Permeable paving as a weapon against urban heat islands
Imagine a hot summer day in the city. As the thermometer climbs towards 35°C, sidewalks and parking lots feel like scorching hot plates under your feet. This phenomenon, where urban areas become significantly warmer than their rural surroundings, is known as the urban heat island effect. But what if there were a solution that not only combats heat, but also manages rainwater and contributes to a greener environment?
Permeable paving is such a solution. In this blog, we dive deeper into how this sustainable surfacing plays a crucial role in cooling urban areas.
What are heat islands and how do they form?
In cities, a large part of the surface is covered with traditional pavements: asphalt, concrete, and classic pavers. These materials absorb solar heat during the day and release it slowly at night. As a result, heat islands emerge: zones where it can be 2 to 7 degrees warmer than in the surrounding countryside.
Main causes:
- Lack of vegetation
- Paved surfaces that store heat
- Insufficient water infiltration
- Limited air circulation
By reducing hard surfaces and choosing permeable materials, we can significantly improve the urban microclimate.
The role of permeable paving
Permeable paving, such as gravel surfacing with stabilising grids or grass pavers, allows rainwater to infiltrate into the soil instead of being drained into the sewer. This has several advantages:
1. Lower surface temperatures
Materials such as gravel and grass have a lower thermal mass than concrete or asphalt. They heat up less quickly and cool down faster. In addition, the absorbed rainwater evaporates from the soil, providing extra cooling – a kind of natural air conditioning!
2. More greenery, more shade
Grass and gravel grids make it possible to combine paving with living vegetation. This means more shade, more evaporation, and therefore lower temperatures in the direct surroundings.
3. Restoration of the water cycle
By allowing water to infiltrate where it falls, you help restore the natural water cycle. This reduces the risk of flooding and nourishes the local soil life.
ECCOgravel and ECCOdal: smart solutions against heat islands
At ECCO Products, we focus on solutions that are not only practical but also climate-conscious. Two leading products in the fight against heat islands are:
ECCOgravel gravel grids
- Perfect for driveways, parking areas and walkways
- Made of HDPE: flexible, strong and frost-resistant
- Equipped with geotextile to prevent weed growth and gravel displacement
- Remain permeable throughout their entire lifespan, even with fine particles
Practical applications in the city
Permeable paving is perfectly suited for various urban applications such as:
- Parking areas with grass grids: green oases where cars can park without overheating the city.
- Walkways and squares with gravel grids: stable and cooling surfaces that remain easily accessible for pedestrians, wheelchairs and strollers.
- Green driveways and private gardens: every square metre of depaving counts!
Conclusion: depaving = cooling
Permeable paving is much more than a technical solution for rainwater. It is a powerful weapon in the fight against climate change in urban areas. By consciously choosing gravel grids or grass pavers, you not only make your project functional and sustainable – you actively contribute to a more liveable city.
Want to start working with permeable paving? Discover the full range at eccoproducts.eu and take the first step towards a cooler, future-proof outdoor space.