What is the most environmentally friendly paving for landscape architects?
Photo Credit: Eva Nemeth
What is the most environmentally friendly paving for landscape architects?
“Embodied carbon accounts for 75 to 95 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions from landscape architecture projects.” Chris Hardy, Senior Associate at Sasaki, ASLA Biodiversity and Climate Action Committee webinar.
To take crucial steps toward slowing the harmful effects of climate change in the future, we must look to the past when paving our customers' green spaces. And the answer is just as enticing as it is enduring. Beyond simply being a functional choice for landscape architects, eco-friendly patio pavers have become an elegant focal point for some of today’s most enchanting outdoor spaces.
When consciously considered in a way that works harmoniously with their surroundings, pavers become a beautiful centerpiece in outside installations. One that gracefully stands the test of time, without costing the Earth. And just as pure as it was in Paleolithic times when stone was first used to craft tools, objects and statues, one sustainable solution has been with us all along.
Natural stone has been the foundation of our planet for almost 4,000 million years, back when igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks were first formed in a breathtaking display of elemental theatre. With its timeless beauty and functional durability, this exalted element has supported generations of the Earth’s inhabitants, without ever asking our planet for anything in return.
Salvaged, recycled and returned to where it came from this ethereal and enduring material has withstood such elemental scrutiny for a reason. Unlike other materials widely used in landscape architecture and design, this natural resource doesn’t require any ‘dirty’ manufacturing processes
Natural eco-friendly paving materials vs. standard concrete paving & ceramics
It’s been widely reported that the ceramics industry involves highly energy-intensive manufacturing processes to create products. Alarmingly, these raw materials must be shaped, formed and fired at incredibly high temperatures that typically exceed 1,000°C.
It’s unsurprising then that a DNV Association study, as reported by Stone Federation Great Britain, shows the global warming potential of large-format ceramic tiles is 74% higher than that of natural stone. And, furthermore, concrete comes with its own set of climate-related challenges; baggage that simply cannot be overlooked beneath the lens of today’s rapidly rising temperatures. In particular, concrete’s energy-intensive manufacturing process is why the cement construction industry makes up 8% of Earth’s global emissions. Perhaps even worse still is that the product has an innate ability to produce ‘heat islands’ long after the material has been laid on the ground.
Positively, evidence suggests that opting for a more sustainable design today can be a vital part of the solution for tomorrow. Environmentally friendly paving doesn't just reduce the carbon impact of our landscapes; it has countless additional benefits for your customers too.
The environmental benefits of natural stone paving
Formed over millions of years, this natural product is the perfect eco-friendly choice for climate-conscious customers and any designer tasked with making a more positive impact on the planet. As a pure product of the Earth, natural stone doesn't involve synthetic processes which carry a sizable carbon footprint. With its tactile, characterful feel and unique aesthetics, each piece has an alluring personality and numerous benefits for your customers and the climate.
Photo credit: Richard Bloom
Longevity and Durability
The life cycle of this ruggedly beautiful and durable building material is staggering. Not only is it formed over hundreds of thousands of years - Earth’s heat, pressure and varying minerals creating a uniquely patterned blueprint on each piece - but it’s also naturally engineered to last.
Born from the ground, this eco-friendly material is bestowed with an in-built robustness - tailor-made to withstand the toughest elements. Unlike synthetic materials, natural stone’s aesthetic and physical properties are far easier to maintain. With the correct maintenance and care, these flawless monoliths are the first choice to elevate any outdoor space.
Permeability
Fascinatingly enticing and functionally effective, natural materials like sandstone and limestone are porous, allowing moisture to saturate through them. Natural stone can also be installed as a permeable surface to help with heavy rainfall and water drainage, reducing surface runoff whilst promoting groundwater recharge. When installed with highly-permeable bedding such as a gravel or sand base, natural paving enhances drainage further. This robust system allows more water to percolate through the gaps between the stones, providing an alluring yet absorptive surface for garden paths, patios and driveways.
Recyclability
Natural stone is, undoubtedly, one of the most recyclable materials our planet has to offer. Tailormade for eco-friendly construction in greener landscaping projects, this naturally recycled content can be easily reclaimed from almost anywhere. Supporting the circular economy and giving back to the Earth, deconstructed buildings, other structures and highway upgrades are common sources of these sustainable materials.
For example, our signature Darley Reclaimed Yorkshire Sandstone is repurposed predominantly from pavements, streets and highways and has been a favourite for hundreds of years. Highly sustainable and aesthetically alluring, this stone allows you to blend seamlessly into any heritage site where conservation is key. But from paving and pathways to more decorative elements, used stone can be repurposed for and from just about anything you can imagine; an exciting prospect for visionary yet purpose-driven landscape architects.
