Concrete is one of the most ubiquitous building materials globally, but its production comes with a high environmental cost, including substantial carbon emissions.

The choice for sustainability is present in every design decision, especially hardscaping materials. Most conventional options, such as fieldstone and river rock, have very disruptive and harmful harvesting practices at scale. In an effort to “do better always” –one of our company’s core values– we took a deep look into the sourcing practices and carbon footprints of most standard landscaping materials. 

So often, stone is heralded as the best natural material, and it really is wonderful and natural–at a certain scale. There’s a big difference between harvesting stone on your own land, by hand or with small machinery, for building, and huge machines tearing through the forest floor pulling up “fieldstone” to be shipped across the country on coal-powered rails. There’s a difference between pulling up stone from the creek that bisects your land to use as a drainage stone, and the commercially harvested river rock that involves huge machines tearing through a river’s ecosystem, scooping out truckloads of the riverbottom to be sifted and sorted before shipping to distant lands. Scale matters. 

In permaculture, there’s an adage that “the problem is the solution.” When we look around at urban landscapes, so much is paved, covered over, and immortalized in concrete. This creates lots of problems–one of which is the enormous carbon footprint of concrete manufacturing. 

Then, when buildings get renovated, roads widened, strip malls demolished, there’s this abundant potential resource of demolished concrete that instead goes to the landfill, only to begin the cycle again. Because we believe solutions can be found in the problems we face, we have recently made the move to using reclaimed and recycled concrete (“urbanite”) for patios, raingardens, paths, and more (often from the very site we are redesigning), which helps us keep it out of the landfill and make beauty from the rubble. In turn, clients save money and we create closed loop systems. Everything is connected! 

Using reclaimed concrete from demolition sites or repurposing waste concrete reduces landfill waste and conserves the resources and energy that would otherwise be needed to produce new concrete. Many of our clients come to us with plans to redesign driveways, stone paths, patios, and other hardscaping that consists of concrete so we encourage our clients to incorporate it into their new design and landscape. Plus, we really love the way reclaimed concrete looks! 

Benefits of Reclaimed Concrete in Landscaping

1. Reduced Environmental Impact: By reusing existing concrete, you contribute to reducing the demand for new production, which lowers greenhouse gas emissions and minimizes the need for raw materials like limestone and water. This practice fits seamlessly into the ethos of regenerative landscapes, which aim to restore and improve ecosystems rather than deplete them.
2. Economic Advantages: Recycled concrete is often more affordable (or completely free) than new material, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious projects. These cost savings allow homeowners and landscape designers to allocate funds toward other sustainable features, such as native plantings or water management systems.
3. Aesthetic and Functional Versatility: Reclaimed concrete can be used in a variety of ways within a landscape. Large slabs can serve as stepping stones, creating pathways that blend more naturally with surrounding slopes. Smaller, crushed pieces can be used as gravel for driveways or as a base layer for patios. Its weathered look adds a unique, rustic charm that new materials often lack, making each project distinct.
4. Permeability and Drainage: Unlike standard concrete that creates impervious surfaces, our reclaimed concrete projects are designed for better water permeability. This means they can contribute to water management by allowing rainwater to filter through the surface, which helps recharge groundwater and reduces runoff that could lead to erosion or flooding.
5. Habitat Creation: Incorporating reclaimed concrete into a landscape design can provide habitats for small creatures and insects. When strategically placed, cracks and crevices in the concrete can become micro-habitats that support biodiversity, enhancing the ecological value of your space.

Best Practices for Using Reclaimed Concrete

• Source Responsibly: Ensure that the reclaimed concrete you use is free from contaminants and safe for your intended use. Partnering with local demolition sites or recycling centers can provide you with quality materials while supporting the local economy. Better yet, use your own demo’d concrete found elsewhere on your site. 
• Plan for Design and Installation: Using reclaimed concrete often requires a bit more planning than using new materials. Consider the shapes, sizes, and integrity of the pieces to determine the best layout for paths, walls, or garden borders.
• Combine with Natural Elements: Balance the rugged texture of reclaimed concrete with softer natural elements like plants, mulch, and organic shapes. This creates a visually pleasing contrast and allows the hardscape to integrate seamlessly into the garden.
• Incorporate Native Plants: Use the spaces between concrete slabs to plant native ground covers or drought-tolerant species that enhance the landscape’s ecological function.

Reclaimed and recycled concrete serves as a practical, sustainable, and visually compelling option in regenerative landscaping. Its use embodies the principles of permaculture by recycling existing resources and integrating them into functional, beautiful, and ecologically beneficial designs. By incorporating reclaimed concrete into your landscape, you take an active step towards reducing waste, enhancing your garden’s biodiversity, and setting a strong example for eco-conscious living.

Consider reclaimed concrete not just as a material, but as a statement of commitment to a greener, more resilient future. Whether you’re building a pathway or creating garden borders, this sustainable choice ensures that the land benefits as much as its inhabitants.

Our clients end up incredibly happy when we’ve used material from their landscape and repurposed the materials in a new and beautiful way. This approach helps to save them money, stays consistent with our conservation values and closes the loop in creating a sustainable environment.