
UNI-GROUP U.S.A. first brought UNI
Eco-Stone® to North America in 1989,
well before permeable interlocking
concrete pavers became popular. As leaders in the industry, we recognized
the possibilities and environmental benefits of being able to infiltrate
water through the pavement surface into the ground below.
With the advent of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) mandate to
control stormwater runoff through it's National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) in the early 90's, the path was paved for the
growth of permeable pavements. The EPA is now working in conjunction with
other agencies and organizations such as the Low Impact Development Center,
the U.S. Green Building Council, and the Center for Watershed Protection to
promote the use of low impact development (LID)
and LEED
and Smart Growth as a way to
manage runoff. The EPA plans to establish ordinances to move the program in
the direction of preferred design and best management practices.
Infiltration practices have emerged as a major focus of these agencies and
Eco-Stone® permeable interlocking concrete pavements utilize infiltration to
control stormwater runoff. Click here for a
list of
federal, state and municipal approvals of permeable pavements and
Eco-Stone®.
FEATURES & BENEFITS OF ECO-STONE®
PERMEABLE INTERLOCKING CONCRETE PAVERS
Can be designed to accommodate a wide variety of stormwater management objectives
Runoff reductions of up to 100% depending on project design parameters
Maximizes groundwater recharge and/or storage
Allows for retention and storage of stormwater for possible re-use for irrigation or other non-potable uses
Reduces nonpoint source pollutants in stormwater, thereby mitigating impact on surrounding surface waters, and may lessen or eliminate downstream flooding and stream bank erosion
Minimizes impacts and stress on existing storm sewer systems through reduced peak discharges
Allows better land-used planning and more efficient use of available land for greater economic value, especially in high-density, urban areas
May decrease projects cost by reducing or eliminating drainage and retention/detention systems
May reduce cost of compliance with stormwater regulatory requirements and lower utility fees
May reduce heat island effect and thermal loading on surround surface waters
For more information on the
Eco-Stone® Family of Permeable Pavers, please click on the quick links
provided in the menu at left or in the side bar at right. While Eco-Stone® is available at all UNI
Manufacturer locations, a number of the newer products may not be available in
all areas. Please check with your manufacturer for availability.
UNI
ECO-STONE®
The original
UNI Eco-Stone® paver has become the permeable paver of choice
for design professionals. The classic shape provides structural interlock to
provide a strong, durable pavement surface under vehicular traffic, yet
allows for the infiltration of stormwater for environmental benefit.
UNI
ECOLOC®
UNI Ecoloc®
is designed for heavy-duty paving that is subjected to larger traffic
volumes and loads. The paver is designed to fit together with
UNI-Anchorlock,®
to allow for a combination of permeable and impermeable areas. This paver
has become popular for use in streets and parking lots, as well as for
industrial pavements, such as ports and storage yards.
ECO-OPTILOC®
Eco-Optiloc®
is another shape designed to handle higher vehicular traffic loads and
volumes. Like the Ecoloc®
unit, it is L-shaped for superior stability under high point loads. It
features interlocking spacers that add stability under directional traffic,
and there is a solid version of the paver, UNI-Optiloc®
that can be used in combination with Eco-Optiloc.®
ECO-PRIORA™
Eco-Priora™ is the newest addition to the Eco-Stone®
Family of Permeable Pavers. This unit may be produced in a number of size
squares and rectangles. Its design features unique, patented interlocking
spacers that offer advanced interlocking capability under traffic loads
compared to other square and rectangular permeable pavement systems on the
market. The flat surface of Eco-Priora™ makes it well-suited to pedestrian
areas and for ADA handicap-accessible pavements.

Eco-Stone Design Guide and Research Summary...
Newly Updated!

UNI ECO-STONE
Permeable Paver Quick Links

Porous Pavements by Bruce Ferguson