HOAs are often barriers to sustainable landscaping and solar energy – here’s how they could be bridges instead

Many HOAs are designed with a uniform look, often featuring mandatory turfgrass lawns. JamesBrey/E+ via Getty Images

If you build a house in the United States today, there’s a good chance you’ll be living under the dictates of a neighborhood homeowners association – roughly two out of every three new homes are in an HOA, as are a third of existing homes.

Some of these HOAs have evolved to encourage environmentally friendly yards, particularly in the desert Southwest, but many more throw up barriers to sustainability, even in communities where water is becoming more scarce, wildlife is under threat and homegrown energy can reduce pollution.