The trade association Interpave has published edition 6 of ‘Understanding Permeable Paving and SuDS’, an essential introductory guide to all aspects of concrete block permeable paving for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) – and much more.
Concrete block permeable paving is uniquely placed as an essential, multifunctional SuDS technique, providing an inherent drainage system with no additional land take for water storage. It combines proven engineering design with water management replicating nature near the surface. And permeable paving is also very effective at removing pollution from surface water runoff, notably vehicle pollutants, particularly harmful to our rivers.
This edition explains how to use straightforward flow controls to maximise storage and other capabilities of permeable paving, offering further cost savings. But wider benefits of concrete block permeable paving are also discussed including ‘cool pavements’ helping to reduce the urban heat island effect through evaporation. This enhances the already high albedo – or heat reflectance – offered by concrete block or flag paving generally.
One particular innovation is set to play a major role in the post-pandemic public realm. Retrofitting concrete block permeable paving as an overlay to existing streets offers a low-intervention technique to transform the public realm, in response to the raft of recent active travel, low traffic neighbourhood and open space initiatives.