Educational program series focuses on sustainable paving solutions

WOODBURY, N.J. — This fall, EP Henry, a manufacturer of unit concrete products, will launch an educational program for civil engineers, landscape architects, and municipal planners on the benefits and installation techniques of sustainable paving options. Used in settings from municipalities to private- and public-sector projects, sustainable paving options such as permeable pavers provide an environmentally friendly and economical solution for transforming today’s infrastructure.

Permeable pavers allow water to percolate through to the ground, enabling natural filtration that reduces stormwater runoff from carrying toxins into local water systems and helps control flooding. These pavers qualify for LEED credits and certain tax credits, helping municipalities, homeowners, and other public and private industries save money while meeting national, state, and local regulations.

As part of program, EP Henry will host a series of forums in conjunction with the Interlocking Concrete Paving Institute (ICPI), local jurisdictions, the Department of Environmental Protection, industry groups, and local universities. The format — which will include informative presentations on best practices and implementation techniques for local jurisdictions, networking opportunities, and product demonstrations — is designed to drive further engagement and collaboration within the industry in an effort to increase the number of projects that use permeable paving solutions.

"The public has become increasingly aware of the need for sustainable practices, and education is a major catalyst for change," said J.C. Henry III, CEO of EP Henry. "Through this program, we hope to affect change by moving the needle from awareness to adoption of sustainable paving options among those involved in the decision-making process for infrastructure projects."

EP Henry kicked-off the series on Oct. 14, 2013, at the University of Maryland. The first forum, titled "Infiltration by Design with Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement," discussed how permeable pavers are an innovative solution that addresses a number of environmental concerns. The forum featured presentations from ICPI, the Montgomery County, MD, Department of Environmental Protection and the District of Columbia Watershed Protection Division, District Department of the Environment.

The program, which will run through 2014, is one component of EP Henry’s overall efforts to advance sustainable paving options. In 2012, EP Henry launched the ECOCenter (www.ephenryecocenter.com), a comprehensive online resource for both homeowners and professionals that provides information, case studies, product information, and other resources for permeable paver solutions.