SAN ANTONIO – At the Stratford Place residential project, the community of Sultan, Wash., discovered how a paving application that looks like a Rice Krispies Treat® can eliminate puddles on their streets and sidewalks forever.  Pervious concrete provides Stratford Place with improved stormwater drainage for hardscapes throughout the development.

Recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a best practice for stormwater management, interest in pervious concrete is growing not only in Washington State, but also throughout North America.  Pervious concrete is an open void material designed to allow rainwater to filter through the paved surface into the ground or a storage container rather than settling on the surface.

At the 2007 American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Convention and Design Exposition, pervious concrete will be among the cement-based applications for sustainable development highlighted by the Portland Cement Association (PCA).  The organization will have a full pervious concrete display to demonstrate how this innovative technology filters stormwater, while providing a solid base for sidewalks, roadways and other hardscapes.

“The cement industry prides itself on providing the building community with numerous environmentally responsible solutions,” said Dave Shepherd, director of sustainable development for the Portland Cement Association.  “Pervious concrete is a prime example of how the industry continues to use new technologies and research to develop practical, sustainable applications.”

The 2007 AIA Convention also is the launch of “Concrete Thinking” an e-newsletter serving as a resource for architects, engineers, and members of the building industry interested in sustainable development.  The free e-newsletter provides the latest news and information about the environmental benefits of building with cement-based products, as well as real-world examples of putting the products into use for sustainable development.   “Concrete Thinking” is distributed six times a year.  Issues are housed at PCA’s online resource for sustainable development, www.ConcreteThinker.com.
 
A comprehensive guide to the benefits and uses of pervious concrete is available on ConcreteThinker.com.

Following are additional cement-based applications with significant sustainable benefits for which PCA provides resources on ConcreteThinker.com:

• Insulating concrete forms
• Green roofs
• Decorative concrete
• Precast concrete

About PCA
Based in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs.

###

Editor’s Note:  Learn more about the advantages of pervious concrete and other sustainable applications made possible by cement at the 2007 AIA Convention in San Antonio, May 2-5 at the Henry Gonzalez Convention Center.  Visit the Portland Cement Association at booth 10084.