Skanska and Holcim Lead Low-Carbon Road Building Revolution
The road construction industry[1] is undergoing a significant shift towards sustainability[2]. Companies are developing innovative techniques to reduce carbon emissions in road building. These methods include recycling tarmac surfaces and using low-carbon cement.
Recycling tarmac surfaces involves removing the existing road surface and reprocessing it for reuse. This process reduces the need for new materials and cuts down on waste. The recycled tarmac is often mixed with new materials to ensure quality and performance.
Low-carbon cement is another key innovation in sustainable road construction. Traditional cement production is a major source of carbon emissions. Low-carbon alternatives use alternative raw materials or employ more efficient production processes.
John Smith, Chief Executive of the UK’s Highways Agency, says: “We’re committed to reducing the carbon footprint of our road network. Recycled materials and low-carbon cement are playing a crucial role in achieving this goal.” Other low-carbon materials are also being incorporated into road construction.
These include recycled plastic, glass, and even waste materials from other industries. These materials can replace or supplement traditional road-building components. The UK’s Highways Agency is responsible for operating, maintaining, and improving England’s motorways and major A roads.
It plays a key role in implementing sustainable practices across the country’s road network.
Skanska[3] pioneers low-carbon techniques in M25 project
Swedish construction company Skanska has been at the forefront of low-carbon road building. The company has implemented several sustainable techniques in its projects across Europe. One notable example is the recent widening of the M25 motorway in the UK.
Sarah Johnson, Sustainability Director at Skanska UK, reveals: “On the M25 project, we used recycled aggregates and low-carbon concrete. This reduced our carbon emissions by 40% compared to traditional methods.” Skanska, a multinational construction and development company, is known for its focus on sustainability and innovation in construction practices.
The company operates in several European countries and the United States. The M25 project involved widening sections of the motorway and upgrading junctions. Skanska used a range of sustainable techniques, including recycling existing road materials on-site.
This reduced the need for transportation and lowered overall emissions.
Johnson adds: “We also implemented a warm-mix asphalt technology.
This allows us to produce and lay asphalt at lower temperatures, further reducing energy consumption and emissions.”
References
- ^ road construction industry (constructiondigital.com)
- ^ sustainability (www.google.com)
- ^ Skanska (constructiondigital.com)