Balancing Cost Savings and Sustainability with Artificial Grass
For large-scale properties, artificial grass offers an immediate reduction in maintenance expenses. By eliminating the need for regular mowing, fertilization, and pest control, organizations can reallocate resources to other priorities. For instance, National Harbor in Maryland adopted soy-backed artificial grass in 2014 to reduce upkeep costs and create a flexible outdoor space for events. This solution also provided a 15-year warranty and was fully recyclable, offering a combination of economic and environmental benefits.
Artificial turf has gained popularity largely due to its potential for significant water conservation. For example, full-sized natural grass sports fields, covering approximately 1.32 acres, can require up to 1.5 million gallons of water annually for irrigation, depending on geographic location. In contrast, the Synthetic Turf Council estimates that similarly sized artificial turf fields can save between 500,000 to 1 million gallons of water per year—equivalent to 8.7 to 17.4 gallons per square foot. For residential applications, a turf lawn of 1,800 square feet can conserve around 99,000 gallons of water annually, representing about 70% of a typical homeowner’s outdoor water usage.
Several Sydney councils have implemented artificial sports fields to address challenges posed by waterlogged grounds and frequent game cancellations due to rain. These synthetic fields offer increased durability and can accommodate higher usage compared to natural grass, making them a practical solution for meeting the growing demand for sports facilities in areas prone to wet weather.
However, the adoption of artificial turf has sparked debate over environmental concerns. Critics point to issues such as microplastic pollution, urban heat island effects, and the long-term sustainability of synthetic materials. For instance, residents have expressed concerns about artificial grass radiating heat on very warm days and contributing to plastic pollution.
Artificial turf production involves petroleum-based materials such as polyethylene and polypropylene, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
Studies found that artificial turf systems tend to have higher environmental impacts in specific categories compared to natural grass, particularly in areas such as greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and end-of-life waste management. The impacts were attributed primarily to the energy-intensive production of synthetic materials like polyethylene and polypropylene and the limited recycling options available at the end of the turf's lifespan.
Natural grass, while requiring water and maintenance, was found to have advantages in carbon sequestration and biodegradability, which offset some of its lifecycle environmental costs.
The studies highlight the trade-offs between the two systems, emphasizing that artificial turf's benefits, such as reduced water use and lower maintenance requirements, come with significant environmental drawbacks over its lifecycle.
End-of-life disposal of artificial turf is another major concern. Most synthetic grass ends up in landfills. In response to the increasing need for environmentally responsible disposal of end-of-life synthetic turf, European Synthetic Turf Council (ESTC) has published a guide detailing recycling facilities across Europe. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility to recycling services and promote sustainable practices within the industry.
Additionally, ESTC has reported that 60% of industry participants are dissatisfied with the availability of recycling options, and 62% are dissatisfied with the quality scoring during tender evaluations assigned to recycling. These findings highlight the industry's recognition of the need for improved recycling infrastructure and practices.
While specific recycling rates may vary, these efforts indicate a commitment to increasing the proportion of synthetic turf that is recycled, thereby reducing environmental impact.
Artificial turf significantly contributes to the urban heat island effect due to its heat retention properties. Studies have shown that synthetic turf can reach surface temperatures substantially higher than natural grass. For instance, research from Penn State University indicates that artificial turf surfaces can be 20 to 30° Celsius hotter than natural grass during average playing conditions, with maximum surface temperatures recorded up to 93° Celsius on sunny days.
This elevated heat can create uncomfortable and potentially hazardous conditions for users, particularly in commercial properties where maintaining a comfortable outdoor environment is essential for employees and visitors. The increased surface temperatures not only affect human comfort but also contribute to higher ambient air temperatures, exacerbating the urban heat island effect in densely built environments.
Mitigation strategies, such as implementing subsurface water storage and capillary irrigation systems, have been explored to reduce surface temperatures of artificial turf through evaporative cooling. A study published in Frontiers in Sustainable Cities investigated this approach, suggesting it can effectively lower surface temperatures.
However, these solutions may involve additional costs and maintenance considerations. Therefore, when selecting landscaping materials for commercial properties, it's crucial to weigh the benefits of artificial turf against its potential to increase heat retention and impact on the local microclimate.
Clover lawns are gaining attention as a sustainable alternative to synthetic turf and traditional grass. They require minimal maintenance, thrive in drought conditions, and enrich the soil naturally by fixing nitrogen, reducing the need for fertilizers. Clover also supports biodiversity by attracting pollinators, making it environmentally beneficial. Clover lawns are less durable under heavy foot traffic, limiting their viability for commercial properties. While ideal for residential use, clover may not meet the functional demands of high-traffic areas, where a mixed approach with durable grass species could offer a balanced solution.
In 2022, Munich's Allianz Arena became the first stadium globally to implement LED grow lighting technology across its entire pitch, aiming to enhance the sustainability of its natural grass surface. This initiative, in collaboration with sports grass technology innovator SGL, allows for optimal climate control and is projected to achieve up to 40% energy savings compared to traditional lighting systems.
On the downside, he high upfront cost of the technology demonstrates the balance businesses must strike between long-term benefits and initial investments.
For businesses and organizations, choosing artificial grass requires a nuanced evaluation of its benefits and challenges. While synthetic turf offers immediate advantages in terms of cost reduction and maintenance efficiency, its environmental implications—particularly around production and disposal—cannot be ignored.
However, alternatives such as drought-resistant plants, native grasses, or innovative solutions like those at Allianz Arena may offer a greener path forward for businesses prioritizing sustainability.
Key Considerations for Businesses:
By critically evaluating these factors, businesses can make decisions that enhance operational efficiency, support environmental goals, and align with their brand values, ensuring long-term success.
Inspire our audience with topics like:
Sustainability Frameworks - Circular Economy - Employee Engagement