Zero waste
At Allgreen, it isn’t just paving where sustainability and waste reduction are purposely prioritised. Our sustainably striking Durlston and Aston stone cladding have been 100% environmentally engineered using offcuts and waste. Conceived during the pandemic, our signature Zahra Beige Washed Limestone Stackers were originally constructed from waste product - crucial when clay paver supply was so difficult and restricted. But waste reduction at Allgreen goes far beyond the birth of our beautiful products; sustainable practices and conscious craftsmanship extend to the end-of-life stage of our eco-friendly stones. That’s why we endeavour to keep landfill waste disposal to an absolute minimum so anything that can be reused, will be. For example, our stone processing offcuts and other stone byproduct is crushed down and used to build access roads, whilst reducing carbon foundations and bases in agricultural buildings. Our support of the local economy radically reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, lessening the environmental impact of this type of waste disposal, reducing quarrying activity and driving down construction costs.
Energy Consumption
One of the significant benefits of working with recycled materials is that processing is drastically reduced, and simply involves re-working or cutting the stone to the desired size and shape. At Allgreen, we also use recycled glass in our sandblasting, reducing the overall energy consumption and environmental impact compared to new material production.
However, it’s not just this part of the processing that’s low on labour intensity. The energy used in quarrying natural stone is relatively meagre compared to manufactured materials, and this reduction in energy consumption directly translates to lower carbon emissions. Historically, various studies have shown that the embodied energy in natural stone is relatively low, especially when recycled. For example, a lifecycle analysis published by the Natural Stone Institute indicates that the energy savings from using recycled stone can reduce the environmental impact by up to 50% compared to new stone.
Local Sourcing
Locally sourced, natural stone minimises transportation emissions, supporting regional economies and reducing carbon footprints - something that’s more paramount now than ever before. At Allgreen, we are committed to reducing the carbon footprint of our stones by sourcing from countries closer to the UK.
However, we already have a variety of locally sourced stones that have been carefully crafted with climate-conscious customers and architects in mind. And whilst the initial price of locally sourced stones is generally more expensive, the environmental cost is also dramatically reduced.
For example, our Durlston-honed limestone has been carefully quarried from the Purbeck Hills. Perfect for internal and external applications, this hard-wearing and forgiving stone comes in a pale buttercream to mid-grey; an earthy tone blended perfectly by nature. This finish is created by cutting the stone with precision diamond saws and then gently honed to expose the true character and colour. Our Darley Sawn sandstone paving is quarried ethically in the heart of Yorkshire. This warm-toned and consistent golden buff sandstone is a classic British favourite. Not only is natural stone an attractive option for its striking visual appeal, but it also provides an eco-friendly paving option for clearer-conscious garden materials.
Photo credit: Mimi Connolly
Paving the way to a greener future
Responsible for a staggering 37% of global emissions, there’s no avoiding the reality our planet is faced with: the built environment is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases today.
But as landscape designers and architects passionate about the Earth and effortlessly harmonising with the natural environment, you are in the best position to recommend the right solutions for the future.
According to Rebecca Matthews Joyce, RHS Principal Advisor on Environmental Policy, making a positive impact is about saying no to non-renewable materials and seeking eco-friendly alternatives for our green spaces.
"We should try to minimise the amount of hard landscaping we use. A garden full of concrete, Indian sandstone and slate planters from China is only achievable at great cost to the environment. Ask yourself: do you really need a whole path or can you get away with a few stepping stones? Re-using materials has got to be the best way forward - there's probably enough hard material already to provide for all our gardens. If you can't do that, try at least to source your stone locally. Being sustainable takes more effort - you need to think ahead, plan, spot things - but there's plenty of material out there, waiting to be re-used," she told the BBC in a piece about ethical paving.
At Allgreen, we firmly believe in making sustainable choices that look and feel remarkable, whilst reducing the negative impact on the environment. Unlike concrete and synthetic alternatives, natural stone allows water to percolate through its porous structure, mitigating runoff and promoting groundwater recharge - essentially, giving back to the soil instead of simply taking from it. Its organic composition and potential for local sourcing further reduce the environmental footprint, while its timeless aesthetic seamlessly blends with the natural environment.
The unavoidable truth is that there is always more work to do. However, opting for natural paving over synthetic alternatives is a great way to reassure your customers that they are making the most climate-considered choice. For sustainable designs that are as visually enchanting and enduringly functional as they are environmentally friendly for today's customers and future generations, there’s no better choice than natural paving.
Are you ready to see and feel the natural difference yourself?