Sources: Belgard Hardscapes, Atlanta; CP staff
Belgard officials report that permeable concrete pavers may help qualify projects for the Environmental Protection Agency’s new Urban Waters Small Grants program, awarding $1.8 million–$3.8 million for research, training and demonstration efforts. EPA is accepting grant applications through January 23, noting the program’s goal of improving water quality, in turn supporting community revitalization and local public health, economic and livability priorities.
“This [is] a tremendous opportunity for those in the building and design community to create sustainable projects, something we strongly value at Belgard,” says Belgard Hardscapes Commercial & Permeable Pavers Expert Chuck Taylor. “We are always working to help builders and landscape architects find solutions that incorporate sustainability into their projects.”
Sustainability education and support tools include an online technical resource center, www.belgarddesignpro.com, he adds, plus regular webinars such as “Sustainable Sites & Permeable Paving Systems.” Scheduled December 16 at noon (EST), the webinar qualifies participants for AIA continuing education credits; free registration can be completed here.
Belgard Hardscapes promotes its branded permeable pavers for their potential to reduce pollution from rainwater runoff; contain up to 100 percent of the typical rain events’ runoff; deliver up to 50-year life cycle for pavement surface; outperform competing concrete or asphalt alternatives in harsh climates or freeze-thaw cycles; and, replace detention or retention ponds.