Establish environments in harmony with nature

• Create a sustainable ecosystem customized for the micro-climate of the site
• Plant drought tolerant plants, such as those which are native to the San Francisco Bay Area or to one of the other four Mediterranean climate regions
• Utilize natural physical and biological conditions to support a thriving, eco-friendly habitat
• Design in balance with the contours of the land to take advantage of the existing features of the site

Create water-wise systems to reduce and conserve water use

• Install efficient drip irrigation systems to optimize plant growth through direct root watering
• Combine green areas with hardscape and use permeable materials to minimize water runoff
• Use weather sensing watering systems to reduce water use, runoff and evaporation 
• Provide options for a rain water harvest system

Minimize removal of materials from and importing of materials to a site

• Incorporate existing plants and trees into the new design
• Retain soil behind green walls or by creating living roofs
• Recycle or re-purpose materials in new design where possible
• Source quality materials predominately from local nurseries and suppliers 

Avoid chemicals and other toxins

• Provide options for masonry or stone to reduce use of treated wood for hardscapes
• Use non-toxic methods for weed elimination such as mulch, weed barriers, soil solarization and torching
• Using organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion and compost

Reduce energy use through passive solar site design and micro-climate optimization

• Design for maximum sun exposure in winter and shading in summer
• Use plants or structures to shield site from prevailing winds
• Store solar energy on site with stone or masonry floors, and walls on the north side of an open space
• Build garden structures such as cabanas and pergolas with passive solar heating principles
• Install solar photo-voltaic systems to power water features and outdoor lights