Cape Town, South Africa
Benefit |
Preserves endangered species habitat, decreases potable water consumption, and reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions |
Team Members |
OBO | Design Consultants, FM, Gardeners |
The U.S. Consulate General in Cape Town, South Africa, made particularly good use of native plants to reduce irrigation demands, beautify their site, and preserve local endangered species, including the leopard frog, which makes its home in the Westlake River.9
Landscape architects specified using only indigenous plants, which are attractive and perform well under local conditions. The plants selected help prevent soil erosion, even on steeply graded slopes. Erosion control was a major challenge, as the Westlake River runs through the Consulate site.
The results of the Consulate’s landscape efforts included decreased potable water consumption for irrigation, increased biodiversity, and reduced GHG emissions and the overall carbon footprint of the United States Government. The Department is demonstrating eco-diplomacy through landscape design that promotes native habitat.
Native plants foster endangered wildlife species at U.S. Consulate General Cape Town
