Permcon
Approved installers of Permcon
New Zealand’s urban environment is rapidly growing, increasing the amount of land areas becoming paved with roads, footpaths and carparks.
At the same time, sustained heavy rainfall has increased by 50%, causing problems for our country’s infrastructure.
To combat this, councils and planners have begun utilising permeable solutions, which prevent contaminated stormwater from flooding our natural waterways and from damaging infrastructure.
Permeable Concrete
Also known as pervious or porous concrete. Permeable concrete, is a robust, easy to install, sustainable building material.
Permeable Paving
Permeable paving generally has the same benefits as permeable concrete, and goes through a similar installation process.
Environmental Benefits
Low Carbon Footprint
Up to 40% lower carbon footprint than conventional concrete, reducing environmental impact on every project.
Compared to asphalt, permeable concrete has a 56–70% lower carbon footprint at installation, using less energy during production and placement.
Heat Island Effect
Reduces surface temperatures, since permeable concrete reflects heat instead of absorbing it like traditional concrete.
Heat islands can cause higher: energy usage (air-conditioning), air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution.
Irrigation
Helps return moisture to the ground and support the surrounding environment.
Allows water and air to reach tree roots, reducing the impact of nearby urban infrastructure.
Trees in permeable concrete grow 68% faster than those in traditional concrete plots.
Reduce Waste
Can be made using industry by-products like fly ash, slag, micro silica and recycled aggregate, thus increasing its recycled content and lowering its life cycle cost.
Doesn’t require plastic sheet filming like
traditional concrete.
Since it is made directly on-site and as needed,
there is very little overproduction.
Permeable Concrete
Reduces surface run-off by about 20–25%, helping manage rain and stormwater.
It also helps stop first flush pollution, where dirty stormwater gets quickly washed into waterways during heavy rain.
Prevents hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and other pollutants from entering stormwater drains and harming natural waterways.
Certification
The EPA has identified permeable concrete as a Best Management Practice (BMP) for stormwater management.
Can qualify for green credits with LEED, Living Building Challenge, CAL Green and Green Point Rated systems. For LEED, permeable concrete can earn project credits for Sustainable Sites, Recycled and Local Materials, Innovation in Design & Water Efficiency.
Cost Benefits
Increase Land Utilisation
Reduces the need for additional land housing retention ponds, or other water-retention and filtering systems; allowing a larger building footprint.
Energy Savings
Because the concrete is reflective and typically lighter in shade, it reduces the need for additional lighting at night by enhancing natural visibility.
Water Savings
Permeable concrete channels more water directly to tree roots & landscaping, reducing the need for additional irrigation & maintain healthier plants.
Lower Installation Costs
Permeable concrete reduces the need for stormwater systems, which can be double or triple the installation cost of permeable concrete.
Lower Lifetime Costs
While the cost per square metre can be higher, lifetime cost is lower than alternatives like asphalt because it needs fewer repairs and lasts longer.
WHY CHOOSE SITEWORKS
In 2007, we were the first approved contractor to install permeable concrete in New Zealand. For over 10 years, we have been at the forefront of permeable concrete’s development here and in Australia, working alongside the Auckland Council, concrete suppliers, and engineers to improve the mix design and installation process.
Partnering with the Readymix Concrete Industry, we have placed over 10,000 square meters of permeable concrete for our clients, and are one of the few companies recommended by Readymix suppliers and engineers throughout New Zealand. We are also an approved installer of Permcon.
Dave Stewart, our permeable concrete enthusiast, has been involved in the concrete industry for nearly 30 years, and has completed the Permeable Concrete Installation Certification in the USA, as well as working with a number of leading installers in the US and Australia.
There are a number of permeable supplies and so called installers of permeable concrete out in the market today, however they don’t have the same experience we have, and we have seen a lot of bad jobs using incorrect technique and/or poor product.
Permeable concrete is a specialised product that needs to be handled and installed by well trained and certified installers, we believe Permcon concrete is the best product on the market and we have the experience to install it correctly.
In 2015, we were presented with the “MOST INNOVATIVE” award for the Stillwater Pervious Concrete Parking Bay project by New Zealand Concrete Contractors Association (previously NZMCPA).
Permeable concrete is a good option for driveways, footpaths, patios, and more. If you are a commercial property developer, or a private home-owner interested in installing permeable concrete, please contact us here to have a chat.
