ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS THAT HELP SHRINK CONCRETE’S CARBON FOOTPRINT

Concrete is one of the most harmful construction materials on the planet when it comes to measuring its environmental impact. The process by which concrete is made releases tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere and accounts for about 8% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions while consuming nearly 3% of its energy supply.

However, since concrete is unlikely to be phased out of use anytime soon, we can reduce the amount we use wherever possible. One of the ways to lower our concrete carbon footprint is by using alternative paving materials. There are plenty of options with a lower carbon footprint than concrete that work just as well for paving surfaces.

If you’re looking to lay new pavement down for any reason, let’s take a look at some much healthier options that will work just as good, if not better than concrete.

1. Porous Asphalt

Porous Asphalt is more sustainable than concrete for a number of reasons. First, it produces much less runoff, which lessens the burden on local storm systems. It also requires much less energy to make and puts less carbon dioxide in the air. Although porous asphalt isn’t entirely permeable, it does allow enough stormwater to pass through it that it lessens the need for additional drainage systems and storage basins.

Porous Asphalt is able to handle most general traffic but is weak and doesn’t last as well as traditional asphalt. Also, to stay pervious it needs frequent cleaning or power washing. It is an expensive option when considered a choice for residential homeowners in need of a new driveway or commercial business owners looking to install a parking area.

2. Grid-Supported Grass

Grid-supported grass is one of the sustainable pavement options available. There are many types of grids designed to stabilise and support grass for handling light to moderate traffic.

Recycled plastic grids can be laid down over the top of grass, allowing the grass to grow up and through the holes in the grids. These grids have a tiny carbon footprint as many are produced with recycled materials.

They are also almost entirely permeable and allow for the natural flow of water directly through them and into the soil below. Most are not suitable for heavy or repeated traffic from commercial vehicles, but they may work perfectly well for residential usage.

3. Gravel

Gravel also works quite well as pavement and can be stabilised with plastic grid pavers. If you want to use gravel for commercial purposes or you just want to prevent it from spreading, permeable plastic grid pavers can be used to stabilise it.

Not all plastic pavers are created equal, TRUEGRID 100% recycled HDPE Pavers are the Worlds Strongest and can stabilise gravel or grass to make it suitable for supporting heavy traffic for 40+ years. Suitable for both commercial and residential use, TRUEGRID pavers as an alternative to concrete and asphalt help prevent tonnes of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere each year.

You can use TRUEGRID Drive on Surface to construct a durable, clean-cut driveway or parking lot that never spreads, and is fully permeable as well. The environmental sustainability effect of these pavers is also felt in the long-term, as they can last 40 years or more with very little maintenance required.

TRUEGRID Drive on Surface provide the best of both worlds when it comes to delivering a sustainable pavement. They are much more durable than the average grass-grids, more permeable than porous asphalt, and the installation can be completed in as little as one day.

TRUEGRID is On A Mission to Reduce Our Carbon Footprint

In order to help win the ever-important battle against global warming, reducing our concrete carbon footprint is a must. Concrete is one of the most harmful materials to make when it comes to releasing emissions into the air, so we must replace it wherever possible.

TRUEGRID Permeable Pavers are the best solution to our alternative paving needs. They are just as durable as any other paving material, yet permeable, long-lasting, low-maintenance, and incredibly environmentally sustainable.