Developing guidance for integrating soil health into design and construction to enable resilient, soil-conscious development statewide
Regenerative Design Group is building on its foundational role as the project lead of the Massachusetts Healthy Soils Action Plan (HSAP) to develop the Guide for Implementing the Healthy Soils Action Plan in Design and Construction. While the HSAP provided a visionary framework for improving soil health, fostering biodiversity, and enhancing climate resilience, its recommendations present challenges to current practices in design, development, and construction.
This follow-up project seeks to bridge the gap between policy and practice by equipping industry professionals—planners, engineers, landscape architects, and developers—with actionable strategies to integrate soil health into their workflows. By translating the HSAP’s evidence-based recommendations into practical tools and guidance, RDG is advancing resilient, soil-conscious development across the Commonwealth.
To ensure effectiveness and accessibility, RDG and its partners are collaborating with state and industry leaders and engaging a diverse cross-section of professionals through workshops, presentations, and stakeholder feedback sessions. The guide, paired with a dedicated website launched in October 2024, serves as both an educational platform and a practical roadmap. Resources include best management practices (BMPs), case studies, and technical tools, with regular updates informed by ongoing industry input.
This effort builds on RDG’s commitment to advancing soil health standards and catalyzing a shift in development practices.
Visit the guide website
Client
Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)
Massachusetts Healthy Soils Challenge Grant Program
Partners
- BSC Group
- Linnean Solutions
- Sasaki
Services
- Development of practical guidelines and resources for incorporating soil health practices into development projects
- Engagement of industry practitioners through workshops, feedback sessions, and presentations
- Creation of a website to host the Guide and other resources: a repository for Best Managment Pracitces (BMPs), tools, strategies, and case studies
- Outreach and Education on soil-smart practices for design and construction professionals
