The permeable pavement system is eyed to solve environmental problems caused by conventional concrete causing flooding in urban centers. It can reduce volume of water run-off and improve water quality of stormwater runoff by allowing water to infiltrate on its structure, easily integrating with other water control strategies in sustainable urban drainage systems.
As more cities and towns become urbanized, the increase in population leads to increased demand for residential, commercial, and industrial establishments. This results in conversion of surfaces to impermeable areas such as sidewalks, driveways, roadways, pavements and parking lots which leave water and rainfall fewer porous outlets to allow it to seep back into the earth to recharge ground waters and aquifers.
In Davao City, a Permeable Pavement System Ordinance has been passed in December 2018 covering all establishments, whether private or public in recognition of the important role of permeable pavement system in the recharge of the City’s groundwater and aquifers, as a climate change mitigation and adaptation scheme as well as to ensure permeability of the city’s grounds to address high volume of water runoff.
Benefits
Environmental Benefits
- Reduce water run-off up to 95% that would otherwise accumulate to the water in canals, drains, and sewers during storms and heavy rain
- Help filter and trap pollutants up to 85% of undissolved pollutants, including CO2 and heavy metals
- Produce surface cooling and channels vital air and water for urban trees to grow
- Prevent salt seawater intrusion in coastal areas and protects critical watershed areas in sub-urban areas
- Creates green space (grass ground cover, shade from tree, canopies, etc.)
Economic Benefits
- Eliminate costs for retention basins, curbs, gutters, and other water collection installations
- Lower installation costs (no underground piping, storm drains, or sloping/grading needed)
- Low life-cycle costs with an equal life expectancy to that of regular concrete: 20 to 40 years when correctly installed
Process
Step 1: Assessment of Permeable Pavements in Davao City (Feb-April 2017)
IDIS conducted a research which surveyed 20 establishments in Davao City which used permeable pavements.
Step 2: Public Presentation of Research Results (June 2017)
Research results, which debunked the premise that the technology is expensive and only offers environmental benefits, were presented to the public.
Step 3: Identified and worked with a policy maker
Policy recommendations identified in the study, with inputs gathered from stakeholders during the research presentation were presented to Coun. Zozobrado and thereafter, during committee hearings.
Step 4: Lobbied for support and approval of Ordinance
Step 5: Approval of Ordinance (December 2018)