be reused, repurposed or recycled at the end of their life.
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