Tina Muldowney, Director of Landscape Architecture at LUC, shared insights at the Landscape Institute’s National Housing & Regeneration Conference, joining industry practitioners and decision-makers to explore pathways toward net zero neighbourhoods.
Transitioning to Net Zero Neighbourhoods
Speaking during the session “Transition to Net Zero Neighbourhoods”, Tina outlined how landscape architecture can act as a catalyst for meaningful carbon reduction across housing and regeneration projects.
Drawing on the Tweedbank Neighbourhood Expansion in the Scottish Borders as a case study, she demonstrated how early, strategic involvement of landscape architects enables a whole-place, landscape-first approach — embedding environmental performance, biodiversity, and community value from the outset.
A Strategic, Whole-Place Approach
The presentation reinforced the importance of integrating landscape thinking at masterplanning stage rather than treating it as a secondary design layer. By shaping green infrastructure, water management, active travel routes, and ecological networks early in the process, projects can achieve measurable carbon reductions while enhancing liveability.
This approach positions landscape architecture as central to climate resilience, social value creation, and long-term sustainability in emerging residential communities.
Shifting Sector Perspectives
The session reflected growing momentum across the built environment sector: landscape is no longer viewed as an afterthought but as foundational infrastructure in the delivery of net zero neighbourhoods.
As housing and regeneration frameworks evolve, the role of landscape-led design continues to expand — shaping not only environmental outcomes but also healthier, more connected communities for the future.
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