5 Nordic Landscape Architect Associations come together on 10 dogmas for solar panel systems of the future
Landscape Architect associations from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark sign an united document of dogmas for solar panel systems. ’10 dogmas for solar panel systems of the future’ will ensure that the establishment of future solar panel systems creates value on several parameters.
The Nordic landscape architect associations support the political change-of-course towards a more sustainable energy production, including establishment of solar panel systems in the open land areas. But the challenge of restructuring the energy production into green energy is increasingly putting pressure on our landscapes. The associations state the needs of considering holistic solutions and let solar panels create added value to our society on other parameters than just energy. Therefore, Sveriges Arkitekter/Akademin för landskapsarkitektur (Sweden), Norske landskapsarkitekters forening (Norway), MARK (Finland), FÍLA (Iceland), and Danske Landskabsarkitekter (Denmark) have come together with an united Nordic strategy proposal under the title of ’10 dogmas for solar panel systems of the future’.
Needs of strategies for solar panel systems across the Nordic countries
With the 10 dogmas, the Nordic landscape architect associations invite politicians of the Nordic countries to develop national strategies for establishment of solar panel systems. The strategies should create a framework for the most energy and economical advantageous location of solar panel systems. These locations should be integrated in the landscape, provide access to new recreational experience landscapes for local citizens, create habitats for flora and fauna, establish frames for outdoor recreation, serve educational purposes, and result in new amenity assets.
Potential for added value
Martin Hedevang Andersen, president at the Association of Danish Landscape Architects, is pleased about the united Nordic support.
”There are plenty of potential for creating added value when establishing solar panel systems in the open land areas. But the establishment of solar panel systems have happened so fast that the energy landscape now are in a vacuum planning-wise. This leaves the municipalities with a complicated task of developing their own tools to be
able to make qualified decisions regarding the many new solar panel systems that private energy companies apply building permits for. Therefore, united we encourage a political initiative to proactive planning of solar panel systems of the future, so that the green restructuring of energy production is not happening on expense of the values of our landscapes,” Martin Hedevang Andersen share. “We see a need of establishing national strategies for development of solar panel systems. The nationwide strategies will among other things ensure democratic principles, achieve the most advantageous use of resources, and ensure biodiversity and qualities of nature. Our hope is that the dogmas may inspire all stakeholders to enter into cooperation – benefiting both the environment, citizens, biodiversity, and an increased geopolitical independence of energy supplies.”
10 dogmas for solar panel systems of the future
The 10 dogmas supported by the Nordic landscape architect associations:
1. Incorporate solar panels in relevant national strategies, for example by including the solar panels in spatial planning legislation.
2. Conduct thorough landscape analysis and require aesthetic considerations with respect to scale, holistic qualities and cultural heritage.
3. Investigate the possibility of placing solar panels close to the city before engaging the open land.
4. Planning should be based on democratic principles, involving neighbors and locals as well as indigenous cultures.
5. Set demands for nature content and management, which promote biodiversity.
6. Plan for multi-functional use such as recreational connections and access to nature.
7. Install solar panels in areas, which are intended for future urban development.
8. Plan for temporary use by setting an expiration date.
9. Ensure that the above-mentioned requirements for energy companies are coordinated on regional/inter-municipal levels.
10. Involve the professional skills of landscape architects.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Martin Hedevang Andersen, president at the Association of Danish Landscape Architects, formand@landskabsarkitekter.dk, 21 63 70 90 www.landskabsarkitekter.dk Lillan Thomsen, head of secretariat at the Association of Danish Landscape Architects, Lillan.Thomsen@landskabsarkitekter.dk, 33 32 23 54 www.landskabsarkitekter.dk
