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Beyond Blacktop: Cities Greening Parking
22 May
Summary
- Cities are replacing asphalt with porous concrete and native plants.
- New lots reduce heat and mitigate flooding from stormwater runoff.
- Alternative materials may have higher initial costs but offer long-term benefits.
Many cities across the United States are moving away from traditional asphalt parking lots, implementing greener alternatives to combat urban heat and manage stormwater runoff. These initiatives often feature porous concrete, native vegetation, and recycled materials to create cooler, less flood-prone spaces.
The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission in Virginia, for instance, completed a parking lot last year using porous concrete panels and native plants. This approach allows rain to infiltrate faster, reducing puddling and making the area cooler and more inviting. Similar projects are underway in New Orleans, Indianapolis, and Denver.
Beyond material choices, cities like Buffalo, Austin, and Minneapolis are reducing pavement by re-evaluating minimum parking space regulations. These strategies aim to decrease the overall impervious surface area in urban environments.
While alternative materials may present higher upfront costs, experts emphasize that a lifetime cost analysis, including environmental benefits, often proves their value. The Asphalt Pavement Alliance acknowledges advances in asphalt technology but advises careful consideration of alternative materials' durability and lifecycle impact.
These changes are crucial as dark paved surfaces can significantly increase local temperatures, contributing to the urban heat island effect and driving up energy consumption for cooling. Furthermore, impermeable surfaces can carry pollutants into waterways, impacting water quality.
