Many government agencies are now implementing stormwater impact fees for all impervious areas. As regulations further limit stormwater runoff, it is becoming more expensive for property owners to develop real estate, due to the size and expense of the necessary drainage systems. Pervious concrete can reduce these fees for the property owner by helping to minimize demands upon sewer systems.
Developers are using pervious concrete for parking areas to increase utilization of commercial properties. The land ordinarily devoted to costly stormwater management systems or compliance with maximum impervious area ordinances can now be developed or preserved, enhancing the bottom line.
Pervious concrete mix designs are adaptable to different regions and are able to make use of available materials for course aggregates and other ingredients. Pervious concrete also requires a short transport time, therefore, its use in construction minimizes transportation costs and related energy consumption. Choosing pervious concrete supports local economies by using nearby companies for transport and placement, and making use of regional materials.
Pervious concrete pavements have a significantly lower life-cycle cost than alternatives. Although the initial cost of pervious concrete installation may be slightly higher, pervious concrete saves money in the long run due to its superior durability, strength, and performance. It requires less maintenance than other porous pavements, and has a longer overall lifespan as well. There is very little overproduction since it is made directly on-site and as-needed, and it can be recycled once it has reached the end of its life-cycle. Thus pervious concrete is widely recognized as the lowest life-cycle cost option available for porous paving.