Course Name: Living Green Infrastructure, Gaia College, Royal Roads University | Course Hours: 42 Delivery Format: Online or Blended |
Applicable Programs: Diploma in Organic Land Care, Gaia College | Prerequisites: none Co-requisites: none |
Contribution to Program: Elective | Approval Date: July 2021 |
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course addressed at planners, policy makers and developers, we introduce and discuss the complexity and simplicity of integrated natural solutions – low impact development (LID) and living green infrastructure (GI). In “The State of Canadian Cities and Communities, 2012” the Federation of Canadian Municipalities calls for the employment of more sustainable technologies and practices, an investment in resilient infrastructure for long-term future benefits. Great strides are being made on many fronts, but so much more can be done with a better understanding of natural ecosystem processes. No solution can be sustainable if it degrades nature’s ability to sustain itself and us. All too often, problems are addressed in isolation along budget categories set by administrators. Truly sustainable solutions can only arise from a holistic process, involving interdepartmental collaboration and problem solving. It is not realistic – nor effective over the long term – to address urban forest pests, for instance, without giving consideration to lot sizes, construction practices, water management, pesticide use policy, and ultimately soil quality.
This course is designed to provide the knowledge and tools to assist professionals and practitioners in attaining a proficient level of competence in living green infrastructure, and for implementing these technologies and best management practices throughout the planning, constructing and maintenance phase of land development. While there are no one-size-fits-all solutions, we hope to provide a deeper understanding of nature’s contribution to the success of human created infrastructure, and to help everyone make better and more integrated decisions for long term benefit.
Earn generous continuing education credits for landscape professionals to maintain industry certifications (CNLA, NALP, ISA, BCSLA, MGOI, NOFA).
Topics include:
∙ A deeper understanding of the living components of green infrastructure
∙ Ecological impacts of development
∙ Water catchment and use
∙ Stormwater management
∙ Waste management
∙ Urban forestry
∙ Wildlife / biodiversity
∙ Food security
∙ Environment and community health
COURSE CURRICULUM
Course Learning Requirements | Knowledge and Skills |
When you have earned credit for this course you will have demonstrated an ability to: | |
1. Correctly use green infrastructure terminology. | 1.1. Describe low impact development (LID). 1.2. Describe green infrastructure (GI). 1.3. Describe living green infrastructure LGI). |
2. Demonstrate the necessity for a collaborative interdepartmental decision making process with respect to living green infrastructure. | 2.1. Explain how decisions based solely on economics fall short of meeting the needs of living infrastructure. 2.2. Demonstrate how incorporating ecological needs at the design stage of a project will lead to different decisions. 2.3. Explain how ignorance of environmental / ecosystem processes has resulted in unnecessary costs. |
3. Describe the environmental conditions required by living organisms. | 3.1. Describe how plants interact with other organisms in their environment. 3.2. Explain the significance of soil as a living non-static system. 3.3. Relate soil health with plant health. 3.4. Demonstrate the economic and ecological value of organic matter production and recycling within landscapes. |
4. Describe the impacts of land development activities on living ecosystems, and how major damage can be prevented. | 4.1. Explain the dangers of soil compaction. 4.2. Explain the dangers of soil erosion. 4.3. Prevent major damage to soil. 4.4. Prevent major damage to plants. |
5. Maintain the value of the urban forest through appropriate design and management decisions. | 5.1 Describe the difference between an urban forest and a collection of trees. 5.2. Meet the environmental needs of urban trees. 5.3. Correctly plant trees and explain why that is important. 5.4. Correctly prune trees and explain why that is important. 5.5 Explain the concept of a living asset and how it might change the way we value living green infrastructure. |
6. Protect and enhance wildlife habitat and biodiversity in an urban setting. | 6.1. Identify your local native ecosystem. 6.2. Select locally native plants. 6.3. Describe the value of locally native plants in attracting and supporting local wildlife. 6.4 Describe how cities can uniquely contribute to regional biodiversity. |
7. Attract and store sufficient water in the landscape to allow it to flourish throughout the seasons, while simultaneously reducing stormwater damage. | 7.1 Evaluate the effect of grade changes on water flow. 7.2 Evaluate the effect of soil management practices on the soil’s ability to capture and retain water. 7.3 Integrate natural living water management systems with engineered built components for optimal water availability and use. 7.4 Document the need for supplemental irrigation to maintain the value of living assets, and their ability to provide the ecosystem services we desire. |
8. Discuss options for reducing waste in the landscape and evaluate the benefits and shortcomings of 4 waste reduction products. | 8.1 Appreciate the need to reuse greywater within the built environment. 8.2 Appreciate the need to divert waste from landfills. 8.3 Reduce waste in landscapes by recycling organic matter in place. 8.4 Appreciate the need to develop environmentally friendly products from waste. |
9. Identify potential obstacles to successful urban agriculture in the community. | 9.1 Understand the impacts of zoning regulations on urban agriculture. 9.2 Appreciate the need for a community agricultural land reserve. 9.3 Develop solutions to land security for urban farmers. 9.4 Support the use of organic practices for food production. |
10. Describe the relationship between environmental and community health. | 10.1 Advise communities on healthy ways to maintain their living green infrastructure. |
Learning Resources
There are no required texts that need to be purchased. All learning resources are provided online through the course materials or on the internet.
Teaching/Learning Methods - During this course you are likely to experience:
∙ assigned readings
∙ online video presentations
∙ discussion questions
∙ critiques
∙ peer feedback
∙ individual projects
∙ research
∙ summarizing course activities
Learning Activities and Assessment - Samples of learning activities include:
∙ practical assignment work
∙ written assignments
∙ discussion forums
Evaluation/Earning Credit
Evaluation is on a pass / fail basis, and no transcripts of grades are issued. A passing grade in this course requires a minimum of 75% for each of the written assignments and projects, and a minimum of 75% for the discussion participation. A certificate of completion will be awarded if the minimum passing grade or higher, has been achieved. Below passing grade constitutes a failing grade (F).