earn grant funding for your sustainable landscape
Three FormLA clients earned City of Santa Monica Sustainable Landscape Program grants for irrigation equipment and climate-appropriate plants to their parkways.
Grant applicants can hope to win 50 percent of the cost of their sustainable landscaping project, up to $5000. Specific grants include up to $3500 for irrigation systems and $1500 for climate-appropriate plants compliant with the City’s green building ordinance.
“The City of Santa Monica has set aggressive goals to develop a more sustainable community. With the aim of curbing citywide water use 20 percent by the year 2010, nearly half of which is consumed for watering landscapes, the City actively reaches out to educate and inspire the local community to save water and resources.” Notes Russell Ackerman, Water Resources Specialist with the City of Santa Monica’s Office of Sustainability and the Environment.
The City of Santa Monica aims to improve air quality as well as soil health, as well as water quality, with its sustainable landscape grant program. It believes that in creating 106 beautiful, sustainable demonstration gardens, it can save enough water for 32 families and reduce yard waste by 44,500 pounds each year.
Are the City’s goals realistic? “Sustainable landscapes dramatically reduce our clients water and maintenance needs, while the Sustainable Landscape Grant Program reduces their upfront investment in creating a sustainable landscape.” notes FormLA President Cassy Aoyagi. “It’s a win-win program with great results.”
Any individual, business, governmental or non-governmental entity that is a Santa Monica water customer may apply for the Santa Monica Sustainable Landscape Grant Program. All Santa Monica properties are eligible, with the exception of new construction and major remodel projects. Up to date information on the program can be found on the Sustainable Santa Monica website.
Like the City of Santa Monica, other incorporated cities offer rebates and other incentives. At present, reservations for rebates are required for customers of Anaheim Public Utilities, City of Burbank Water and Power, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the Municipal Water District of Orange County, Irvine Ranch Water District, the San Diego County Water Authority, Santa Fe Irrigation District, and the City of Poway.
useful links
Commercial Entities with Large Landscapes Can Get $630/Acre for Updating Irrigation Equipment
New Construction with California Friendly Landscaping Could Save $0.80/Square Foot
LADWP Customers Can Earn $1/Square Foot for Replacing Irrigated Turf