How porous streets work as a green technology?

The use of green technology doesn't always mean use of materials or processes, which help in preventing pollution. It is also about conserving various resources of energy, to generate optimum benefits for the mankind.


How many times has a recent bout of rain left you dealing with waterlogged roads in your city? If that's the case, you must have prayed it rained a little less, so you could have reached home without getting stuck in the quagmire of cars and other vehicles. Well - The other way to look at it is had the drainage system been a bit better, you wouldn't have had water accumulating on the roads.

The concept of drainage systems often needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. People think that drainage systems would mean having underground drains only, which is so much not the case. With a little bit of thought and research, the roads could act as a good drainage system, enhancing the qualities of a zero waste process.

How do porous pavements work?

Porous pavements and porous streets seem to answer this question with effective ease. The basic fundamental behind these streets is that the roads and the pavements are built in such a way that they soak in 90% of the rain-water into the soil. This really means that the residual water after the rains does not carry pollutants, when they flow into the river, thus reducing water pollution.

A porous pavement is not too different from an asphalt road, in the sense that even they are made of asphalt (Not surprising considering that asphalt is the widely used material for constructing roads). But, in case of these pavements, the treatment of asphalt is different. The smallest particles in these roads are removed making these pavements permeate water. Storm water thus passes through the asphalt layer and infiltrates into the soil that underlies a road.

Why aren't porous pavements constructed across the world?

If porous pavements work so well, why aren't they being used almost globally? Why do road contractors still shy away from making permeable pavements rather than having miles of roads, which cannot hold some inches of water away? The answer to these questions lies with the road contractors themselves. To the naked eye, it seems as if the expense of treating asphalt and making such pavements overrules the ensuing benefits.

Some contractors even complain of the complexity of treating asphalt to make it friendly enough to construct permeable streets. Honestly, all of these reasons seem mind-numbing considering the fact that waterlogged roads need a lot of maintenance after the water level recedes.


The possible complexity of treating asphalt and the ensuing expenses with it, is forcing road contractors not to construct porous streets. That being said, these roads could be excellent green technology additions, given the fact that they reduce water pollution in a big way. Additionally, by constructing such roads, you could also drive away the risk of water logging too.

Some cities like Seattle have adopted a resolution to construct porous streets. It is time now for other cities to take cue.

About the Author
Daisy P is an ardent supporter of energy solutions and has championed the cause at various levels. She has also supported various alternative energy projects. Additionally, she is also an ardent writer on the latest happenings in the domain of alternative energy. Visit clean technology website to know more about the latest industry updates and events in the Clean Technology domain.