Low Carbon Adaptation through Community Composting

Date of Award

Spring 5-31-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

Department

Landscape Architecture

First Advisor

Fatema Maswood

Second Advisor

Theodore Hoerr

Abstract

This project utilizes landscape architecture to reduce the carbon emission of restaurants by employing carbon sequestration techniques. By using compost gardens that shorten the transportation route of compost, new local food sources are created which replace food shipped from afar. The gardens are placed on roofs and at ground-level. The gardens also provide materials to produce organic pesticides that replace traditional pesticides, thereby reducing the release of carbon intensive VOCs. The compost gardens are implemented in existing parking lots and vacant lots and are connected in a community garden network. The proposed renovation of streets increases carbon sequestration through street-side vegetation. These interventions help alleviate the urban heat island effect, improve the micro-climate, and consequently, reduce the energy consumption associated with air-conditioning use in buildings.

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