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A Brief History of Permeable Paving Surfaces

Permeable Pavement is Greener. Stronger.

The Advance of Permeable Surfaces

Urban environments throughout Canada are currently trying to solve the problem of flood damage, expected to reach over $8 billion by 2030 unless corrective measures are taken. This number covers houses, business premises, and public facilities. The major culprits for urban flooding are impervious surfaces such as roads and driveways which increase stormwater run-off, beyond the capacity of stormwater management system.

Understanding the Impact Of Impervious (non-permeable) Surfaces

  • Urban Flooding: Impervious surfaces cause significant urban flooding that damages Property and overburdens infrastructure.
  • Stormwater Management Challenges: Intense storms make it difficult for municipalities to manage dense runoff from paved streets, driveways, and other hard surfaces.
  • Case Studies: Burlington, Toronto, and Peterborough have all suffered the consequences of inadequate storm-water management firsthand, including water backing into people’s homes due to heavy rainfall.

Collaborative Solutions

Rather than blaming only individual homeowners or builders for this issue, some city officials are now actively engaging them in finding solutions. For example, the City of Kitchener recognizes its dependence on groundwater and encourages developers and home builders to maintain the natural hydrological cycle as much as possible. Nick Gollan, who manages planning programs at Kitchener’s sanitary stormwater utilities, said that for things like rain barrels and rain gardens permeable paving, they offer up to a 45% reduction in its monthly utility bill under storm-water incentives, which is an incentive along these lines. Existing homes can also take advantage of these improvements or new residential developments.
  • Community Engagement: Urban homeownership is no longer just about houses but also involves conservation efforts to mitigate water runoff problems.
  • Incentive Programs: In Kitchener, initiatives ranging from reductions in stormwater utility bills provide impetus for using low-impact materials like permeable pavers.
  • Success Stories: The collaboration of RAIN partners has redirected more than 500,000 m3 of rainfall annually from Kitchener’s sewer system.

The Rise of Permeable Paving Solutions

Some innovative companies like Dream Pave and LID Paving have come up with permeable paving solutions that can effectively absorb and manage stormwater. The Ecoraster plastic grid system, when combined with Permeable Pavement’s highly porous surface, can absorb incredible amounts of water, hence preventing urban flooding. These solutions are not only lucrative but also put developers firmly in the good books for adopting sustainable, environmentally friendly practices.

  • Innovative Technologies: Companies such as Dream Pave in partnership with StoneSet,  specialize in cutting-edge permeable pavement designs.
  • Product Features: High porosity is inherent in the composition of Dream Pave’s resin bound aggregate surfaces, while Eco-raster employs a plastic grid support system to facilitate excellent infiltration rates.
  • Benefits for Developers: Permeable pavements increase developer profits and promote sustainability, among other enlightened practices.

Pioneers in Permeable Surfaces

StoneSet, a UK-based company, started using its resin-bonded aggregate surfaces in the 1980s and is today respected as one of these industry pioneers. In the UK, Germany and Australia, Stoneset is known as an attractive product for professionals such as builders,  landscape architects and designers because of its immense aesthetic value plus environmental benefits.

  • StoneSet’s Legacy: StoneSet is recognized as one of the pioneers in developing permeable surfaces.
  • Product Adoption: This company provides popular options for builders and landscape architects who desire aesthetically pleasing yet eco-friendly, sustainable pavement products.
 
Dream Pave are proud to be Canada’s Exclusive Distributor of StoneSet.

Addressing Cost Concerns

Nevertheless, some may see the cost of permeable paving as a stumbling block in relation to more traditional surface options such as asphalt and concrete; However, it has long-term benefits, including resistance to ice buildup, longer lifespan and reduced maintenance costs over time. They have been tested rigidly to prove beyond doubt that they are more durable and strong than traditional pavements.

