Educational institutions throughout the country are demonstrating their commitment to the
environment by employing sustainable design practices in new building and site initiatives
undertaken on campus.
Porous pavements comprised of permeable interlocking concrete pavers (PICP) are quickly
becoming one of the innovative technologies embraced by many schools and universities for
mitigating the effects of stormwater runoff. Some are using the installation sites as outdoor
demonstration labs for classes focused on environment and energy.
Of note locally, the University of New Hampshire has established a Stormwater Center that acts
as a unique technical resource for stormwater practitioners by studying a range of issues for
specific stormwater management strategies including design, water quality and quantity, cost,
maintenance, and operations. The field research facility serves as a site for testing stormwater
treatment processes and for technology demonstrations and workshops. The testing results
and technology demonstrations are meant to assist in the planning, design, and implementation
of effective stormwater management strategies for resource managers. Permeable pavers are
currently being installed for use as parking as well as research on hydrological and structural
performance. The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute Foundation for Education and
Research, a non-profit organization, is working closely with UNH on this project.
In addition to meeting LEED, LID and stormwater run-off standards, permeable pavers
offer a host of other benefits to educational institutions. Financial benefits are naturally a
primary focus. Because permeable pavers can function as pavement, stormwater infiltration,
and detention/retention all-in-one, valuable land is conserved for green space or building
opportunities. Winter ice hazards are lower than with traditional pavements thus providing
savings on the costs of de-icing salts and sanding.
Aesthetic improvements are another prime benefit gained through the use of PICP. The most
obvious is the attractiveness of the available colors, shapes, and patterns as compared with
asphalt or concrete. The beauty of the property can be preserved and enhanced because
PICP promotes tree survival and growth, and wooded areas that would otherwise be cleared for
stormwater detention or retention ponds can remain undisturbed.
Maintenance personnel enjoy the benefits of less sanding and de-icing mentioned above and
the ease of regular maintenance which only requires periodic inspection and cleaning with
standard street cleaning equipment. If access to underlying structures such as pipes or utilities
is necessary, the pavers can be lifted and subsequently reinstated after the work is completed
to restore the pavement to its original appearance without leaving the undesirable look of a
patch that would occur with other paving materials.
Schools generally must work projects around tight academic schedules. Permeable pavers are
factory-made and ready to install year-round. No curing is required. The paver surface may be
used immediately upon installation.
Ideal Concrete Block Company, Inc. 08.20.10
Ideal Concrete Block Company manufactures and markets permeable pavers under the name
Pavers by Ideal®. As a founding member of the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute,
Pavers by Ideal routinely offers PICP Lunch-n-Learns and project guidance. Design and
installation is slightly different than that of traditional pavers, and Pavers by Ideal recognizes
correct design and installation are key to successful projects.
Pavers by Ideal permeable pavers have been installed at Tufts, Harvard, Brandeis, Bentley,
Stonehill, and Bridgewater State among others. Boston Public Schools are the most recent
public schools to utilize Ideal permeable pavers.
Permeable interlocking concrete pavement is a winning method for managing stormwater. It not
only evidences a school’s commitment to their students, faculty and community as a caretaker
to the environment, but also demonstrates financial conscientiousness.