Iowa State University has installed permeable pavers to meet rainwater collection standards during renovations.

When new buildings were being constructed on campus at Iowa State University, strict restrictions in stormwater management were in place. Renovations required that off-flow of rainwater be less than it was before construction.

To accomplish this, sustainable design coordinator Kerry Dixon decided to implement permeable pavers that can handle five gallons of water per square foot per minute, compared to the one gallon of water per square foot per minute of traditional landscaping.

The new pavers have the added benefit of using recycled materials – old tires and plastic containers. Additionally, at the end of their lives, the pavers can be recycled and made into new pavers.