‘This is a wonderful book that should be on the desk of every architect and planner. It shows how

Landscaping considerations
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Laying out the site to take advantage of existing trees, shrubs and slopes to reduce 
heating and cooling loads (eg deciduous trees can reduce summer cooling needs by 30 
per cent).
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Using or creating new microclimates to reduce heating and cooling loads.
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Avoiding lawns, which consume large amounts of water and require pesticide use and 
energy in mowing. Native grasses that use less water and do not require mowing are 
available. Or consider perennial groundcovers.
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Minimizing lot coverage for paving, parking and structures.
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Considering permaculture design principles for ease of maintenance, food production 
and biodiversity.
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Ensuring builders take adequate steps to protect trees during construction.
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Protecting topsoil during site-work and relocating good topsoil that will be covered by 
buildings.

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Positive Development
Waterscaping considerations
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Providing rainwater tanks for rooftop rainwater collection. Water can be stored under 
the building or in walls where it provides thermal mass.
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Connecting the water tank to landscaping with drip feeders for water conservation.
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Landscaping for stormwater retention. Excess water can be stored in retaining walls or 
in landscaped mounds for later use.
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Using water-efficient, low-maintenance landscaping – called xeriscaping.
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Utilizing permeable paving and swales to allow rain and stormwater absorption on site.
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Creating wetlands or reed beds for greywater water treatment where space allows. 
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Connecting outflow of water from sinks, showers or clothes washers to landscaping.
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Considering ponds for biodiversity and solar landscaping: breezes over ponds can have a 
cooling effect in summer and reflect sunlight into the home in winter.