When landscaping your property, it’s best to encourage the natural absorption of rainwater into the soil. Waterproof surfaces, such as unistone, concrete and asphalt, increase the effect of thermal islands and surface runoff. Rather than being absorbed into the soil, the water leaches contaminants from the streets and then runs into the sewers or directly into waterways. It’s important to avoid this impact on our water resources.

Our recommendations :

1. Maximize permeable areas such as green space, kitchen gardens and flower borders, to allow rainwater to be absorbed naturally, filtering out chemicals and preserving water quality.
2. When choosing flagstones or pavers, select honeycombed products that do not cover the entire soil. Vegetation can be allowed to grow up through the open sections of these water-permeable products, or the openings can be filled with fine gravel. They have the triple advantage of reducing resource waste, lessening the impact of thermal islands and encouraging rainwater filtration into the soil, decreasing the load on public infrastructure.
3. Other landscaping strategies can boost the “green” level of driveways, such as installing running strips (two pavements strips for the tires) surrounded by greenery, or a honeycombed plastic base that allows grass to grow up between it but supports the weight of the car.

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