Skanska & Holcim Pave the Way for Sustainable Road Building
If countries were our bodies, then roads would be our arteries. As nations all over the world look to decarbonise in the lead up to net zero deadlines, it's only right that our highways, byways and motorways get the full sustainability treatment too.
The UK's road construction industry is already embracing this idea. Recycled tarmac surfaces and low-carbon cement are two innovations being employed in the sector already, to minimise environmental impact.
In hot pursuit of sustainability
So, how exactly does one recycle a road? The process involves the removal of the existing road surface, which is then reprocessed and reused. This can substantially cut the need for new raw materials, which helps to reduce waste.
Then, there's the introduction of low-carbon cement. Cement made using traditional methods creates huge amounts of emissions, but this innovative new process utilises alternative raw materials and improved processing techniques to curtail carbon output significantly.
Nick Harris, Chief Executive of the National Highways, says: "I am really clear we can continue to operate and enhance the network in a way that is consistent with decarbonisation."
Further innovations in British road construction
Beyond tarmac and cement, other recycled and low-carbon materials like plastics, glass and industry by-products are being incorporated into road construction. These substitutions can help project managers from the UK's Highway Agency circumvent their overreliance on new materials, aiding in the reduction of the overall carbon emissions.
Skanska's sustainable M25 project
In a notable European case study, Swedish firm Skanska leads the way with low-carbon construction on the M25 motorway in the UK. The M25 project has used recycled aggregates and low-carbon concrete to reduce Skanska's carbon emissions by 40% compared to traditional methods.
Skanska has championed sustainable construction methodologies for a while, using this approach not only in Europe but also in its operations in the US. The M25 enhancements, which involved widening portions of the road and improving junctions, featured the recycled materials onsite, diminishing the necessity for extensive material transport and thus lowering the overall project emissions.
Holcim: What is the Swiss company's ECOPact range?
Swiss company Holcim is making strides with its ECOPact range, offering concretes that ensure up to 90% lower carbon emissions than standard options.
This innovative concrete utilises recycled materials and alternative binders, allowing construction projects to dramatically lower their carbon footprints.
ECOPact has already been incorporated in several European roadworks, including a major highway expansion in Germany where over 100,000 cubic metres of ECOPact concrete were used. This resulted in a carbon reduction equivalent to taking 10,000 cars off the road for a year.
Gathering speed: How low-carbon asphalt is gaining traction in Northern Europe
The Netherlands is seeing growth in the adoption of Low Energy Asphalt Concrete, courtesy of BAM, a leading construction firm. This product allows BAM to produce asphalt at temperatures 30°C lower than traditional methods, translating to big savings in energy and a reduction in emissions.
Rémy van den Beemt, BAM Infra’s Head of Technology, says: "BAM is a forward-thinking company, which has always had its eye on the development of sustainable production methods. Our solutions enable us to contribute to the climate goals of our clients."
The practice not only facilitates energy conservation but also extends pavement lifespan, making things far more sustainable. BAM has already used its Low Energy Asphalt Concrete in over 100 projects across the continent.
All in all, these positive inroads across the sector are beginning to make a substantial mark on Europe's construction and infrastructure industry.
Let's hope we're on the right road now.
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