Formpave’s permeable paving and Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) has been used on two high profile projects in Guernsey to help meet the island’s high pollution control and surface water requirements.

The concept behind SUDS is to help prevent flooding by replicating natural systems and processes to drain surface water run-off in a controlled way. This is done through collection, storage and cleaning before the water is slowly released back, either into the watercourses or directly into the ground.

It has been used at Les Beaucamps High School and a development of 40 homes on the site of the former Guernsey Grammar school for Boys. Both schemes also incorporated EcoGranite, which is one of the most sustainable permeable paving options on the market. It contains up to 77 per cent recycled materials and is an environmentally-friendly alternative to the use of freshly quarried granite.

John Lloyd, Formpave’s head of design, said: “As an island, adhering to the highest water quality standards is of prime importance. Following years of research by Coventry University, our Aquaflow system is the default SUDS specified in Guernsey. The system exceeds the island’s rigorous pollution controls on surface water and also meets local government’s requirements of handling a one in 20 year storm.

“Our aim is to provide a high quality system and solution to suit any requirement. To help with this we offer a comprehensive free design service which includes technical and professional advice, preparation of draft proposals and validation of the clients’ own designs.”

At Les Beaucamps High School Formpave supplied over 7,000 square metres of permeable paving.

RG Falla specified materials for the project and Formpave was chosen to combine the sustainability credentials of its EcoGranite paving with the environmental benefits of its Aquaflow system.

The Former Grammar School development comprises 40 homes for the Guernsey Housing Association and – as well as incorporating over 2,000 square metres of Aquasett Combined EcoGranite permeable paving – used over 1,000 square metres of  Aquasett and Aquaflow in Red Brindle. CA Duquemin specified Formpave’s paving to complement a historic granite building that was refurbished as part of the project.