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 Green
Building
Requirements
Guidelines
 Introduction
Siting
and Form
Landscape
Landscape
Introduction
Reqd/Suggested
Practices
Minimize
Stormwater Runoff
Water-efficient
Irrigation
Use
of Water Features
Shade
Buildings
Enhance
Building Ventilation
Environmental
Landscaping
Urban
Agriculture/Gardens
Shelter
& Habitat for Wildlife
 Recycled
Materials
Transportation
Envelope
and Space Planning
Materials
Water
Systems
Electrical
Systems
HVAC
Systems
Control
Systems
Construction
Management
Commissioning
Appendices
Case Studies
Additional Resources
Site
Map
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Recycling Landscape Materials
On-site composting
reduces the amount of organic waste deposited in landfills (approximately
15% to 25% of solid waste for a typical household). The City of Santa
Monica encourages on-site composting, providing information and inexpensive
single-chamber, plastic compost bins.
Compost bins are
available in a variety of shapes and sizes:
- Tumbling composters
are the most efficient, creating compost within 3 to 4 weeks.
- Single-chamber,
wood or plastic compost bins are less expensive but also less efficient,
requiring proper mixing and layering of green compost (vegetable
and fruit scraps, plant clippings) and brown compost (dried leaves,
shredded newspapers).
- Open compost
piles should be avoided; they are the least efficient, attract vermin
and require considerable space and maintenance.
For multi-family
residential and commercial applications, worm composters are compact
and can be stored indoors under countertops or in closets. They are
particularly effective in breaking down food scraps, and produce little
or no odor when properly maintained.
- Composters
should have a minimum volume of 1 cu. yd. (except for smaller worm
composters).
- Add vegetable
kitchen waste to compost bin. Use shredders or clippers to
mechanically break down garden waste prior to adding it to the compost
bin.
- Provide clear
instructions at all composter locations.
Cautions
- Requires education
and occupant commitment to be effective.
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