In today’s world water is a valuable natural resource.  With certain non-permeable surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt or traditional mortared pavers, water cannot soak into the ground.  These hardscapes cause numerous problems ranging from flooding, the transportation of pollutants and chemical, to unnatural erosion.  However there are ways to combat this problem with Permeable Pavers.  The idea of permeable pavers is that they allow for water to infiltrate the ground through the small voids between the pavers.  Even after allowing water to penetrate the pavers, they are still sturdy enough to allow for vehicle traffic.

Permeable pavers can help with a couple of different LEED points including recycled content of the pavers, materials, regional materials, storm water design and heat island effect. 

Pavers could, for low intensity storms, help reduce water runoff by 80% or even 100% if the storm isn’t to big.  This helps in reducing the area required for detention areas.

 Photo courtesy green stone pavers.  Visit their web site at : http://www.greenstonepavers.com/catalogs.htm

Today there is a lot said about energy efficiency.  This can include everything from energy efficient windows to energy efficient appliances.  I would like to mention a little about water energy efficiency.  Did you know that if you insulated your pipes coming out of the hot water heater by just a few feet, you can reduce your energy consumption.  Remember, there is water in the pipes and the pipes have a tendency to extract the heat out of the water.  This in turns cool the water and the hot water heater has to fire up again to replenish the heat.  Also, place that water heater has close as possible to the main user, typically the bathroom.  The longer the distance the water has to travel then the more energy it takes to heat that water back up.

 Another way to go is the Tankless Water Heater.  Currently there are tax credits (up to 30% of the cost), utility rebates that can help offset the costs.  These water heaters can be a bit costly, ranging anywhere from $150 for a single use to $900 for a complete residential unit.  There are many different brands out there so look around before you purchase and find the right one for your application.