Which practice qualifies as sustainable design?

The choice of placing parking areas amidst existing vegetation qualifies as sustainable design because it prioritizes the integration of new developments with existing natural ecosystems. This approach minimizes disruption to the local environment and can help preserve existing habitats, reduce erosion, and maintain the ecological balance of the site. By incorporating natural features into the planning and design of a project, sustainable design aims to use the landscape in a way that respects and utilizes the inherent characteristics of the site, rather than disregarding them.

In contrast, constructing new buildings without consideration of the old disregards historical and environmental context, which can lead to the destruction of valuable heritage or ecological resources. Using materials from global suppliers without regard to their distance typically increases the carbon footprint associated with transport and doesn't prioritize local resources. Eliminating all natural features from the site removes essential elements of the ecosystem, leading to increased environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity, which runs counter to sustainable design principles.