7 Cost-Saving Solutions For Eco-Friendly Asphalt Paving In Seattle
Eco-friendly asphalt paving is a way to make your parking lot earn a Green certification. This is especially helpful for properties in Seattle, facing the unique Pacific Northwest weather.
A green parking lot can save you thousands of dollars over the years, as it is durable, comes with tax benefits, and caters to your corporate social responsibility.
Curious how you can make your parking lot eco-friendly with asphalt paving? Then we’re here to help you.
In this guide, you’ll learn the best ways to adopt eco-friendly asphalt paving for your parking lot. These are tried and tested solutions that can help you save a lot of money.
1. Choose an Eco-Friendly Contractor
The first step towards a green asphalt pavement is to choose a reliable and experienced contractor– one who values your green practices and investment as much as you do.
With an asphalt paving contractor who prioritizes green practices, you’ll be making an investment that pays off in more ways than one.
You are lucky to have a few eco-friendly contractors for asphalt paving Seattle who are rightfully ‘paving the way’ with their conscious choices and services.
When you work with such a reliable and conscious contractor, you are not just rooting for eco-friendly materials and techniques. You are also aiming for perfect installation and top-tier customer service.
Moving further, let’s explore the most effective eco-friendly asphalt materials and solutions that are popular in the asphalt paving industry and perfect for Seattle’s weather.
2. Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA)
Warm mix asphalt is the first eco-friendly option on our list. Unlike traditional hot mix asphalt, WMA is produced at temperatures 20°F to 40°F lower.
This might not sound like a big difference, but it has a significant impact on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, warm mix asphalt paving is safer for the installers, making it rank than the industry standards.
With this asphalt mix, you are gaining points for gaining points for better working conditions.
3. Recycled Asphalt Paving
Using recycled materials is a well-known way to make any project eco-friendly. This is also true for parking lot paving projects.
For parking lot pavements, recycled asphalt stands among the top options along with recycled concrete. Here, the new paving material is formed by recycling or reinforcing asphaltic remains from other projects.
This way, you can significantly reduce the need for new raw materials and lowers the overall cost of your asphalt project.
4. Permeable or Porous Asphalt Systems
Seattle is known for its rain, and while everyone loves the green it brings, all that water can be tough on parking lots. That’s where porous asphalt paving comes in.
These systems allow water to pass through the pavement, reducing runoff and promoting groundwater recharge.
Moreover, porous asphalt helps reduce the burden on our city’s stormwater systems by managing them on a larger scale. This reduces the risk of flooding and waterlogging, keeping your parking lot and the surrounding areas safer and drier.
To make it more interesting, we’d like to share another advantage. Porous asphalt also filters out debris, improving the quality of water.
So, it’s a win-win for everyone—your property, Seattle’s residents, and your local ecosystem.
6. Noise-Cutting Asphalt Mixes
Let’s talk about the often less-discussed noise and disturbance. We all know how noisy traffic can be, especially in busy areas.
Fortunately, asphalt mixes are designed specifically to reduce road noise. This can make your area and neighborhood a quieter, more pleasant place to spend time.
For example, with Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) or Open-Graded Friction Course (OGFC), you can significantly reduce traffic-generated noise.
Noise-cutting asphalt paving is one of the best solutions for basement or closed parking lots.
7. Reflective Asphalt Pavement
Reflective asphalt is a result of a mix that reflects more sunlight instead of absorbing it. That said, contractors either use an asphalt mix with light-colored fillers or install a reflective coating on the asphalt pavement after installation.
This makes sure the surface does not heat up and contributes to a cooler environment. It also protects the vehicles in the parking lot from unwanted heat exposure.
When you go for such eco-friendly asphalt paving solutions, it isn’t just about environmental stewardship. It’s a strategic investment that benefits your bottom line.
End Note
Eco-friendly construction practices align with the growing demand for sustainable infrastructure, which is why they can significantly contribute to achieving LEED certification.
When we talk about green parking lots, they can also make your space more attractive to eco-conscious tenants and visitors. This ultimately boosts your property’s image and aids in the growth of your business.
So, trust the eco-friendly process. Choose a conscious asphalt paving contractor, invest in eco-friendly asphalt materials, and finally, consider applying a reflective coating on the surface.
This way, you’re not just paving a parking lot but investing in a durable, cost-saving, and appealing future for your property.
