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Greener Lots Beat Heat and Flooding
22 May
Summary
- Cities are using porous concrete and native plants in parking lots.
- Alternative lots reduce heat absorption and manage stormwater runoff.
- Some cities are reducing minimum parking space regulations.
Dozens of cities nationwide are adopting innovative alternatives to conventional asphalt parking lots to combat urban heat and manage stormwater. In Virginia, the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission recently completed a parking lot featuring porous concrete, native plants, and recycled materials. This design allows for faster water infiltration, reducing surface puddles and noticeably lowering ambient temperatures.
New Orleans mandates permeable paving where practical, while Indianapolis's Newfields museum has transformed parking areas with bioretention rain gardens and permeable grids. Denver's initiative aims to reduce impervious surfaces. Additionally, cities like Buffalo, Austin, and Minneapolis are reconsidering minimum parking space requirements for new constructions.
These sustainable parking lot solutions also address stormwater runoff, preventing pollutants like oil and heavy metals from entering waterways. Technologies such as lattice pavers, interlocking pavers, stone beds, and honeycomb structures allow rainwater to filter through. Bioswales and rain gardens further filter pollutants before water reaches natural streams or sewer systems.
While upfront costs for alternative materials may be higher, experts emphasize the long-term benefits, including increased lifespan and reduced environmental impact. The asphalt industry, however, promotes advancements in their material and advises careful consideration of alternative durability. Improving pavement design and preservation remain key focuses for asphalt producers.
