Paving Companies in Calgary and Eco-Friendly Driveways
As environmental consciousness grows, individuals are seeking innovative ways to make eco-friendly choices in their everyday lives. This mindset extends to home improvement projects, with homeowners increasingly looking for sustainable options to enhance their property. One such area that presents an excellent opportunity for eco-conscious upgrades is the driveway.
Learn all about two eco-friendly driveway solutions from paving companies in Calgary: permeable pavers and green alternatives, and how they can benefit your property and the environment!
Permeable Pavers: The Paving Solution for Sustainability
Traditional asphalt and concrete driveways are known for their impermeable surfaces, which can contribute to runoff, erosion, and water pollution. Permeable pavers offer a groundbreaking solution by allowing rainwater to naturally seep through the surface and into the ground. This innovative design minimizes runoff, replenishes groundwater, and reduces strain on stormwater systems.
Environmental Benefits
Permeable pavers offer a range of environmental advantages. By allowing water to infiltrate the ground, they help prevent flooding, erosion, and pollution of nearby water bodies. These pavers also aid in replenishing groundwater, maintaining healthy soil, and supporting local ecosystems.
Versatility and Aesthetics
Permeable pavers come in various sizes, shapes, and colours, allowing homeowners to customize their driveway’s appearance to complement their property’s aesthetic. From classic brick designs to modern flagstone patterns, these pavers provide a versatile and visually appealing solution.
Durability and Maintenance
Permeable pavers are designed to withstand heavy loads and traffic, making them a durable option for driveways. Moreover, their low-maintenance nature requires minimal effort for upkeep. Any required maintenance usually involves topping up the joint material and occasional surface sweeping.

Green Solutions: Transforming Driveways into Living Spaces
For those seeking a more natural and biodiverse approach, transforming a traditional driveway into a green space is an exciting option. This involves replacing impermeable surfaces with plants, grass, and environmentally friendly materials.
Grass Driveways
Grass driveways, also known as “green driveways,” involve creating a grid-like structure of reinforced cells that are filled with grass or gravel. These cells provide stability while allowing vegetation to thrive. Grass driveways absorb rainwater, reduce heat buildup, and contribute to the overall beauty of the landscape.
Planted Pavers
Combining traditional pavers with pockets for planting creates a harmonious blend of hardscape and greenery. Planted pavers not only allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground but also introduce biodiversity to the space. Drought-resistant plants and native species can be used to enhance the ecological value of the driveway.
Rain Gardens
By incorporating a rain garden at the end of a driveway, you can create a natural filtration system for rainwater runoff. Rain gardens consist of specially selected plants that can absorb excess water while also attracting beneficial insects and birds. This eco-friendly solution enhances the aesthetic appeal of the property while managing stormwater.
Benefits Beyond the Environment
Both permeable pavers and green driveway solutions offer benefits that extend beyond environmental considerations:
- Property Value: Implementing eco-friendly driveway options can increase the value of your property. Homebuyers are increasingly valuing sustainability and low-impact features.
- Regulatory Compliance: In areas with strict stormwater management regulations, using permeable pavers or green solutions can help you comply with local laws and regulations.
- Community Engagement: An eco-friendly driveway can set an example for neighbours and inspire others to make environmentally conscious choices in their own homes.
Conclusion
As homeowners become more environmentally aware, sustainable choices for home improvement projects are gaining popularity. Permeable pavers that can be acquired from professional paving companies in Calgary and green driveway solutions offer compelling alternatives to traditional impermeable surfaces, presenting homeowners with a chance to reduce their environmental footprint while enhancing the aesthetic and functional aspects of their property. Whether you opt for the cutting-edge design of permeable pavers or the natural allure of green solutions, your eco-friendly driveway choice can be a testament to your commitment to a greener future.
Economy paving is your 6-time Consumer Choice award-winning team for paving in Calgary and Southern Alberta! With more than 30 years of experience and skill, we have served municipal, commercial, and residential clients, including the City of Calgary, Rockyview County, Calgary Police Services, and many more. Our mission is to deliver high-quality workmanship, honest and transparent customer relations, and cost-effective services that guarantee results. As Southern Alberta’s top paving contractors, we can help with driveway sealing, asphalt repairs, asphalt crack filling, excavation services and more across Central, Southern and Rural Alberta. Hire the best asphalt paving company in the province, and give us a call today!