Sustainable living is more than caring about your personal environment, and it has spread to every branch of life. When it comes to sustainable infrastructure, it is a growing concern for businesses and homeowners. Before it was often overlooked, especially driveways and parking lots, but it has a significant role in reducing environmental impact.
If you are a homeowner or a business owner with an idea in mind to embrace eco-friendly practices in your driveway or parking space, here are five actionable ways to make them eco-friendly without sacrificing functionality or aesthetics.
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1. Use Permeable Paving Materials
Forget about traditional concrete when there is a solution that is a game changer for reducing water runoff and preventing flooding. Permeable paving is more than a material option, it allows water to seep through the pavement into the ground which helps replenish groundwater and minimize strain on drainage systems.
With so many benefits in one option that is eco-friendly, there is no reason to not consider this as a great sustainable solution. There are similar options like porous asphalt, permeable concrete, and interlocking pavers.
Top Advantages of Permeable Paving:
- Reduces surface water runoff by up to 80%.
- Water quality improved by filtering pollutants.
- Stormwater system will last longer.
Because of their prevention of flooding and reducing water runoff these materials are ideal for cities and states with heavy rainfall, such as the Pacific Northwest. Permeable paving materials are increasingly being adopted in states like California, Florida, and Texas.
2. Incorporate Recycled Asphalt
There is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional paving materials, and that is recycled asphalt. Why use new raw materials and build up construction waste, when old asphalt can be reused, right? This is the sustainable choice that offers the same durability and appearance as the new one, but additionally, this one leaves a smaller carbon footprint.
Recycled asphalt is one of the most used recycled materials in the U.S., with over 94 million tons of recycled asphalt used annually, according to a study by the National Asphalt Pavement Association.
Asphalt Recycling Statistics by State Comparison
| State | Recycled Asphalt Used (Tons) | Environmental Savings (C02 Tons) |
| California | 8.5 million | 210,000 |
| Texas | 6.3 million | 156,000 |
| Florida | 5.8 million | 143,000 |
These three states have been picked since they differ across many aspects, but are also ones with the highest populace in the U.S., making them ideal candidates for a comparison table on asphalt recycling.
The tonnage of recycled asphalt used goes into the millions, which is a staggering number. And the environmental (positive) impact such incentives have, especially long-term, are enormous. Texas and Florida are great examples of how other parts of the U.S. should approach recycled asphalt. But, as you can see from the table above, recycled asphalt is especially popular in California.
California is known for its regulations that emphasize sustainability and resource conservation so it’s surprising that they use this eco-friendly material more than other states. But it goes even beyond just the green initiative, since recycled asphalt can also be more affordable compared to new asphalt.
If you’re from the sunny state of California and you have any asphalt-related work/projects while looking to join or maintain the environmentally-positive impact, make sure to get a great asphalt paving contractor to do the job. Cities in southern California (e.g., Buellton, Lompoc) have some great environmentally conscious asphalt contractors to choose from.
3. Install Solar-Powered Lighting
Traditional lighting systems are usually energy-intensive, so you should consider solar-powered lights as a sustainable alternative. They reduce electricity consumption and you are still getting reliable illumination.
Advice for Choosing Solar Lights:
- LED solar lights for higher efficiency.
- Use motion-activated sensors.
- Find a weather-resistant model for durability.
4. Add Green Landscaping Features
Everybody loves to see beautiful green landscaping in their environment, but that doesn’t mean that their main purpose is enhancing aesthetics. Green landscaping features improve environmental performance which makes them a significant eco-friendly addition. Rain gardens, bioswales, and native plants can help absorb stormwater. They can also reduce heat island effects and provide habitat for local wildlife.
Top Green Landscaping Tips:
- Consider drought-resistant plants to conserve precious water.
- Retain moisture and soil erosion by applying mulch.
- Add shade trees to cool the environment and add quality to the surrounding air.
5. Seal Pavements with Low-VOC Products
Most traditional sealers are rich in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hence very effective for air quality. With Low VOC sealers, you can afford to go green without sacrificing protection for that driveway or parking lot, just without the nasty emissions.
Low VOC Sealants Benefits:
- Improve the air quality during and for a while after the application.
- Reduce the potential health risks for workers and occupant residents.
- Greater longevity in protection against weather and wear.
Conclusion
Transforming driveways and parking lots into eco-friendly for the environment can be done with the right approach and materials. There are many approaches, from using recycled asphalt and permeable paving to solar lighting and green landscaping. These techniques do indeed bring a practical advantage in support of sustainable development.
Beyond the immediate environmental benefits, many of these eco-friendly solutions can also lead to long-term cost savings. For example, permeable paving and recycled asphalt are durable and require less maintenance than traditional materials, ultimately saving you money over time. Solar-powered lighting reduces electricity costs, while green landscaping features can lower water bills by utilizing drought-resistant plants and natural stormwater management techniques. By investing in these sustainable practices now, you’re not only helping the environment but also setting up your property for financial savings in the future.
Eco-friendly practices like adding native plants or creating rain gardens do more than just benefit your property—they also support the local ecosystem. Native plants provide food and shelter for local wildlife, fostering biodiversity and improving the overall health of your environment. Similarly, stormwater management systems help maintain clean water sources and reduce pollution, benefiting both human and animal populations. By incorporating these sustainable features, you’re contributing to the preservation of natural habitats and creating a healthier, more balanced ecosystem around your home or business.
Adoption of such techniques is, of course, contributing to lowering the environmental impact, but also enhancement of property value and functionality. Start making a difference today by adopting these simple yet effective strategies.