Choose light-colored paving materials to reflect heat

An effective way to reduce the 'heat island' effect
Paving with materials that are lighter in color than conventional asphalt, such as concrete, will increase reflectivity. Asphalt can be topped with light-colored aggregate or colorant. Some innovative paving products, including one using pine rosin as the adhesive, impart very little color to the pavement, so the pavement will be the same color as the aggregate. Reducing the heat island effect also lowers air-conditioning costs.

Green points

LEED for HomesLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is the residential green building program from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). While this program is primarily designed for and applicable to new home projects, major gut rehabs can qualify. : 1 point for installing light-colored materials or vegegation for at least 50% of sidewalks, patios and driveways within 50 feet of the house (SS 3).
NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions. /ICC-700: 4 points for heat island mitigation (505.2).

Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia

Hardscapes: Patios and Driveways