We’ve already discussed the environmental benefits of permeable pavers, specifically in the tri-state region. Although sustainability may not be what drives property owners to initiate an outdoor project, pavers and other outdoor elements offer some monetary and environmental benefits. There has been a boost in “green” building and property development practices over the last decade or so, with commercial and residential property owners adding environmentally-friendly elements to their homes and buildings or replacing old, outdated parts with new green technology.
New York is doing its part to bring new projects and old construction renovation in line with current environmental standards. The projected results of such projects are cleaner air, improved energy efficiency, healthier waterways and other benefits. New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection has allocated more than $5 million in the fourth round of funding for green projects in the city’s five boroughs.
Permeable pavers have made their way into some of the six NYC projects already in the works, among rooftop farming to absorb storm water and act as insulation, and installation of blue and green roofs, among other efforts.
Brooklyn’s Gil Hodges Community Garden is one of the sites receiving an environmental upgrade. Located near the Gowanus Canal, the project seeks to reverse the negative effects of storm water runoff and pollutants from the canal. A ”high-performance storm water infrastructure” has been installed in the 3,140-square-foot corner lot garden at the intersection of Carroll Street and Denton Place. This New York Restoration Project had the support of the DEP, which allowed a rain garden, aka a bioswale, to be installed as well as permeable pavers and flood-tolerant plants.
Queens College received a $386,000 grant to transform three public plazas and parks with trees, rain gardens, bioswales and permeable pavers. One of which is Kiely Hall Plaza, a courtyard that measures 11,400-square feet.
According to the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI), permeable pavements rely on the open-graded aggregate in their surface and base to collect, store and infiltrate storm water run-off back into the soil beneath it.
Contact Long Island’s own Island Block & Masonry Supply to find out how the products we offer can help enhance and protect the environment’s natural balance.
