Use porous asphalt or concrete
It looks like conventional paving but lets water through.
Porous asphalt is made by omitting the fine-grain sand used in standard asphalt mixes. While it looks a lot like conventional asphalt, spaces between the coarse aggregate allow rainwater to get through. Porous concrete, made with larger pea gravel and a lower water-to-cement ratio, is similar. Porous pavement has proven most effective where sand and salt aren't required to control ice and snow. Silt can block water passages.
Green points
LEEDLeadership 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.
-H: Up to 4 points for features that make a lot permeable, including permeable paving (SS 4).
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 Up to 5 points for using permeable surfaces for driveways, parking areas and patios (503.4).
Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia
Hardscapes: Patios and Driveways
Learn more in the Green Product Guide
Profiled in our Product Guide
