TRANSCRIPT:

Reducing carbon emissions in asphalt paving is an essential component of roadway infrastructure development and planning. Government agencies and municipalities, contractors, and producers are all exploring measurable ways to shrink the carbon footprint of roadway projects. Here are six of current trends in asphalt paving technology that aid sustainability goals. 

  1. Lower Mix and Production Temperatures

Using warm mix additives can help lower the temperatures needed for asphalt mix production and compaction. This can reduce overall energy consumption, helping contractors reduce their carbon footprint. Additives like Sripath’s PHALANX® are specifically designed to enable warm mix asphalt use and lower emissions during paving. 

  1. Increase RAP Usage

Replacing virgin materials with reclaimed asphalt pavement, or RAP, can cut emissions from binder sourcing and mix production. Using RAP can also help conserve natural resources and reduce material transportation emissions. Using an effective rejuvenator like ReLIXER®, a blend of bio-based oils that is also environmentally friendly, can support sustainability goals. 

  1. Optimize Mix Design

Balanced mix design can help ensure every asphalt mix meets performance specifications without overuse of materials. Optimizing binder and aggregate content can mean less waste and lower emissions throughout the mix development and production process. 

  1. Minimize Energy Waste

Asphalt plants can reduce energy consumption by maintaining equipment, optimizing burner efficiency, and improving heat retention with proper insulation throughout the production process. Plants can also lower their carbon footprint through fuel optimization and integrating energy-efficient technologies such as variable frequency drives.  

  1. Improve Transportation Efficiency

Hauling materials over long distances increases fuel consumption and emissions. By sourcing aggregates, binders, and additives closer to the job site and optimizing delivery schedules, crews can reduce truck traffic, lower fuel use, and cut carbon emissions significantly.  

  1. Extend Roadway Durability

Building longer-lasting roads can mean fewer repairs, less material usage, and a lower overall carbon footprint for roadway development and maintenance. Additives like PGXpand® can help improve a paved surface’s durability through excellent rutting resistance and fatigue properties.   

 

Sustainability in paving requires consideration of everything from logistics to asphalt additives. Learn more about how Sripath products support reduced carbon emissions in paving by visiting www.sripath.com. Â