Mexico City has always had a bit of a water problem (especially when it comes to flooding) and considering how much it actually rains in the city, it can create a huge problem. Some natural disasters, like the 1985 earthquake that shook Mexico City, would have probably had less damages if the water flow were better.
Back in 1994, under the direction of architect Néstor de Buen Unna, a project was created to help with this situation. Ecocreto is the first pavement in the world that is 100 percent permeable and ecological. It is also 100 percent Mexican.
But what is the problem with the water? First there is no way to recover the aquifers from where the water is extracted. In huge cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara, around 75 percent of the drinking water is obtained from these aquifers and they are running out.
Cities are always growing and things that nature created to be permeable are now covered by impermeable materials. These are the types of things that cause problems with water.
The objective was to create material that would be permeable. In 1996, Ecocreto was released to the general public. The third generation of this project is being run by Alejandro Vázquez Gómez and Néstor de Buen Unna.
Ecocreto is described as a 100 percent permeable concrete that allows the free passage of water to the subsoil, thus helping the recovery of aquifers and groundwater systems in cities. Its formula has evolved a lot since its creation and is now in what is referred to as its fourth generation, which has the advantages of the previous versions but allows for a 10 percent cement reduction. The product is constantly being being updated and improved and its creators are always watching over it.
The product is distributed all over Mexico. Right now it can be found in Campeche, Chihuahua, Oaxaca, Colima, Puebla, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, and different spots in Mexico City and the State of Mexico. This product was invented with the goal of trying to fix the country’s water situation and make the planet a better place.
More information:
Write to [email protected] or [email protected] or visit the website.
