Environmental impact is an important consideration when deciding which material will be best for your surfacing project. For driveways, car parks, and road surfaces, we all want a material that serves its purpose, offers good aesthetics, and provides longevity, but to some, what’s best for the environment it is equally important.
From transporting the materials to heating them up, surfacing is never going to be 100% environmentally friendly, but out of all the common options, some are more so than others. In this article, we explore which of the common materials, tarmac, asphalt, gravel, resin-bound, and concrete, are best for the environment.
Tarmac
While tarmac has traditionally been considered a surfacing material with negative environmental connotations, many manufacturers and contractors are working hard to adopt new sustainable practices. This might mean using recycled materials in tarmac production, introducing environmentally friendly production processes, and finding new ways to minimise waste and emissions.
There are two types of tarmac – cold and hot lay. With each, there are pros and cons, but cold lay doesn’t require heating, making it slightly better for the environment. Cold lay however is typically just used for repairs of potholes, which themselves can have an environmental impact.
Unfortunately, tarmac surfaces are impervious and unable to absorb water. This means that without a vertical flow to an efficient drainage system, run-off carrying chemicals, pollutants, and oils can flow into nearby bodies of water and cause water pollution. If you’re using tarmac in your surfacing project, it’s important to consider a proper drainage solution.
Asphalt
Asphalt is environmentally friendly in that it can be recycled and reused again and again. This, in turn, greatly reduces your environmental footprint. It’s important to consider however that there will be some initial impact in the process of laying and taking it up to recycle. Heated between 120 and 190 degrees, harmful gases are released into the air, and lots of electricity is used.
Like tarmac, asphalt is impermeable, so we recommended designing an efficient drainage system to reduce the risk of flooding and disrupting any local wildlife habitats.
Gravel
Gravel is one of the most eco-friendly materials for surfacing. The porous nature of gravel creates a perfect surface for efficient drainage, enabling rainwater to infiltrate the sub-base. Naturally, this characteristic has a great environmental impact, as the organic infiltration of rainwater not only promotes sustainable urban development but also reduces the risk of flooding.
Resin-bound
Another permeable material with positive environmental benefits is resin-bound gravel. This surfacing material is SUDS compliant, so it can significantly reduce the risk of flooding. Similar to traditional gravel, resin-bound surfaces can reduce stormwater run-off that can cause erosion and water pollution and can help recharge groundwater by moderating temperature extremes and filtering harmful surface pollutants.
Concrete
Concrete is arguably the surfacing material that has the most harmful impact on the environment. The hard surface of concrete enables negative stormwater run-off, while cement production releases a large amount of CO2 into the atmosphere. Non-renewable energy resources like coal and natural gases are also used in the manufacturing of concrete. If you’re looking for environmentally friendly material for your new car park surfacing project, we would recommend looking outside of concrete.
The Most Environmentally Friendly Surfacing Materials
Each of the materials we’ve covered has its pros and cons. Gravel and resin-bound surfaces are two of the most eco-friendly options but wouldn’t be suitable for all projects.
Asphalt and tarmac are also both great options. While not as environmentally friendly, they’re a lot better than concrete. With both, it’s important to consider drainage to stop water from standing and potentially causing floods, especially for driveways.
Here to Help with Surfacing
Professional surfacing contractors with expertise in laying tarmac, asphalt, drainage solutions, and much more, A&MT are here to help with all your surfacing needs. Covering the entirety of the UK from our depots based in Peterborough and Romford, whatever your needs, wherever you’re based, we’ve got you covered.
To learn more about our surfacing services or for a free, no-obligation quote, speak to our team today!
