Guest Column: Habitat project offers prime example of sustainability

Sustainability is everywhere. It’s a word that’s used and overused, and although people think differently about it, sustainability is driving change every day. There are three elements required for sustainability, or the meeting of our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Those elements are a healthy economy, a healthy environment and a healthy society. If one area is too much or too little compared to the others, the whole thing topples.

Launched in December, the Partnership for Sustainability was formed by local leaders who want to be proactive in preserving the Ozarks’ quality of life. The partnership and its members are focused on assessing their own practices and promoting sustainability.

One example of sustainability can be seen at Legacy Trails, Habitat for Humanity’s development just north of the city limits, particularly when that development is compared to adjacent elements.

To the east of Legacy Trails, on the other side of the road, is a retention pond, a common site when development changes the ability of the ground to absorb water and take it into the groundwater system. Water in a retention pond may be good for the frog population, but is lost to the human population.

At Legacy Trails, there is no retention pond. Low-impact development, or LID, at this site works with nature to manage storm water by replicating the original landscape to minimize runoff. Storm water becomes a resource feeding into the watershed. Beyond preventing water losses, LID management reduces pollutants and promotes and protects water quality.

LID saves the developer the cost of building and maintaining storm-water ponds and reduces the amount of pavement, curbs, gutters, piping and inlet structures. Landscaping costs are reduced when natural features are left undisturbed.

Plants used in LID landscaping are chosen for their compatibility with the location. Native plants are frequently selected for their robustness.

Consequently, the need to water or irrigate is reduced and soil loss is minimized as these species thrive and provide soil-holding root systems.

Admittedly, at first, things may look a bit sparse, but within a couple of years, the hardy plantings take hold and the results are stunning. In many areas across the nation, LID has really caught on in popularity.

Habitat for Humanity serves as an exemplary model in sustainability. The ReStore accepts and resells usable construction materials that would otherwise go into landfills. Their aluminum can collecting program has raised funds for those in need while improving the environment.

Last month, Habitat for Humanity unveiled its latest success story – a residence located in Legacy Trails. Designed and built by Drury students under the direction of Traci Sooter, associate director of architecture and project manager, the home was designed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum standards and has been submitted for certification. If approved, it may be the first Habitat house to be so designated in the nation.

The design incorporated passive ventilation and passive solar, which cost nothing. The roof is made of completely recyclable materials and is white to reflect heat. Recycled materials were used whenever possible including siding made of recycled materials. Energy Star appliances and high-efficiency windows all contribute to lower utilities.

Mulch is ground-up recycled construction waste. Pervious concrete, rain barrels and a rain garden conserve water with their low-impact development features.

A great example of sustainable practice, this projects addresses all three of the elements – environment, economy and social health.

Mary Norman is the administrative coordinator for the Partnership for Sustainability. She may be reached at marynorman@partnershipforsustainability.com.