Dear Home Owners and Developers,

We are facing increased pressure to comply with the EPA's storm water regulations. and other federal regulations under the Clean Water Act which is targeted to reduce non-point source pollution.  As open land is developed and covered with impermeable surfaces such as asphalt roads and concrete parking areas. there is increased potential for downstream flooding. stream bank erosion. and excessive strain on existing drainage facilities. In addition. recent studies indicate storm water runoff is also the primary source of pollutahts found in surface waters and often contains a toxic combination of oils, pesticides, metals, nutrients and sediments.  Owners and Developers are faced with a tough decision. Comply with the regulatory requirements for storm water management and at the same time maximize their real estate around retention ponds which effect their usable space.  Permeable pavers are meeting those challenges as an acceptable structural (BMP) Best Management Practice used to meet the federal storm water management requirements. By using Permeable pavers to comply with these 'regulations. owners and developers are eliminating the need for space-wasting retention ponds and gaining the environmental benefits of the system.  Pavement construction with Permeable pavers outperforms other systems in harsh climates with freeze/thaw cycles. In addition, the Permeable or Porous Block Paver system deliver maximum strength to handle heavy vehicular traffic, .improved aesthetics and offer convenient maintenance and access over cast in place and asphalt systems.   Ground water recharge, first stage filtration, storm water storage, elimination of retention/detention ponds, reduced maintenance costs for pavement repair, including remarkable curb appeal, all add up to a strong investment value with solid business benefits for those owners and developers who choose a Permeable paver system installed by Creative Hardscape Company, Inc.


Green Builders, a one-hour high definition special, profiles a cast of green building pioneers who have taken the leap into making their part of the “built environment” a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly place.

Watch Green Builders the Film on PBS.ORG

LEED and Segmental Paving Stone Paver Systems

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) was originally developed for the U.S. Department of Energy. LEED utilizes a point rating system to recognize sustainable site and building design. Many organizations were involved in developing the rating system and certification program. The LEED program is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council www.usgbc.org. Currently, many municipal projects that are city owned or city funded are mandating LEED point objectives, while private sector projects are pursuing LEED credits points on a voluntary basis.

Segmental paving stone systems can earn credit points in the LEED rating system. The following listed LEED credit summaries represent possible point contributions. Please refer to the ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement institute) www.icpi.org Tech Spec Number 16 for a complete description and detailed explanation of the below listed LEED Credit references. LEED Credits for new projects and major renovations earn points from six broad rating categories and of these six, the primary categories that pertain to permeable concrete paving stones are Sustainable Sites (SS) Materials and Resources (MR) and Water Efficiency (WE) and Innovation In Design (ID)
LEED credit summaries

When building a new wetlands area, use interlocking concrete blocks to line bottom of pond to stabilize the soil

SS 6.1: Storm water Design: Quantity Control Permeable pavers (PICP) can reduce runoff to zero for the most frequent storms. Meet BMP mix, Conserves space, ground water recharge, etc.

SS 5.1: Restore Natural Habitat

55 6.2: Storm water Design: Quality Control A treatment system designed to remove 80% of the average annual post development total suspended solids (TSS), and 40% total phosphorus (TP)

557.1: Heat Island Effect: Non-Roof Light colored pavers and open-grid pavers can help mitigate the solar gain will help achieve this credit.

557.2: Heat Island Effect: Roof
Some projects may combine a green roof with high Reflectance· concrete pavers or slabs.
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MR 2.1 and 2.2: Construction Waste Management Redirect pavers back to manufacturing process or re-use and redirect reusable materials. Including recycled concrete for road base under pavers.

MR 3.1 and 3.2: Reused Materials

MR 4.1 and 4.2: Recycled Content

MR 5.1 and 5.2: Regional Materials

ID 1-1.4: Innovation in Design 

Pavers can be salvaged and reused to reduce the demand for virgin products.
Segmental paving products can be made with recycled materials and contribute to this credit.
Segmental paving products can earn these credits since most of the extraction of aggregate and sand comes from Quarries within 500 miles.
Segmental paving products include one to four points. Examples include using water infiltrated from PICP for Landscape irrigation or gray water reuse in the building.