In alignment with their Corporate Sustainability Goals, Solar Turbines (A Catepillar Company) elected to reduce their water consumption by removing 90,000 sf of turf grass to create a sustainable, 'WaterSmart' landscape amenity. At first, the removal of 2 acres of turf was questioned by employees, but the beauty of the transformed garden has far-exceeded expectations. The garden is now a valued employee amenity and a great source of corporate pride. Employees have learned from the project and are now implementing similar landscapes at their own homes. The project has received several awards, including: 2010 Earth Award (San Diego EarthWorks)and the 2010 President’s Award (CLCA) The Landscape was designed as a 'Sustainable Site’using the following strategies: -Turf and inefficient irrigation systems were replaced with WaterSmart elements -Mature trees were salvaged to maintain site cooling -Existing mounds were 'carved and sculpted’ into low-lying river beds, forming a network of ‘rain swales’ -On-site cobblestones were 'harvested and recycled’ into these riverbeds - Carved soil was relocated to form raised mounds for drought-tolerant trees and shrubs to nelp provide good drainage for their rootballs -Decomposed granite pathways allow water to ‘percolate’ in, rather than run off the site -Soil was amended with organic material to improve moisture retention and introduce healthy ‘biota’ -High efficiency ‘inline’ drip tubing and ‘rotator’ nozzles replaced the old rotor heads (75% water use reduction) -Smart Controllers (tied to weather station data) were installed to respond to Evapo-transpiration rates at the site -Drought tolerant plants from climates around the world were showcased -Bark mulch was used to retain soil moisture

Project Information

Project Address: 

4200 Ruffin Road San Diego

Project Owner/ Developer: 

Solar Turbines

Owner Contact Name/ Email: 

Bob Bush -Facilities Manager

Project Architect/ Designer: 

Marian Marum, ASLA, LEEDAP

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