Cities and municipalities across the globe are faced with challenges related to storm water management, rising temperature levels and erosion. Seeing these struggles, landscape architects have come to the rescue with a greater focus on sustainability in an attempt to lessen their projects’ impact on the environment. Specifically, commercial hardscape projects have proven key in building towards a more eco-friendly future.
While experienced landscape architects know how to build sustainability into their larger commercial projects, there is still opportunity for smaller installations to contribute towards sustainability as well. Here are just a few micro opportunities to design towards better water management, heat island solutions and preservation of native plants and wildlife.
Pre- and post-pandemic, many families have and will spend several hours a week at local sports fields cheering their kids, handing out orange slices and spending quality time together.
However, full parking lots become an unfortunate collector of pollutants like oil, gas and other automotive chemicals that get combined with the runoff and end up in stormwater drainage systems. Treating the water and filtering out these pollutants then becomes a lengthy and expensive process, and stormwater management systems can quickly become overloaded causing these pollutants to backup and flood.
With permeable pavement systems, fluids will drain directly below the surface where a mix of sand, gravel and natural bacteria break down the pollutants without any extra energy or cost. This results in cleaner water recycled faster and more effectively.
And even if the water needs to be directed to a stormwater management system because of site restrictions, the volume is dissipated because it reaches the pipes later and slower. And as a bonus, it’s still cleaner.
Parks have been collecting and recycling stormwater for years. But, unfortunately, some poorly planned pathways and plazas can prevent parks from being as efficient as possible. Poured-in-place concrete and asphalt keep the water from draining into the soil and instead, all that usable water ends up in storm drains and taken away from the park grounds or pooling and flooding pathways that become unusable.
Permeable paver systems in walkways and plaza areas allow parks to collect and recycle more water instead of forcing them to continue overtaxing municipal storm water systems. Pavers also open up a whole world of design options making the parks more beautiful community hubs that visitors enjoy using in all weather, instead of only on sunny, warm days.
Of course, sunny afternoons are the perfect time to let the kids run around on the playgrounds. But the sun beating down on large, heat-absorbing asphalt parking lots quickly increases the heat into sweltering temperatures that radiate onto the playground, making a relaxed day in the summer sun turn blistering by noon.
By breaking up a giant plot of black asphalt with lighter colored commercial pavers or slabs, the heat will reflect off the surface rather than be absorbed and build up to unbearable temperatures. And by implementing a permeable slab system, excess stormwater can be collected, filtered and drained safely and sanitarily.
Precast slabs are also easier and cheaper to repair than concrete or asphalt. Individual sections can be discreetly replaced to avoid any cracks, graffiti or other types of damage.
Greenways have a multitude of benefits from encouraging active and connected communities to carving out protected areas that preserve natural vegetation and wildlife. But overuse or poor structural planning can lead to erosion.
To protect the natural environment in these areas, it is necessary to preserve and replenish nutrients found in the soil. Chemicals and artificial fertilizers can be used to treat affected areas, but pavers can be used to prevent erosion altogether.
Pavers can be thoughtfully placed in sensitive areas like slopes, flood zones and areas where erosion has already eaten away at the land to protect the area from further harm. They keep the nutrient-rich soil from washing away, which in turn reduces the need for harsh chemicals and fertilizers.
Alleyways quickly become the dark and dingy part of the city where we put things we don’t want to think about. But these overlooked corners can significantly impact the community and environmental well-being of an area.
Light-colored pavers can be put in to reduce the heat island effect, saving nearby residents a significant amount on HVAC usage and energy bills. Permeable pavers can reduce or even prevent flooding and overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Natural vegetation and welcoming lighting can encourage pedestrian and cyclist usage, providing a safer alternative route to busier streets.
Interactive fountains are not only a beautiful water feature but provide a fun, free, family-friendly activity and gathering spot.
When thinking of a unique design, consider using a system where water is absorbed and recycled back into the fountain without any need for additional drainage systems, achievable through the right permeable pavement system combined with water storage.
Ultimately, cities and towns everywhere are plagued with storm water management challenges and dangerously rising temperatures due to the increasing need for paved surfaces. Sustainable hardscaping solutions like permeable pavers keep drainage systems from overflowing, put water and nutrients back into the underlying soil, and reflect light to keep temperatures at more moderate levels.
Not only are the sustainability benefits substantial, but durable commercial pavers provide significantly more design options for more aesthetically-pleasing public spaces and community centers.
Download Techo-Bloc’s Guide to LEED Certification and Sustainability on Commercial Sites for all the information you need on how to make a project sustainable and LEED-compliant. And visit our products page for our full range of permeable paver systems and patio slabs that can enhance your next commercial hardscaping project.