CHICAGO
GREEN ALLEYS
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has
instituted a pilot program to build "Green Alleys" that provide
environmental benefits. They are part of the CDOT's green infrastructure
program, which includes permeable pavement, recycled construction materials
and more.
The Green Alleys feature permeable pavements such as Eco-Optiloc®
permeable interlocking concrete pavement, supplied by Unilock Chicago,
porous asphalt and pervious concrete.
Chicago has nearly 2000 miles of public alleys, the most in the world.
Unfortunately, these alleys contribute a great deal of stormwater runoff to
the city's already strained sewer system. Often water backs up into yards or
basements, and in addition, the alleys contribute to the heat island effect,
increasing the city's temperature.
The city wanted permeable pavement so the water would
infiltrate directly into the ground instead of runoff. The permeable
pavements are installed over aggregate beds that contain 40% void space to
store water so that it either infiltrates into the existing soils, or is
slowed down before it gets to the sewer system.
The Green Alley program earned the city a Chicago 2007 Innovation Award. For
more information on this project visit our
Articles page. You may also
download a copy of their Green Alley Handbook
by visiting our Downloads page or
via our Links page.
THE
COLLEGE SCHOOL OF WEBSTER GROVES
A $10 million green improvement project has been undertaken at The College School of Webster Groves in Webster Groves, Missouri. Eco-Stone® permeable interlocking pavers were an integral part of their goal to use low impact development and energy and water efficient design and construction.
UNI Member Kirchner Block and Brick supplied the pavers
for the project. According to Brian Hoelscher, director of engineering for
the St. Louis Metropolitan Sewer District, a properly design permeable
pavement is "a double winner," offering reduced surface runoff and potential
reduction in a property owner's stormwater charge.
Steve Dehekker, vice president of Hastings+Chivetta noted the Eco-Stone®
pavers added to the aesthetics of the project as well as the sustainability.
They alternated custom colors to define parking spaces.
U.S.
CELLULAR FIELD - HOME OF THE CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Over 265,000 sf of Eco-Optiloc®
permeable interlocking concrete pavers produced by Unilock Chicago have been
installed at the Chicago White Sox U.S. Cellular Field stadium. This is the
largest permeable interlocking concrete pavement project to date in the U.S.
The pavers are located in Lot L.
The project is part of an ongoing organization-wide environmental effort by
the White Sox. The installation of the pavers was completed in December and
the parking lot will be officially dedicated on opening day, April 7. The
facility is owned and operated by the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority.
A "Green" initiative has been undertaken by the City of Chicago, where
builders and developers are being encouraged to construct green buildings
and projects.
MCKINNEY
GREEN BUILDING
The McKinney Green Building achieved a LEED® Platinum certification through the use of sustainable features including a roof-mounted solar hot water heating system, rainwater cisterns to capture and reuse water for irrigation, and Eco-Stone® permeable interlocking pavers to capture and filter stormwater and reduce the negative impact of runoff.
Over 80,000 sf of Eco-Stone® supplied by Pavestone Company was utilized for parking areas in the project. The project was designed by HDR Architecture for West World Management, Inc.
For information on LEED® please download our LID and LEED information sheet or visit www.usgbc.org.