LEED Certification and Permeable Paving: Things To Consider

Amanda Delatorre • September 7, 2023

The LEED certification is the gold standard for designing and constructing environmentally sustainable buildings. In recent years, permeable paving skyrocketed in popularity as a key component in achieving LEED certification and promoting sustainable development. Explore the connection between LEED certification and permeable paving and important considerations for incorporating it into your project.

What Is the LEED Certification?

The LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, certification is a set of preestablished standards that help with measuring the environmental performance of a building. LEED-certified buildings lower operating costs, reduce waste, conserve energy and water, and provide healthier indoor environments. The certification process sets high standards for construction materials, design techniques, and building methods, emphasizing efficiency and sustainability.

The Connection With Permeable Paving

Permeable paving systems, like porous concrete and permeable interlocking pavers, are a crucial component of LEED-certified projects. These systems allow stormwater to infiltrate the ground, refilling groundwater supplies and reducing surface runoff that can lead to erosion and polluted waterways. Permeable paving materials can also contribute to the LEED certification by lowering the heat island effect, a phenomenon that occurs when roadways and rooftops absorb and retain heat, warming cities. By mitigating the heat island effect, permeable paving contributes to improved air quality, reduced energy consumption, and enhanced health and comfort for building occupants.

Why Pursue LEED Certification and Permeable Paving

Now that you know what LEED certifications and permeable paving are, let’s dive into some core things to consider about them. Achieving the LEED certification and incorporating permeable paving systems provide several benefits to building owners and occupants. These practices contribute to a healthier, more sustainable environment and yield significant cost savings and improved marketability. LEED-certified buildings tend to command higher rental rates and enjoy lower vacancy rates than non-certified buildings. They attract tenants who prioritize environmental stewardship.

Using Permeable Paving To Contribute to LEED

If you’re considering LEED certification and incorporating permeable paving into your next project, consult with experts in the field who can guide you through the process. These professionals, like engineers and designers, can help you navigate the requirements for certification and find the best strategies to achieve your sustainability goals. By incorporating LEED regulations and permeable paving materials into your project, you’ll make a significant commitment to improving the performance of projects and contributing to a sustainable future.

At Rockpave, we want community workers and building designers to have the resources they need to create sustainable solutions for their modern projects. This is why we provide superior commercial permeable paving materials. From resin to aggregate of various colors, our supplies make shopping for quality paving materials easy, and we’ll teach you everything you need to know to ensure great results. Contact us today to learn more.

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Resin Bound Tree Pit Surrounds

By Jim Robinson • September 9, 2025

Resin Bound Tree Pits: The Smarter Way to Protect and Showcase Urban Trees In towns and cities everywhere, urban planners face the same challenge: how to protect tree roots while keeping public spaces clean, attractive, and safe. Traditional solutions—like loose gravel, soil, or metal grilles—often fall short. That’s where resin bound tree pits come in. What is a Resin Bound Tree Pit? A resin bound tree pit is a surfacing system that uses a blend of natural stone aggregates bound together with a clear, UV tolerant resin. Installed around the base of a tree, it creates a strong, permeable, and decorative surface that allows rainwater to drain through while protecting the soil and roots below. Think of it as a breathable shield for urban trees: tough enough to withstand foot traffic, but porous enough to support healthy root growth. Why Choose Resin Bound for Tree Pits? Permeability for Healthy Trees The resin bound surface is fully porous, meaning water and air can still reach the roots. This promotes long-term tree health and reduces the risk of waterlogging. Cleaner, Safer Surfaces Unlike loose gravel, resin bound surfaces don’t scatter, sink, or create trip hazards. In fact they help to eliminate trip hazards! They provide a smooth, stable finish—ideal for high-footfall areas. Aesthetic Appeal With a wide choice of natural stone colors, resin bound tree pits can complement surrounding paving, creating a polished, modern look in public spaces. Durability & Low Maintenance Resin bound surfacing is resistant to weeds, litter build-up, and erosion. It keeps the area around tree bases tidy without constant upkeep. Accessibility Friendly A smooth surface around tree pits is easier to navigate for strollers, wheelchairs, and pedestrians—making public spaces more inclusive. Where Are Resin Bound Tree Pits Used? City sidewalks to reduce tripping hazards and improve walkability Parks and plazas for cleaner, more attractive landscapes Shopping districts where appearance and safety matter Corporate campuses or schools to combine functionality with visual appeal A Sustainable Choice for Urban Environments! Resin bound systems align with modern sustainability goals. By ensuring stormwater naturally drains into the ground, they help prevent flooding and reduce strain on drainage systems. Combined with their long service life, a very competitive price point, they’re a future-proof investment for greener, smarter cities. Final Thoughts If you are considering the use of resin bound for your tree pits, don't just choose any resin bound product, choose one that is time tested, data driven and will sustain the demands of a harsh city environment. A good resin bound product will have similar strengths to concrete yet it will be completely pervious. Resin bound tree pits are more than just a neat landscaping detail—they’re a practical solution that supports tree health, improves safety, and enhances the look of urban spaces. If you’re planning a streetscape project, commercial landscape, or public park, resin bound surfacing could be the perfect choice for both form and function.