  • Initial Investment vs. Long-Term Benefits: Permeable, resin bound aggregate surfaces offer long-term advantages like ice resistance and low maintenance, although the initial cost may be higher.
  • Durability Assurance: This is supported by rigorous testing of materials such as StoneSet, which indicates that they are more durable than traditional paving stones.
Toronto permeable pavement and resin bound aggregate quote

Industry Adoption and Recognition

For instance, where permeable paving technique are considered, aligning well with urban guidelines and emphasizing the importance of sustainable development. Permeable, resin bound aggregate paving is gaining popularity among homeowners due to their porous nature, ability to last for years without wearing off, and highly attractive curb appeal, making them increasily popular in residential areas.

  • Builder Perspectives: For example, more cities are considering using permeable pavement on projects conforming to urban guidelines.
  • Homeowner Appeal: This is because homeowners consider its permeability, durability, beauty, and other factors when choosing it over other pavement alternatives.

Sustainable Urban Development

Permeable surfaces play an integral part in low impact development plans by managing stormwater runoff effectively to minimize environmental impacts. In other words Permeable Pavement represents one of the best possible solutions towards developing net-zero-runoff communities that apart from increasing curb appeal also help protect watershed areas around them.

  • Low-Impact Approaches: More so it should be noted that permeable surfaces manage stormwater runoff thus minimizing environmental impact on these areas concerned about sustainability issues.
  • Innovative Solutions: Such innovations like Dream Pave resin bound aggregate pavement, can transform communities into zero-runoff zones, enhancing aesthetics while conserving local watersheds and ecosystems.
Conestoga College Permeable Walkway project by dreampave.ca

Economic Incentives and Policy Initiatives

Some cities are considering how to incentivize and expedite the use of more permeable surfaces, taking cost into account. For example, they will be introduced rebate programs on permeable pavement by some municipalities such as Ottawa or Kitchener that seek to bridge the gap in terms of costs between asphalt-based solutions and their environmentally friendly alternatives. Policy Interventions which provide that a sustainable future is achievable with stakeholder involvement.
  • Rebate Programs: Cities like Ottawa and Kitchener are introducing rebate programs to encourage the installation of permeable surfaces.
  • Policy Support: The main purpose of these policy interventions is to foster stakeholder participation towards a more sustainable tomorrow.

Residual Cost Savings

  • Initial Cost Considerations: Builders often find the initial cost of permeable paving solutions to be a significant drawback. Asphalt driveways typically cost around $3,500 for a 400 sq. ft. area, while Permeable Pavement surfaces can cost approximately $15,000 for the same area (with volume discounts available). However, the initial investment in permeable paving solutions can lead to long-term cost savings and benefits.
  • Long-Term Benefits: Permeable surfaces offer advantages such as resistance to ice build-up and faster melting of snow compared to traditional surfaces like asphalt and concrete. Concrete and asphalt driveways require regular maintenance and are more susceptible to damage from freeze/thaw cycles. Permeable paving solutions have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance over time, reducing the overall cost of ownership.

Conclusion

The advent of permeable pavements is indeed a significant stride towards sustainable urban development. Therefore, resilient, sponge cities and communities can be realized through innovative practices like addressing water runoff issues, leading toward greener cities. Collaborative approaches, emerging technologies, and policies also continue to support the use of previous paving for building a better tomorrow for posterity.

EASY TO CLEAN

A resin bound aggregate surface is easy to clean.  Most dirt, marks or other cleaning jobs can be taken care of with a simple hose washing. For more information on resin bound cleaning and maintenance, stay tuned for our resin bound maintenance guide. 

Connect with Dream Pave Permeable by booking a complimentary Discovery Call with our Resin Bound aggregate Team.

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Dream Pave are the leading permeable pavements installers proudly servicing the Greater Toronto Area. We install for Residential, Commercial and Institutional permeable pavement projects. Dream Pave is a most trusted purveyor of resin bound aggregate, and our team is ready to solve your permeable pavement needs.

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