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contributes to good quality of green space characteristics. In conclusion, good green space
characteristics can indirectly influence carbon storage.

3.2 Renewal Percentages
The renewal percentages were calculated based on the overall green space size in meter ( A m)
divide by the size of renewed space in meter ( B m) subtract by 100 [6].
2
A m
X 100 = Renewal %
B m 2

This renewal percentage can be an early indicator of a green space level of carbon emission. The
higher the percentage the larger the carbon footprint of a green space.

2
2
Green Space Overall Size (m ) Renewed Space Size (m ) Renewal
Name Percentage, (%)
Public Park Nilai ≈61,000,000,000 ≈ 31,000,000,000 50.81
Seremban 2 City ≈ 70,600,000,000 ≈3,800,000,000 5.38
Park

4. Discussion

4.1. Implication
Due to current high carbon emission generated from green spaces generation processes,
sustainable landscape design is encouraged as carbon emission mitigation strategy. Scenario
example of landscape element that surprisingly contributes to carbon emission is “Turf”. This is
because the increased emissions from lawn mowing in the park-like scenario would outweigh the
emissions from the removal of dead and thinned trees in the green space project. The best
landscape element suggested by Strohbach and Haase (2012) which reduces the carbon emission is
“Groundcovers” [1]. Instead of lawn, groundcovers require less maintenance such as mowing,
trimming and driving by 87%. However, if lawn is the groundcover of choice, mowing intensity
should be reduced to cut emissions around 60%. Thus, carbon neutral green space characteristics
should include i) groundcovers; and ii) shrubs as an alternative to grass. Evidently, carbon footprint
of a green space is directly influenced by its design, management and maintenance program carried
out [1]. According to previous research, green space would eventually become a source of carbon if
dead trees are replanted because maintenance would continue to involve CO2 emissions [1].

4.2. Limitation of Study
This research is focusing on the role of landscape architects in identifying the source of carbon
footprint right from the planning towards the implementing stage. If the carbon footprint source had
been identified, landscape architect must foresee and anticipate the carbon neutral landscape
design to help mitigate Malaysia’s carbon emission phenomena.