Increasing importance of green building practices on new housing developments

With the growing concern over climate change and sustainability, it has become increasingly important, and in some instances, expected, for housebuilders to implement green building practices within their projects. And quite often, this helps with planning permission too!

So how can resin bound paving help housebuilders implement green building practices. Firstly, it is a SuDS-compliant surfacing system that enables water to drain through the surface and into groundwater sources, reducing the strain on drainage, lessening surface water runoff and lowering the risk of flooding. On top of that, it naturally filters the water, removing any pollutants before it reaches the waterways.

Secondly, resin bound paving uses naturally sourced aggregates that are sustainably sourced!

The way forward for housebuilders!

England, Wales, and Scotland have measures in place to ensure SuDS-compliant paving is used in all new developments. Architects, landscape designers, and civil engineers should therefore consider (and encourage) the use of SuDS-compliant paving in their planning applications. But what are the environmental characteristics and benefits of resin bound paving?

PERMEABLE PAVING

Thanks to its water-permeable properties, resin bound surfacing stands apart from other commercial and decorative surface treatments. As a result, water can naturally drain into groundwater and watercourses, making this surfacing a natural choice for:

• Areas prone to flooding or as part of a flood defence scheme
• Landscaping areas that include trees and foliage
• Areas around water features and swimming pools
• Driveways with poor mains drainage
• Areas that are prone to standing water.

REDUCES STANDING WATER

Due to its permeable properties, resin bound paving enables water to simply drain through the surface, which stops puddles or standing water from forming. In turn, this helps keep the surfacing looking great for longer, reduces surface runoff, and helps prevent flooding.

NATURAL WATER TREATMENT

When water permeates resin bound surfacing, natural filtration occurs that removes or reduces any impurities or pollution, which helps ensure our waterways are supplied with clean water. In comparison, some of the more traditional drainage systems simply flush pollutants directly into drains, watercourses, and groundwater sources.

REDUCTION IN URBAN HEAT BUILD-UP

Resin bound paving and its permeable properties allow air to circulate, which permits the ground underneath to breathe. This results in a reduction in surface temperatures that are especially prevalent in larger cities such as London and in hot weather conditions where the effect of an urban heat island is often felt.

SPEED UP THE PLANNING PROCESS

Because resin bound surfacing is a SuDS-compliant paving solution, architects, landscape designers, and civil engineers should include resin bound paving specifications in planning applications. This will inevitably speed up the planning process … a massive plus when ensuring project deadlines are met.

AND FINALLY, IT IS AN ASSET TO ANY PROJECT!

Not only is resin bound paving SuDS compliant, but it also adds a certain amount of class to any project. Its decorative surfacing qualities:

• consists of specially selected natural aggregates
• long-lasting and can last up to 20 years if installed in the right conditions with an adequate sub base
• has a smooth, yet slip-resistant finish (why not order some samples and test it out, or visit our showroom)
• is hard-wearing and low maintenance … and above all, looks fantastic!

For more information on Increasing importance of green building practices on new housing developments talk to HMS Decorative Surfacing Ltd