Investigating and cataloguing resources already at the site is a vital step in planning the management of potential methods for implementing sustainable site practices. Each facility has a unique site and a different collection of equipment and systems. Likewise, each site’s staff is made up of individuals with unique experiences, and has its own network of consultants and contractors. Benefits of identifying such resources include clearer knowledge of available tools, documentation of existing systems, understanding of staff knowledge and skills, improved operational efficiency, and a clearer sense of landscape problems and risks.

Actively promoting lessons learned, useful resources, and positive results of staff efforts can educate everyone who visits or works at the site about ways they can benefit from sustainability best practices.

Expand knowledge about local resources unique to the area by doing the following:

• Seek local experts who can assist with a deep knowledge of the culture, flora, or ecology of the region. Experts may include a local ecologist who understands the right timing for establishing a meadow, a horticulturist who can assist with sourcing replacement plant species, or a soil scientist who can recommend appropriate amendments for soil problems.
• Investigate sources for sustainable landscape materials. These include plant nurseries, recycling facilities that offer locally made mulch or compost, and sources for organic soil amendments or natural pest controls. If sources do not exist, develop alternatives. For example, site personnel may be able to propagate a limited numbers of plants, create a compost bin, or make mulch by recycling natural debris. If necessary, certain specialty materials that are not locally available can be shipped in small quantities.
• Consult with staff members who have strong institutional knowledge of local means and methods. Work with the FM to determine which of those means and methods align with the facility’s sustainable landscape best practices. For example, adopting traditional methods for hand-cutting ornamental grasses would be a good alternative to using gas-powered equipment; however, certain countries have traditions such as pollarding tree branches, which should be avoided because it weakens and disfigures trees.
• Engage with head gardeners or maintenance crew leaders. The people who direct day-to-day operations should understand the activities of their crews; which equipment they use, and where it is stored; fuel consumption; and debris disposal.
• Include details such as age, repair history, and capacity of existing systems and equipment. For example, irrigation systems and water sources; location and types of mowers and power equipment used for landscape maintenance; and locations of mulch piles and compost bins. Understand how systems and equipment are used. Evaluate how much fuel or other resources are needed to sustain the equipment. Consider repairing or replacing equipment to upgrade the efficiency; or changes to landscape maintenance practices that might eliminate need for the most resource-intensive equipment.
• Study past and current budgets for landscape maintenance and operations. Budgets provide an understanding of the most and least resource-intensive portions of a landscape, and can be used to provide a baseline for creating more efficient operations.
• Environment, Science, Technology, and Health colleagues may assist with fostering contacts in the local community – e.g., experts from local governments, NGOs, and universities. Environment, Science, Technology, and Health colleagues can probably help articulate for public audiences the benefits of the practices being employed – e.g., planting locally native plants.