Pervious Concrete for More Sustainable Construction

Pervious concrete is known by many names, such as porous or permeable pavement. But regardless of what you call it, this is an exciting innovation in sustainable construction. One reason that builders are using pervious concrete is because of its ability to protect water quality. While it may sound odd that a type of concrete can help with water quality, the science is solid, and that is one thing that makes the use of pervious concrete so exciting.

Your pervious concrete supplier may choose this ready-mix product for flatwork applications such as parking lots, residential streets, and walkways – typically lower traffic areas. Made mainly from smaller aggregates, with a small amount of sand added to increase durability, pervious concrete is highly porous. It works as a natural filter allowing water from rain, snow, and other sources to pass through the concrete slab, and directly into the ground, thereby reducing runoff that can pollute local streams or ponds. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, recognizes the proper use of pervious concrete as a Best Management Practice for its ability to provide effective storm water management and curb pollution.

Additionally, a pervious concrete supplier, who offers this product for low-impact development is aware of its benefit to the trees and vegetation around the application area. Not only does water go through the porous pavement surfaces to ground water sources, but it also reaches the roots of the area trees and plants. This brings water and air to root structures, and allows trees to grow and flourish even in more densely developed areas.

This ready-mix product is obviously exciting for those concerned with sustainable construction and green initiatives, but there is another reason that all developers should consider pervious concrete for their next paving application − land costs. Due to runoff water EPA regulations, real estate developments that require drainage systems, retention ponds, or large storm sewers for runoff water collection have become increasingly expensive. With pervious concrete, larger areas of property can be developed without the need for ponds, leading to more effective land use.

With so many benefits, it is easy to see why pervious concrete is growing in popularity.