Inflo interlocking permeable pavers are made from concrete, which absorbs less heat and has a higher solar reflectivity index than asphalt, and can lessen heat island effects, reduce energy costs for air conditioning and improve air quality.

At the most recent Contech building event, Inflo pavers by Techo-Bloc won the grand prize in the urban/suburban living category for innovation and sustainable development. One of the five new pavers that the company has developed in the last five years, it also received an honorable mention in the industrial, commercial and institutional market.

The result of major research and development efforts, the paver system's design lets rainwater runoff percolate directly into the ground through the joints and not the pavers themselves. According to the manufacturer, it is far more durable than asphalt.

"It is the only commercial monolithic tongue-and-groove concrete paver in the world," said Eric Clavette, vice president of sales. "It features an integrated self-locking system with vertical, horizontal and rotational interlock."