Construction companies are intensifying efforts to bring new materials to cities in Canada and the United States that curb summer heat. Levantina Group, a Spanish natural stone specialist, highlights Pavex as a material designed to reduce heat island effects. These effects arise when city soils accumulate heat by day and release it after sunset, raising surrounding temperatures.
Crafted from marble quarried across Spain, Pavex flooring leverages the inherent properties of this natural stone, including a high Sun Reflectance Index (SRI). This trait helps cut heat absorption versus materials like concrete, slowing temperature rise in public spaces such as squares, walkways, and pedestrian streets.
Pavex pavement in urban settings is observed in regions across the country, including the Community of Valencia, with enhancements that enhance urban living while withstanding outdoor conditions.
Beyond functional advantages, Pavex adds aesthetic value, helping public spaces feel more appealing and adaptable to diverse environments through the varied shades of marble and its outdoor durability.
To date, more than 40 municipalities have installed Pavex in various urban interventions, including major cities such as Valencia, Alicante, Malaga, and Zaragoza. Some installations have occurred in areas of notable historical and cultural interest, such as the Roman Temple area and the Town Hall vicinity in Córdoba, entrances to the Joaquín Hermitage in Ademuz (Valencia), the entrance to the Parador, the Monastery of Santa María de Veruela in Zaragoza, and the Count’s Palace at Cocentaina (Alicante).
“Urban projects with Pavex are increasingly common in communities where high summer temperatures are the norm,” explains Miguel Couto, sales director of Levantina Group. “The material is suitable for both new spaces and the renewal of environments that require specific aesthetics and resilience.”
Cocentaina Palace in Alicante illustrates another application of this pavement system, as noted by Levantina.
“Historically concrete has been a ubiquitous option across Mediterranean cities, yet it contributes to the heat island effect. Public administrations are increasingly responsive to climate change, and natural stone is emerging as a preferred alternative to help reduce elevated urban temperatures,” confirms the manager.
Green pavements with anti-pollution treatment
Levantina Group is also advancing natural stone cladding with EcoUrban, a treatment launched this year for facade applications. This treatment enables decontamination, self cleaning, and antibacterial effects through a catalytic process triggered by sunlight and ambient humidity.
With EcoUrban, a 5,000 square meter area can purify the air at a level comparable to a small forest, supporting the sustainability of urban habitats.
EcoUrban is presented by Levantina as a method for natural and sintered stone exteriors to expand green façades in cities and urban areas. It supports the reduction of gases and pollutants with major environmental impacts on human health such as CO2, NO2, ozone, and fine particulates from combustion.
City planners are reminded that the way cities are built affects the environment. Strategic use of natural stone and appropriate surface processes can contribute to more sustainable and comfortable spaces for residents. This approach encourages municipalities to pursue actions that benefit both people and the environment, making urban environments friendlier and healthier.
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