A method recommendation for expanding xeriscapepractices in the combat against climate change

In conclusion climate change, one of the most important environmental problems of the 21st century, the xeriscape approach that uses water efficiently in landscape architecture has come to the fore. Within the scope of this thesis, it is aimed to develop a method proposal for the dissemination of xeriscaping, which is thought to increase biocomfort by reducing carbon emissions, which are the main factor in climate change. The study was conducted in Antalya, which is among the provinces most affected by climate change. Firstly, drought analyzes were made based on data obtained from two climate stations in the city and various climatic features were investigated. It has been found that the city has been arid and semi-arid for approximately 7 months of the year in recent years. Afterwards, one park designed according to traditional landscape was selected from Döşemealtı and Konyaaltı districts, and hardscaping and softscaping projects were redesigned with a xeriscape and climate-friendly approach as a suggestion. Carbon emissions released from personnel and equipment of existing and proposed landscape projects, on a vegetative and structural basis, within the scope of transportation, application and maintenance, were calculated and compared. The highest carbon emission released from the equipment occurred during the transportation of materials from outside the city to the existing project area in Döşemealtı, and it was determined that the amount of the proposed project to be transported from within the city was 73,167 times higher. It was found that the highest carbon emission released from personnel occurred during the implementation of the current project in Konyaaltı and was 2,655 times that of the proposed project. The biggest factor in this regard is the impermeable hard floor flooring and reinforcement elements in traditional structural designs. Besides, surveys were conducted to the public and relevant experts. It has been determined that the public is aware of climate change and favors adaptation strategies, especially xeriscaping. The survey conducted with experts using the Delphi technique contributed to the development of a multifaceted perspective on the dissemination of xeriscaping. Consequently, it is aimed to determine the amount of carbon released from structural and vegetative landscape projects (transportation, application and maintenance stages) by emphasizing the multifaceted design of parks that take into account the climatic characteristics and socio-economic status of the research area, climate change, xeric landscape principles and other environmental effects. A method proposal has been developed in which the data is calculated from personnel and equipment. In addition, suggestions have been developed for the dissemination of xeric landscaping in line with the opinions of the public and relevant experts.