Living and official spaces are being rejuvenated with the touch of nature through landscaping, both indoor and outdoor. Thus, enhancing the air quality, promoting sustainability, and improving the overall well-being of occupants. Rustomjee, a leading real estate developer, has integrated thoughtful landscaping practices into its residential projects and townships. Aarti Barase, Head of Landscape Design, shares the approach, emphasizing the commitment to creating ecofriendly and aesthetically pleasing living spaces
The landscape planning prioritizes the use of native flora by recognizing its inherent advantages. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil, requiring less maintenance and promoting biodiversity by providing essential resources for native wildlife. They also contribute to water conservation and reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides.
Site-Specific Analysis is important for the scope of landscape planning. Assessing the specific conditions of a site, including soil type, microclimate, and existing vegetation, is crucial in selecting appropriate plant species.”
– Aarti Barase
While native plants form the cornerstone of Rustomjee’s landscapes, the strategic integration of select exotic species adds visual interest and diversity. This balanced approach allows to create visually impactful environments while minimizing the potential risks associated with non-native species.
A crucial element of this strategy is careful selection, ensuring that any introduced species are non-invasive and pose no threat to the local ecosystem. “We have achieved this balance through careful site analysis, shade and shadow studies, and ongoing monitoring to manage any unforeseen issues. For example, at Rustomjee Crown, a 90/10 ratio of native to non-invasive exotic plants has been employed, with the latter often confined to isolated or seasonal beds for controlled variation.”
Enhancing Air Quality
Landscaping offers a multitude of benefits for air quality. Plants absorb pollutants, produce oxygen, reduce the urban heat island effect, increase humidity, suppress dust, and even mitigate noise pollution. These benefits can be leveraged through key strategies, including:
• Pollution-Absorbing Plants: Species known for their oxygen production and pollutant absorption, such as Ficus, Neem, and Taman are incorporated
• Green Walls and Vertical Gardens: These features, often integrated into podium parking facades and other prominent locations, maximize green cover and improve air quality, particularly in urban settings. Rooftop gardens further contribute to this effort
• Regular Maintenance: Consistent upkeep ensures that plants remain healthy and function optimally as air filters
• Sustainable Irrigation: The use of treated greywater for irrigation promotes lush landscapes while conserving precious water resources
“We adhere to Mumbai Metropolitan Region – Environment Improvement Society (MMR-EIS) suggestions to optimize air quality in its landscaped areas, recognising the importance of a well-maintained green infrastructure for long-term benefits.”
Enabling Sustainability
• Environmental Sustainability: This includes native plant integration, biodiversity conservation, water management and conservation through rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling, air quality improvement and carbon sequestration, and reduction of the urban heat island effect. Initiatives like the “Go Green Kasara” afforestation project demonstrate commitment to environmental restoration at Rustomjee.
• Social Sustainability: Prioritising the well-being and quality of life of residents by creating thoughtfully designed parks, open spaces, and green corridors encourage outdoor activities and relaxation. Community engagement and awareness are also fostered through initiatives like tree-planting drives and sustainability workshops
• Economic Sustainability: Low-maintenance landscaping practices, efficient irrigation systems, and the increased property value associated with sustainable living contribute to long-term economic benefits
• Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure: Rustomjee pursues green building certifications like IGBC and integrates renewable energy sources, such as solar-powered lighting, to minimize its environmental footprint
Managing Pests
Environmentally conscious methods help manage mosquitoes and rodents —
• Planting mosquito-repellent plants, using mosquito-larvae-eating fish in water bodies, regular maintenance, eco-friendly fogging and proper water management to eliminate breeding grounds are some of the initiatives taken
• Rodent-resistant plants, proper waste management, physical barriers, and habitat management are used to deter rodents
By integrating these sustainable and eco-friendly practices, we create landscapes that are not only beautiful and functional but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future for its residents and the environment.
